Toronto Fringe Review: Escape From Toronto

Ever wanted to see an action movie as a play? Look no further than Escape From Toronto. Tamlynn Bryson and Rod Peter Jr put on an action-packed, campy, rollercoaster ride of a show, based on the classic film Escape From New York. 

In a future far, far away (1997), the entirety of Toronto has become a high security prison. Snake Plisskin (played by Tamlynn Bryson) is tasked with retrieving an important black box from the main villain Karen (puppeted by Rod Peter Jr) and saving the world. Rod also plays all of the other characters, including Steve Buscemi Guy.

Having never seen the original film, I was a little worried the show wouldn’t click with me, but it really won me over by the end. Tamlynn and Rod do a fantastic job of adapting action movie to stage, using a combination of physical comedy and an overhead projector to illustrate the action scenes. The transitions between on-stage action and projector action are surprisingly smooth. 

Rod plays an excellent straight man to Snake’s over the top action hero persona. I especially love the contrast when he puppets Karen and also has his own reactions to the scenes (there may be an extensive sex scene during which Rod looks very uncomfortable with his hand still inside the puppet).

While critiquing some of the more problematic elements of classic action movies, it is clear that the performers hold a great deal of love for the genre. They do an amazing job capturing the essence and vibe of an action movie on stage, and paying comedic tribute to action movie tropes. The show is extremely fun and funny, even for someone who doesn’t watch many action movies.

This has been my review titled “How Many Times Can I Say the Word Action in Under 300 Words?” (Answer: 12).

Escape From Toronto is on now until July 14 at the Toronto Fringe. Show times and tickets.