ALGONQUIN HIGHWAY Comes to Toronto Fringe

When cars and friendships break down, sometimes it takes an Algonquin Highway to set the fix. 2 childhood friends separated by 5 years apart and numerous life-changing events + 1 flat tire, a mess of expectations and a whole lot of resentment...What will they talk about?

In late 2015, Algonquin Highway began as an improv writing exercise, inspired by an original painting of the same name by Peterborough artist Paul Nabuurs. Like any good road story, it began with: "Are we there yet?" Five months later, the first draft was presented at Script Club, a development workshop of Mysterious Entity, Peterborough's feminist theatre company.

Smith Purdy and Haley Vincent are up-and-coming Toronto actors who have thrown themselves into these roles, adding their insights and experiences to each revision.

Originally from Canada's east coast, Smith Purdy is a Mi'Kmaq Métis from Kespu'kwitk district. They last appeared in the Toronto Fringe as Xander in the musical Once More With Feeling. They are a great walker of trails and roads, and has a keen interest in devised theatre. As a member of Spider Clan Smith feels a responsibility to strengthen the "web" of our communities.

A Metis transplant from the great plains of Winnipeg to the "6ix", this is Haley Vincent's first Toronto Fringe performance. She cites horseback riding and head stands as special skills, and is known to be a killer whistler.

Playwright and director, Wyatt Lamoureux has been working to mount one of his plays in Toronto for many years. He keenly feels the privilege inherent in working on this piece and the debt owed to all those disparate people who have shared their stories with him through the years. Last year Wyatt took a huge scary leap in life and left community service work after 15 years to focus on his art and craft of being an actor and playwright full-time - rewards have been plenty (Look for his play Tango At Eight, July 21-23 at the Newmarket New Play Festival)

Algonquin Highway provides its share of thrills and danger, so the Production Company hired stage combat director Erick Fournier to provide safety and realism for actors and audience during fight scenes.

A comic-drama about the power of real friendships, told with passion, action and humour, Algonquin Highway winds its way through emotional twists and turns that will have you guessing at the next revelation and leave you wanting more of the characters, Alex and Nic.

17 Syllables Theatre Company

In association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents

Algonquin Highway

Written and directed by Wyatt Lamoureux

Featuring: Haley Vincent and Smith Purdy

Stage Managed by Eryn Lidster

Set design by Ian Burns

Lighting design by Wyatt Lamoureux, Eryn Lidster with Ryan Kerr

Sound design by Eryn Lidster

The Al Green Theatre, at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre

750 Spadina Road, Toronto (SW corner of Spadina and Bloor)

Performances run:

July 5, 6:30pm July 7, 8:15pm July 8, 1:45pm

July 10, 10:15pm July 12, 5:15pm July 14, 12:30pm

July 16, 1:45pm

Please note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating.

Tickets go on sale June 8.

Purchase online: fringetoronto.com

By Phone: 416-966-1062

In Person: During the festival at our main box office at the Fringe Club at Scadding Court - 707 Dundas Street West. Or at the venue one hour before show start.

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