CBC Review of Boxcar Bertha:Winnipeg, Canada:
BOXCAR BERTHA produced by: EXIT Theatre (San Francisco, CA) Winnipeg CANADA Fringe Festival 2004 (review by Cindy Burke, Canadian Broadcasting System) July 15, 2004 With an opening and closing reminiscent of the beat of a Jack Kerouac poem, "Boxcar Bertha" is a gentle ride along the rails of the Depression-era America. Bertha (Christina Augello) takes on a range of quirky characters who touch Bertha's life. Augello moves effortlessly from playing her first love Jordan, to Ethel the catty prostitute to Doc who encourages her in her quest for solidarity at the local whore house. Boxcare Bertha invites us to listen as students of Hobo U. and learn about the truth of the have's and the have not's of small-towns along the rails. Writer Kerry Reid draws a bitter-sweet map from coast to coast and Augello is a bitter-sweet guide. Augello's skill is evident as she eases in and out of this well-written monologue with the relaxed ease and maturity of an experienced actor. And this play is a nice bit of serendipity where you get two shows for the price of one. The story clicks along with the mellow support of old-time and original caboose blues of guitar-man Jack "Applejack" Walroth. Hop on board "Boxcar Bertha". It's a great ride. (Thanks, Cindy!!!) (end of quote)