The first NextFest show I can catch – and review – is Seven Steps to Success. To be honest, I’m seeing this show because Nikki Shaffeeulah – someone I’ve recently had the pleasure of meeting and seeing on stage through (Un)Earthed and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot respectively – is involved as a Creator/Director. Innovative as a director and dynamic on stage, I’m excited to see what Nikki brings to this production. I’ve also recently seen Ben Gorodetsky (Creator/Actor) in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot where he was on stage for three hours as a prosecution lawyer. Seven Steps to Success will be very different from Last Days, and I’m looking forward to seeing more angles of Gorodetsky’s performing ability.

From NextFest’s (beautiful, new) website:

Two actors, one ladder, a world of playful possibilities! A series of stories performed on, around, and in a ladder. Pulling apart what a ladder is and can be, Seven Steps to Success mines the world of physical theatre, sketch comedy and existential drama in hopes of answering the question “if things go up, must they come down?” Addiction, capitalism, masculinity and sexy sexy sex are all explored in this new theatrical creation by this company of actors, improvisors, activists, and technicians. Thank you to Edmonton Community Foundation.

Cast:

Creator/Actor: Ben Gorodetsky

Creator/Actor: Mat Simpson

Creator/Director: Nikki Shaffeeulah

Creator/Stage Manager/Light Design: Kiidra Duhault

Costume & Sound Design: Syd Gross

Run Dates (at Roxy Theatre):

June 7, 8:00 pm

June 11, 8:00 pm

June 13, 7:00 pm

June 16, 4:00 pm