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Cirque du Fringe
Edmonton, AB.
SWF … obo (****)
Mona is a woman over 30 who's still single on the prowl for Mr. Right. Does this sound like every one-woman show out there? Okay, thematically it probably does, but Ruth Baines incorporates modern dance into this show in a radical move that actually pays off. Baines quite literally sparkles as a lingerie- flaunting single gal complete with tiara. Her wit is quick, her observations are shrewd and eventually - or is it inevitably? - her bra comes off.
EDMONTON JOURNAL
SWF... obo
Stage 9 (Walterdale)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2000
She's the absolute queen of the three-week relationship, our Mona, but her engagement with the Fringe lasts but barely a week.
You have to suspect things will end badly.
Vancouver's Ruth Baines may be the hardest working woman in solo show biz. For much of 45-minute set, Baines-as-Mona holds forth, with bitter comic passion, on the foibles of Single
Ruth Baines in SWF ... obo.
White Female-dom and the related failings of almost every man she's ever met. For the remainder of the time, she's fling herself about the stage, arms akimbo, or rolling around theatrically on the floor.
All this while wearing a tiara and transparent chiffon robe.
It's as if her body has been seized by the ghost of Isadora Duncan, another noted SWF. At least Im pretty sure that's the desired effect.
VUE WEEKLY - AUGUST 24 - AUGUST 30, 2000
SWF... obo (stage 9) Ruth Baines's one woman show is an odd little "comediography" that splices modem dance in between the funny bits. It's an entirely original approach, however quirky. Mona ruminates on being over 30, single and on so-called biological time clocks. It's no surprise for us to learn that she doesn't think she's a social pariah, just a typical woman dealing with "overrated, complicated co-dependency." Baines is gleeful and engaging as Mona as she ponders the essence of Mr. Right. The man bashing is always gentle - although a smidge stereotypical - with a good number of comic truths and wry observations. - DM