Canadians love science fiction, and we also love comedy. Sometimes the two converge. What happens when TV meets comedy on a Toronto stage? Battleawesome Awesomestar, a sketch/improv show very loosely rooted in the first season of Battlestar Galactica. Sub-zero temperatures couldn’t stop a sold-out crowd from converging on Bad Dog Theatre for the return engagement, and I was one of the lucky ones to score a ticket!
In case you haven’t seen it yet, or aren’t sure what it’s about, here’s how it all unfolds, without giving too much away. As the audience files into the theatre, a “Gaius Baltar” is randomly selected and brought in ahead of the rest. The show began with the cast standing on stage, each holding an envelope, one of which determined who the Cylon will be. It’s never the same show twice. An object suggested by the audience becomes integral to the story. In this evening’s show, balls became the item that the Cylons have stolen from the fleet, causing everything from DRADIS malfunctioning, to Colonel Tigh having to find other ways to drink his libations, besides a “highball”.
The entire cast was fantastic, but the one that really stood out in my mind was Marcel St. Pierre as Tigh – he had the voice and the mannerisms down! Here are just some of the highlights of this evening’s performance: Starbuck talking about “painting circles”, and referring to her art supplies; Roslin asking if Baltar’s on drugs, muttering “kamala” under her breath, when Six keeps making him move erratically; Billy being practically invisible; and references to the 1980s Canadian kids program You Can’t Do That on Television. Who knew so much hilarity could be inspired by such a dark series like BSG?
I have to say, this is a must-see for any Battlestar Galactica fan, and next Saturday, January 31st, is your last chance. If you’re going to be anywhere near Toronto, be sure to reserve your tickets HERE. So say we all!
The Televixen 