The Buzz – Reviews – 2016

Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Monster Theatre—Colin Jackson Studio

This powerhouse one woman show sold out the 2013 Fringe for a very good reason. This one woman comedy featured an impressive range of impressions from Tara Travis. The impressions flowed seamlessly and did not stop for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At times the history within the monologue was a bit hard to follow (especially when she rattles off the entire lineage of all 6 wives); but, she had plenty of great one liners to get the audience back in her corner. How she keeps her energy up the entire show I don’t quite know but it is quite the feat to witness. Check out this show before it sells out again.

Kaitlyn Kriss

My Dreams Are Stupid

Ditch Water—The Playhouse Studio

I have always enjoyed local comedian/artist/performer J.D. Renaud’s shows, and this one takes us further down his own personal journey through life and explores his take on dreams and motivation.
He is a great story teller and combined with his use of multi-media (including his simple yet effective animation) he will draw you in and have you laughing.

He also gets serious, as he talks about high and low points in his life and what makes him a “weirdo”. His monologue about dreams and goals was both inspired and inspiring. Bravo!

Murray Hunter

The Big Stupid Improv Show

The Probable Cast—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film

Upon picking up my ticket an usher asked me “How do you review a show where it’s improv and the cast changes every night”. Now that the elephant has been addressed here is my attempt. I loved this show. The assembled talent fed off of each other and had brilliant comedic timing. Each night follows a different format and features different performers so I have no idea what the rest will be like but I do know I was thoroughly entertained. This show was family friendly and definitely a safe bet if you are looking for a fun show to watch. I would highly recommend checking it out.

Kaitlyn Kriss

A Little Business at the Big Top

David Gaines—Tom Hendry Theatre at the MTC Warehouse

I am astounded how one man, without anything else on the stage, can make an entire circus come to life. The whole audience was mesmerized by his uncanny physical ability to tell the story of a night at the circus, all without speaking any real words. The story keeps building and building and the end is really fantastic.

I had seen David Gaines perform 7 (x1) Samurai back in 2010 but had forgotten how much of a treat it is to see the little movements and sound effects he makes to transition between scenes or characters. It really is amazing how through his craft he can do things like make me instantly be able to see a man in a concession stand making popcorn. Do not miss this master of physical comedy.

Murray Hunter

Inspired by the Museum

TiBert Le Voyageur—Manitoba Museum Gallery

Rob Malo was born to tell stories. His passion for his material shines through his ability to tell stories and make them come alive in this one man show. This one man storytelling show was interesting and I learned some new interesting legends. I found at times it was a bit tough to hear but I still understood what was going on thanks to rob’s actions and full body story telling. Keep in mind there is a bit of light walking as the show takes place in several of the museums galleries. It may be hard for young children to be entertained the entire 45 minutes but Malo’s energy definitely kept the show going at a great pace. I would definitely bring my family to see this show again especially since there are two endings! Definitely worth a watch.

Kaitlyn Kriss