I decided to see Mable & Able at the Factory Theatre (Studio) by Loqui Productions at the Toronto Fringe Festival because the show’s description appealed to me.
Mable & Able was a funny and heartwarming musical comedy about the evolution of the two title characters’ romantic relationship with each other.
All of the musical numbers were catchy, and about relatable issues in romantic relationships: money, jealousy, and boundaries. I enjoyed the brief discussions of codependency peppered throughout the show, and how this issue was incorporated into the songs.
Out of the musical numbers, two really grabbed my attention. The first was Able’s (Martin Buote) song with his pot dealer, King (Brian Toogood). It was hilarious seeing Able being twirled around by King, and both actors handled dancing together with class.
The other musical number was when Mable and Able were in bathrobes, and Able asked Mable to marry him. I could really sense Able’s earnest desire, and the way the two characters interacted with each other was just precious.
Mable (Michelle Spring) and Able had good chemistry together, and truly made the relationship seem believable. Spring played Mable as an over-the-top shrew, but she was a hilarious shrew. Buote stole the show with the way that he portrayed Able, and how much feeling he put into Able’s hurt and frustration. (NOTE: Martin Buote is only portraying Able for the July 6th show. )
There was some innuendo and dirty jokes, but it was tastefully done. In true musical theatre fashion, everything worked out in the end. I noticed that there were many older adults in the audience. This is understandable, considering that the relationship being portrayed is not a pair of young lovers.
That said, I still enjoyed Mable & Able as a young adult. The songs were well-written, and the themes explored in the show are very applicable to any romantic relationship. Overall, I recommend seeing Mable & Able at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival.
Details
- Mable and Able plays at the Factory Theatre Studio. (125 Bathurst St.)
- Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
- Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
- Content Warnings: Mature language; Sexual content.
- The Fringe Festival considers this venue to be wheelchair-accessible.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
Performances
- Friday July 6th, 3:00 pm
- Sunday July 8th, 6:15 pm
- Monday July 9th, 1:15 pm
- Wednesday July 11th, 7:45 pm
- Thursday July 12th, 5:30 pm
- Friday July 13th, 2:00 pm
- Saturday July 14th, 11:30 pm
Poster of Mable and Able provided by the company.