Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play

PKF Productions—PTE – Mainstage

This show was the sensation of 2017 and it’s turning out to be the must-see of this year as well. So what do I possibly have to say about this show? Nothing I can say would persuade or dissuade you from seeing this show, so I’ll keep it very brief.

With exceptional acting, superb singing, an engaging topic, spot-on delivery and a charismatic star, you have all the components to build the prototypical show—and here it is. This is a professional-calibre show that has won over every audience to date—and it will continue to do so. Buy your tickets early.

Ray Yuen

EVERY STORY EVER TOLD

Ryan Gladstone—The King’s Head Pub

I have been a fan of Ryan’s since he first started coming here with Monster Theatre many moons ago. He has matured into a family man and this show is a relating of variety of fairy tales and legends, in Ryan’s engaging, humorous style. The Rocky movies are also a reoccurring theme. There is nothing serious here, other than the obvious love he has for his children; the reason for his choice of subject matter this go round. I can only say you will enjoy this and leave with a feel good glow and a softer outlook of the world. Come early and experience the wonderful food the King’s Head is known for with the show for a complete night out. Well done!

Lisa Campbell

Self-Help Shelf

Awkward Cheese Co.—Onstage at Pantages

If I’m honest I couldn’t tell whether this show was attempting to break down millennial stereotypes or reinforce them. It seemed to lean into the former towards the end, and then jerked itself back right quick. It was funny more often than it wasn’t, and very nearly got to touching, but I find the performer is much stronger physically than anything else. Those segments were wonderful. The use of stereotypical millennial language quickly became forced and unfunny, and speaking as a millennial I would be hard pressed to find anyone in my immediate circle who speaks like that with any form of consistency. Perhaps it was satire and I didn’t get the message, perhaps it wasn’t and played completely for comedic effect, either way I came out feeling mixed emotions, slightly more negative than positive. It ran 15 minutes shorter than it’s advertised 60, something to take into account when planning.

Arden Pruden

Fallen from the Toy Box

The Fourth Wall—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Their previous show, ‘Fruit Flies like a Banana’, brought fame to this troupe and now their act is one of Fringe’s most popular. If you’re unfamiliar with them, the premise is very simple. The trio consists of a flautist, a trombonist and a percussionist; they’re talented musicians who play fun tunes. The edge comes with how they play their instruments and the presentation that accompanies it. Viewers have come to expect them flying through the stage and making music from awkward positions.

This year’s rendition doesn’t disappoint. The music covers a huge variety of genres, from “99 Beers on the Wall” to Carmen, from Charlie Brown, to The Nutcracker, from ballet to drum solos. Highly entertaining as usual, the visual effects add another dimension to this engaging show. Once again, this is a Fringe must-see.

Ray Yuen

Shadows in Bloom

Gemma Wilcox—MTYP – Mainstage

When people ask me what to see I always recommend this British standard. She superbly represents the classic one woman stage act. She is always dressed totally in black, to best put the emphasis on her movements and characters, not herself. This enchanting actress sticks to telling a story through her wonderful distinct characters and nimble body movements. She brings to life a roster of characters; from the insightful old neighbor lady, to the befuddled, somewhat brutish new man she has uprooted her life to follow. And yes, even her houseplants have roles, which I found particularly charming.

This is part six of the continuing story of Sandra; totally relatable character. A thirty five year old, divorced, childless woman facing a crisis of wanting a family; who is just now facing the realization that, again, she has chosen the wrong man. Gemma has the true talent of pulling you into caring and sharing the joy and heartbreak Sandra is living. If you want to see some real theatre and leave satisfied, this show is it. I cannot wait to see the next chapter in Sandra’s journey!

Lisa Campbell

Your Brain On Anxiety

Sheep On A Mission—The Rachel Browne Theatre

If you feel like taking a break from the plentiful selection of funny and lighthearted Fringe shows, take a step into the human mind with the cast of “Your Brain on Anxiety”. Feeling not an insignificant level of anxiety myself in a mad scramble to find parking and getting to the venue with 2 minutes to spare, I nearly walked right into a masked figure lurking just inside the doorway.

The show begins as a seminar of sorts, with an educational bit on the human brain and how it functions. Anxiety is something we all experience at certain levels, but the show quickly focuses in on cases where it becomes a seriously impeding challenge for all sorts of people from all walks of life, and demonstrates how it manifests in their experiences and their lives.

Relatable scenarios of love, relationships, responsibilities, insecurities, obligations, expectations of others and many more factors can be the sources of anxiety that we encounter throughout our lives. Masked cast members acted the parts of each characters’ inner voice, needling them and nagging and expressing their plaguing doubts and fears. It’s frightening the way that we speak to ourselves when we are the only ones listening. The production uses a powerful performance of poetry and spoken word, with phrases that really hit home. A perfect amount of comedy to lighten the mood on a serious topic adds another great facet to this show.

The production resonated with me in many ways, from relating to the same inner demons many characters expressed, to empathizing with others as it brought to mind loved ones of my own that struggle to deal with anxiety that makes it hard for them to cope with life.

I sing praises of this show and what they’ve created. It reminds the viewer that there is always more beneath the surface, that each one of us lives with a struggle for balance between the things that cause us anxiety and the things that bring us happiness. It tugged on each of my heartstrings and reminded me of the importance of being kind and helping those struggling with mental illness.

Each one of us has demons we must face, and struggling with depression and anxiety does not shape who we are. None of us can be define by others, our worth is not based on how others view us, and overcoming internal struggle is amazing and necessary. This show is a gem, and a must see. No doubt in my cluttered mind.

Calantha Jensen

Bushtits, Shih Tzus and Private Dicks: All’s Fur in Love and Noir

Theatrically Obsessed—MTC Up the Alley

Frenzied and frantic, this satiric “who done it” romp searches for the culprit that’s been murdering the neighbourhood pets. In the meantime, a dozen suspects parade the stage. Things happen much too
quickly for you to think about clues and looking for a solution so just sit back and enjoy the fun.

With boundless energy, the actors juggle roles, props and asides to deliver the plot. With solid acting and good delivery, you walk away with some laughs, some groans and a big smile because you just had a
good time.

Ray Yuen

An All New God Is A Scottish Drag Queen

Mike Delamont—MTYP – Mainstage

God is back with his fifth installment of his ever so popular God series. Although most of us caught on to this gem in year one, and have seen all four; each year stands alone. So don’t be afraid to jump on the train late. It’s never too late to join in on the ride and I guarantee you will continue to take the trip with Mike each coming year. Winnipeg can’t get enough of Mike Delamont. So much so that he has to bring a winter run of each year’s show. See your program, page 73 for tix to his Christmas show. You Will want more.

He has evolved into a Peg tradition, as we all join in singing the traditional “500 Miles” to welcome God to the stage in his new plaid power suit; which he says makes him look like a “sexy chesterfield“. He uses his time with us to explain why he has chosen to make the world the way it is, and to reflect on some of his mistakes. He explains what really happened in the Garden of Eden and mocks both himself and mankind. He also ventures into other topics including politics; though not as much as in previous years. I think he is as fed up with the orange mess of a president as the rest of us. My favorite part of the show is when he makes fun of Winnipeg. I love hearing just how quirky we are through the fresh eyes of a visitor who mocks us so insightfully, yet tenderly. If we do have a God, I wish he would be like Mike. The world would run much more smoothly and we would have much more fun. He encourages the audience to come and have selfies and hugs with him after the show. I love him, but with the way he sweats (“that’s where Holy Water comes from”), I would skip the hugs. Just go and be advised, he sells out days in advance. Thank God for Mike Delamont!

Lisa Campbell

Randy Ross

God Bless Cambodia—Red River College – Roblin Centre

A never-married hypochondriac travels the world hoping to change his luck with love. The story begins in Boston and goes astray in Greece, South Africa, and Asia.

Audiences are exposed to the stories “Domination for Dummies” and “One Day at the Curious Finger Body Spa”. The latest show from novelist and Fringe veteran Randy Ross.

Some comments on his previous show:
“A quality solo show” (Edinburgh Fringe)
“Compelling” “Flawless” (Pittsburgh Fringe)