Exes make unlikely improv partners in Fringe’s ‘Too Much Information Improvised’

Too Much Information Improvised

Created and performed by Steph Haller and Paddy MacDonald. Directed by Hana Holubec. Until July 17 at Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave., fringetoronto.com and 416-966-1062.

Ex-romantic partners aren’t often known for making especially harmonious theatre.

But in “Too Much Information Improvised,” real-life exes Steph Haller and Paddy MacDonald do just that. Recounting the intricacies of their past relationship, Haller and MacDonald improvise their way through scene after scene, playing everything from scorned lovers on the TTC to unwitting partners at a sex class. Most of the show is improvised, using prompts from the audience to crate hilarity onstage, and MacDonald occasionally pulls out an acoustic guitar for some lovely live music.

Haller and MacDonald are natural improv partners, even if their romantic relationship never panned out the way they might have hoped. As it happens, they’re both married now, and their spouses don’t necessarily love “Too Much Information Improvised.” Not because it’s bringing Haller and MacDonald back together, but because they’re not big fans of improv. That line brought the house down at the Saturday night performance, solidifying “Too Much Information Improvised” as a standout example of comedy which doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is precise enough to create well-timed magic.

To view the list of the Star’s top picks from the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival, click here.

Tickets: fringetoronto.com

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