Live from the Belly of a Whale. A magical story of siblings, song,and whales. Here’s our review:
Have you checked it out? What did you think? Did we get it right? Leave us a comment and let’s continue the discussion. Or if you’re feeling really brave, we not leave us a video response.
For more info and showtimes hit up the Ottawa Fringe website: http://ottawafringe.com
Allan’s notes: If you want to solely use the reputation of the performers and show as a guide: they sold out on the last day of Fringe despite a last minute scheduling change pushing them from the afternoon (4:30) into the evening (7:30). Because of the change, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it back – despite Emily Pearlman putting me on the list to make sure I wouldn’t be a victim of “sold out” again – but I’m so glad I did. It was some of the most creative and fun theatre I had the pleasure to take in and was very close to being my favourite Fringe show this year. When they do re-stage it, I’ll be there. And I’ll be bringing my sister. (Also, this is one of the shows Matthew was unable to make so this is one of the reviews he didn’t write.)
For the videophobes among you, here’s the review script:
Live From The Belly of a Whale is a hard play to describe. It’s a blend of so many different theatrical elements. A great blend. Nicholas Di Gateano and especially Emily Pearlman have such a huge amount of charm and skill that you instantly belong to them once the show starts and are with them until the end. The set is entirely contained in a many-doored wardrobe which they’re able to use in an amazing amount of different ways to great effect. Talk about doing a lot with a little. The story is about siblings and the relationship between them. In this case, a brother and sister who start off as close as can be, then suddenly aren’t, are separated, and… that’s where it’s hard to say. The two readily admit at the end that the show is a work in progress and this is more preview than anything. The through line of the story is the part that feels like it needs the most work. It’s almost the only thing that needs work as everything else the two performers do works so well – except perhaps making sure the guitar playing doesn’t drown out their lyrics. Speaking of which, the songs and musical components in the show are strong and both Emily and Nicholas have great voices. There’s so much we could say and a lot to like about Live from the Belly of a Whale already. They’re expecting to stage it for the public in Winter 2012 and once they tighten it up and get the narrative worked out, it’s going to be a show not to be missed. Yay!
