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Culture Stage

>>> Fringe Review: All Kidding Aside

ALL KIDDING ASIDE by Christel Bartelse. Tarragon Extra Space. July 2 at 3:45 pm, July 3 at 7:15 pm, July 5 at 1 pm, July 7 at 2:30 pm, July 8 at 11:30 pm, July 9 at 9:15 pm. Buy tickets. Rating: NNNN


“You don’t get an understudy as a mother,” says writer/actor Christel Bartelse, humorously and accurately illustrating her ambivalence toward motherhood.

Set in a gynaecologist’s office while awaiting the results of a pregnancy test, All KIDding Aside is Bartelse’s honest exploration of her fears about becoming a mother, a possibility that comes as a complete surprise after years of thinking she was infertile due to endometriosis. It’s a serious topic, but Bartelse’s script never gets heavy-handed or judgmental regarding anyone’s personal choice. The production is filled with thoughtful and funny observations about pregnancy, baby showers and the way motherhood changes the dynamics of friendships.

Beautifully staged by Michelle Polak, the piece incorporates mask work, movement and original music. One especially effective scene has Bartelse imagining what would happen if she had to bring a baby onstage with her during a standup comedy performance.

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