This evening I attended the opening night of Tranny:  A Musical Comedy.  I immediately found the title somewhat offensive and held little hope for the show in its entirety.  Despite being a Trans* woman reviewer, I couldn’t quite comprehend how an offensively titled “musical comedy” about one Tran* woman’s  professional transitions as an entertainer was going to enlighten and brighten my day, and fill my heart with laughter and love.  However, I have to give the lady credit, as she opened by explaining the title adequately to allay my concerns (and those of any reasonable person), before proceeding to a discussion of Bills C36 (new prostitution law) and C279 (Protection of Trans* Human Rights), in contrasting characters of Serious Amanda  and silly “Mandy Goodhandy”.

Unfortunately, a technical issue did delay and slightly impede the opening, and perhaps caused or exacerbated some opening night jitters, which seemed to stick around only briefly.  Amanda/Mandy/Ms. Taylor used the technical problem as another quick one-liner with a few references back thereto.  It takes a pro to work around a technical mishap and not fall apart.  Once Ms. Taylor got going with her material, she was truly entertaining.  She presented humourous scenarios and characters to explain the plights of some Trans* women, while doing so in a relatable manner for me, as a Trans* woman.  The cisgender male seated next to me nearly spit his beer into the back of a woman’s head, while I actually doubled over laughing, the bartender led a round of applause and a drag queen friend behind me called out a series of “Amens”.

Another thing you should prepare for when you go to see “Tranny: A Musical Comedy” – she breaks the fourth wall a lot, which is the imaginary one between the audience and stage.  She has no compunction of carrying on a quick side chat with an audience member, or directing commentary specifically to those she believes can take it. Another thing you should prepare for when you go to see “Tranny: A Musical Comedy” – she breaks the fourth wall (a lot) (the fourth wall is the imaginary one between the audience and stage).  Also answers are welcome, and even expected.  She certainly pinpointed me with a question or two.  Please approach this aspect of the show with open arms – it truly can be some of the best ad lib which may ever grace that stage.

One point on which you must be very clear, this is NOT a story of the transition of a man to a woman, this is the story of the transitions of a person through life.  And the stories and anecdotes are well worth the investment of time and a $20.00 ticket.  And, BONUS, since Mandy/Amanda/Ms. Taylor owns 120 Diner at 120 Church St., the back of your program comes complete with a discount coupon – buy one meal, get the 2nd FREE.  And, it’s good to the end of June….  Really, how can you go wrong?  (side note:  only order the tuna roll if you like hot and spicy!!)

Finally, I will say that, beyond the fact that I did enjoy the show on the whole, I was also impressed by Mandy Goodhandy’s vocals in a couple of songs to which you should pay close attention.  Prepared to enjoy yourself, and maybe gain a little education just as an extra little bonus.

March 26,27,28 @8:00 p.m.– Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., Toronto

https://tickets.buddiesinbadtimes.com/TheatreManager/1/login&event=304

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