Iris Bahr in “See You Tomorrow: A True Story”, Photo by Gail Hadani
Presented by Bahr None Productions
Iris Bahr arrives at Toronto Fringe with a solid accumulation of television credits under her belt. I have to confess, other than Hacks (a show I very much loved), most of her notable appearances are from properties I haven’t watched—Curb Your Enthusiasm (it’s been highly recommended) and Friends (no thank you). And though, as she relates, her TV clout gives her some much needed leverage in sticky situations, it’s not the point here. See You Tomorrow: A True Story is her hilarious and heartfelt solo show about a a fraught yet vital relationship.
Addressing head-on the clichès of guilt-ridden and neurotic Jewish mother-daughter relationships entrenched in our cultural lexicon, Bahr takes us beyond the trite, easily parodied co-dependency, and allows us to see her internalized portrait of their bond. It’s lovely. But also—as the form demands!—a comedy goldmine.
From the moment she steps out from the wings, the words are already flying out at us. Her pace is fierce and relentless, but her intent and purpose is never muddled. For one thing, she has flawless diction, so each and every word finds its mark. But she’s also an insightful and efficient storyteller, knowing precisely which details will give us the clearest sense of the people and places she conjures. And she knows how to make it clear to us why each of them is worth our attention.
During a WhatsApp video call that suddenly turns into a medical emergency, she must act quickly to solve the situation via tablet screen. The problem? She’s in Los Angelos and her mother is in Israel. The scene, punctuated by hilarious asides, is full of panic and frustration. She eventually succeeds! But that isn’t the end of her ordeal.
As her mother’s condition deteriorates and Bahr must come to terms with this unfamiliar, distressing new dynamic, she delves into their history, enriching our understanding of her present. And though it’s been a whirlwind journey full of anxiety and plenty of laughs, she ends on a very quiet, calm reflection about what it all boils down to. But that hard-won insight is for her to share.
See You Tomorrow: A True Story
@ Toronto Fringe Festival
running July 3 to 14, 2024
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace (30 Bridgman Ave)
running time: 55 minutes
