PARTY ON THE EDGE: The Fringe of Toronto Festival got going last week with a party in the RPM warehouse space, a huge industrial area that resembles a highway overpass. It felt sort of like being onstage – no matter where you stood, there was a spotlight glaring in your face. After a slow start, the event really began to roll, and continued into the night. Among the many theatre types making an appearance were [029-001, l-r] playwright / actor David Gale, a “Guest Voice” in Leftovers, seen here with playwright / director Brad Fraser (Unidentified Human Remains) Climbing around the scaffolding were [029-002] two-thirds of England’s Travelling Monkey Theatre Company, actors Lynda Erdman and James Lloyd Pegg. Among those willing to do anything in the name of publicity were [029-003, l-r] actors Mark Lonergan, balloon lady Kate Parr, Catherine Bruce and director Jennifer Parr, all out trying to draw attention to their play Shanti. In the corner were [029-004, l-r] actor Robert Clarke (Help Wanted) , actor Leslie Stamp and another Help cast member, actor Jacklyn Francis. Making sure all proceedings were going smoothly were [029-005] Shari Hollett and Chris Earle, parents-lo-be and the stars of Expectation. Do you recognize anyone in the carousel of outtakes?
DIVINE BEGINNINGS: The Vibrant Lounge on Isabella sprang to life Saturday and by all accounts it was just divine. Located above Fabulous Nobodies, the space is managed by veteran scene maker/party promoter Kyree Vibrant [029-014], seen here with David Vallee, one of the co-owners from downstairs. Among the opening night crowd were many of the usual suspects, including [029-015] copy boy/mambo king Joseph Kilmartin and self-proclaimed sex goddess Kerrick Walsh. The mood of the evening, according to Mr. Kilmartin, was “buoyant, ebullient.” Taking it all in from the bar were [029-016, l-r] dancers lsata and Pamela, and hanging out on the stage afterwards was the evening’s entertainment, [029-017] filmmaker/ comedian and MC John. A. Fucile, comedian Simon Fraser and singer/piano player Denny Hall. Were you there? Do you recognize anyone in the carousel of outtakes?
BOOM: The sounds of a new hard rock club came thundering out onto Queen St. last week with the debut of Midian at the corner of Queen & Augusta. Housed in the old Duke of Connaught – and with the charming Tudor styling still intact – it was the changing of the guard, from the old stumbling winos to the new drunkards in black. Among those taking in the ambience were [029-034] artist Rene Coldrane and special effects artist Heather Van Buren. Over at the bar, we caught up with [029-035] guitar player Mark Platt and model/go-go dancer Yvonne Teachman, whose boyfriend is in the band responsible for all the racket, Manic Overture. Hanging out on the back patio discussing their recent travels were [029-036, l-r] low-financiers and international smokers Michel Speich and Judy Ruzylo. More in the outtakes.
Steven Lungley(https://eyespytoronto.com)