Live Review: Game of Crohn's by Dan Rosen

Dan Rosen performing the "Pain Train" excerpt from Game of Crohn's at Comedy Bar in 2019.

Dan Rosen is the epitome of “too much information” - and that is said with total affection. 

Brutally honest and completely endearing, Rosen’s one-person comedy Game of Crohn’s shines a light on the medical complications and personal challenges of living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that, while more common than the general public may realize, is often not discussed. 

Of the many strengths of this production is Rosen’s writing, particularly his balance of sharing the medical information about the condition with his own personal experiences. The honest reflection about how the Crohn’s impacted his upbringing, his romantic life, and most interestingly, his relationship with his parents, is what prevents this work from simply being a recitation of a medical journal. Rather, the personal introspection gives way to a universal experience that the audience may share and reflect upon.

Another strength of the story is the overall simplicity of its presentation. Sparse set dressing and minimal sound and lighting allows for an occasional theatrical flourish, but overall the story is grounded by Rosen’s strong conviction and overall personable demeanour. While charmingly animated, Rosen’s performance is at its strongest not when his gesture indicates action, but rather when he explores stillness and invites the audience to share in his vulnerability. 

Rosen’s efforts as a producer should be commended, not just because this is the fourth presentation in its nation-wide production history, but because of Rosen’s work to ensure audience inclusivity. Game of Crohn’s is presented as a “relaxed” performance in Wychwood Theatre’s wheelchair accessible space so all audiences can experience the show in a comfortable environment. Mid-way through the story, Rosen also includes moments for the audience to stretch or move around as necessary. Game of Crohn’s is also collecting socks and underwear for Na-Me-Res, a Toronto-based organization helping Aboriginal men lead healthy, self-determined lives. 

As mentioned, the exploration about Rosen’s relationship with his parents is one of the strongest pieces of writing in the story. Raised by two doctors, Rosen shares how he has spent a majority of his life under a constant medical examination, and craves a sense of normalcy in his life. Upon the story’s conclusion of finally acquiescing to his parent’s advice, Rosen admits he wishes he had just listened to his parents in the first place. In a story riddled with embarrassment and absurdity, Rosen’s final epiphany is painfully normal.

Game of Crohn’s runs Oct 27 - 30, 2021 at Wychwood Theatre in Toronto.
Get your tickets here.