The PILLOWMAN by Martin McDonagh, is the latest creation by director Frances Balenzano's Fallen Angle Productions (FAP). If you go to two plays this week, since I've already plugged 'Haunted', or if you've already seen that play and are wanting even more haunting suspenseful drama on stage then get on down to Theatre Ste-Catherine, now under new ownership btw, and check out 'The Pillowman'. This play was first presented in London UK in 2003, and then on Broadway USA in 2005. The company asks: "Are you prone to nightmares?" ... The Pillowman speaks to fears people incorrectly think they have long left behind. In this dark and twisted world, faint lines between reality and fiction force us to face the dangerous power of literature. The Pillowman resurfaces the significant point that in a good story one should never be able to tell what happens next.
Balenzano uses the space to the maximum in the staging of the play; this is made even more evident in the Intricate set and light design of Paul Chambers and Cara de Grandpré respectively. The cast of local talent, and FAP regulars, includes: Shawn Baichoo, Brad Carmichael, Tim Dimond, Rick Bel, and Cristina Vincent. All of the performances are very well 'executed', pardon the pun, (not to give anything away), but at times some do come across as rather one note making it difficult to relate to them or wanting make any connection. Shawn Baichoo's character (Tupolski) on the other hand stands out as having the most interesting journey in the story as well as the most clever lines and he delivers them with impeccable comedic timing as well as presenting us with an equally entertaining monologue. His interpretation of the character is flawless and he captivates our attention throughout, we never tier of him and he leaves us wanting more. When he's asked how he prepared for the role, he replies modestly giving all of the credit to the director. "When I first get the text I see it in my mind one way and question how it will turnout. But Frances has a very clear and creative vision... -she relates it back to the actor very precisely making it easier to interpret and translate back to the audience...."
It's no big secret that I'm a big fan of Balenzano's work, having seen all but one of FAP productions; 'Monster' still being my all time favorite, and she doesn't disappoint here by either bring unexpected special effects, by George Tucci, and plenty of delightful and memorable moments. Spoiler alert: (There is smoking during the play, something I'm not a fan of, but if you sit in the middle or to the rear of the space you won't be bothered by it). It'll be no surprise that I recommend this one, it is not a trick but a real treat, so this Halloween week you should all try to... GO C IT!
Balenzano uses the space to the maximum in the staging of the play; this is made even more evident in the Intricate set and light design of Paul Chambers and Cara de Grandpré respectively. The cast of local talent, and FAP regulars, includes: Shawn Baichoo, Brad Carmichael, Tim Dimond, Rick Bel, and Cristina Vincent. All of the performances are very well 'executed', pardon the pun, (not to give anything away), but at times some do come across as rather one note making it difficult to relate to them or wanting make any connection. Shawn Baichoo's character (Tupolski) on the other hand stands out as having the most interesting journey in the story as well as the most clever lines and he delivers them with impeccable comedic timing as well as presenting us with an equally entertaining monologue. His interpretation of the character is flawless and he captivates our attention throughout, we never tier of him and he leaves us wanting more. When he's asked how he prepared for the role, he replies modestly giving all of the credit to the director. "When I first get the text I see it in my mind one way and question how it will turnout. But Frances has a very clear and creative vision... -she relates it back to the actor very precisely making it easier to interpret and translate back to the audience...."
It's no big secret that I'm a big fan of Balenzano's work, having seen all but one of FAP productions; 'Monster' still being my all time favorite, and she doesn't disappoint here by either bring unexpected special effects, by George Tucci, and plenty of delightful and memorable moments. Spoiler alert: (There is smoking during the play, something I'm not a fan of, but if you sit in the middle or to the rear of the space you won't be bothered by it). It'll be no surprise that I recommend this one, it is not a trick but a real treat, so this Halloween week you should all try to... GO C IT!
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