SMACK dab in the middle of the acres of windows, Jacuzzis and siding that comprise the heart and soul of the Ottawa Home Show, there's a little oasis of culture -- live theatre.
Indeed, the idea of daily productions of Minivan World -- Parked featuring Denis Grignon and Nancy Payne seems oddly out of place. Until you realize that this theatre is a perfect fit.
The show was a hit at the Manotick Fringe Festival and is also heard on CBC Radio's Definitely Not The Opera.
As co-star and writer Grignon says, this experiment really makes sense because the show itself is about suburban yuppies, exactly the folks who make up the majority of Home Show visitors.
"When you watch this play it's like you're eavesdropping on two quintessential suburban, white, middle-class, middle-income yuppies -- the kind of people you associate with minivans.
"On our radio shows the topics involve choosing a babysitter, wine making, or another one where she's driving home and can't find the house because they're all the same and he's talking her through from home while she's on the cell phone.
"We did one particular episode where the whole family is piled into the van and they're all excited because they're going to the Home Show and this is a BIG outing," Grignon explains.
"So we're satirizing the audience who will be at the Home Show and we've written new material specifically for this event."
CONROY's COMEBACK
Tomorrow afternoon at 1 we welcome Patricia Conroy back as she appears at the Carp Fair as part of the Instant Bingo Rising Star Tour, which also offers Julian Austin tonight at 10 and Chris Cummings on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Conroy's recovered from a vicious dog attack she suffered while touring in Europe, and is celebrating her health with this tour and the creation of her own record label. She can't believe the outpouring of emotion she received from fans after the incident.
"I was just overwhelmed by all the calls and letters from fans who just wanted to wish me well," she says. "I guess that all the concern also makes you want to do more on a personal level, to make sure that you contribute something with what you do as a person."
Conroy's also encouraged by the turnout for her shows.
"This has been a great tour for us because we've been breaking records and it's gratifying to know the fans are still there."
With a new single rocketing up the charts Conroy's on a roll again.
"After this tour we'll finish up the CD in Nashville. It's all coming together in a very exciting way for me."
