Review: Fourplay (Daisy Productions)

Daisy Productions present a series of four one-act plays at the Tranzac Club in Toronto

posterFourplay may be a show with a naughty name, but every thing else about it is nice. Fourplay by Daisy Productions is a collection of four comedic plays: Sure Thing written by David Ives; When I’m Gone, Will Anyone Notice? written by Lisa Hagen; Much Ado About Cooties written by Maddox Campbell; and Dial L for Latch Key written by Scott Fivelson. Each play brought a little something different to the stage.

Sure Thing is a play written by David Ives, where two characters Betty and Bill have a chance meeting. They strike up a conversation, but whenever a bell rings off-stage, the conversation resets itself. I honestly hadn’t heard of the original play before. When I first started watching, I assumed it was an experimental improv sketch. The idea was interesting. The play brought a variety of comedy to the table, whether it was subtle or more “in your face”.

When I’m Gone, Will Anyone Notice? took me by surprise. The play is about about two old women who strike up a funny friendship in a retirement home. I expected the crassness and ridiculous humor, but what I didn’t expect was for the play to delve into serious territory. Problems like loneliness and the conditions of retirement homes were brought up several times. There was a real depth beneath all the silliness. The play was funny, as well as thoughtful. It will probably make you want to call your grandmother when it’s over.

Much Ado About Cooties has the foundation of a William Shakespeare play, if it was made for kindergarten. I genuinely enjoyed this play. I blame the play to pandering to my blatant immaturity. I liked the ridiculousness of Shakespearean drama put into the context of a playground. It was absurd in the cutest way.

Dial L for Latch Key  is a mash-up of Alfred Hitchcock classics. The play is designed to please the comedy-lover within you, while  also titillating your inner movie trivia geek. I haven’t seen a lot of Hitchcock movies, so I couldn’t pick out all of the easter eggs in the play. I wish I was a bigger fan. I think the play would be really fun for anyone who is fond of the director.

Fourplay was an enjoyable night. All the shows had enough difference to stand out. However, I feel like it’s fair to say that I don’t think these shows are polished. Some actors didn’t speak clearly and some laughed at their lines, which is fine since the actors looked like they were having a good time. The audience didn’t seem to mind the minor mishaps. The show is rough around the edges, but it still has heart.

Details:

  • Fourplay by Daisy Productions is playing at Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick avenue)
  • The play has one more performance on Saturday May 30th at 8pm
  • Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. Tickets online are no longer being sold. Doors open at 7:30.

Photo courtesy of Daisy Productions