Review: AM I PRETTY NOW at the Toronto Fringe Festival Brings Humour and Charm to the Topic of Plastic Surgery

The Toronto Fringe Festival is in full swing and last night, this reviewer had the pleasure to take in a fun and touching production at the Al Green Theatre. AM I PRETTY NOW: A MUSICAL ROMP THROUGH PLASTIC SURGERY written and performed by Stephanie Herrera is described as "the first plastic surgery musical". It is poignant and funny, and relatable-even to those who have not gone under the knife. The best comedy comes from a place of vulnerability, and Herrera does this beautifully with this autobiographical story.

Directed by Conrad Coates, AM I PRETTY NOW is Herrera's exploration of how a person comes to the decision to go under the knife. She takes the audience through pivotal life moments-not all big moments...but all impressionable ones. Her imitations of family members and others who have influenced her along the way are fantastic. She is very insightful into herself and what has always made her tick (spoiler alert, it's the spotlight). Her description of making that horrific discovery as a child that perhaps the world does not in fact revolve around you, is charming and funny and, dare I say incredibly relatable?! Perhaps the best impression Herrera does is that of her "spirit animal" Liza Minelli. Liza pops up a few times throughout the production, and she is a treat!

In the program liner notes, Herrera explains that this show started out as a cabaret and has evolved into the long form piece of theatre that it is today. Like with a cabaret, not all of the music in this production is original. Sometimes Herrerra will perform a pre-existing number, and others she will change the lyrics to a familiar tune. The song choices are clever and effective each time. One such example is when she sings about all the perceived imperfections of her body (and how her body has changed post-babies) to the tune of "My Funny Valentine". The actual lyrics of that song are abouT Loving someone just the way they are, for all of their quirks. Meanwhile, Herrerra uses the tune to sing about starting to hate herself because of said 'quirks. Very clever. Plus, the song is hilarious!

Joining Herrerra on stage, is pianist Donald Guinn, who occasionally reacts to or interacts with Herrerra. The two make a great team on stage and in their moments of interaction, they play off of each other well.

This is that rare production that does not take itself too seriously, but has a very meaningful message behind it. It also skillfully never becomes sentimental. The experiences and emotions shared feel very raw and real. This brings further authenticity to the humour derived from said experiences.

With a great performance, unique subject matter, and a lot of laughs, this is surely one to add to your Fringe Festival list!

AM I PRETTY NOW: A MUSICAL ROMP THOUGH PLASTIC SURGERY continues throughout the Fringe Festival at the Al Green Theatre. Dates and times of performances can be found at www.amiprettynow.com

Location: Al Green Theatre 750 Spadina Ave Toronto

7th July	1:15pm
8th July	8:45pm
9th July	10:15pm
10th July	6:45pm
12th July	7:00pm
13th July	3:30pm
15th July	9:45pm

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