Two reviews: Billy Runs Boston? and Laura Ramoso's Sit Up Straight tour
Christopher Kelsall
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Billy Runs Boston?
The indie film Billy Runs Boston? (yes, with the question mark in the title), toured across Canada from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador to Victoria, British Columbia. The distance is approximately a 7500-kilometre drive if one uses the US route. Apparently, the Trans Canada Highway drive is 7070 kilometres and flying is much shorter, in one go.
Whatever director, producer and leading actor Tony Marra did to travel across the nation, it was its own marathon of sorts. But the tour did not end in Victoria. He also headed north to Whitehorse and screened the film there, as well as in Yellowknife and Iqaluit and finally in Toronto.
The 77-minute indie film speaks to runners in real terms but generously provides a glimpse into the unique world of training for non-runners (and some of the weirdness, too). All the while making you sad, rage, happy and supportive of the protagonist, Billy....
Laura Ramoso Stand Up Straight tour
Laura Ramoso is half German and half Italian. She also lived for a number of years in Canada. She attended the University of Victoria and graduated from the Theatre Arts Program, there.
If you are one of the more than one million who follow her on Instagram, you will know about her Canadian mother-in-law imitation.
A the Royal Theatre in Victoria, she was so funny, that there were points in the show where I could not see, I laughed so hard, especially during the "pretentious reader" bit...