Christel Bartelse owns three wedding dresses. She doesn’t plan to wear a single one down the aisle. Not anytime soon. The Toronto writer-performer’s gowns are for purely professional purposes. ONEymoon, her solo show, will premiere regionally at the Minnesota Fringe. ONEymoon comically depicts Bartelse’s inner struggle with commitment. “I always wanted the wedding, I’m just not sure about the guy.”
Bartelse conceived the show while on vacation in the Bahamas. “I wanted to go away, but my boyfriend wasn’t able to come. So, I went alone. It was like a honeymoon for one. I started thinking about the inherent fears in a relationship, the fear of being alone.”
This idea developed into a character piece showing the “exaggerated, over-the-top, ridiculousness of it all. Everyone can relate to relationship worries.”
Bartelse sings, dances, improvises, and clowns. These elements play into ONEymoon. Bartelse’s goal is to “have a great time and entertain people in that hour.” In review, she’s been described as a “human fireball.”
Jimmy Hogg, co-writer and director, concurs. “Christel stands out in this show because she's a truly dynamic, highly energetic performer.”
Hogg is Bartelse’s real-life partner. He is simultaneously preparing his Minnesota Fringe piece, Wisdom. Bartelse states, “Our household is pretty funny at the time. We rehearse in the living room. It’s crazy.”
The couple met several years ago at a comedy festival. Bartelse admits ONEymoon is “art imitiating life.” However, rehearsing and sharing her stories with Hogg has “brought us closer.”
Adds Hogg, “The highlight of working on ONEymoon are those moments when we came together on an idea and it worked.”
Bartelse is currently performing ONEymoon in the Toronto Fringe to strong reviews. She received acclaim both in London and Canada for her previous solo show, Chaotica (2008).
This marks Bartelse’s first trip to Minnesota. “I’ve heard many great things about the Minnesota Fringe. I understand there are many wonderful theater companies. It is the place to see new work and meet other artists.”
Performing the Minnesota Fringe is “very exciting” for Bartelse. “I know, too, as an unknown, I have to work harder.”
Working hard at a marriage prospect, not so much. Bartelse is content to let it take its own course. “We joke around about getting married. Jimmy’s seen me in my wedding dress for this show many times. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to ever see me coming down the aisle.”
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