The First Time: hey, you remember your first time, don't you?
Everyone remembers their first time, right? I do and it was quick to forget it. Unfortunately, you can’t forget your first time. Come on! The first time is always something you remember even if you want to forget it. The First Time is a production that covers this fact in great detail whether your first time was good or not.
I was a little suspicious about this play when I walked into Performance Works. I had experienced verbatem theatre before and some of it was quite dull or didn’t “hit the mark”. If you don’t know what verbatum theatre is, let me fill you in. By definition, this style of theatre is where an actor (or number of actors) use material collected through interviews to create a play based on that dialogue. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It really depends on the quality of the writer who collates and puts the information together. At the Vancouver Fringe in 2008, I ran across a play that did this type of theatre. It wasn’t terrible but there were glaring issues that made the play not work. This is why I was a little punchy walking into the studio.
Did it work for me this time? I am happy to say that it did. The enthusiasm of the actors really sold this work. They moved through the various stages of relationships:
- Turn Ons
- Kiss
- Sex
- Love
The stories varied from hilarious, cute, mortifying and horrible. The number of different experiences that people have had when it comes to sexuality is amazing to behold. Each of the performers took on various characters and each were unique. They were able to portray the funny moments in lighthearted hilarity but also protrayed rape stories without missing a beat. Each actor took hold of the material and treated it with respect and made sure each recorded moment was filled with reality. I don’t want to spoil this show further because it is really the actors that sell it and they worked hard to make this show not a simple retelling of experience.
If you go to only one show about sex this Fringe, you should see The First Time. You’ll laugh, cry, and – quite possibly – hurl.
We managed to get a ticket in
We managed to get a ticket in the packed house tonight, and it was hands down the best show we saw at the Fringe this year. It was hilarious. One bummer: They wouldn’t let us fill out ballots for Pick of the Fringe “because they were out”. What’s up with that?! I loved this show.
Defenetly should be pick of
Defenetly should be pick of the fringe, My husband,Myself and a few friends we loved it.
The four actors performance was absolutly incredible, WELL DONE GUYS; We laught, we cried, Amazing acting.
A Must See.
Awesome
I saw this show last night and loved it. To be honest, I didn’t hear much about it, but I was on the island after seeing a different show so I wandered over. I was embarrassed by how hard I was laughing in some parts, and was a total loser and cried at the end. I wish I knew about the show sooner, cus my friends would love it. Go see it, the end.
Should be a pick for sure!!!!
Should be a pick for sure!!!!
Awesome!
Hey Shane, awesome I totally agree that the acting makes it. I forgot I was even watching retold stories, and thought it was in real time. Even when that girl was the old lady, I forgot. We had a great time, and have told as many people as we could. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was a pick.
Oh, and Shane: I don’t know
Oh, and Shane: I don’t know you, mate, but thanks for coming out, and for your kind words. To express my thanks, I’m mailing you a photograph of myself in various states of undress.
Ooo, ooo, goody!
My address is #6 Privet Drive….
TRUTH
Yep. The concepts are almost identical. An unfortunate reality, and one that nobody involved in the production even realized until after the script was already complete. Trust me. I co-authored the fucking thing. And finding that out after 3 solid months of interviews and rewrites was a profoundly shitty moment for all concerned. But, the folks at Terminal were a week away from starting rehearsals, and every piece of dialogue and monologue contained in the show is 100% original, so, in the end, what else can you do but go ahead?
I've Seen This Show Before
In New York. It’s called MY First Time – and this show is a blatant rip off of that formula. Don’t bother – American Pie has more laughs than this junk.
I remember a Vancouver Fringe
I remember a Vancouver Fringe show called Sex Tips for Modern Girls going to New York in the 80s. Maybe the New York show was a rip off of that one?
The First Time
Pick of the Fringe for sure. Great show. Must see.
The First Time
This show should be pick of the fringe, hands down. I loved it! Saw it Sunday, and thought the acting was unreal. I laughed a ton with my friends, and we went for drinks afterwards and talked about our own firsts. Awesome. Definitely my recommended show.
Post new comment