Lucky 9: evolution of a fringe hero

TJ has evolved

Inveterate monologuist TJ Dawe returns from a Fringe sabbatical with his newest show Lucky 9, though something seems different this year. Notorious for his rapid fire, scattershot diatribes on any number of interwoven topics, Dawe usually comes across like Jerry Seinfeld on speed. In this instance the topics on hand include parenting, personality tests, addiction and HBO’s hit crime drama The Wire, though the most noteworthy theme weaving betwixt all his anecdotes and observations is the developments in the performer’s life over the previous year.

Let this be a spoiler warning, but Dawe almost sheepishly explains the developments in his life that have kept him away from – or possibly helped him move beyond – the frantic lifestyle of yearly coast to coast festival shows that previously earned him the moniker ‘Fringe God’. Dawe has begun to settle down, and not just in terms of his lifestyle – there’s a noticeably calmer, more mature energy to his pacing and delivery. Though he still infuses his monologue with a certain degree of his characteristic neurotic vigor, this is unmistakably a new TJ, which is worth the watch unto itself.

Lucky 9 is part of this year's Toronto Fringe Festival. For more information evolve here.

By Ryan West