From Press Release
The Joy of Sax, a Saxploitation Comedy at the Toronto Fringe
From first-time playwright and theatre director Tim Phillips, The Joy of Sax follows the journey of amateur saxophonist Luke, whose playing causes euphoric, toe curling, sweat inducing, spine arching, eye-rolling reactions in anyone within earshot. As a result of his “gift”, Luke’s life and very identity are soon exploited by a shameless agent, an obsessive landlord, and a diverse collection of insatiable fans. He stumbles through this new world of fame and fandom while simply trying his best to blow his own horn.
The hour-long “saxploitation” comedy, which debuts in Theatre Passe Muraille’s Mainspace during this summer’s 30th Annual Toronto Fringe Festival, aims for an ecstatic response from cast and audience members alike. This flamboyant theatrical style is new to Flash in the Deadpan Productions which started out devoted to film, producing comedic shorts such as High and Dry, the story of a young couple who discover their clothes dryer has the power to age them dramatically, and Snooze Tease, winner of Best Comedy at the 2015 Route 66 Film Festival.
The Joy of Sax’s large, diverse ensemble cast is composed of hilarious comedic actors and improvisers with a broad range of credits from institutions such as Second City, the Social Capital Theatre and the Toronto Fringe Festival. Among them, Jason Reilly is back performing at the Fringe after previously starring in It Was Kit (2006 Best of Fringe) and The Aquarium (2010). Kimberley Wells returns after her Toronto Fringe debut in last year’s A Flea in Her Ear. Lead actor Cam Parkes is making his own Fringe debut this year alongside talented new voices like Kelly Seo and Alex Cameron. Theatre veteran Ted Powers joins the cast after playing Bela Wrangler in a sold out run of Crazy for You for Scarborough Music Theatre.
During trying times, The Joy of Sax offers big, bold laughs while detailing the inanities aspiring artists face in pursuit of their dreams. From the decidedly deadpan to the audaciously absurd, this comedy spreads joy with every note.
Flash in the Deadpan Productions
in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents
The Joy of Sax
Writer and Director: Tim Phillips
Cast: Alexander Cameron, Derek Chan, Heather Ferguson, Cam Parkes, Ted Powers, Jason Reilly, Kelly Seo, Lex Stultz, Kimberley Wells, Blair Woodward
Producers: Alexander Franks, Sandra Otter, and Tim Phillips
Production Manager and Lighting Design: Kaho Koda
Stage Manager: Milena Fera
Runs from July 5 to 15, 2018
Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace, 16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3
Performances
Thursday, July 5, 6:30pm (PREVIEW)
Saturday, July 7, 11:30pm (OPENING NIGHT)
Monday, July 9, 7:15pm
Tuesday, July 10, 4:30pm
Wednesday, July 11, 12:00pm
Friday, July 13, 1:45pm
Sunday, July 15, 5:00pm (CLOSING PERFORMANCE)
Please note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating. Run time is 60 minutes.
Tickets:
Purchase tickets online or by phone starting on Thursday, June 7, 2018.
Online: fringetoronto.com
By Phone: 416-966-1062
Purchase tickets in-person during the festival starting on Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Main Festival Box Office: Fringe patio at Scadding Court – 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 2W6
Theatre Passe Muraille Venue Box Office: 16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3
Photo of Kimberly Wells by Tim Phillips