The Buzz – Reviews

Shelf-Control

Distingo—Dave Barber Cinematheque

This was a very nice little one-person show with Duncan Storozuk playing a book store clerk, a librarian, and various other customers and patrons. It delves into the importance of books, the differences between libraries and book stores, and the discussion of favourite books. Perfect for bibliophiles.

Murray Hunter

Joan of Arc Ascending

Doctor Keir Co.—Théâtre Cercle Molière

I feel as though this show is what I WISH every history lesson in school had been like! A fascinating, engaging and entertaining tale of a woman who has become a legend in the 6 centuries since her death. Joan of Arc has inspired so much art, lore and speculation and I learnt a lot more than I ever known previously. I enjoyed the serenading and some haunting vocals, as well as the reminder that our understanding of the world is incomplete and that the extraordinary is beyond our philosophy. Hers is a story that is so incredible, it almost seems unreal and yet, to this day, she still captivates our imaginations. Cutler also has a published book that includes even more details about her life that there wasn’t enough time for in the hour slot. Highly recommend.

Calantha Jensen

Apoptosis

Metanoia Theatre Co.—The Gargoyle Theatre

Stressful family drama, dealing with personal trauma around relationships, the ways we deal with them, and the medical system that we’re forced through tragedy to relate with. The script itself is competent, if a bit predictable in the different twists and turns it takes, and the characters are a bit over written and over acted, leading to some difficulties in relating and empathizing with them. Despite all the flaws, this could easily be a diamond in the rough for those looking for tough conversations and family drama.

Josh Fidelak

The Stakeout by Martin Dockery

Racing Sloth Productions—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

I am always blown away by anything Martin Dockery creates, and I made sure to check out his and Andrew’s new show after loving the Long Night of the American Dream last year. This year’s production is a dynamic, clever and witty tale about father and son relationships. The dialogue is performed at such a breakneck speed at times, it kept me riveted at every moment, making sure I didn’t miss any details. There are twists and turns, wisdom and insight, and hilarious callbacks. They’re both as brilliant storytellers as always.

Calantha Jensen

Charged Conversations

Black Cat Productions—Dave Barber Cinematheque

Listed run time is 45 minutes but actual run time was only 31 minutes. The write-up talks about and EV charging station and paranormal phenomena, but there isn’t really cogent connection between the two.

The two themes seem to remain disparate and discrete through most of the show.

The gags are fun enough but they need some exploration, development and expansion. As is, it seems we have an intro, a situation, and the climax comes too soon.

The Ouija looks fun but if you’re not in the front row, you don’t see it. They may have propped it up on chairs but it’s still well below eye level for the audience. You desperately need an easel or even a tall bar stool.

This is a good premise that opens doors to the potential of fun and whacky situations but this ghost needs some flesh.

Ray Yuen

Ringmaster

Hijinx Drama Club Inc.—Théâtre Cercle Molière

This show is a story of a man caught in a tangled web of intrigue, conspiracy and betrayal, told through the eyes of the women surrounding him. There are beautiful moments of song and comedy, and you can tell the cast is having a lot of fun. I enjoyed the choreography and cover songs written into the context of this narrative. I think the show would benefit from a bit more rehearsal time, but it was endearing and funny and earnest.

Calantha Jensen

Buying Bacon

Cagey Productions—Dave Barber Cinematheque

Ken Gordon and John Bent Jr. play Nick and Chuck who are sitting at their kitchen table hosting their Happy Hour Shenanigans YouTube show. They just talk about various topics with some slides and videos to help visualize things.

The first topic was how lack of math skills is allowing corporations to short change us through Shrinkflation and Skimpflation. It was a somewhat disheartening feeling when they start to show the math and unit pricing, especially seeing the huge increase in price for the title product Bacon. Being of about the same vintage as those two gentlemen, I found myself thinking “I hope they show Chunky Soup” and it was on the list. As was Cadbury Easter Creme Eggs.

The final topic was the unusual sport of “Ferret Legging”. The key to success in the sport is to keep the Ferrets well fed, though I am sure you want to feed them a sausage free diet.

All in all, it was a funny and informative visit with them.

Murray Hunter

Assistance

Hot Rejects Productions —CCFM Salle Pauline-Boutal

This was a wild, extremely entertaining ride. We are dropped into the middle of a fast paced office environment, and the chaos energy is very visceral. A script filled with engaging dialogue, we witness several assistants to a seemingly diabolical boss scramble to keep his life in order. I feel as though the show is a vivid demonstration of the cult of personality, and the raw moments of humanity experienced by those that are driven to heed someone superior’s every beck and call. Its a world very unfamiliar to me, having worked in very few office settings, but I appreciated the aspects of the workplace culture that I still found relatable. Thoroughly entertaining and well written, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who’s ever had the thought “I do not get paid enough for this”. It’s a very fun show.

Calantha Jensen

The Big Big Improv Show

Leap Before You Look—The Asper Centre for Theatre & Film (U of W)

I think probably the greatest compliment I could say about this show is that they had Colin Mochrie as a guest star, and the highlight was still a local performer.

Adopting the frame of 4 directors creating an improvised storyline, chapter by chapter, each chapter they’re weeded out by audience vote until only one story is left and able to actually reach its conclusion. Featuring a massive stable of improvisers in order to give each story the room to really breathe and fill out main characters without overlap. Extremely strong improvisers all, the last storyline featured Colin as a scientist and local performer Caity Curtis as his AI creation, Curtis stealing the show. Absolutely solid as always and highly recommended.

Josh Fidelak

Identity Crisis

prizm productions—CCFM Salle Pauline-Boutal

This piece was a very enjoyable exploration into the nature of being and one’s understanding of their sense of self. With an ethereally philosophical theme, we are taken through the zodiac, presented with deep reflective questions, beautiful songs, and clever clowning. Alyssa has created a beautifully bizarre piece of theatre that is perfectly Fringe in its compelling nature and strangeness. I was captivated by the first moments of the piece, with lighting and sounds that drew me in and had me puzzling through the thoughts and ideas she presented. I loved it.

Calantha Jensen