Dysfunction Takes A Theatrical Bow
Paul Gross, rear, with "Slings & Arrows" actors Martha Burns, left, William Hutt, Sarah Polley and Janet Bailey.
(By Acorn Media)
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Friday, February 1, 2008
Are you a fan of dysfunctional workplace humor a la "The Office"? If so, check out "Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection," out Tuesday ($59.99).
The show, which aired in the United States on the Sundance Channel, blends satire with drama as it follows the personal and professional ups and downs of a Canadian theater troupe. Paul Gross stars as Geoffrey Tennant, artistic director of the New Burbage Theatre Festival. He's zealous but unpredictable. And haunted by the ghost of his predecessor (Stephen Ouimette). He has to cope with high-maintenance actors, a general manager who is always up to something and a guest director quite enamored of himself. On top of that, Tennant is romantically involved with the festival's leading lady (Martha Burns).
Created and written by Susan Coyne, Mark McKinney and Bob Martin, the series has the troupe putting on a different Shakespeare play each season. Notable guest stars include Rachel McAdams, Colm Feore and Sarah Polley.
The show, which has won numerous awards, including from the Directors Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Canada, achieves perfect pitch with its mix of dark wit and drama. You care about the characters even while you're laughing at them.
In addition to the series's 18 episodes, the DVD set features bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, interviews with cast members, photo galleries, "A Look Behind the Scenes" featurette and on-set footage.
