Toronto Fringe Review: 2 West 4 East - A Comedy

Kenneth Cheung and Chase Jeffels may believe that they’re 2 West 4 East, but they should consider changing the show name as the laughing audience proves them otherwise!

With a significant segment built on improvisation and audience interaction, the tight lighting cues pulled by Alp Aksungur are quite a miracle. Audience prompts brought Cheung and Jeffels down the aisle and around the audience, as they were immediately lit up despite the unpredictability of improvisation. The unforeseeable spectator comments also had the comedic duo thrown, creating increasingly daring and wild scenarios. In true clowning fashion, both performers adapted and considered suggestions with impressive ease, even licking the floor with little hesitation.

While audience input is integral to the performance, there is a lack of adequate disclosure on the level of participation. Crowd members are randomly chosen to give prompts without a direct ability to opt-out at the performance I attended. This is likely a consideration to ensure the engagement necessary for a smooth show, but explicit disclosure may ensure more prepared and comfortable patrons.

Beyond the improvisational portion, Cheung and Jeffels present a classic sketch show, tying together unrelated sketches with incredible finesse. They never let the rhythm waver, as costume changes are smoothed over with dance sequences and race commentary. The pair make full use of their resources, giving every prop multiple purposes. This clever choice keeps the focus on the performers and allows their humour to shine.

A new meaning is given to improvisational comedy through the delightful chaos that is 2 West 4 East. Leave all your expectations at the door, West 2 West Comedy’s performance is one of sketch, clown, improvisation, and nothing seen before!

2 West 4 East: A Comedy is on now until July 15 as part of Toronto Fringe. Shows and tickets here.