Berger brothers unite for Fringe Fest play
Niagara Falls musician Aaron Berger was 12 years old when his older brother Wes would bring theatre scripts home from Brock University, where he took dramatic arts.
He was hooked. He wasn’t sure what life had in store for him, but he knew a lot of it would be spent on stage.
There was community theatre. There were concerts. There were a few awards. And now, one of Niagara’s most versatile entertainers comes full circle with “First Dates,” a show written and directed by his brother.
Starring alongside Dora winners David Fox and Allegra Fulton, Aaron also provides the music for the multigenerational play about couples searching for a connection during unstable times. It’s part of Toronto’s annual theatre Fringe Festival, premiering today at the St. Vladimir Institute on Spadina Avenue and continuing to July 14.
“It’s so much fun,” he says. “It’s been, I think, a dream come true for both of us really. To have my songs brought to life in this world of the play Wes has created is really special.”
For Wes, “First Dates” has been brewing for a while, written about a decade ago with some modern touches. It’s a highly personal show for the theatre veteran who has directed a handful of world premieres by Canadian playwright George Walker in recent years, including “Criminal Genius” in Niagara Falls five years ago.
In addition to theatre, he has appeared in TV shows including “Designated Survivor,” “Good Witch” and “Lost Girl.”
Aaron describes his brother’s new stage show as people aching to connect, but unsure how.
“It’s told in a number of different ways, through different generations,” he says. “The common thread is that all of these people are still longing to connect.”
Adds Wes: “The play encapsulates everything I’ve learned about love and loss in my nearly 42 years on this earth and I am thrilled and humbled to be able to share it.”
The show also stars Breanna Dillon, Marisa McIntyre and Ron Lea, along with producers Simon Bennett and Ronak Singh.
While it can only be seen in Toronto the next nine days, Aaron is hoping to bring it home to Niagara at some point.
“It’d be wonderful if we were able to get a space,” he says. “If our run is really successful at the Fringe, then who knows.”
For tickets visit www.fringetoronto.com.