Fringe 2012: Tick
Jessica Moss. Detail of a photo by Max Telzerov.
Lallygag Theatre
Thursday, July 5, 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 8, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 9, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 11, 2:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 12, 4 p.m.
Friday, July 13, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 14, 5:45 p.m.
George Ignatieff Theatre (15 Devonshire Place)
The manic, hyperactive energy of 10-year-olds is perfectly captured in Tick. Apart from some key reflective moments, the characters never seem to stop moving as the cast taps into the excitable nature of preteens whose imaginations have gone into overdrive (though they could have cut down on at least one dance sequence toward the end). Viewing proposed budget cuts to cultural resources like libraries through their eyes points to how short-sighted such exercises are—portions will resonate with those familiar with recent Toronto politics. The script also leaves a lesson about not crossing that fine line between enthusiasm for a cause and zealousness that can make activists behave as badly as those they are fighting.