Created by Jonathan Mirin
Produced by Piti Théâtre Company | Charlemont, USA
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
45 mins / G / Clown, Comedy, Family, Magic, Solo, Physical Theatre
Help Sammy prepare at his new job to create Le Grand Buffet.
Audiences are tasked with making sure that Sammy (played by Jonathan Mirin) follows his liste des choses à faire to ensure that he keeps his job as an American waiter in Paris.
Sammy and “Le Grand Buffet” is a classic clown performance, with props galore, close magic, audience interaction, and even a song and dance. If you’ve got children, or are a child-at-heart, this is definitely the performance for you. It’s also a great show for folks learning or somewhat familiar with French — I saw the English version of this performance, where a blend of practical “Franglais” was employed, making this a somewhat educational comedy as well. Although, there are French versions of this performance as well.
Jonathan Mirin in Sammy and “Le Grand Buffet”. Photo provided.
Mirin also incorporates some interesting and imaginative scenarios, imagining himself as tennis star Roger Federer, and American professional pool-player Minnesota Fats. As this show takes place in La Nouvelle Scène, there’s a lot of space to work with, and Mirin uses every inch.
Mirin knows exactly how to ensure every audience member feels welcome and comfortable, keeping up with the savvy remarks of some of the kids in the audience, while also entertaining two lucky members of the public to the long-awaited “Grand Buffet”.
It’s fun for the whole family at Sammy and “Le Grand Buffet”!
Sammy and “Le Grand Buffet” is playing at La Nouvelle Scène, Studio A from June 13–21. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the three satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery, Fringe Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St and La Nouvelle Scène). Five and ten Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
