11°c A few clouds
18°c Sunny
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Jerry Finnegan's Sister
Our Rating: 
Brian Dowd is a wholesome, hapless 23-year-old nerd who’s been hopelessly in love with his best friend’s sister, Beth Finnegan, for years. And he’s just heard that she is getting married.
“Words fail me” is an understatement for his bumbling attempts to tell her how he really feels. When his fantasy girl is off gallivanting with more confident guys, he pleads his case directly to the audience — and by the fourth attempt, you’ll want to shake him.
Not that this a budding romance you’ll necessarily want to see blossom. Boston playwright Jack Neary’s Brian and Beth are just a year apart, but Steinbach actors Tony Wolfe and Ashley Toevs obviously aren’t and it makes our protagonist appear creepily pathetic.
(Too bad, because in a different dynamic he could steal hearts.) Flashbacks reveal their first meeting, at ages eight and seven, and subsequent stages of their rocky relationship, including the pivotal pubertal one.
Wolfe and Toevs are funny and sweet, but their heavy-handed acting (especially from the latter) and lack of chemistry prevent the relationship from maturing.
— Carolin Vesely
From the official Fringe Festival program:
Brian Dowd has spent the last 10 years wrestling with an unrequited "something" for his best friend's sister.
But each and every time he's spoken with Beth Finnegan for more than 30 seconds, he's ended up with his foot planted firmly in his mouth.
With recent news that Jerry Finnegan's sister is getting married, the time has come for him to put up or shut up.
Warnings: Herbal Cigarettes,
RECOMMENDED: General Audience
60 min.
Venue#5 Son of Warehouse 140 Rupert Ave
Tickets: $6
Discount Tickets: $5 for Seniors, Kids (12 & under)
- Back to Top
- Return to Fringe Show Reviews
Poll
Most Popular Fringe Reviews
- Fresh
- RiderGirl
- Cookies & Milk
- All-New Misadventures of a Massage Therapist
- Countries Shaped Like Stars
- The Green Room
- ICY BLUE
- Illuminati II: The Second One
- Big Shot
- Outside Joke's Summertime Party Jam!
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.