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When reading the synopsis for Mona Rita I wasn’t sure what to expect. The tale of two friends at a crossroads and whether or not their friendship will last. What Mona Rita turned out to be was the most enjoyable experience I have had at a Fringe show in a very long time.

Every piece of the show was rather simple but stunning in execution. On a superficial level, the set itself was simple and telling of the characters involved. It was a nondescript place friends Mona and Rita would meet to chat and share with each other. The costumes they wore helped you to understand the core of each of the characters as well as see where their insecurities lie.

The script was also simple in language but beautiful in action. You never discover why these women became friends or why they stay friends, but you realize that they need each other early on. The conversations they share are natural, the kind any two women have or wish they could have with their friends. They are honest, visceral, poignant, sad and funny. It makes me think about the relationships I have with my girlfriends and why we talk as we do.

Actors Sara Tilley as Mona and Ruth Lawrence as Rita are flawless. Their natural ability and movement on stage is a breath of fresh air. Sherry White’s direction makes the two ladies seem in sync while being torn apart. A very special and hilarious cameo by stage manager Mark White almost steals the show and is not to be missed.

Go see this dark comedy about two real women dealing with love, motherhood, self-acceptance and changing the world one cigarette butt at a time. Support this team of talented people coming to us from Newfoundland. As long as you are in the mood for a simple show about two lovely women portrayed by amazingly talented actresses you will not be disappointed.

5/5

By Stephanie Yantsis

MONARITA
by Shannon Bramer
directed by Sherry White
featuring Sara Tilley and Ruth Lawrence with Mark White

“How do you know if someone loves you?”

MONARITA is the hilariously surreal story of two close friends at a crossroads. Soon after Mona becomes a mother she finds she has lost herself—now one of the greatest friendships of her life is in danger of being lost as well, when her best friend Rita tries to break it off and make a new life without her. Will Mona let Rita go? Can Rita exist without Mona? Isn’t love supposed to last forever?

This is a tour of the premiere production of the first play by Hamilton-raised, Toronto-based poet, Shannon Bramer, presented by White Rooster Theatre and She Said Yes!, St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. See below for information on our tour dates in Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg!

Toronto FRINGE

Bathurst St. Theatre (just below Bloor)

Fri July 8, 5:15 pm

Sat July 9, 7:30 pm

Tue July 12, 9:00 pm

Wed July 13, Noon

Thu July 14, 11:00 pm

Sat July 16, 5:45 pm

Sun July 17, 1:45 pm

Ticket Information for the Toronto Fringe:

On-Line:

June 15th – July 17th

1. For online sales go to www.fringetoronto.com

2. Payment options: Visa and Mastercard

By Phone:

June 15th – July 17th, 10am – 6pm

1. Call (416) 966-1062

2. Payment options: Visa and Mastercard

In Person:

July 6th – 17th, 12pm – 8pm

1. ***NEW THIS YEAR: our new Box Office Tent will be located in the parking lot behind Honest Ed’s (34 Lennox Ave.)

2. Payment options: Cash, Visa, and Mastercard

Hamilton FRINGE

Downtown Arts Centre

28 Rebecca St.

Mon July 18, 9:00 pm

Tue July 19, 7:30 pm

Wed July 20, 5:30 pm

Thu July 21, 10:00 pm

Fri July 22, 8:00 pm

Sat July 23, 4:00 pm

Sun July 24 10:00 pm

Ticket information for the Hamilton Fringe:

Advance tickets available only via the Fringe website www.hamiltonfringe.ca, starting
July 6th. Otherwise, all tickets are available at the individual venue box
office 1 hour prior to show time.

Femfest, Winnipeg:

Sunday, September 18 @ 9:00 PM
Tuesday, September 20 @ 7:00 PM

Tickets: $10

We accept reservations by e-mail and by phone. Simply send us the number of tickets, name under which tickets should be held, date and performance title to info@sarasvati.ca at least 24 hours before show time. A confirmation e-mail will be sent as long as the reservation is at least 24 hours in advance. Or call 586-2236. All reserved tickets must be picked up at least 15 minutes before show time. Tickets will be held at the door and can be paid for in cash upon arrival for the performance. Payment is cash only.

MONARITA
by Shannon Bramer
directed by Sherry White
featuring Sara Tilley and Ruth Lawrence with Mark White

June 2-4th, Rabbittown Theatre, 8 pm
Preview June 1st at 8 pm
Tickets $20, $15 for students and special coupon holders (bring coupon with you to theatre) with a Pay Whay You Can matinee on June 4th at 2 pm.

For tickets call 739-8220 or buy online rabbittowntheatre.com

“How do you know if someone loves you?”

MONARITA is the hilariously surreal story of two close friends at a crossroads. Soon after Mona becomes a mother she finds she has lost herself—now one of the greatest friendships of her life is in danger of being lost as well, when her best friend Rita tries to break it off and make a new life without her. Will Mona let Rita go? Can Rita exist without Mona? Isn’t love supposed to last forever?

Come see the show before we hit the road for Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg!

Presented by White Rooster Theatre and She Said Yes!

http://www.cbc.ca/wam/episodes/2011/05/08/lawrence-jackson-writers-award—sara-tilley/

http://nlac.nf.ca/awards/jackson.htm

Wednesday March 9, 7 pm – Dawson Library, Dawson City. Free, refreshments will be served.

Wednesday March 30, time TBA – Whitehorse Public Library, Whitehorse. Free.

I will have copies of Skin Room for sale at each location, $20 a copy. Hope you can make it!