Bloody Underrated

Once upon a time, all the countries were shaped liked stars…and anticipation grew on trees!

It’s always a good feeling when a visiting company puts on a fantastic show, but it’s even more fun when they’re from your neck of the woods. Hailing from Ottawa (woooooo, Go Sens Go!), MiCasa Theatre have brought back Countries Shaped Like Stars, now in its third year of touring, and I couldn’t be more pleased. Their show is incredibly imaginative, telling the story of Gwendolyn Magnificient (a dragonfruit merchant who hangs out with birds) and Bartholomew Spectacular (a mandolinist who hangs out with constellations), two unlikely characters meeting in an impossibly beautiful world. The set design on this one is impeccable – the audience is split, lined up on each side of the stage. The story is thus told between them and amongst them, as Gwendolyn and Bartholomew befriend and bribe their audience with cookies and secrets. To say that the tale being spun is charming would be an understatement – it’s adorable, sweet, and occasionally unexpected. It’s a love story, it’s a story of friendship, it’s a fable meant for people ages 5 to 105. Incredibly well-written and seasoned with excellent musical numbers, Countries Shaped Like Stars has captured my heart and begun my year in the most incredible way. Matt Goldberg (of Uncalled For) had given me a heads up about this show being great, but I couldn’t have expected this.

Countries is on again on January 6th, 8th, 12th & 14th. Tickets are available here, but going fast! Grab some, take the whole family or take all your friends. If you’ve got any imagination or simply the capacity to smile, I guarantee a good time. And if you love the taste of cumin-scented moustaches, then this show was clearly written for you. Go have some fun!

-Al

P.S.: Have a joke ready, you never know when it could come in handy. :)