Get Lucky

On Wednesday, I headed over to the Fairview Library Theatre in North York for a community production of Guys and Dolls. It was an interesting venue hidden behind a shopping mall. Located inside a public library, I was expecting something small like the children's stage at the Palmerston Library. However, it was a large and well-furnished facility. In fact, several venerable theatres downtown don't have nearly as nice a venue.

This production is staffed with many volunteers both on and off-stage for sets and costumes, orchestra, and more than 20 actors on-stage. Part of the pleasure of watching a well-known (at least culturally) musical was hearing familiar songs in their original context. Luck Be a Lady was the expected big number but a Bushel and a Peck was a nice surprise. Of the "new" songs, I quite enjoyed I'll Know and Sit Down, You're Rocking The Boat.

There were some nice performances. But I think most of the audience were friends and family. If I was a performer and passionate about an amateur career, I would try my hand at the Fringe lottery. You'd probably work just as hard, but there's a chance you'll actually make some money from the ticket sales. And there's both fear and joy when it's an impartial crowd experiencing your work.