Carolyn Fe Trinidad's Almost Blue... Is almost perfect...

Carolyn Fe Trinidad (Director) In her directorial debut, stirs up a real tasty fall season stew, serving a one two punch in this ‘double dosed con’ production of deception, revenge and deceit Almost Blue (by Keith Reddin). Without giving the plot away, the story (with a message) runs smoothly and is well paced. With no intermission and a running time of aprox. 85min. it is well suited to the space. Lighting and sound are adequately planned and placed and the stage design is very appropriate and sufficient with a subdued taste setting the mood of the Play. Adding to the production is original music recorded by Carolyn-Fe Trinidad herself. The future looks bright for director Carolyn-Fe, Altera Vitae Prod.

Rick Bel (Phil) returns to MainLine Theatre having appeared there in Heaven, Fallen Angle Prod. and A Queer Carol, Village Scene Prod. He sustains the pathetic persona throughout without becoming macabre, and allowing his character to appear dazed and confused but not ‘stupid’. He adds the right measure of physical humor and enough comedic nuance to lighten the somber tension of the mood of the Play.

Patrick Goddard (Blue) A veteran Montreal performer: Hedda Gabler, As You Like It and Vampire Lesbians of Sodum and is the Fringe GM @ MainLine. His is the performance of note in this production. Impeccable delivery and timing allow him to delver full throttle into a perfectly matched character for his well suited physicality and voice. He is a spot on casting choice and provides us with the most memorable performance.

Anisa Cameron (Liz) Is a graduate of the Concordia Theatre Dept. Her portrayal of the ballsy Broad is reminiscent of Audrey Meadows (The Honeymooners: Alice & Ralph Cramden) and is delightful to watch as a sassy quick talking vixen driving the con with husband Steve.

Vance de Waele (Steve) also a MainLine Theatre regular, appearing in Saving Céline, C’est Cheese Prod. Quills, and A Lie of the Mind, Fallen Angel Prod. and A Queer Carol Village Scene Prod., rounds out the cast as the fashion challenged ‘slime-ball bully ‘ cohort in the con.

My picky pen note is regarding a piece of set that is placed too far DSL for some audience members to easily see. I had to turn away at times as I was getting a sore neck. Considering how much of the action is blocked in that spot I would prefer it adjusted more USC.

Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8:00pm to Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 4:00pm Location: MainLine Theatre, 3997 Boul. St-Laurent. Res: 514 849-3378 Email: askus@alteravitae.com

If you like your theatre short and sweet and performance / text based without too much distraction of décor and special effects then … Dee Arr says Go C IT!