Game 7 by MWB Productions at 2016’s Toronto Fringe Festival is a play about miserable people. It’s also about fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, which is pretty much the same thing (badump bump).
Written and performed by Mark Kalzer, Raymond Ho and Magdalena BB it chronicles the events that transpire between three friends as they watch the legendary collapse of the Leafs in their 2013 Playoff run. The play explores many themes like missed opportunities, failed dreams and abandonment while also exploring the ecstasy and agony of being a sports fan.
An important note before I continue: I was born and raised in Calgary. I was actually alive when the Flames won a cup, and they’ve made it past the first round of the Playoffs in the last 10 years. Hell, they made it to the second round last year. I’m not someone who can truly understand the pain Leafs fans go through every year as they watch their team collapse year after year. But I can empathize thanks to Game 7 giving some idea of the despair Toronto fans go through, through the personal failures of the characters.
The script for Game 7 is really poignant and very funny, which isn’t surprising considering the pedigree of the writers. All three are talented comedians and improvisers and it shows through the writing; the characters are clearly defined and everyone gets some real gems when it comes to jokes and emotional weight.
Unfortunately, perhaps because of the scripted nature of the play, the acting left something to be desired. I often found myself observing from a writer’s perspective and not that of an audience members as lines were clumsily delivered. Moments that should have been emotional climaxes lost a lot of power.
Nevertheless, I think Game 7 has a solid base with its script. With some more polish on the performances it could be a really solid theatrical piece. Half the fun of Fringe is seeing works like this and seeing theatre in its development, giving artists a chance to showcase their work. I’m excited to see what this company can do in the future.
Details
- Game 7 plays at the Robert Gill Theatre. (214 College St)
- Tickets are $12 at the door and in advance, and can be bought online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Fringe Club at Honest Ed’s Alley, and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
- Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.
- Content Warning: Mature Language.
- This venue is wheelchair-accessible.
Performances
- Thursday June 30th, 07:45 pm
- Friday July 1st, 11:30 pm
- Sunday July 3rd, 12:00 pm
- Monday July 4th, 03:00 pm
- Wednesday July 6th, 06:15 pm
- Thursday July 7th, 09:15 pm
- Saturday July 9th, 05:15 pm
Photo of Mark Kalzer, Raymond Ho and Magdalena BB provided by the company
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