“A wittily peppered story of song and anecdotes. Izad Etemadi explains who he is with a sashay of sparkly, saucy flair.”
I have seen Izad Etemadi’s work on stage in two productions. He played the central character in the Grand Theatre’s production of “Elf, the Musical” in London, Ontario. Last year, he also performed alongside some talented Canadian artists in Crow’s Theatre’s production of “The Bidding War.”
He takes to the stage in his solo ‘Let Me Explain’, now playing in the Sculthorpe upstairs theatre of Port Hope’s Cameco Capitol. The pre-show song selections—Adele’s ‘Rumour Has It’, Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’, and Destiny’s Child’s ‘Say My Name’—serve as engaging preludes to the revealing narrative Izad presents to the audience.
He’s also a hell of a singer, especially in showcasing a German rendition of the opening musical number from Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast‘ he once used as an audition piece.
Guided by Matt White’s direction, Etemadi introduces himself confidently. Dressed in a bright ‘sunshiney’ yellow summer coat, white shirt, black pants and comfortable shoes, he holds his microphone, decorated with sequined glitter, with composure and assurance.
Born in Germany and immigrating with his family to Victoria, B.C., when he was eight, Izad (pronounced E ZAD), an Iranian Canadian actor who identifies as queer and has been described as ‘ethnically ambiguous’, promises to share insights about himself within the hour. He does. He’s personable, charming and funny. Etemadi often pokes fun at himself, especially in the various ways of pronouncing his first name. The explanation behind his theatre instructor’s use of the term ‘ethnically ambiguous’ made me laugh. The anecdote regarding a Broadway producer in New York City applying that same descriptive term about Etemadi further illustrates this theme. His demonstration of one of his ‘ethnically ambiguous’ auditions for the role of a terrorist once again made me laugh out loud.
The irreverence behind the English meaning of his first name (I won’t spoil it here) made me raise my eyebrows just a tad as a practicing Catholic. But it’s all in good fun. Etemadi is not malicious or spiteful in his journey to make audiences laugh in his explanation of who he is.
Throughout the one-hour performance of getting to know him, it’s touching to see how Izad holds fondness and respect for his parents, who wanted their son to have a good life here in Canada.
That’s aces in my book.
Running time: approximately one hour with no intermission.
The production runs until August 17 in the Bob Sculthorpe theatre, 2nd level at the Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope. For tickets: capitoltheatre.com or call (905) 885-1071.
CAPITOL THEATRE presents
‘Let Me Explain‘ A Green Light Arts’ Production
Created and Performed by Izad Etemadi
Directed by Matt White
Stage Manager: Janelle Rainville
