"Your face is unacceptable."
The Ugly One was the fifth main-stage production by Theatre Smash. The work brilliantly pairs content (an exploration of projection and judgment), with dramaturgical form (a highly theatrical structure that depends upon audience imagination and participation).
Quite simply, it is a painfully funny play about image, identity, and getting ahead in today's consumer culture. Using a precisely paired-down form where four actors play eight roles with no traditional scene breaks, the play tells the story of Lette, a successful engineer who is also unspeakably ugly. When a plastic surgeon restructures his face, Lette emerges from the operation an Adonis. His life changes overnight: women lust after him and men want to be him. But this dream life soon becomes a nightmare, as Lette's surgeon begins to offer his face to anyone who will pay.
Cast: Jesse Aaron Dwyre, David Jansen, Hardee T. Lineham, Naomi Wright
Set & Costume Designer: Camellia Koo
Lighting Designer: Jason Hand
Sound Designer: John Gzowski
Stage Manager: Natasha Bean-Smith
Assistant Director: Laury Leite
Preview Press:
Facing the Ugly TruthLeslieville resident directing dark comedy
Reviews:
"It's great to see a talented young director take that next step."Globe and Mail Top 11 of 2011
"Corcoran's direction is impeccable...If you only have one hour to spend in the theatre this year, spend it here."
5/5 stars
Stage-Door.com
"Marius von Mayenburg's satiric comedy is impressively directed by Ashlie Corcoran."
NNNN
NOW Magazine
"Ashlie Corcoran directs with both passion and humour."
Classical 96.3FM
"Director Ashlie Corcoran creates a production that permeates the entire theatre and fairly crackles with life."
4/5 stars
Toronto Sun
"Ashlie Corcoran's production is brisk and often very funny."
3/4 stars
Globe and Mail
For more reviews, please click on: torontoist.com, Mooney on Theatre, Toronto Star, Theatromania, My Theatre
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Photography by James Heaslip
