Fringe Review: Nerves

Nicholas Surges

After the death of her grandfather, 20-something Alex becomes the primary caretaker to her mother Cheryl, a woman living with MS. Her newfound responsibilities soon threaten her relationship with boyfriend Mike and bring the young woman into conflict with her mother, who yearns for independence.

I know what you may be thinking: “This sounds like a heavy drama! Are you sure this is for me?” Absolutely. Despite the heavy subject matter, the action in Nerves never lags: scenes blend seamlessly from one to the next, and the pacing is consistently tight. Moreover, the heavier moments in the show are counterbalanced through jokes, cute little sound “buttons”, and heartwarming moments, making for an emotional rollercoaster of a script that addresses important subject matter without ever veering into the didactic.

Rona Waddington's direction deserves a special shout-out. The script contains several lengthy monologues that could have been “stand and deliver”, but Waddington cleverly uses the other members of the ensemble to illustrate these speeches through stylized movement, providing an extra layer of visual interest and reinforcing the ideas or experiences being related.

The set is simple, yet effective: Alex's apartment is suggested by a red shelf and a matching armchair. Red is a recurring colour motif, used extensively in the props and in Cheryl's costume. It's never explicitly stated, but this audience member got the impression that red was being used thematically to represent MS. As more red set decor is added to the stage, we get the impression that Alex's life is being subsumed by her newfound duties as caretaker to her mother.

The casting is spot-on, with great chemistry between all three performers. Actor/playwright Brianna Love is believable as Alex, who loves her mother but is exhausted by the demands of her new duties, especially as Cheryl lashes out at her during moments of frustration. René Escobar Jr. is charming and likeable as boyfriend Mike, whose attempts to involve himself in Alex's life after her mother moves in could, under another performer, come off as selfish or unsympathetic. And Trish O'Reilly Brennan is brilliant as Cheryl, oscillating between her two cornerstones: nurturing mother who wants her daughter to be happy, and self-pitying, resentful victim of her disease.

Tightly-directed, complex, and beautifully performed, Nerves is playing at the Streetcar Crowsnest Scotiabank Studio Theatre.

Tickets and info for all Toronto Fringe shows can be found at fringetoronto.com