FAIR

What I liked

What I didn't like

My overall impression

The Wishbone Theatre Collective has seemingly come out of nowhere to create one of the great theatre pieces of this year’s Fringe festival. Built around a somewhat sordid event involving a passionate affair and a cast-off lover, the company uses vaudeville, contemporary comedy riffs, stylized theatre, and real emotional urgency to create a tapestry that tells the tale of murderess Laura D. Fair in the west of the late 1800’s. The performances by this cast of eight are stellar, but special mention must be made of Laurie Jones’ turn as the anxiety-laden Dr. Lyford, a portrayal that would make comedy goddess Carol Burnett proud. Jessica Lynn Verdi as Miss Fair is lovely and her acting ability grounds the show in a surprising reality The play is bookended by a theatre troupe preparing to present this Fair story, and the result is a great ride of laughs and surprises. The cast’s ability to co-ordinate their movements with the superb sound design is equally impressive (you have to see it to know what I’m talking about). The direction by the Jones ladies, Laurie & Katie, could not be better. I will be watching for more from this inspired company called Wishbone (one show left, the 16th)…