Triple threat Tymisha Harris was left speechless after receiving a well-deserved standing ovation for her one-woman tour-de-force performance in “Josephine”.
She might have been amazed that our small city can sell out a 275-seat venue with appreciative patrons during a Thursday noon performance but it was the audience that were left astonished by Harris’ commanding singing, acting, and dancing.
Tod Kimbro has written a worthy homage to iconic Persian expat African-American performer, WWII Allied spy, and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker in “Josephine”. It is his ability to capture Baker’s sassy resistance towards her imperfect world that resonates.
Tymisha Harris’ smooth powerful voice punctuates her deft acting abilities that skilfully render Baker’s emotional highs and lows while her quick-footed dance moves lend the piece much of its humour.
Tymisha Harris in “Josephine”.
The production’s creative use of lighting provides the stark contrast between Baker’s very provocative burlesque shadow shimmy to the startling white harshness of her Nazi encounter.
Venue #1 (RMTC’s Main Stage) has proven too large for many one-person Fringe productions. “Josephine” is not one of them. Harris owns the stage when she’s on it and absolutely delights when she transcends the stage, shamelessly co-opting audience members into characters.
Get your tickets early, as Ms. Harris and “Josephine” will justifiably become one of this year’s Fringe hits.
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