Hometown paper finds us out

Technically, our hometown as a company is Walla Walla. We've spent a total of maybe 36 hours there on this entire tour, though, so we didn't think to alert the the UB to what we were doing. So they found us - read the full article here.

On the Sly in the Washington Post

Peter Marks, theatre reviewer for The Washington Post, saw our opening show. Here's what he had to say.

"A troupe from Walla Walla, Wash., called Formerly Witty Productions has more success [than previously mentioned shows] with "On the Sly," a genial modern adaptation at the Warehouse of "The Taming of the Shrew." You're not likely to think the actors have arrived from anywhere but their college dorms. Yet they radiate the pleasurable aura of let's-put-on-a-show that's so right for Fringe."

I'll have you know that all of us have lived off campus, thank you very much.

There are 6 other shows in the review; read about them here.

4-star (Baldacchino?) reivew from dctheatrescene.com

Steven McKnight of dctheatrescene.com says:

"This is an amusing play that provides an interesting twist on the story of The Taming of the Shrew. If you enjoy classic farce, On the Sly is a charming and polished little jewel."

also

"Alas, all of the mirth and merriment concludes too soon. All I can reveal is that the play ends with a satisfied audience leaving the theatre with smiles on their faces."

full review can be found here.

Capital Fringe - the basic information

There have been questions about the Capital Fringe Festival - and here are some answers.

1.When and where are we performing?
On the Sly is at the Warehouse - Mainstage
1021 7th St. NW (Metro: Mt. Vernon Sq. or Gallery Place/Chinatown)
Saturday, July 12th, noon
Sunday, July 13th, 7:30PM
Saturday, July 19th, 5PM
Wednesday, July 23rd, 7PM
Sunday, July 27th, 4:30PM

2. How do I get tickets?
a: online - www.capitalfringe.com
b: by phone - 1.866.811.4111
c: at the fringe office - 607 NY Ave, NW
d: at the door, one hour before performance

We recommend you purchase in advance.

3. What else do I need?
You need to purchase a fringe button, available at the box office. They cost $5, and you can use the button for every show you see at the Capital Fringe. It even comes with discounts.

4. Is your show good?
Yes. Of course. Even the Ottawa Citizen says so.

This little piggy went all the way to Wakefield

We're in Wakefield QC, possibly the cutest town in Canada. Many thanks to those who watched the show last night, and I hope the whole lot of you (and there were a lot) go see a lot more. Or see us again - tonight at 7:45, at the Black Sheep Inn. We wouldn't object to that either.

A word from the press

So, maybe this is vaguely narcissistic to parade around, but I suppose there's no shame in sharing. The following review is from Paul Gessell and Patrick Langston of the Ottawa Citizen:

"Sly Work a Laugh-Fest

Imagine a cast of actors who seem to have just escaped from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and then find themselves trying to perform a totally slapstick version of The Taming of the Shrew. The result is On The Sly by Formerly Witty Productions of Walla Walla, Washington. The plot is totally ridiculous. But don't be put off. On The Sly is like a misbehaving but lovable child.

The play opens as a drunk man accidentally wanders into the home of a rich, eccentric lady. She decides to have some fun with the uninvited guest and soon manipulates him into starring, alongside a wandering troupe of actors, in a wicked re-imagining of The Taming of the Shrew. The six actors have more energy than a room full of two-year-olds. Their actions are totally juvenile and downright silly. But only a mean old sourpuss could watch this little comedy and not die laughing.

On The Sly continues at Alumni Auditorium until Sunday."

The original column can be found here.

Oh, Canada!

We made it! After about 50 hours in the car (don't worry, we stopped to sleep...twice) and a quick interview with the Canadian Immigration Authority, we're in Ottawa.

We had our first performance last night, but there are 5 more left to catch - and 2 after that in lovely Wakefield, Quebec at the Piggyback Fringe. Here's how to find us:

1. Look around - there are 8 of us, so if you're near the Fringe center, chances are you'll run into one of us. We might even give you a flier. Ok, you can have a flier. We like you.

2. Buy a ticket (a much better option, we would like to point out) . Tickets are available at the door of the venue: Venue 1 - Alumni Auditorium, and cost $10. Performances are June 21st at 8, 22nd at 7:30, 26th at 11PM, 28th at 7:30, and 29th at 2:30.

3. Come to Wakefield. It's only half an hour from Ottawa, and I hear it's beautiful. We won't find out until Sunday, but every Canadian I've met said it's lovely, and Canadians would never lie. Performances are Sunday, June 29th at 8:30 and Monday the 30th at 7:45. Tickets also $10, and available at our venue - the Black Sheep.

Want more info - check the websites: Ottawa and Piggyback