Capital summer stagings

Ottawa’s theatre scene gets primed

Third Wall Theatre's Tartuffe

Summer brings a rest season to the mainstay theatre here in Ottawa, a post-bloom repose where energies can be gathered for the upcoming work beginning in the fall. But there are some options for seeing theatre in these, the most habitable of months, if you’re determined to seal yourself safely away from the tempting warmth of the sun, and the corresponding coldness of beers.

As of this print date there is still time to see the charming Way of the World (until May 31) at the NAC. The play is driven by an absolutely enchanting ensemble, which wheels and controls the spectators with outstanding skill. When the hammer of romance finally fell it came at the expense of the audience, who were catalyzed into puddles of delighted mush. Guys, seriously – bring a date.

Also, still running is the NAC production Souliers de sable (until June 1), Third Wall Theatre’s Tartuffe (until June 7) and the GCTC’s Plan B (until June 15). After that, those institutions pause for a deserved rest and preparation for what’s coming. Particularly exciting to me is next winter’s production of Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac. I love this play. Sure, maybe my French might not be up to the task, but something about an interesting and intelligent man who’s good with words triumphing romantically over his handsomer rivals strikes home with me.

But for shows beginning in the summer months, the options are limited. Starting June 10, the Ottawa Little Theatre presents Ladies of the Camellias. On June 6, Orpheus continues its endless series of joyful amateur musical works with The Sound of Music.

The final thing that summer does bring is the heavy, hairy, sinewed, giant foot of the Fringe Festival. Impossible to overlook within the theatre community, and almost universally ignored by the rest of the population, the Fringe is simply the single biggest summer theatre event in the city: dozens of actors from out-of-town all vying for attention; immature, star-struck fans trying to get laid; technical crews trying desperately to set up shows in outdated and underequipped venues; a finger pinch of brilliant shows and a handful of awful ones. It’s everything you know and love about theatre. The programs are to be released on June 1, and the performances run June 19-29.

As appeared in the Ottawa XPress – May 29, 2008
http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/stage/stage.aspx?iIDArticle=14785