Fringe 2012: Help Yourself
Wednesday, July 4, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 7, 5:45 p.m.
Monday, July 9, 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10, 9:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 12, 12 p.m.
Friday, July 13, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 14, 3:30 p.m.
George Ignatieff Theatre (15 Devonshire Place)
The winner of the Fringe’s New Play contest, this is the only show in the Fringe that was picked by a jury, and it’s clear why: playwright Kat Sandler has a gift for sharp, witty dialogue, full of clever references and one-liners that had the opening night crowd in stitches and breaking into spontaneous applause. Help Yourself also boasts strong performances from Daniel Pagett, who plays Donny, a master manipulator who makes a living convincing people they can do whatever they want; Tosha Doiron, who plays Donny’s girlfriend, Samantha; and especially Tim Walker as Ted, a client of Donny, who Walker imbues with a note-perfect mix of insecurity, moral conflict, and surprising insight.
What Help Yourself is lacking, however, is a plot worthy of its dialogue and characters. Sandler tips her hand far too early, and also misses several dramatic opportunities. Donny convinces Ted to do a bad thing, and there are predictably tragic consequences. It’s a fine trip to take, and a great showcase for both the actors and for Sandler’s zingers, but it’s not a great play—not yet.