AGIT-POP!
“Like Judy Garland at Carnegie, on acid.”
A cabaret fit for Doomsday!
The clock is ticking, time is running out, and the end is nigher than it’s ever been before. In Agit-Pop! Pearle takes on the world, weaving her acid wit and demented storytelling through the most anxiety-inducing headlines ripped from the daily rag.
Paired with bold re-imaginings of the biggest hits of the 20th century (musical director Stella Conway), Pearle sings the songs of David Bowie, Britney Spears, the Beach Boys, and more, as you’ve never heard them before.
Agit-Pop! has toured to every coast of Canada, from thousand-seat legacy theatres like The Imperial, to defunct sex clubs.
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PRESS
NNNN, Critic’s Pick, NOW MAGAZINE:
"Pearle is a wise, frank dispenser of truths. She's like Greek tragedy's Cassandra, as played by Eve Arden...
In only two full-length shows, Miller's Pearle has emerged as one of the most engaging, thoughtful performance artists around. True to this show's title, she agitates us – in a good and necessary way."
BEST OF STAGE 2020, TAPEWORTHY:
”a haunting rumination on death and life in this apocalyptic world, with some biting zingers… all as a method to calm us with her charms.”
TORONTO LIFE MAGAZINE:
"Part deliciously retro, part very much here and now...
Pearle blends spiky sociopolitical humour with smooth renditions of classics by the likes of David Bowie and Judy Garland."
TIMES COLONIST:
”OUTstages has a star-in-waiting on its hands with Pearle Harbour… one of the country’s next hot artists… This is one of those artists you want to see now, while you can.”
GRACING THE STAGE:
“A cabaret exploring our collective 21st century anxiety, that uses 20th century imagery and pop songs to soothe our jangled nerves, and point out that apocalyptic fears aren’t new, and can be managed.
Justin Miller’s coutured and coiffed alter-ego Pearle is ascendant as a host and entertainer, nearing the top of her game as a host and monologist.”
LIFE WITH MORE COWBELL:
"There’s some truly frightening stuff happening out in the world right now—but, ultimately, Pearle’s message is one of awareness, engagement, hope and love. Let’s do better. Let’s reach out to each other. Let’s turn back that clock."
MOONEY ON THEATRE:
”Conway’s accompaniment is terrific. They move from keyboards to guitar to drums seamlessly, all while providing haunting harmonies and back-up vocals.”
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TEAM
Development on Agit-Pop! was made possible thanks to the Toronto Arts Council.
Justin Miller // playwright
Rebecca Ballarin // director + stage manager
Sandra Balcovske // dramaturge
Stella Conway // musical director
Adam Miller // video design
Logan Raju Cracknell // lighting design
Chris Ross-Ewart // additional composition
Karen Hines // outside eye