Reviews 2003
Reviews 2003
✭✭✩✩✩
by Jo-Ann Waytowich, music by Jo-Ann Waytowich & Dianne Potts, directed by Mario Crudo
Talk Is Free Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto
May 21-June 1, 2003
"Don't spend time with poo-poo people." That advice is point #2 of "Ivanka's 10-Point Personal Tune-Up" plan to help people deal with fat, ageing and relationships. Ivanka, i.e. Thunder Bay comedienne and singer Jo-Ann Waytowich, is just the opposite of a poo-poo person. She has boundless energy, she's funny, she sings, she tap-dances all in the cause of pitching this harmless satire of advice gurus. It's all good, clean fun and far from the usual fare at Talullah's Cabaret. If you've always wanted to take your parents or grandparents to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, this is a show they are sure to like.
What you might think is a different matter. While there is nothing offensive--references to balls, boobs and farts are as risqué as it gets--there is also nothing much original either. Ivanka and her twin sister and accompanist Marucia (Marcella Smithers) are like a female version of SCTV's Schmenge Brothers, except the sisters are from Slobjev, not Lutonia. There is the same comic contrast between the characters' unbridled enthusiasm and their dowdy clothing and heavy East European accents. Waytowich herself is like Cathy Jones playing Luba Goy, including Jones's habit of laughing at her own lines. The evening is much like reading through all the "Humorous Birthday" cards in a Hallmark store, especially the stale series of "You know you're old when…" jokes at the end. The songs that help stretch the show to two hours are not memorable except for the Elvis-like "I'm A-Worryin'".
Though the mute Smithers' expressions are often priceless, what carries the show Waytowich's ebullient personality, expert sense of timing and love of performing. She is so talented, she should heed Ivanka's point #5, "Let your balls fly," and let them fly farther.
©Christopher Hoile
Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2003-05-29.
Photo: Jo-Ann Waytowich. ©2003 Mario Crudo.
2003-05-29
Ivanka Chews the Fat!