The Buzz – Reviews – 2016

Happiness™

May Can Theatre—The Rachel Browne Theatre

I remember seeing this show last year when they were here towards the end of the festival, and it was fantastic. Dare I say they’ve gotten even better. The two actors filled the room with energy right off the hop and the shifts in mood are incredibly smooth and natural, as natural as they are designed to be. Both men have amazing comedic timing and the banter with the soft voiced technician ‘Ted’ gives even a faceless character a personality. Their stories are there but just under the surface, and I wish I could watch the opening to their pitch again with a new view of them. In the end its a very sad man and a very angry man trying to sell products to make you happy- and you might even buy them.

Arden Pruden

The Merry Men

Outsider Company—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film

This cheerful retelling of the Robin Hood myth features some charming young performers with a clever idea. I saw this early in the run, so the pace was a bit off, and the cast would profit from some more experience, but that’s what the Fringe is for. Tighter cues and stronger characterization would have helped this production, but that’s what experience is for. I hope these performers continue to work on their craft and challenge themselves.

Kevin Longfield

The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe

Sharon Mahoney—The Rachel Browne Theatre

There are some very good laughs, and many just so-so, but the fast pace keeps the act moving. All said, it’s a good time, even though Mahoney tries a little bit too hard sometimes. If you don’t want attention, it’s best to stay away from the front few rows.

To the person who tried to sabotage the show, you’re a coward and an asshole. Every single person in the audience is happy to see you leave but walking in front of the act to get out just reinforces the fact that you’re an asshole.

Despite the disruption, Mahoney continues with the show adeptly and professionally, eventually delivering an important message that we all should remember. Thanks for your story.

Ray Yuen

Bring The Piano

True Enough Productions—MTC Up the Alley

Randy Vancourt’s musical talent is obvious from the moment the lights go down. His ability to tell a good story while still rocking out a solid piano ditty is proof of this. Music flows out of him like water from a tap. He has a very traditional showman theatre personality and manages to make mundane stories have a witty side to them. The songs were all original and very funny. I laughed a lot but that was more due the fact that I too have an awful sense of humour and could relate to Vancourt. His jokes are very cheesy and can only be described as ‘dad jokes’. Don’t expect a lot of plot or any insightful bits from this piece of theatre. I found the jokes got old real fast and I was very happy to be moving on to my next show. This is a silly show with silly songs and a few good laughs. This is a very safe bet for a quiet evening of piano tunes and giggles.

Kaitlyn Kriss

The Collector

The 28th Minute—Tom Hendry Theatre at the MTC Warehouse

I saw this show on a whim and I can honestly say that I’m glad I did. While it began slow it certainly got into its stride, and a good chunk of the show was very well performed. While at times the interactions between the two actors felt forced, the all around tones were well set and it was certainly as unnerving as advertised. The climax also felt a touch weak but honestly it was worth the watch if you like ’em dark.

Arden Pruden

Brain

Brendan McLeod—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

He’s handsome, model material, as he relates. Well-spoken, with a smooth, flawless delivery. The problem is, it’s not interesting enough to be a Fringe play. Unless you are OCD and want to listen to someone relate the journey that brought him to this diagnosis, you will be bored. Winnipeg audiences are so polite, and will applaud almost anything. The audience clapped enthusiastically and I heard nice comments from them afterwards. It just didn’t do it for me.

This is the kind of conversation that might take place over coffee with a good friend; or in a psychiatrist’s office. To charge one to listen to this is not fair. After many plays this year, this is the first to let me down. With the caliber of acts out there, this needs to be funnier, more poignant or both.

Lisa Campbell

Noir In Blue

THEATrePUBLIC—John Hirsch Theatre at the MTC Mainstage

A classic mistake in theatre is thinking that you can make a great production by getting just the right props and set. Noir in Blue proves just how wrong that idea is. Laura Olafson, Cory Schmidt, and Kenneth Brown create a gritty film noir experience with nothing more that a few hats and trench coats (and a great script). You see, audiences have this great thing called an imagination, although it is a bit stunted from lack of use in some of us.

To paraphrase Peter Brook, if an actor carries a loaf of bread as if it were a baby, the audience sees a baby, and vice versa. Of course, to pull that off, you need to have real actors who are willing to work very hard to fine-tune their performances, and this case was all of that in spades, if you will forgive a film noir metaphor.

Kevin Longfield

BUCKO Comedy: Ootaku

Bucko Comedy—Son of Warehouse

Supposedly, this is an improv show but there’s not much audience input and I’m suspicious that it’s fixed! Regardless, the setting gives a unique angle to the dialogue. Although a little fractured at the outset, the plots eventually merge together.

Some of the gags are moderately funny but the best humour comes when things don’t quite go as planned.

Ray Yuen

Love Is A Battlefield

Concrete Drops—ACI Manitoba

A twisted tale of deception, this show is gripping and captivating, a must see!

Martin Dockery is like a perfect danseur (a male ballet dancer), and that is not to say he dances ballet (he does not), but it is to say that he provides the context, the support, and the frame that allows Vanessa Quesnelle to shine like the star she is. Her acting is as beautiful as her voice, leaving the audience simultaneously satisfied and always wanting more. Dockery holds his own, reminding us of the twisted and turning plot line he is known for. In this role he is much more subdued than in his solo work, but nonetheless enjoyable to watch, it is lovely to see his softer side.

The two together are a magical combo, not to be missed!

Nina Fielding

Bella Culpa

A Little Bit Off—John Hirsch Theatre at the MTC Mainstage

The Portland duo of Amica Hunter and David Cantor, that were at last year’s Fringe with Beau & Aero, return as a maid and butler trying to do their work while combating the drudgery that goes along with it. Early on they do the old foot-in-a-bucket trick, but show off their great chemistry and acrobatic ability when it gets removed. The combination of physical humour, acrobatics and audience participation throughout the many different scenes makes for a really fun time.

Murray Hunter