AS WE GET READY FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ROBERT AT THE 2018 TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL, WE'RE INTRODUCING THE TALENTED INDIVIDUALS OF OUR CREATIVE TEAM.
Introducing Chris Baker! Chris is an actor, producer, filmmaker, writer and co-founder of Lark & Whimsy Theatre Collective. Chris produced Lark & Whimsy’s last two shows, Erin Vandenberg’s Salt, and Janelle Hanna’s Bad Baby Presents: Rules Control The Fun, with great success. This time, he is not only "helping" to produce - he's doing more than helping - but appearing in the show as James.
Name: Chris Baker
What are you doing on Robert? I'm acting in the show and helping to produce it.
Astrological Sign: Aries.
Special Skills: I've upped my martini making abilities in the last couple of years. That seems noteworthy.
Something you and your parents have in common? My dad and I both love scotch. Very fitting for this play.
How many Roberts do you know? A few, but the one I'm going to mention is my best friend Shaun's dad. His name is Robert. That's a common first name for boys in their family. This wouldn't be so unique except that their last name is Robbie. So his dad is Robert Robbie. I always thought that was kind of awesome.
How do you feel about bagpipes? I never thought I'd have the opportunity to learn so much about them. Now that I have, I think they are pretty great.
Photo by Tim Doiron.
Are you good at keeping secrets? Who wants to know?
What kind of grand gesture would you want someone to do at your funeral? I don't know. I've always imagined Fiddler's Green by Tragically Hip playing at some point. But, let's be real, I'll put that in my will. I guess I'd want someone to give a really nice eulogy. You know, say something really meaningful and thoughtful about how I lived my life. And then immediately after that, show a video of the all the dumb parts I've played in TV commercials. That ought to be good for a laugh.
What’s the best thing about working on Robert? This team. Incredibly talented, hard working and generous.
What’s your biggest challenge working on Robert? Honestly, trying not to laugh all the time in rehearsal. This play is so funny and the things we are discovering are hilarious. Janelle totally cracks me up. It's really hard.
Why should people come see Robert at the Toronto Fringe? Robert has the benefit of being directed by not one but TWO amazing directors who are truly amazing at what they do. This trend is not a common one for theatre, but what we are discovering is really quite special. So for the interested theatre-goer, it's quite neat to see two visions working on one play. But really, you should come for bagpipes. Or my legs. Did I mention I'm wearing a kilt on this show?
For more information on Robert, please visit www.larkandwhimsytheatre.com/robert. For ticket purchases, click here.