Nicholas Surges
Written and directed by Brian Gibson, Off the Island is an immigrant coming-out story about Stephen Smith, a young man from the Caribbean who moves to Toronto for school. Once Stephen arrives in the 6ix, he experiences strange new feelings that threaten to tear his world apart.
Carmela Antonio is a joy to watch as Stephen's cousin, Stacey. With her dynamic belt, she is perhaps the strongest vocalist in the show, while her spoken scenes are both lively and believable. In terms of the ensemble, choreographer Autumn-Joy Dames shines in T-O-R-O-N-T-O and the Tribal Dance sequences, and Michael Ruhs' striptease crackles with erotic energy.
The show is incredibly earnest, ending with an announcement about Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian charity that helps LGBTQ people escape violence and persecution in their home countries.
That said, while there are many strong performances from the cast, the script itself could use some work. Much of the writing is clever, but the hour-long time slot means that Stephen's coming out experience feels rushed, and the writing is, at times, uncomfortably on-the-nose. Within a few hours of landing in Toronto, Stephen has his first queer experience, attracts the romantic interest of another man, and is outed (via a photo) to his mother. Even though experiences like this happen to queer people, it struck this audience member as being a narrative that would benefit from giving it time to breathe.
A strong ensemble piece with some catchy tunes and brilliant choreography, Off the Island is playing at the Streetcar Crowsnest Theatre's Guloien Mainstage.
Tickets and info for all Toronto Fringe shows can be found at fringetoronto.com
Written and directed by Brian Gibson, Off the Island is an immigrant coming-out story about Stephen Smith, a young man from the Caribbean who moves to Toronto for school. Once Stephen arrives in the 6ix, he experiences strange new feelings that threaten to tear his world apart.
Carmela Antonio is a joy to watch as Stephen's cousin, Stacey. With her dynamic belt, she is perhaps the strongest vocalist in the show, while her spoken scenes are both lively and believable. In terms of the ensemble, choreographer Autumn-Joy Dames shines in T-O-R-O-N-T-O and the Tribal Dance sequences, and Michael Ruhs' striptease crackles with erotic energy.
The show is incredibly earnest, ending with an announcement about Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian charity that helps LGBTQ people escape violence and persecution in their home countries.
That said, while there are many strong performances from the cast, the script itself could use some work. Much of the writing is clever, but the hour-long time slot means that Stephen's coming out experience feels rushed, and the writing is, at times, uncomfortably on-the-nose. Within a few hours of landing in Toronto, Stephen has his first queer experience, attracts the romantic interest of another man, and is outed (via a photo) to his mother. Even though experiences like this happen to queer people, it struck this audience member as being a narrative that would benefit from giving it time to breathe.
A strong ensemble piece with some catchy tunes and brilliant choreography, Off the Island is playing at the Streetcar Crowsnest Theatre's Guloien Mainstage.
Tickets and info for all Toronto Fringe shows can be found at fringetoronto.com
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