So you want to be a writer? It’s best to sit back and watch four writers struggle on stage for your enjoyment before you make any decisions. The play focuses on four Millennial writers; Martin (Nathan Howe) who seems to have a moral chip on shoulder no one can quite understand, Kate (Andrea Houssin) who plays the role of the feminist but in truth is just unsure about her talents, Izzy (Grace Lynn Kung) the seductress who knows she’ll get what she wants in the end and Douglas (Ryan James Miller) who’s somewhat famous heritage has gotten him this far, but not far enough.

The group meets biweekly in Kate’s uptown rent controlled apartment (free rent as Martin calls it) to work on their craft with famous novelist Leonard (Tom McCamus) who’s mixed up past has made him a scenic. And like all groups filled with creative and anguish, things are said that shouldn’t, sexual tension runs amuck and feelings get hurt. But after all, it is a comedy. And, a well written one.

You’d expect that from a play about writers. It should be well written, witty, and thought provoking throughout. The first lines of the play about the interiority of the exteriority blending together let us know we were going to be in for a treat. Each of the characters was so well developed you essentially knew their back story within the first 20 minutes. And each of the characters had enough complexity to them that the power shifted thus not having a specific “main” character but instead multiple main story lines. Similar to Friends, where no one lead but each character was important to have to on screen. Here too, each served their purpose. Leonard’s role was to draw out their true potential in their writing craft but for the audience it also drew out the full ability of the actor to encompass the character.

I enjoy stage productions more than anything else. A well-crafted play that allows for conversation after the fact and is still vivid in your mind days/weeks later is truly an experience to enjoy.

If you’ve read this far down then something has intrigued you and your next effort should be to order tickets, grab a beer, sit back and enjoy. Laugh out loud if you feel up to it, you won’t be the only one.

The show runs until December 6 at the Panasonic Theatre and tickets available at www.mirvish.com or calling 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333

About The Author

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René Samulewitsch @ReneandI is a globetrotter with a hunger for adventure, but at heart, he will always be an urban tourist with big love for Toronto. When not busy with his day job as a PR strategist, he spends his time exploring the city’s culture and entertainment venues. Rene has a passion for sharing experiences, and truly believes in the power of word of mouth. Favourite place in Toronto: Kensington Market in the Summer as there’s always something new to discover. Queen Street for the urban vibe and King Street to let loose and party.

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