Review: (Ottawa) Grimprov (Fringe)

Dreams Off the Cuff
by Jim Murchison 
@JimMurchison

I originally planned to see Be A Man last night, but due to an unfortunate accident where one of the actors was struck by a car, the rest of the performances have to be cancelled while the cast has to figure out how to get back home. A fundraiser was held on their behalf last night.

I had planned to go with some friends who chose to go to Grimprov instead. This is the first show I have seen at the Fringe that has relied on more than one actor and also the first that is pure improvisation. The Ottawa company is Joel Garrow, Mike Koaowan, Drew McFayden and guest improvisational artist Jordan Moffat from Toronto (a returning member of Grimprov). The sound is provided by DJ Helicase (aka Austin Vair). 

Now there will actually be six different shows based on different movie themes and audience suggestions every night with a different guest artist every evening. Christine Lesiak, from Ask Aggie, will be the guest improviser in their June 25th show.

Last night the improv was based on the film Requiem for a Dream. I had not seen the film and really knew nothing about it, but the cast did and that was all that was important. It was dark and funny and stood on its own. There really isn't much to say that would ruin anything for the next person as the next grimprov will be based on something entirely different from this one.

This is the best play I have ever seen that explores addiction to bacon, bagels and the 90's toy called the YakBak. Now I know it will never be performed again and I don't believe there are other plays out there with the same theme. The point is that Grimprov has the improvisational chops to let you have some fun and see something completely different whatever it might be.

runtime: approximately 60 minutes with no intermission
Grimprov runs until June 30