This article was also published by Apt613
Arts Court is hosting a trio of theatre productions for the next two nights. “Trois (Three)” brings three 30min productions from fringe favourites MayCan theatre, Dead Unicorn Ink and GrimProv. To sweeten the deal theatre lobby is set up nightclub-style complete with a well priced bar. Playing on the name there is even a 3-beers- for-10-bucks offer getting you a cold one for each production.
The GrimProv trio MC the night creating a vibrant welcome despite forgetting the name of the MayCan’s “What about Horses?” on opening night. Cory Thibert and Tony Adams co-wrote and perform this two-hander with ease and believability spiralling from roommates arguing over rent checks to coke-addled madmen believers. Enjoy this fresh and energetic romp that highlights the creative visionary writing of these two standout Ottawa talents and mind the disappearing “rabbit” act if you’re sat left of stage!
Next up “The Acceptable Appearance Theory” transformed the venue into a revival cult meeting complete with actors stashed in the audience. Mark (Aaron Lajeunesse) brings Dana to “temple” to meet his eerily ever-youthful mother Ms Cadence (Victoria Elizabeth Luloff). A zeal for “cleansing” tattoos soon takes a menacing turn – it’s not just tattoos this group wants control over. Luloff is particularly riveting while LaJeunesse transitions playfully from mama’s boy to Dana’s man. Despite a rather drawn out narrative, hilarious turns by the ensemble cast including bilingual Daniel, scientific Peggy and ex-hooker Laura keep the pace brisk while the cult attempts to survive, dominate and keep secrets from glowing in the dark.
GrimProv closed the night yet despite high-energy the improv was a let-down following the earlier high-quality performances. The adept threesome used props creatively but a reliance on extended fight-sequences proved tiresome and sophomoric especially when their quick-fire repartee is so sharp. The closing act, by its nature, changes so expect a unique nightly performance to cap off this successful night-out at the theatre.
Trois (Three)
27-29 February
Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave.
Sandy Hill Seen 