Fringe Show Reviews

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Etoile

Written by: Karl Thordarson & Daina Leitold

Presented by: a KDSZ show / Winnipeg, MB

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Our Rating: Your Average Rating:

07/18/2011 9:35 PM | Comments: 0

Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers (Kids Venue), to Saturday

Etoile is a parody of the “child star” phenomenon, told in simplified form for young audiences All the usual stereotypes are present: talented young unknown, crass talent scout, greedy producer. The strategy to portray all the adults as exaggerated goofs, but keep the little girl normal, will appeal to kids. Everyone knows grown-ups are weird!

The actors juggle their multiple roles well, although Sativa Kawakami as Etoile is occasionally hard to understand. Karl Thordarson and Daina Leitold (also the writers) are particularly good when playing the bickering parents, and have some great zingers regarding acting as a “bad career choice.”

Some scenes go on too long while others resolve too quickly and easily, and the set changes are a little cumbersome, despite everyone’s best attempts to incorporate them into the proceedings. But you gotta love a play with the guts to use a real baby onstage. She elicited oohs and ahhs from the audience and seemed to enjoy it. Maybe we’ll see her in a future fringe festival?

— Janice Sawka

From the official Fringe Festival program:

Etoile's parents love her. Too much to let her follow in the footsteps of her father, the failed actor. But when a star this bright is born, Hollywood is bound to come calling. In this fantastically real tale of movie studios, recording contracts and celebrity clothing lines, Etoile learns that fame comes at a price.

Featuring Karl Thordarson, Daina Leitold, Sativa Kawakami and Zsigunnar Zucchinin.

Recommended For: Especially for Kids (12 & Under)

Length: 60 MIN

Tickets: $9

Discount Tickets: $5 Kids (12 & under)

Under 4 not admitted.

Babes in arms permitted.

Warnings: None

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History

Updated on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 3:04 PM CDT:
Adds review

Updated on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 9:35 PM CDT:
Adds video.

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