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Home Theatre Time to Put My Socks On
Time to Put My Socks On | Print |  E-mail
Written by Wayne Current   
Wednesday, 14 July 2010 14:13

Smashing Stereotypes' production of Still Waiting for That Special Bus was unquestionably a theatrical success. In fact, the show continues to tour nationally and internationally. Still Waiting for That Special Bus dealt with Marc's (a man with cerebral policy) frustration with the adapted transit service as he attempted to get to a dance bar to meet a girl (Linda) for a first date.

current_socks
Photo: Danny Cox
Time to Put My Socks On is the sequel to this play. It takes place a year later, and Marc is wrestling with whether or not to move in with his now girlfriend Linda. Alan Shain puts in an energetic performance as Marc. The script, however, at times slips into all too familiar comedic clichés of a man afraid of commitment who is behaving somewhat selfishly and taking his loving girlfriend for granted.

Co-writers Michele Decottignies and Alain Shain are concerned with political activism and, accordingly, this play is concerned with the themes of disability as well as the central relationship. During the course of the play, we learn of the battle Marc's parents faced getting him into a regular school, contradicting the advice of doctors because the parents recognized their son's academic potential (he would later earn a master's degree). Marc also has a complicated relationship with physiotherapy, which he underwent for 15 years. He is thankful for the improvements he has made but also at times resents the control of others and just wants to move his way. It is during these moments where the script shines.

Marc's entire conflict with Linda, however, seems a little forced. Given what we know of Linda both from this play and Still Waiting for That Special Bus, it seems unlikely that she would be as insensitive to Marc's concerns as she is portrayed in this production.

I really liked the use of video in the piece, and the opening video montage is touching and funny and effective. The Sex Pistols also provide the soundtrack, which is energetic and fun.

Time to Put My Socks On is certainly worth seeing; the performance I attended was nearly sold out.

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Author of this article: Wayne Current

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