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FASS 2003: The "cultural part of the show" included an opera, complete with a chorus of dancing chickens.

FASS 1996 - Imprint review

This review appeared in the February 2, 1996, issue of Imprint.

Call the proctologist, it's those FASS people again

by Katy MacKinnon, Imprint staff

"We know we ain't got no class... we are FASS!"

Step right up to be entertained by the self-aware and deliciously nonsensical medical comedy, FASStic Surgery, a jambalaya of homemade, corny hilarity, with spoofs of everything from Dr. Downey to Dr. Seuss, and such spirit that you want to run on-stage and join the fun.

But if your feelings tend to bruise easily, beware. Skittering on the edge of offensiveness, this comedic production uses everyone, from transsexuals and Trekkies to engineers and artsies, and even (yikes) Imprint, as joke fodder. For the most part, it works! Bring your sense of humour, and your smiling muscles will hurt at the end of the night.

A large percentage of the cast worked together to write the script, which lags occasionally but is also riddled with bursts of witty brilliance. The plot? A bloodthirsty effort on the part of the nefarious Dr. Neau and her snivelling yes-man to take over UW's new teaching hospital. Her opponent is the heroic Dr. Who, and the two duke it out in a protracted tussle between good and evil. A Jack Nicholson-esque character, Dr. Hyde (aka Dr. Jekyll) also lurks charismatically on-stage.

With an 80-member cast, FASStic Surgery does not rely solely on its main characters; there's room for everyone on this stage. The production is obviously a team effort, with a cornucopia of personalities and the occasional choral interlude. Musically, the production is extremely impressive. Strong, talented singers perform in solos and groups, backed up by the keyboard and cello.

FASStic Surgery's satirical tentacles are far-reaching, beginning with digs at the government, co-op education, and 'medical' soap operas, and extending to commercials, kid's T.V and McDonald's. There's much more... but why give away the jokes when you can see it for yourself?

The show, which opened yesterday, plays twice this evening, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. It also plays tomorrow night at 8 p.m.

For the curious or interested, tickets can be purchased at the Humanities Theatre Box Office, in Hagey Hall, room 261, or by calling 888-4908.