Review: (Ottawa) Moby Dick (Fringe)

A Tale of A Whale
by Jim Murchison 
@JimMurchison

Call me Ishmael. I imagine a lot of people know that that is the opening line of Herman Melville’s classic story Moby Dick. Dean Verger does a recitation or adaptation of the story. Maritime ambiance is provided by accompanist Duncan Gillis, a maritime name if I’ve ever heard one. He plays lute and tin whistles or similar wind instruments and it’s a nice touch. 

While Verger’s storytelling is quite good, there is no added theatrical essence to it. It is exactly an unadulterated story first hand from Ishmael and very faithful to Melville. Maybe 10 or 11 people stopped by to listen. That is likely because there is so much to choose from at the Fringe that people are looking for something innovative or different and this is storytelling with no bells although there is a whistle.

If you’re looking for a breather from the general mayhem and love the story though, you might want to drop by. 

runtime: approximately 60 minutes with no intermission
Moby Dick runs until June 29