I reluctantly headed off to see "The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead" this weekend at the Manitoba Theatre Centre - a one-woman play written by playwright Robert Hewett, and performed by Canadian theatre staple Kelli Fox. My concern was not only content, but how much my attention could be kept by a one person show. Happily, these fears were quickly cast aside half way through the first act.
Fox plays Rhonda Russell - a red-headed housewife who turns to vengeance after being dumped by her womanizing husband, Graham Russell. Fox opens as Rhonda, and quickly captures the audiences attention as she goes on about her life with Graham, their recent split, and a hint to the trouble that ensued following her discovery of his infidelity.
Fox goes on to play the roles of almost every character mentioned who are part of the web of sex and lies. The character changes were quite interesting, set behind a silk screen canvas, while audio plays providing an idea of the physical environment. The set does not change throughout the play, only the characters. And change they did, as Fox brings a uniqueness to each role.
The play is about two hours, but never seems long. One character could have probably been skipped out - Matthew - the son of one of the lead personas in the play. The part was played well, but felt out of place to the rest of the play. My personal favorite was Fox's rendition of Graham opening the second act following intermission. Her take as the womanizing husband was as convincing as any of the female parts throughout the play.
All in all I was happy I peeled myself from the couch to take in the production. My wife and I have been very pleased with the quality and variety of this year's MTC lineup. Our faith has been officially renewed after a couple of shaky seasons, thanks to the outstanding performances seen this weekend, and throughout the year.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Winnipeggers - Big Men and their Big Trucks
Why is it that every morning on my way to work - no matter how early I leave - I always have to deal with some truck plummeting through the streets of Winnipeg. Yes Mr. Big Man, we know you have a Big Truck, and that all us wee people in our wee vehicles are slowing you from peeling to work in under 5 minutes. Just because you own a truck with big tires, doesn't mean that you own the road; or especially that you are a good driver.
I am obsessed with having to get a visual of these drivers. Why... I don't know? Especially considering they all look the same. Of course they have a mustache because for some reason Big Men in Winnipeg all feel the need to sport a a small animal above their lip, somehow preserving their manhood. I often think these guys feel they can grow hair on their bodies by sure will - just because their hormones rage with such high levels of testosterone being such big men.
Next, they always have one hand hanging loosely over the rim of the steering wheel, so casual in their destruction of the flow of traffic. These He-men all have a smug look about them - knowing that at any moment they can call upon their "steel battlecat" to devour the Winnipeg cars in front of them. And of course, they all have a decal of "Calvin and Hobbs" peeing on some competitor's line of trucks - a clear indication that if you followed this guy home you'd end up in the heart of Transcona. Not to mention, if he has his window down that you'll hear him blaring Power 97 - a radio station catered to Winnipeg's mullet population.
Oh well Winnipeggers, there is much humour to draw from these Neanderthals. As my wife and I joke, "whoa, look out people... we got a real man here." So to all you "real men" know that all you are is real annoying.
I am obsessed with having to get a visual of these drivers. Why... I don't know? Especially considering they all look the same. Of course they have a mustache because for some reason Big Men in Winnipeg all feel the need to sport a a small animal above their lip, somehow preserving their manhood. I often think these guys feel they can grow hair on their bodies by sure will - just because their hormones rage with such high levels of testosterone being such big men.
Next, they always have one hand hanging loosely over the rim of the steering wheel, so casual in their destruction of the flow of traffic. These He-men all have a smug look about them - knowing that at any moment they can call upon their "steel battlecat" to devour the Winnipeg cars in front of them. And of course, they all have a decal of "Calvin and Hobbs" peeing on some competitor's line of trucks - a clear indication that if you followed this guy home you'd end up in the heart of Transcona. Not to mention, if he has his window down that you'll hear him blaring Power 97 - a radio station catered to Winnipeg's mullet population.
Oh well Winnipeggers, there is much humour to draw from these Neanderthals. As my wife and I joke, "whoa, look out people... we got a real man here." So to all you "real men" know that all you are is real annoying.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Winnipeggers - I Can See You
Winnipeg, the world continues to get smaller and smaller. No longer can we enjoy the peace and serenity that comes with escaping the day-to-day grind. Why? Because our every move can be monitored. Drum roll please.... Google Latitude.
"Yes Boss, I am quite busy today on sales calls."
"Really... then why does Google Latitude show that you are at St. Boniface Golf Course?"
Let's try another example:
"Honey, its going to be a late night here at the office. I'll call you when I'm on my way home." Meanwhile, your significant other can see that you are parked at the local tavern, pushing the VLT's.
Yes, thanks to Google Latitude we can now montior an individual using their mobile phone and GPS satellites and cell towers. Of course you have to sign up for the service, but I can already see the family and work arguments emerging.
"Why wouldn't you want me to know where you are dear? Are you hiding something?"
"Mr. Suit don't you understand its important for our business to know that you are using the most efficient routes on your sales calls? You are on sales calls aren't you?"
I think the most disturbing thing I read was people talking about what a great tool it would be for parents to monitor their kids. Great... yet another tool to provide parents the freedom of remote parenting. Just check your cell phone to ensure your child is safe. Drop em off at daycare or school; check their location on your mobile phone every now and then; continue to enjoy your independence. Wow, parenting has never been so easy!
It's hard to say how this new technology will catch on, but with the way the world is moving toward more and more security from nasty terrorists - I'm sure they'll be big corporations to small Winnipeg business pushing this to their employees, and positioning it as "good for the company."
So Winnipeggers, enjoy your last days of freedom because the future of self-monitoring technology is upon us. Next step (which already exists in some companies) is embedding the RFID chip. Press your left temple for the internet - and your right temple for your favorite music selection.
You can no longer escape the grid Winnipeg. Big Brother is here - he's called Google.
"Yes Boss, I am quite busy today on sales calls."
"Really... then why does Google Latitude show that you are at St. Boniface Golf Course?"
Let's try another example:
"Honey, its going to be a late night here at the office. I'll call you when I'm on my way home." Meanwhile, your significant other can see that you are parked at the local tavern, pushing the VLT's.
Yes, thanks to Google Latitude we can now montior an individual using their mobile phone and GPS satellites and cell towers. Of course you have to sign up for the service, but I can already see the family and work arguments emerging.
"Why wouldn't you want me to know where you are dear? Are you hiding something?"
"Mr. Suit don't you understand its important for our business to know that you are using the most efficient routes on your sales calls? You are on sales calls aren't you?"
I think the most disturbing thing I read was people talking about what a great tool it would be for parents to monitor their kids. Great... yet another tool to provide parents the freedom of remote parenting. Just check your cell phone to ensure your child is safe. Drop em off at daycare or school; check their location on your mobile phone every now and then; continue to enjoy your independence. Wow, parenting has never been so easy!
It's hard to say how this new technology will catch on, but with the way the world is moving toward more and more security from nasty terrorists - I'm sure they'll be big corporations to small Winnipeg business pushing this to their employees, and positioning it as "good for the company."
So Winnipeggers, enjoy your last days of freedom because the future of self-monitoring technology is upon us. Next step (which already exists in some companies) is embedding the RFID chip. Press your left temple for the internet - and your right temple for your favorite music selection.
You can no longer escape the grid Winnipeg. Big Brother is here - he's called Google.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Winnipeggers "The Price" is Right
I am no theatre critic; so let's get that out of the way. However, I have held season tickets to both Manitoba Theatre Centres' Mainstage and Warehouse for three years now. My wife and I have been enjoying the majority of shows at the Mainstage - minus "Shakespeare's Dog" (anyone who saw this play will empathize with the hours this play stole from my life), but it's been really hit and miss at the Warehouse. Friday night our faith was renewed when watching the outstanding performances in Arthur Miller's "The Price."
I'm not about to break down each act, and give my opinion on the performance of each actor. This blog is purely a call to action. For anyone reading this that has been considering a night out at the theatre in Winnipeg - hurry - the play is only on until Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. The play is quite timely to today's economic climate. I am certain anyone who sees this will be able to make parallels into their own lives, and be able to relate closely with one of the characters.
If you are complaining there is nothing to do in Winnipeg in the winter - you have no more excuses. Dust the snow off your car and make your way to the Exchange District to enjoy this incredible show.
I'm not about to break down each act, and give my opinion on the performance of each actor. This blog is purely a call to action. For anyone reading this that has been considering a night out at the theatre in Winnipeg - hurry - the play is only on until Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. The play is quite timely to today's economic climate. I am certain anyone who sees this will be able to make parallels into their own lives, and be able to relate closely with one of the characters.
If you are complaining there is nothing to do in Winnipeg in the winter - you have no more excuses. Dust the snow off your car and make your way to the Exchange District to enjoy this incredible show.
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