Gavin Crawford portrays one of Sky Gilbert's The Terrible Parents

by Drew Rowsome -

Gavin Crawford and Sky Gilbert are two of Toronto's theatrical treasures and when they team up the results tend to be popular and critical hits that are showered with awards. And to be extremely entertaining. Their new collaboration The Terrible Parents is about to open at Buddies and Crawford - comedy, cabaret, theatre, television and movie star, as well as just genuinely funny - answered a few of his adoring public's burning questions.

Drew Rowsome: Judging from the publicity photo, you are playing the character described as “After falling on her head, Amelia transforms into a completely different and and sexually dangerous mother– a loose-living party girl in love with a drunken, abusive salesman.” Is Sky stretching your acting range or typecasting you?

Gavin Crawford: It's definitely a stretch, I don't tend to fall for the bad boys or the unattainables whereas this character very much does.

The press release states: “the children endure unspeakable, yet oddly hilarious, horrors that seem almost unreal.” How are you hoping audiences react? Laughter, shock, consternation . . . ?

I can pretty much guarantee a mix of all three. There are some very funny moments but ultimately I think it is quite touching for anyone who's endured a confusing childhood.

You and Ed Roy were a wonderful pair of repressed sisters in A Few Brittle Leaves with Roy having a more flamboyant role. Are you planning to upstage him this time out? How do your talents complement each other?

It's not really possible to upstage Ed, but I'll be doing my best. Ed and I have a pretty good rapport so it's actually a lot of fun to act together and if it gets a little competitive, well, even better.

Your other castmates, Katie Sly and Robin Sharp, are billed as newbies, how are they working out?

The children in this show are really wonderful, I hope Ed and I haven't scarred them.

The press release cites The Terrible Parents as Sky’s first “autobiographical” play. How terrible were his parents?

Well according to this script they weren't the most grounded people you could meet, but only Sky knows how close he shaves to the truth.

How could The Terrible Parents possibly be more autobiographical than To Sky Gilbert at 60?

I think this one deals a lot more with the family. Or at least one person's perceptions of it. Plus this show has more costumes!

The Terrible Parents is set in the '60s. Do you have fabulous costumes? A rockin’ soundtrack?

The soundtrack is pretty great, Very swingin', and I have some pretty great dresses, if I can somehow manage to get them on in time for my entrances.

What is your favourite moment in The Terrible Parents?

There's a part near the end where I am just so old and bitter and very Elaine Stricth and I have some really great mean lines!

More from Gavin about working with Sky at drewrowsome.blogspot.com