By Lars van Tol
40 min | Drama | PG
What would you do if someone came into your sister’s coffee shop and threatened you… existentially? Home in Time is a metaphysically-tinged drama exploring that very idea. You will chuckle, you will scratch your chin with bemusement, you might even question yourself.
Home in Time is a deep yet fun script and the actors clearly enjoyed performing it. The premise might not build the tension you’d expect of a ‘will she do it?’ piece, but then it’s more philosophical than thrilling. The tone is lighthearted and comic, with a surprising emotional core to ground it, so it never gets too ludicrous. The set is sparse but used well – the production is on point and unobtrusive.
The lead role of Mary will be traded between Caitlin Corbett and Elizabeth Leah Chant with each performance, which seems a perfect thematic fit. The acting was earnest and accessible, with plenty of sly winks to lighten the tone of the play – I appreciated the levity. Jesse Lalonde inhabited the role of “weird stranger” with almost supernatural smugness. The performance fairly flew through the runtime, never dragging its feet or losing me.
Home in Time might be among the more humble and unassuming productions this year, and may not be the most accomplished, but it is solid. This production is well executed – the conceit is difficult to convey but successfully executed. For the philosophically inclined it is a treat, and so far as Fringe shows go it is a safe bet. The venue is ‘intimate small’, something to keep in mind if you are planning to attend as a group or want the best seats.
Home in Time plays June 18 (7:30 P.M), 20 (10:30 P.M), 22 (9:00 P.M), 25 (5:30 P.M), and 26 (4:00 P.M) at La Nouvelle Scène, 333 King Edward.
Tickets $12
.gif)