Review: Funny Business

Before premiering as part of the 2007 Toronto Fringe Festival, Funny Business - The Musical underwent a unique development process: employees of several of Canada's largest corporations were interviewed, invited to presentations, and attended focus groups which helped the authors determine what was working, and more importantly to what wasn't.

Rachel Brittain and Daniel Faulk came up with the book. The story presents Stuart, the manager for regional office of a large multinational company, who has been told to do something about flagging team morale. His solution is to stage a talent show. We witness the disastrous dress rehearsal followed by a sudden change in plans, as one member of team has to be voted out.

This show weaves in fifteen clever little songs written by Daniel Abrahmson, and deftly staged by Marc Richards. Tour the World in Toronto could easily be taken up by Toronto tourism board, and "You Can't Fire Me, I Quit" could replace "Take this Job and Shove It" as the ultimate job quitting song.

The talented cast offers five sharply drawn characterizations. You'll recognize these people: every office has at least some of them. And the shock of recognition makes these performances that much funnier.

Trevor Campbell comes off best as the nerdy office intern, good with computers but not so hot at forging business and personal relationships.  He is paired with the fantastic Lana Carillo as Brie, the office receptionist who wants to help solve everyone else's problems.

Allison Woolridge is the domineering marketing manager, paired off with Chris Trussell as the hotshot sales guy who has been slipping lately. Her toughness and his cockiness make them perfect foils.

At the centre of the storm is J. Sean Eliot – the manager who just can't seem to manage. We've all run into this type before: Their "we're-all-in-this-together" attitude quickly becomes annoying and it is to Sean's credit that he makes the character endearing.

The whole show is packed with so many gags that for every one that fails to land there are a half dozen more. It's rare care where material, which might have inspired a short sketch, is developed successfully into a full-length show. This production is dream come true for the creators and cast. They have successfully navigated a small musical through workshops to the Fringe Festival and now finally a deservedly successful commercial run.

FUNNY BUSINESS – THE MUSICAL is at the Diesel Playhouse, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8 PM with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets are $34.50 (with special "office" rates for groups of 10 or more) and available by calling (416) 971-5656.