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Written by Patty Stewart, Special to the Citizen
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Sunday, 05 October 2008 |
Allan Zinyk, Brian Anderson and Courtenay Stevens perform in The Number 14 (Photo courtesy of David Cooper/Axis Theatre Company)
From open to close, Theatre North West’s season opener entertained the sold-out crowd with its impressive blend of mime, acrobatics, pratfalls, rap and song-and-dance, inducing laughter all along the way.
Produced by Axis Theatre, a Vancouver-based, non-profit theatre company, The Number 14 has entertained international audiences for more than 16 years. On its first Prince George run, expect this gem to sell out quickly, and pray for a hold-over.
The old Monty Python saying goes -- ‘And now for something completely different ...’ -- and that saying could certainly apply to this hilarious romp.
The scene is the Number 14 bus as it meanders through the hustle and bustle of mid-town Vancouver, with passengers of every age, race, gender and social-economic class taking a ride.
Through its series of sketches, The Number 14 conveys more than a day of the life of a bus.
With its three ring circus-like production, it introduces characters that are totally outrageous, and engaging.
Some of the funniest bits include the female realtor who boards the bus in pyjamas and then wiggles her way through a quick-change into work clothes, while handling a questionable sale on the cell phone. In a beautifully choreographed skit, a typical boy-meets-girl story is conveyed through a complicated dance sequence.
Another vignette follows an elderly woman as she negotiates her way through a very rough ride, performing a series of amazing somersaults and tumbles, culminating in a riotous high-bar routine.
There’s a scary, staff-carrying, long-haired prophet and a street-smart rapper who delivers a bang-on beat poem; a pack of unruly kindergarten kids and their over-taxed teacher, along with all the usual working stiffs.
In the Don’t Worry Be Happy routine, a headphone wearing kid doesn’t realize, or care, that he’s singing out loud and acting entirely too chipper for the rest of the passengers.
The actors on stage Friday night delivered dozens of colourful characters, donning expressive masks designed and crafted by artist Melody Anderson.
The production is a splendid example of thespian cooperation and is a truly collaborative production.
The multi-talented cast includes Kristian Ayre, Chris Casillan, Stefano Giulianetti, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Tracey Power and Matt Palmer. Actress Marjorie Malpass will join the cast for future performances.
Under the direction of Axis Theatre’s artistic director, Wayne Specht, The Number 14 continues to be timely comedy. Some of it’s smart, some of it’s silly. Put it all together and you’re in for a great night of entertainment.
The Number 14 is scheduled to run through Oct. 25, with tickets available at the theatre office in the Parkhill Centre, and Books & Co on Third Avenue.
Don’t miss this bus!
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 05 October 2008 )
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