VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL:
Sink or Swim
FRINGE REVIEW #2
Sink or Swim
Written and performed by Beverley Elliott; directed by Lynna Goldhar Smith
Rio Theatre
Remaining shows: Sept 13, 7:00; Sept 14, 8:45; Sept 15, 5:00
Subtitled “childhood stories for adults,” Bev Elliott’s new solo show—with onstage keyboards and vocal harmonies from Bill Costin—celebrates her childhood in rural Perth County, Ontario. Although there’s a grouchy teacher and some bullies in her kindergarten and grade one classes (she’s dubbed “smelly Elliott” after she pees herself in the one-room schoolhouse), this is a pretty idyllic journey and an utterly charming show. Elliott is a lovely actress and a very fine singer—and, it turns out, a damn good songwriter, too. She has co-written six of the show’s seven original songs, all of them melodic, evocative and lyrically clever. Some great projections by Jordan Watkins complete the package. I would have preferred a smaller, more intimate venue. But if you want to be charmed out of your pants by a total pro, see this show.
Jerry Wasserman
PICK OF THE FRINGE 2016!
Sink Or Swim – Local actor Beverley Elliott, who is known by her fans around the world for her recurring role as “Granny” on ABC’s hit series Once Upon a Time, presents a one-woman show of songs and stories.