WARNING: This article contains sensitive topics. Those in need of support can contact the Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa) and 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa), the Ottawa Distress Centre Crisis Line: 613-238-3311, or the Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll)
So, you kissed a girl and didn’t like it. What now?
Ottawa Fringe Festival’s Jinny and Jack VS the Thoughts in Their Heads delivered a rom-com-esque portrayal of teenage friendship and sexuality exploration. “Am I gay?” BuzzFeed quizzes and dreams about celebrity crushes kept the audience chuckling.
Jinny and Jack hilariously portrays the difficulties of navigating sexuality, friendship and mental health. When Jinny and Jack bond over Prozac and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) at a support group, friendship between the two awkward teens quickly ensues. A consensual kiss swiftly sours when Jinny blubbers to the audience that she’s lesbian.
With guest appearances from Tom Holland and Katy Perry in their dreams, Jinny and Jack both gain perspective about their horny impulsive thoughts and sexualities. Loveable and relatable, Jinny and Jack’s alluring twist on identity crises celebrates the unique teen challenges of self-exploration in the coming out process.
Co-creators and stars Chantalyne Beausoleil and Ryan Sutherland brilliantly executed a feel-good production, encapsulating 2000s queer pop culture. The performance opened with a Glee monologue and closed with a celebratory dance to “This is Me.”
The 2008 anthem, “I Kissed a Girl” fervently reminded audiences to explore their identity. After embracing their gayness, Jinny and Jack commit to delving into the iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race fandom, which combines visibility with self-love.
The insertion of pop culture references doubled as a satirical medium. The teens’ snappy irony during support group exemplified issues like toxic positivity, heteronormativity and stigmas carried by their parents’ generation.
Sutherland’s and Beausoleil’s bubbly energy made difficult subject matter light and fun. The duo complimented one another’s energy, as Jack emanated anxious and gay auras, while Jinny was obsessive and endearing. Through silly dances, intrusive thoughts and revelations, the charismatic pair delivered an all-star performance.
Sutherland’s and Beausoleil’s minimalist costume and décor decisions were the icing on the cake. Both characters’ costumes gave us gay all the way. Jack’s costume included ripped, skinny jean shorts and a purple sweatshirt, while Jinny rocked pink and purple plaid.
Their low-budget did not interfere with setting an unmistakably queer teen atmosphere. A tie-dye mattress lay under a black sparkly curtain full of Katy Perry, Kesha and Demi Lovato printouts, becoming Jinny’s room. Two books titled “OCD for Dummies” hilariously appeared throughout.
This quirky, comical twist on acceptance brilliantly displayed how to navigate life’s challenges. Above all, the duo emphasized that it’s okay to be gay and to kiss a girl and not like it. Jinny and Jack emanated themes of self-love and timeless pop culture references, making it exceptional feel-good entertainment.
Jinny and Jack VS the Thoughts in Their Heads runs until June 25 at LabO Theatre.
Featured image provided by Taylor Vardy/Ottawa Fringe.
