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Goalie scores

Goalie scores Rating: NNNNN

you won’t find more concen-trated energy in front of a hockey net than at Artword Theatre, where Jane Miller grabs all the pucks and laughs she can with Disco Goalie. The engaging autobiographical piece is about growing up to the sounds of slapshots, bass reverb and heavy breathing — the parallels between hockey, disco and sex are its key ingredients.From her first entrance, looking in Steve Lucas’s design like a spider monster stalking its prey on a huge web, Miller plays her audience with ease and charm, leaping in mid-breath from girl-team hockey stories to a cappella, fast-vibrato renditions of Superfreak and Ring My Bell. Though director Brian Quirt and choreographer Viv Moore don’t give her much rest, there’s not an out-of-breath gasp in the 70-minute show, in which a flashing red goal-light morphs into a disco ball light show.

For those not entranced by hockey and disco (like me), there’s a poignant through-line about Miller’s changing relationship with her seemingly emotionless, truism-spouting mother. Miller captures that unseen parent sharply, first as the supportive mother and later the conservative elder who does not approve of her daughter’s growing, indulged sexual appetite. Throughout, it’s clear that Miller is having as much fun as her audience.JKDISCO GOALIE written and performed by Jane Miller, directed by Brian Quirt. Presented by splode and Artword Theatre at Artword (75 Portland). Runs to January 28, Tuesday-Saturday 8 pm, matinee Sunday 2:30 pm. $15, Sunday pwyc, stu/srs $12. 416-408-2783. Rating: NNNGoalie scores

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