The Buzz – Reviews – 2016

The Thugs

Coffee Guy Productions—Tom Hendry Theatre at the MTC Warehouse

This thing was thought provoking. The two thoughts were “Do they know how truly awful this is?” and “When will this punishment end?”. Both my questions were answered as it came to a grinding end and actor Drew Jensen pronounced it a “train wreck” and suggested it might become a cult classic due to its awfulness. I could go on and on about its faults but I don’t enjoy being mean. Katerina Dawson was the only light in this and I hope she is given something she can shine in, in the future. There is also some promise in Drew. This did win my vote for classiest program at the Fringe. Too bad the play was not of the same quality. There is no explanation as to why this is called “The Thugs”. My guess is because they take your money.

Lisa Campbell

One Piece Missing

Sheep On A Mission—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film

The sheep are back with another tale surrounding faith and how we deal with dark times in our lives. The play follows our protagonist Cole as he wrestles with cancer, falling out with family, and his lack of faith. This play had some interesting characters and a few moments of great writing. As an atheist this show is not intended for me. It is meant to strengthen a faith in something I don’t believe in. Everything from the music to the bible quotes kept the play focused on faith and rarely went beyond that. The character of death was my favorite and I wish he had been in more scenes. He was the most dynamic character and a fantastic villain. I did not really like this play but it is a good bet for anyone that goes to church or is seeking a little faith in this world.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Peach

OhmyGAD Theatre—The Rachel Browne Theatre

“Love is bullshit,” or is it? From first date to last goodbye, we share one girl’s experiences as she goes from virgin to STD to pregnancy to hospital. What is it like to experience first love? First sex? First heartbreak?

Peach’s journey is a common one that I’m sure most girls can share. Guys? I suspect that guys jump over fewer obstacles in their journeys through maturation—but can they empathise with Peach? That’s
part of the plot.

Enjoyable and introspective with a sprinkling of humour, this is a fine rendition of young love. It’s not the best I’ve seen on this topic but it’s worth the visit.

Ray Yuen

Old Times

Who Knows Prod.—Tom Hendry Theatre at the MTC Warehouse

How can you go wrong with a Harold Pinter work capably directed by Winnipeg’s own Ross McMillan? Sarah Constable (who never disappoints), Bill Kerr and Tracy Nepinak more than did this wry comedy justice. It was a pleasure; with impeccable timing, and brought out all that a Pinter play should be. A wonderful story of a reunion of two best friends after a twenty year separation, in the company of the hostess’s husband. The visit brings out uncomfortable truths about each character and their relationships. Old misbehavior is exposed, causing friction and raw emotions to surface. Things will never be the same! A wonderful evening of theatre that showcases the best of Winnipeg talent and should not be missed. Equal or better than MTC season offerings at six times the price. Catch it while you can!

Lisa Campbell

Barbaric Cultural Practices – The Musical

Quondam Dreams—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film

This sci-fi dark comedy flips our society on its head in an alternate universe where Harper has been made Prime Minister for life. If that’s a scary thought to you, the rest of this musical may not be for you. The play revolves around the head of the barbaric cultural practices and his family. He is in charge of shipping anyone off to Quebec who might threaten Canada’s wholesome Christian state. The songs were not bad even if they were a little repetitive. The cast have decent singing voices and harmonize really well with each other.

I found myself really enjoying the songs but not the content of the musical. I consider myself to be a pretty liberal person but even I was uncomfortable the majority of the play. The musical uses sexual assault on the male protagonist to move the plot along. His ability to say no or stop is taken by the family members and this is all done through song. There is also a depressingly realistic scene in which the head of his family has his way with a Muslim servant girl. The dialogue in the scene was highly disturbing to me and made me want to leave.

I am glad that I stuck around as the final scene and song totally redeemed the production for me. I liked that they addressed how barbaric everything in the play was. They explained the rationale behind what was in the show and let me reflect on what I had just saw. I would not go see this play again and I would not recommend it to anyone who is easily offended. This play was interesting but it a story I probably never need to hear again.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Parking Lots: Back to the Drawing Board

Parking Lots Improv—The Cinematheque

This improv act asks viewers to draw on an easel prior to entering the theatre; the drawings become the topics of story lines. It’s a nice twist as the topics are predetermined, rather than inspired by the audience of the moment.

This show reminds me of a roller coaster, soaring at times, clacking and crawling at times. Fortunately, this troupe has five members so there’s always someone to step-in if anyone falters. Unfortunately, this troupe has five members, which is sometimes too many. They’re all hams (you have to be to do this sort of thing) and at times, they fight each other to get their bits in.

Overall, it’s a solid effort and if you’re an improv fan, you’ll walk away happy.

Ray Yuen

When God Comes For Breakfast, You Don’t Burn The Toast

Crosswalk Productions—One88

The production featured two independent short plays that fit perfectly together. The first half features a waiting room in heaven. As the play unfolds we learn about how each patient got there and why they might be terrified of meeting their maker. The scene offered a look at how we judge each other without any real knowledge of that individual. I saw the end coming a mile away but I still liked it. The dialogue was legitimately funny and I wished in the end that it had been longer.

The second half I enjoyed less but it was still worth a watch. In the second scene we follow a couple as they prepare for a brunch date with god. A few classic misdirections and confusions create some good physical comedy moments in the play. I felt the scene started off strong but quickly lagged. The ending fell flat and was beyond cheesy. While the ending was a little lackluster the script was funny and the actors kept my attention the entire time. Both the husband and wife made lots of funny faces and really committed to the scenes.

All in all a good play with two interesting concepts and a great title.

Kaitlyn Kriss

OCD

Defiance Theatre—Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall (UofW)

I’ve never seen a volunteer come down to give us warnings about the safety of the venue before, and I genuinely thought she was being asked to do this, until I realized that the show had already begun, and I was in for a treat. An extremely well acted and well written one woman show, handles very grim subject matter in an up-beat and almost desperate to keep positive way. I was engaged from the very beginning and she held me the whole time. It was a powerful experience that felt so real I almost believed she was a volunteer the whole time. Don’t miss this show, definitely worth a watch.

Arden Pruden

6 Quick Dick Tricks: A Dirk Darrow Investigation

Tim Motley—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

He’s baaaack! Our Australian friend has created a persona that works and brings his loyal fans the next chapter. He has perfected a formula that never fails to charm and amaze, and we can’t get enough. I pouted long and hard at having to miss last year’s show. Very few in the audience were first timers, which speaks to the caliber of his show.

Tim Motely’s character of a detective, “dick” coming from the forties slang, has a sublime blend of naughtiness, far from PC patter and amazing magic feats that is unique. Cries of “How does he do it?” were heard throughout the show. Don’t expect to just sit there; this is an audience participation show and you will love it. A lot of the many laughs were had at the expense of some of his not so willing volunteers. Even the reluctant ones were won over by the end by his winning ways. Don’t be a dick and miss this show!

Lisa Campbell

Space Hippo

The Wishes Mystical Puppet Company—The Rachel Browne Theatre

I saw these presenters last year and loved their rendition of shadow puppetry. The show had some rough edges but the novelty and the wit far surpassed the shortfalls. This year’s rendition files down those rough edges to transmit a smooth, seamless show.

This year’s characters are equally ludicrous but the plot takes on social and political statements. Cute, funny and unique, this show has something for everyone. I recommend getting a set towards the back with someone’s head obscuring your view (seriously). If you can see the presenters at floor level, you also see the light of the projector, which can become very distracting from the screen.

Ray Yuen