Rating: NNNNN
Wading Through It
Kudos to headliner Wade McElwain and his openers at Yuk’s Superclub during Superbowl Sunday. Not only was the audience small, but the room was dominated by a silent birthday table. The unamused blond of honour flashed her back – or, as MC Gavin Stephens joked, her black roots – at the onstage comics all night. Those who emerged from this fright night with reps intact included energetic one-to-watch Tommy Campbell, Laurie Elliott, who succeeded through sheer force of personality, and middle guy Alan Park, angrier and funnier than ever before. (His commentary on the war is matched only by Gord Disley’s.) McElwain, clearly pissed to be missing the game, was a pro, delivering a solid 45 full of wicked observations. He also did what no one else tried – he calmly connected with the audience, albeit only after some idiot’s cellphone rang in the front row. Yeah, it was that kind of night. McElwain co-hosts the Comedy Network’s Gutter Ball Alley Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Hot stuff
Two talents we don’t see often enough onstage, Shawn Doyle and Allegra Fulton — a married couple who rarely have a chance to perform together — are in the season opener for Play On The Beach, Lanford Wilson’s hard-hitting Burn This. Maria Ricossa directs a cast that includes Hal Eisen and John Ralston. Money raised by the pwyc show goes to Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto. Saturday (February 9). Royal Canadian Legion (303 Kingston). 416-698-9301.
jonkap@nowtoronto.com
glenns@nowtoronto.com
