Drama Queen! She’s a popular blogger, award-winning playwright, and the force behind Planned Parenthood Ottawa’s Insight Theatre. Nadine Thornhill also identifies as a klutz, with 15 concussions to date. But she’s also one heck of a writer. A few minutes on her blog, where she writes as Adorkable Thespian, is like hanging out with a cool older sister who is finally telling you the messy stuff that birds and bees really get up to. This summer Thornhill debuts Complex Numbers, a play about one mathematician’s attempt to solve the riddles of her own romantic relationships, at the Ottawa Fringe Festival.
Catch Complex Numbers Sun., June 19, 1:30 p.m.; Mon., June 20, 9:30 p.m.; Wed., June 22, 8 p.m.; Thurs., June 23, 11 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 12 p.m.; Sun., June 26, 6:30 p.m. $10. Academic Hall, 133 Seraphin-Marion Priv. www.ottawafringe.com
Here are the 10 things this thespian can’t live without.
1. Writing
I don’t have a very good filter, and I’m not that articulate. So I feel like when I write, I can express myself more authentically.
2. eBay
I have an expansive wardrobe — and expensive tastes — so I rely heavily on eBay. (And for the rest, Old Navy.)
3. Dresses
This is partly because I’m lazy — you can put on a dress and instantly have an outfit — and partly because I hate pants. Because of the climate in this part of the world, I sometimes have to acquiesce and wear pants, but as soon as it warms up, it’s dress season.
4. The Internet
I keep in touch daily with my best friend in Toronto, and I watch all my TV online. Got to keep up on Project Runway and Amazing Race.
5. Licorice
But not black. My favourite was Allen’s, but I can’t find it anywhere anymore. I found a Bulk Barn variety that I love — particularly green apple, grape, and cherry — so now I make late-night runs to stock up. I have to have it always, like a smoker who has to have a pack on hand.
6. A good sports bra
While my breasts aren’t particularly large, if I’m not wearing the right bra, I swear one will fly up and slap me in the face when I’m running. I like Champion and a particular style of Lululemon.
7. French fries
Because they’re salty and delicious. My favourites are from the chip wagon at Bank and Cooper and from Wedges on Dalhousie. You can get a small bucket for $2.75.
8. Disco
I was born in 1975, and I swear KC and the Sunshine Band must have been playing in the delivery room. Whenever I hear it — or any disco — I just have to get up and dance.
9. Lube
I worked at Venus Envy for a few years and got to be a real connoisseur. I’m a big fan of Sliquid. There’s rarely a situation where it doesn’t come in handy.
10. My peeps
My partner and my son, my friends and my family. Without them, I would suck.