This is gonna be a troublesome Foof, folks.  I have, like, NO ideas what to talk about.  I’m still trying to save all the good Fringe-stuff for a little closer to, you know, FRINGE.   But I have high hopes that inspiration will strike over the course of the evening.  so in the spirit, let’s get on getting on…

– IN THEATRES THIS WEEK:

KING LEAR at the National Arts Centre.  Last week to see the history-making Aboriginal version of Billy Shakes’ epic about war and family and stuff.  Until the 26th!

ROMEO AND JULIET at the Ron Maslin Playhouse, from Kanata Theatre.  I SWEAR I’m going tomorrow, guys, for reals this time.  Anxious to see Leslie, Jake and the gang in action! also until the 26th.

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION at the Great Canadian Theatre Company.  Yay!  Artisitic Director Lise Ann Johnson goes out with this promising comedy about five actors, coincidentally STARRING five actors.  Previews start on the 22nd.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Centrepointe Theatre.  Mel Brooks’ best movie brought to musical comedy life, for three performances only, one on the 25th and 2 on the 26th. I can’t make it, anyone wanna write it up for me?

THE BRAD MACNEIL at the Mercury Lounge.  Superstar of Crush Improv Brad MacNeil brings his live comedy talk show to the Mercury on Thursday the 24th, with Nick DiGaetano and a host of guest stars in two…but more on this in a few days!

And…I still haven’t thought of anything.  Sigh.  Here, let this get into your brain while I look around for something else to entertain you…

FRINGE:  Well, why fight it?  After all, I’m starting to spend a LOT of my free time (hah!) prepping for my all-out assault on the Ottawa Fringe Festival this June.  For the first time ever, the Visitorium will be bringing a whole TEAM of reviewers, in an effort to cover EVERY, SINGLE SHOW.  More on this invincible super-squad later on, although I will mention that I’m strongly considering tee-shirts for the occasion.  I have no idea how to go about this, so recommendations are welcome!

Most of you probably know I’m a little cuckoo for Fringe time.  Ya now who else is?  Al and the gang from BLOODY UNDERRATED over Montreal way.  Al’s got a dandy Preview Post up about the 22nd Mtl Fringe playing right at the same time as ours, lots of good picks and tips to maximize your Fringing.  Check it out!  I’ll have my own Montreal sneak-Peek coming up in a few weeks

And while I’m on a Fringe theme, I will take this opportunity to make a plea once again for attending shows to feel free to swamp me with promo material (if they have any) that I could use to, you know, promote your show for free.  If you’re into that sort of thing, that is.  Come on, don’t make me bug Nat and Cat for the stuff, they’re busy enough as it is!  Pictures are especially wonderful, as I enjoy me some pic-posting, and they make the previews and reviews all purty and stuff.  Send anything you like to me at visitor.tba@gmail.com. For those of you who have already sent me goodies, thank you terribly much, it made my day!  Here’s me thanking you now with an early sneak-peek for the masses:

See?  Send me your media goodies, and I’ll do my best to make you a star!  No promises.  Now, here’s Suzy Quattro, being cooler than you:

Man, I don’t really have anything else…no shows in a few days makes your old pal the Visitor a dull boy.  This heat’s gettin’ to me, I won’t lie…I know people are all excited for it, but when you work in an unventilated kitchen over open flames 5 days of the week, it becomes less of a thrill, lemme tells ya.  Can it just be Fringe already?  And, like, forever?

Never mind me, I’m an old grump.  Get out and see some stuff this week, have an ice cream, and wish the fabulous Laura Lee Bell (former Youth Infringement Producer and all-around swell gal) a bon voyage on her trip to Iceland, and some places after that!  Have a great time, and bring us back some…venison?  Ice?  What do they HAVE in Iceland, anyways?

So long, and thanks in advance for all the fish, LLB. 🙂  Peace, love and soul, Ottawa,

The Visitor (and Winston)