RUBY ROCKET RETURNS - VAN FRINGE 2018

Ruby Rocket Returns! was surprisingly well polished for a different-supporting-cast-every-night improvised detective noir comedy show. Not only was it technically impressive, but Stacey Hallal even managed to shoehorn in some beautifully atmospheric narrative while she was acting by the seat of her pants.

I'm not always a fan of improvised comedy, it typically gets too sloppy for me if the performers aren't attentive enough to details or committed enough to their characters, but overall I was impressed with this production. The ensemble weren't always on the same page, but they did manage to tie in some impressive internal references and call-back jokes, even if the placement of a wall did conveniently move occasionally.

The strongest performer in a well-rounded cast, Stacey Hallal's performance was everything I love about the detective noir genre. I'll be watching out for her in future productions.

Ruby Rocket Returns! is playing at the Waterfront Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival.

~ reviewed by Danielle Benzon