The Tale of a Town – Queen West

Reviewed by Paula Citron

The Tale of a Town – Queen West
Theatre Passe Muraille/FIXT POINT
Created by Lisa Marie DiLiberto (with the artistic team)
Directed by Varrick Grimes
Featuring Lisa Marie DiLiberto (with musicians Treasa Levasseur and Adam Paolozza)
Sept. 14 to Oct. 9, 2011

Lisa Marie DiLiberto’s solo show, The Tale of a Town, is a play that both celebrates and mourns Queen St. West.

The action begins at Theatre Passe Muraille. DiLiberto is a condo saleswoman. The audience is potential buyers. After a walking tour, where DiLiberto points out various places where significant Queen St. West events happened, you arrive at a secret “loft” location.

The talented and passionate DiLiberto transforms herself into Jane, a long time resident of Queen West, who runs a dress shop. Through her biography, she takes us through the history of Queen west, from punk and funk, to gentrification.

The loft is divided into playing areas. There are also wonderful slides and videos accompanying the text, plus music by Treasa Levasseur and Adam Paolozza.

This delightful play, directed by Varrick Grimes, is a cautionary tale. The artists of Queen St. West are in danger from developers.

The Tale of a Town – Queen West continues at a secret location until Oct. 9.