Review: (Toronto) The Assassination of Rob Ford: Dirty Little Coward

Comedy, Drama, and Stellar Saloon Tunes
by Keely Kwok
@kwokles

Here are three reasons why you should see The Assassination of Robert Ford: Dirty Little Coward:

• Seamless Mayor Rob Ford jokes
• Killer saloon tunes
• Formidable facial hair

…Just kidding, there’s more.

After shooting Jesse James, Robert Ford spends his days living off his reputation until he too (ironically) is gunned down. The Assassination of Robert Ford: Dirty Little Coward looks at the situation from the eyes of Ford’s killer, proud Missourian Ed O’Kelly, in the form of a saloon show novelty act. O’Kelly’s tale is one of anger and the all-consuming power it has over humankind. Playwright Adam Bailey has cleverly taken a lesser-known tale and turned it into a tight show with passion, wit, and challenging ideals. 

Though it all sounds quite serious, actors Tyler Seguin, Geoff Mays, and Joel Lightman provide performances chock-full of comedic moments to lighten the mood. Seguin, the ringleader of the show, is undeniably charismatic. The man behind the curtain, he runs the show with little winks to the audience to make us feel like we’re in on the joke. Mays’s Ed O’Kelly has an animalistic quality to him. He remains locked in a cell for the majority of the show and paces like a caged tiger hungry for whiskey and personal justice. Though some of his monologues go on a little longer than necessary, Mays voices them with all the passion and fury required to make it believable. Lastly, Joel Lightman is an absolute gem. Though he doesn’t say much, his delivery is cuter than a sack full ‘o puppies y’all! Lightman also deserves credit for the musical elements of the show that not only contribute to the comedy, but also transport you right to the Deep South. 

The trio brings energy and vigour to Bailey’s words and keeps you entertained from beginning to end. And if that’s not enough, go see this show to catch a glimpse of some superb muttonchops. Seriously, it’s worth your while. 

July 2 - 13