2013 Toronto Fringe Festival: The Truth About Comets

Ingrid Hansen and Ginette Mohr in The Truth about Comets. Photo by Kate Fenton.

Ginette Mohr explores the enduring nature of family relationships in her new play The Truth About Comets, now on stage at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. Inspired by classic radio plays and told through physical theatre, live music and object puppetry, the show explores the strained relationship between a daughter and her stubborn mother as they are forced to work together to solve the mystery of a boy who disappeared into the radio waves 55 years ago.

Fast-paced, funny and deeply moving, this production directed by Kate Fenton is a Fringe gem waiting to be discovered. Mohr and Hansen make a cosmic combo on stage, moving back and forth in time and space with electric energy. Hansen is a particularly gifted character actor, while Mohr gives a subdued but powerful performance as the pregnant (in real life!) daughter. Accented by Jim Plaxton's brilliant lighting design and Thomas Ryder Payne's evocative sound design, this is a show that makes you want to pick up the phone and call your mama. We can't wait to see how the folks at The Quickening Theatre continue to develop it.

The Truth About Comets runs until July 13 at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space. Visit fringetoronto.com for showtimes.

Best of Fringe: Toronto Centre for the Arts from July 18-31. Visit tocentre.com for more information.

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