One of the main highlights of a new year here at the University of Waterloo is none other than the annual FASS production which takes place every February. Sure enough, this year was no different. On Feb. 5, the Faculty, Alumni, Staff, and Students, (FASS) Theater Company brought to life their newest instalment, called <em>Fass Fables: Tales from Mother Geese</em>. It was staged at the Humanities Theater in Hagey Hall, directed by Rami Finkelstein.</p>
This year’s theme was fairy tales. The play followed several parallel storylines, each intersecting with this fantasy theme. The plot employed the use of many classic fairy tales we have all grown up listening to. From the story of Cinderella to Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, all of these fairy tales were brought to life on the stage with a twist. As per tradition, FASS used the shenanigans of the UW campus as the set for its fantastical plot. And like always, the play was hilarious utill the very end.
A comedy-turned-musical, Tales from Mother Geese had nine parody numbers. For one, the opening number “Let it Fass,” inspired by none other than the overrated “Let it Go,” was refreshingly different even though it admittedly seemed like a ploy for shameless self-promotion. The cast members then presented One Direction’s and Taylor Swift’s timeless masterpieces in a completely new (and better, methinks) light. The all-time favorite “Happy” by Pharell became “Fassie,” the closing number. However, what had to be the highlight was the epic rap battle based on the skit “TAs are Evil,” when the plight of wicked TAs and long-suffering students came to life. The music exceeded the expectations of last year, where the parody of “What does the Fox Say” was a huge success and it seemed like FASS had already reached its moment of glory.
The comical skits themselves had the audience roaring with mirth. An audience favorite was “Cinderella and the Evil Step-Housemates” and “The Wild Goose Chase,” which were so funny that you really had to hold onto your seat to prevent falling off from laughter. In the last scene, “Convocation: the End of Another Story” made the audience very sentimental because it showed that one day, our journey here at the University of Waterloo will come to an end and that is a ghastly prospect. I could see some fourth years in the audience getting a little teary-eyed as they anticipated their own convocation coming in spring with mixed emotions. According to UW drama student Sidney McMahon, this year’s episodic narrative was a huge success compared with last year’s more linear narrative.
All in all, the play, as per its tradition since 1962, was a huge hit, and even moreso because it was all set up and organized in just three weeks by amateur actors.
