On the Fringe

In some parts of the world, ‘fringe’ is another word for bangs. In others (like our part), it refers to something or someone on the edge, perhaps an extreme political concept or someone who has less than impeccable manners.

Don’t let that scare you when we tell you that the Toronto Fringe Festival has a great line up of plays for you to take your kids to this summer. After all, we live in Toronto the good…how fringe can we get?

What makes these plays fab and on the fringe is that they are just a little bit more interesting than the usual take on some traditional fairytales. Take Cinderlad, presented by upsidedown frown productions for example. It’s a modern fairytale about a boy named Cinderlad and how he saved the kingdom. Cinderlad gets picked on by his older brothers and made to do the worst chores in the house by his father. Sound vaguely familiar?

We’re lining up for the Fart Factory, presented by Taylor Made The Story So Far Productions, because we suspect that kind of clever wit will suit our nine and ten year old boys just perfectly. But if your kids are a bit younger, more civilized and perhaps a tad more feminine, something like the Pied Piper, presented by Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, or Three Magic Wishes, presented by Cow Over Moon children’s theatre, might be more your style.

All of the plays take place at the Palmerston Library which is located in the Annex on Palmerston Ave (two blocks west of Bathurst at Palmerston, just north of Bloor). Parking is not an easy feat around there so plan to arrive early and park in the green P lot at the corner of Bloor and Markham (it’s right across from the library) or take the TTC to Bathurst Station. 

If you need a little refreshment before or after the show, may we suggest the latest addition to the Annex in fresh, all-natural, family-friendly food? Aptly called Wild Thing, it’s an ‘Espresso Bar & Organic Gelato & More’ resto which means it sells all-natural sandwiches, coffee and gelato. We like it because the food is delicious and they welcome children with open arms. It’s just a short walk south of Bloor at Harbord and Borden so the kids can burn off some energy after sitting through the show.

Now you can cross off ‘Do something cultural this summer’ from your list. You really are such a good mom.

The Fringe Festival runs from July 2–13 and tickets go on sale through the website this Friday, June 20. Tickets will also be on sale at the door but be sure to arrive early.

Toronto Fringe Festival
www.fringetoronto.com
Palmerston Library
560 Palmerston Ave

Wild Thing
www.thewildthing.ca
169 Harbord St

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