1-MAN-NO-SHOW
Created by Gordon Neill, Isaac Kessler and Stage Managed by Nietzsche
Produced by ZeekTech Productions, The Louvre
Review by Julia Bueneman
PG / Improv, Magic, Physical, Unclassified, Comedy, Clown, Drama, Sci-fi, Solo / Audience participation, Flashing lights, Mature language, Sexual content
During pre-show, the audience is greeted into the simply set space by a chaotic clown with charm and impeccable timing giving out teeny tiny shoes to the audience. As the performance begins, we watch Isaac Kessler perfectly orchestrate this chaos into a series of comedic segments, complete with unexpected twists and ridiculous punchlines that leave the audience both reflective and in stitches.
Isaac Kessler in 1-MAN-NO-SHOW. Photo by Miles Roberts.
The show is further enhanced by its ensemble of bits that range from witty one-liners to elaborate sight gags—each a testament to Kessler’s comedic versatility and improvisational skill. 1-MAN-NO-SHOW is a beautiful combination of clever props, masterful use of gestures and audience interaction that glimpses into vulnerability and humanity.
Throughout the show, Kessler’s energy and charismatic presence captivate the audience. With impeccable delivery he skillfully weaves in questions throughout that provoke reflection and prompt deeper contemplation into the value we place on art and how we navigate creating it.
Isaac Kessler in 1-MAN-NO-SHOW. Photo by Miles Roberts.
For anyone seeking an evening of laughter, 1-MAN-NO-SHOW is a must-see delight. With its blend of bouffon mastery, brilliantly good bits and quick wit, this show promises an unforgettable experience that will take you on a wild ride through the absurd and the delightful. It’s comedy at its finest—a wonderful celebration of smart silliness and, of course, “high art”.
1-MAN-NO-SHOW is playing at La Nouvelle Scène — Studio B from June 17–23. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the two satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery and La Nouvelle Scene). 5 and 10 Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
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