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Stripes: The Mystery Circus
Our Rating: 
MTC Up the Alley (Venue 2), to Sunday
Pollyhymnia’s given up everything to run away with the circus. But first, she’ll have to make it through the audition.
Sarah Hayward’s monologue presents a formidable lineup of would-be circus stars, all performed by Pollyhymnia, desperate for her big break. The acts are as much sideshow as circus, including a ringmaster, two-headed nun, and bearded lady. Each character is more than its physical shell, from the “high wired act” of a heroin addict to the “love escape artist” fleeing failing relationships.
Stripes doesn’t quite manage to unite its characters and ideas into a cohesive whole, and Pollyhymnia’s often simplistic songs are sometimes more clumsy than charming, whether or not that simplicity’s intentional. But Hayward’s onstage energy and the play’s message of self-discovery and celebration help this musical end on a high note.
— Lindsey Wiebe
From the official Fringe Festival program:
It's no mystery that Pollyhymnia wants to join the circus. The tantalizing twist is that for her audition she prepares not just one act, but EVERY act listed! Make way for high-energy and high-flying theatre. Secret theories, mysteries and Leonard Cohen are just a few of Pollyhymnia's passions as she finds her way.
Recommended For: General Audience
Length: 60 min.
Tickets: $10
Discount Tickets: $8 for Matinees, Students, Seniors, Kids (12 & under)
Under 7 not admitted.
Warnings: Language
***
Watch video here.
History
Updated on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 1:52 PM CDT:
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