A Lesbian in a Bear Store

Willow Roots Productions—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Queer content and 90s nostalgia? I am the peak demographic for this show. Known in the Winnipeg comedy scene, Willow Rosenberg who wrote and performs this one person autobiographical tale benefits from incorporating audience participation and ad-libbing. This is where she truly shines and casts a slight spell over the audience with a cheeky wink and a punchy topical reference.

However, the convention of using Beanie Babies can tend to get muddled in the tales of collections and the embrace of loss as she reflects on maternal conversations she had and wanted to have with her mother. May her memory be a blessing.

Cluttered concepts and a plethora of large topics to uncover, this ambitious venture had several moments spent getting “back on track” with the script. Had the play been more stand-up inclined, while going through the Beanies, their names and the poems attached to them, that might have cast the nostalgic veil needed.

That being said, the audience embraced Willow’s storytelling and clearly hit some relatable notes among them. Whether it was the discussion of chronic illness, horoscopes or Buffy, a millenial-heavy audience was receptive to Rosenberg’s humour and honesty.

Stephanie Adamov