The show, MILF Life Crisis, was held at the Red Sandcastle Theatre, an intimate space in the heart of Leslieville.

The artist, Anne Marie Scheffler, is truly a talent. Drawing on elements of stand-up comedy, theatre and improvisation, this one-woman show explores themes of marriage, loss, and a newly single woman’s complex relationship with sex with an almost discomforting authenticity.

Throughout the show MILF Life Crisis, Anne Marie rapidly switched identities, places, and voices as she careens her way through a divorce and its aftermath. The stages of the breakup were both relatable and oh-so-entertaining to watch. Her blunt admissions, “I waited, I prayed, I feng shui’d,” further draw you in, if only by their raw, albeit funny, honesty.

In the course of an hour, she plays herself (both pre, during and post-marriage), her husband turned ex, and each member in her close circle of friends. Of the latter, her friend Kendra is a standout. A divorcee herself, Kendra is seemingly unaffected by the emotional toll of a failed marriage.

Sounding like a middle-aged, and often inebriated, “Valley Girl,” Kendra repeatedly encourages Anne Marie to take dating risks and brings on her own set of laughs with her outlandish behaviour and fun-loving approach to life.

Starting over is never easy and, both as the writer and performer, Anne-Marie has shared that journey and new beginning in an honest and light-hearted way. Her performance, at times, felt almost like standup therapy – without the associated price tag.

For more information on Anne Marie or upcoming performances of MILF Life Crisis, click here.