The Quitter
Acacia Hall (10433 83 avenue) August 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22
More information: al-lafrance.com/
An interview with Al Lafrance
Al Lafrance in The Quitter. Photo credit: Tristan Brand
Describe your show in five words.
Al gives up on everything.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
The Quitter is a one-man storytelling show about my life as a Quitter. It’s a tale of mini-golf, whiskey, donuts, and cannibalism. And it is, of course, all true.
Quitting has a lot of stigmas around it, but I’ve read that quitting more often (“failing fast”) actually helps people become more successful. Why did you want to do a show specifically about quitting?
I wanted to do a show about quitting because I don’t like the negative connotations that generally surround it. To me, quitting has always represented opening a multitude of doors, not closing one. And I’ve quit a lot of things, so it was feasible to do a whole show that centered around the idea of quitting as a positive step in life.
I’m assuming this is a scripted show, but how does your background in stand-up comedy and improvisation carry over into this show?
It’s indeed scripted, but my background does bleed in here and there. I’ve always been a fan of long-form stand-up, where comics tell long stories that end up causing laughter, and that definitely comes through in the way I present the show. As for improv, well that only comes through if there’s a heckler, or anything like that, which hasn’t happened so far (thankfully).
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
It won the Just For Laughs award for Best Comedy at the Montreal Fringe, an award that was won for two years in a row by Peter n Chris – so I’m really honoured to have my name there next to them. Also, the show itself really does have something in it for everyone, and different people seem to respond to different parts of it. And we give away free donuts at every single show. Free donuts! For real!
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
I don’t really have any names to drop, but I do reference two Edmonton comics in it, though not by name. People who are in the Edmonton comedy scene might be able to piece it together though.
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. I’ll be previewing shows up until the Fringe starts. Want your show to appear on After the House Lights? Email jennamarynowski@gmail.com.