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RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Exclamation Productions Inc. and macIDeas sponsor The 2008 Fringe New Play Contest winner: Rachel Blair with her poignant drama, WAKE. TORONTO - Exclamation Productions Inc . and macIDeas brought Wake to the Toronto Fringe Festival this summer. Director Kelly Straughan ( Timebomb -Toronto Fringe Festival 2007 “Patron's Pick”. Now Magazine's “Best Ensemble” and “Best Director”) returned to the Festival once again. Wake featured Derek Moran , Frank Cox O'Connell ( Nor The Cavaliers Who Come With Us - SummerWorks 2006 Spotlight Award For Performance, The Drawer Boy - Theatre Passe Muraille) and Christian Bellsmith ( The Buddy Holly Story – Stage West Mississauga, Evil Dead the Musical – Diesel Playhouse). BOTH THE CRITICS AND AUDIENCE HAVE SPOKEN! "Justifies the confidence placed in it... beautifully structured, moving For more information, please visit www.waketheplay.com
Play wins Patron's pick and Best of Fringe.
Winner of the 2008 Fringe New Play Contest , Wake is a touching drama which delves into the lives of three brothers who reunite for their father's funeral after a terrible crime tore them apart. Who is responsible for the event that changed their lives forever? How far do the bonds of family extend? New p laywright Rachel Blair (Performer: A Streetcar Named Gerrard - Toronto Fringe 2007 and The (W)hole of Emily Scheller - Eye Magazine Best of Fringe) explores complexities of family and forgiveness.
“ Wake began as a project during my fourth year at York University's Theatre program. I've always respected writers that could create a real history between their characters, and I think there's no history stronger than that of a family…macIDeas, Exclamation Productions Inc and Fringe have been immensely supportive; their encouragement and guidance have brought the process to a new level. I've been incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity ” states Blair
Marc Lavine , founder of Exclamation, and Marcello Cabezas of macIDeas agree, “We are extremely supportive of this prize as it addresses the primary need to assist and empower emerging playwrights – simply, the opportunity to get their play on stage and be seen by the public. ”
easily across time as family relationships are laid bare.
The characters are strongly drawn, flavorful and well acted, the writing fluent,
even lyrical...remember the name Rachel Blair"
- The Toronto Star
( FULL REVIEW )
... the most polished work I've seen so far at this year's Toronto Fringe Festival....
As quiet, young Shane, Frank Cox O'Connell rivets with his sad eyes;
he is supported by solid performances from Christian Bellsmith and Derek Moran."
- The Globe and Mail
( FULL REVIEW )
***** (5 stars) - Eye Weekly
( FULL REVIEW )
"My wife and I are avid Fringers...Today we saw Wake and thought it was incredible. The acting was superb and the dialog completely true to life...We rate it 5 Stars. Thanks for a remarkable piece of drama that hit many deep chords within both of us." -M.M
"I just wanted to share how moved I was by the performance of Wake this afternoon. It was such a beautiful show, and so well acted." - L.V