This is the Thing

Jeff Jones

Actor and musical performer Jeff Jones bares his soul in this sometimes funny, often abstract, almost schizophrenic monologue about loss, regret, and the beauty of collective thought.

Although not Toronto’s best singer, Jones’ songs have a soulful folksiness reminiscent of John Mellencamp that play well into his themes. The highlight of the show is Jones’ explanation of the value of expression through music - worded in such a way that it elicits “ah-ha” moments from musical and layman minds alike.

Less of a narrative and more of an auto-dissection, *This is the Thing* could have used more personal parables, such as his shockingly earnest first encounter with a black person as a five year old child, and fewer philosophical commentaries which hindered the magic more than helping it. Not for everyone, but certainly a substantial and honest effort that lacks the superficial frothiness of many other Fringe shows.

_This is the Thing continues until July 12th as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. You can find more information including show times_ "here":http://www.fringetoronto.com/fringe09/indoorBYOV_listings.html#R

Or check out the "myspace":http://www.myspace.com/thisisthething09
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By Justin Haigh