Sorry 'Bout That - Temptation Gets You Every Time

Toronto-based playwrights Julie Cohn and Anjali Rai bring us the tale of the domestication of "Bears In The City". The sub-plot is a metaphorical experiment about the assimilation of a newcomer (Bear) into acquiring the socially acceptable behaviors of a citizen in their new confines. With the help of a seasoned trainer...of course.  Immigration maybe.

The struggle is finding a balance between dropping one's own innate or cultural characteristics, and picking up new ones to fit in. This play certainly has its moments of humour.  "Little Bear" is a wonderfully simple, mischievous, child-like character that just wants to do the right thing...to stop acting like such a "bear" in order to stay in the city. If only "Little Bear" could drop the habit of slashing and eating every living thing in her wake. She says, "Sorry 'Bout That" after every satisfying slip.

"Bear Trainer Julie"-Anjali Rai-does her best as a social coach, but might want to consider not putting "Little Bear" into situations that are far too tempting...especially when she is so hungry. Going to a petting zoo, and then leaving "Little Bear" alone with a cute little lamb while you go to the bathroom? Really? Fantastic acting in "Little Bear's" character and it would be great for a kids show. For me, the story gets a bit washed out, and loses its way , but the overall tone is empathetic and fun.  We all are trying to fit in at some level, but find it difficult when we have to drop who we are at the core. A scorpion is always a scorpion after all.