This show surprised me with how engaging it was. Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, this is a show worth checking out for its great performances, humour, and surprisingly well-done story.
Should you see it?
The Tragicall Historie of Nick Wade (And Other Fuck Ups) chronicles a local heavy metal band in the late 1990s that makes it big when they add a drifter, the titular Nick Wade, to their line-up as the lead singer. What this play did so well was it made me care about its characters, the band “Nick Wade and the Other Fuck Ups.” It got to the point that I was really invested in the band’s rise and even more so in its fall. The drama between the band and the violent acts that happen at their shows suck you right in. This is helped by the occasional interviews with the band, which give the show a documentary-like feeling. The performances here are top notch, and it’s clear the cast has some great chemistry with each other. There’s also some great humour to contrast with the more serious moments.
This is another show that uses its venue superbly. The T.A.N. Cafe is smaller than some of the other locations, but setting up the audience around the stage with a path leading to a seat on the floor gave it an in your face feeling. It’s great to see a show be inventive like this, and even better that it works so well.
In the end, I give this a solid recommendation. Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, check it out. Ear plugs are included!
But that’s just my opinion. Let me know yours in the comments below.
The Tragicall Historie of Nick Wade (And Other Fuck Ups) is running June 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th at the T.A.N. Cafe (BYOV H). For more information, visit our preview page.
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[...] :: Valerie’s Review (3) The Tragicall Historie of Nick Wade (and other fuck-ups) (w/ video):: Josh’s Review (4) The Vanity Project (w/ video) :: Matthew’s Review (2) :: Valerie’s Review (2) We Glow [...]