By Vanessa Broadbent (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: October 15, 2014
The Abbotsford Arts Centre was full of singing, feet-stomping, and laughter at Fraser Valley Stage’s Return of the Half Monty. This was the third spin-off Fraser Valley Stage has produced of its original comedy show, The Half Monty.
The night featured various comedy and musical acts in the style of Monty Python and Saturday Night Live. With a live band playing familiar Irish and Scottish tunes that allowed for plenty of audience participation, the show became less of a theatre performance and more of an interactive pub night.
There were hilarious parodies of well-known songs, like “Things You Shouldn’t Say to Your Wife” rather than Green Day’s “Time of Your Life,” and a new spin on “Cups.” “Don’t Stop Believing” was covered, among other sing-along songs, with free drinks going to the most enthusiastic table.
The comedy met every expectation. Although it tended to get a bit dry or off-colour at times, the humour was non-stop from 8 to 10 p.m. There were plenty of sketches making fun of the Scottish (one of which was titled “If It’s Not Scottish, It’s Crap”), and a couple jabs at their recent attempt to gain independence from the UK. The Irish, English, and Americans were also featured in the comedy. Canadians took most of the brunt by far, with no lack of Newfoundland accents or poutine jokes. The Canadian perspective on war, border crossings and — of course — Surrey was roasted with relish.
One of the highlights of the night was a tribute to Robin Williams, as well as the return of Fraser Valley Stage’s popular sketch “Interesting People.” The sketch featured eight singing characters which played off of each other; incidentally, there was some twerking involved.
The production is not one to miss, and runs until October 18. A special performance runs on October 15, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Abbotsford Arts Council.
