VERNUS SAYS SURPRISE
Emanate Productions · Ottawa, Canada
by Ken Godmere
Clown, Comedy, Drama, Mime
In our busy, noisy world, sometimes it is the quietest characters who share the most. Vernus is an 89-year-old man who never gets the chance to speak. Today, he is determined to find the perfect gift for his granddaughter – even if he has a little trouble getting there.
see review
http://capitalcriticscircle.com/ottawa_fringe_2012/vernon_says_surprise/admin
And in French: theatredublog.unblog.fr
I was fortunate enough to see this show when it was just a scene in progress, work-shopped at the Bytown Tavern at an intermission during an Insensitivity Training improv show. It has come a long way, and developed into a detailed and well timed showcase for Ken Godmere’s strong comedic timing and transformative characterization. Vernus is on a quest to get is three-year-old granddaughter a birthday present, while overcoming everyday challenges as an elderly man in an impatient and often impolite society. Ken’s performances are nuanced, with a warm humour and authentic struggles. Godmere has taken on a large challenge in this mime-like piece following Vernus through everyday hurdles on his quest, and he has succeeded. A few of the obstacles were especially poignant and realistic, the bit with the voice-mail message and the computer as well as with the ATM vestibule were my favourites. This is most definately a show that will improve with time, as he tweaks the scenes based on feedback. Listen up for the vocal talents of many Ottawans including local improvists. Come early, because when I saw it the small venue sold out. Well worth the $10.
A sold out performance tonight. Excellent performance by Ken Godmere. This play should definitely be on your “must see” list.
I saw this play when it was at the London Fringe 3 times. Ken Godmere has created a beautiful and enduring character. The level skill to pull off this performance is alone worth the price of admission. On top of that you get a view of the world from a man who is still gentle and kind, if not a bit confused. This is one of the best Fringe Shows I have ever seen (over 10 years of Fringing). Go See this play.
This is one of the best, if not the best, comedic shows that I’ve experienced at the Ottawa Fringe Festival this year. Every single seat in the studio was filled and the entire audience (including me) laughed and cheered throughout the whole performance.
While I kept seeing Vernus as an old version of Mr. Bean, the entire production in itself had this incredible way of expressing whats happening using the bare minimum amount of props. I had an impossible time trying to catch any faults in the way that everything was mimed. All the environmental details and their “effects” were there and they was all perfectly in sync.
I found the story to be smart, dramatic and heartwarming. Its delivery was well-paced, well-timed and just plain hilarious. The entire show had a way to get the audience (including me) to sympathize with Vernus, and to root for his success, on getting his granddaughter a perfect gift. Overall, this is a perfect show to see at the Ottawa Fringe Festival and is definitely worth the $10 price.