Article content A Fragile Thing Stage 2, The Backstage Theatre, 10330 84 Ave. 3 stars out of 5 It might sometimes feel as though getting dumped by your partner could affect the very fabric of the cosmos, but in A Fragile Thing it actually does. Almost a week after sulking in their apartment Riley (Rye Fournier) is visited by their ex, Jessie (Gabi Stachniak).
Except it isn’t their ex, it’s a different version of Jessie, travelling across the multiverse in order to inform Riley that something happened during the breakup in that particular reality that is causing entire planes of existence to be destroyed. A monster in a mask has been planting bombs in these alternate realities, and Jessie has lost her own version of Riley to the ensuing destruction. Agreeing to travel with Jessie through the multiverse Riley meets other Rileys, including dinosaurs and plants, all of whom have had very different relationship experiences.
Can Riley fix both the ongoing destruction and the self-hate that poisoned his own relationship? That’s the question at the heart of the story, which is parts Marvel Comics, Donnie Darko and YA drama, mild silliness mixed with pathos. Probably not for everyone, but it does zip along in a sprightly manner and you really can’t knock the sweetness underlining the proceedings. Find your Fringe! You can read all of our reviews here.
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