Antonio Olivito’s One-Man Show Delivers Mixed Emotions at Fringe

Antonio Olivito offers a candid glimpse into his life with his one-man show, Time Of My Life, currently staged at the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton. The performance dives deep into his experiences as a gay man growing up in an Italian-Canadian family, marked by the loss of a parent and a series of challenging relationships. While the show aims to illuminate his journey toward self-discovery and happiness, it ultimately presents a mixed bag of storytelling.

Olivito’s narrative oscillates between his recent romantic encounters and his formative years in the 1980s and 1990s. He recounts various relationships that range from brief flings to longer commitments, painting a picture of emotional highs and lows. The underlying theme of the performance seems to echo the sentiment of “from pleasant rejection to outright sadness.” Despite the struggles depicted, Olivito concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that he has attained a degree of self-love and understanding.

However, the pacing of the performance raises concerns. The script rushes through its content at an astonishing speed, with Olivito delivering his lines at an estimated 300 words per minute. This rapid-fire approach compresses the 60-minute show into less than 45 minutes, leaving little room for reflection on the poignant moments he attempts to share.

Humor plays a significant role in Time Of My Life, with Olivito frequently leaning on Italian-themed puns. One of the more notable quips, “He stole a pizza my heart,” typifies the lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout the performance. While some audience members may find these puns charming, others might view them as overused clichés, resulting in mixed reactions.

Critics have noted that despite its charm, the show ultimately lacks a substantial climax or transformative revelation. There is no significant “a-ha” moment that ties the narrative together, which may leave some audience members desiring more depth. The absence of a profound conclusion detracts from the overall impact of Olivito’s journey.

In summary, Time Of My Life presents an engaging, albeit uneven, exploration of love and self-acceptance. While Olivito’s storytelling is filled with charm and humor, the swift delivery and reliance on puns might not resonate with all viewers. As Olivito’s journey continues, audiences may appreciate his efforts to bring personal stories to the stage, even if they do not always hit the mark.