Wednesday 12 August 2015

Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl

Joanie is an anthropology graduate who has ended up working as a barista in her native Toronto whilst waiting for the career she dreams of.  To make the day pass she exercises her academic skills on her colleagues and customers.  This one woman show takes us through the days, the minor ups and downs of life, and the arrival of romance.  Along the way there are songs, which fit well into the overall plot, and plenty opportunities for actor/writer Rebecca Perry to show off her ability to create a range of characters for us.

It's very well acted, there's a convincing story arc and the singing is often excellent.  Yet I emerged feeling I'd seen neither a genuine emotional drama nor a comedy, but something that wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be.  A strangely unsatisfying experience.

But I was impressed by the great piano accompaniment, not just to the songs, but in providing mood and atmosphere, much like a film score would.

Confessions is playing to full houses and strong reviews, so maybe I was the one missing out on something?

Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl is on at Gilded Balloon at 18.30 until the 31st.

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