LEGOLAND by Jacob Richmond (Atomic Vaudeville). At Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace (16 Ryerson). To December 6. Rating: NNNN
Giddy, anarchic fun. There’s no better way to describe Jacob Richmond’s outrageously enjoyable Legoland, Victoria-based Atomic Vaudeville’s show back in Toronto for the third time and as compelling as ever.
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It’s the tale of the Lamb sibs, Penny and Ezra, raised on a Saskatchewan commune and sent – when cops raid the commune for growing you-know-what – to boarding school, where each has to endure unbelievable adolescent horrors.
Playwright Richmond makes you believe them all, as well as a follow-up cross-America trip, the kids’ discovery of McDonald’s and their decision to deal in illicit prescription drugs.
Co-directed by Richmond and Britt Small, the show employs puppets, song, dance and witty, character-based one-liners to track the adventures of these two extraordinary children.
Actors Celine Stubel and Amitai Marmorstein make the angelic-faced, teen-band-obsessed, aspiring animal conservationist Penny and the droll, Nietzsche-fixated ADHD kid Ezra, in his big black glasses and black cape, pretty much the most entertaining teens currently on a Toronto stage.
And if you like this show, check out the company’s vaudeville show this Sunday (November 30) at Theatre Passe Muraille.
See online Scenes, nowtoronto.com/stage, and listings, this page.