King, Warrior, Magician, Lover

Wolfhaven Productions—The Clock Tower – Portage Place

In this hour long performance, storyteller Matthew Evan Havens takes the audience through a fantastical growth into manhood. Centering on the power of stories to inspire and teach, Matthew’s pseudo-autobiographical story of his assent to status of king and storyteller has a lot of potential. It was hampered by first night jitters and needing a bit more polish, all things that should be smoothed out for the later performances of the festival.

Josh Fidelak

CIVILIZED

By the Book Productions—One88

The mistreatment of the Indigenous people by the Canadian government through various laws and actions combined with the creation and running of the residential school system (in partnership with the Churches) is the subject of the play by Keir Cutler which makes it necessary for a number of content warnings. It also makes it necessary viewing. Though it is expertly performed it is a very difficult play to watch.

John Huston portrays a government official of the early 1900s brought back to life to attempt to defend their strategies to deal with the Indigenous people who were “in the way of progress”.

Because the play uses the language and labels of that time it is especially jarring. The Indigenous population are barely considered people, their traditions and culture is something to be erased in order for them to become ‘Civilized’.

Shining a light on the horrible truth, so long ignored, is painful but needed. The most haunting line for me comes near the end and is something like “We did this for you”, with you being the modern population of Canada.

I hope a lot of people see this show, and then begin (or continue) on a journey to achieve reconciliation and help heal the wounds of the past.

Murray Hunter

A Grave Mistake

A Little Bit Off—John Hirsch Mainstage

This was opening night, and sometimes you can expect some glitches with the first show. True here, there were some minor costume issues, some major prop issues, and some severe rehearsal issues—they clearly were not ready but they managed to save the show. Towards the end, it seemed like they gave up trying to put together a tight performance and went down the slapstick trail instead. That’s fine because it was still a good (GREAT) time.

There were some outright hilarious moments that caught me in tears laughing (and I’m not an easy amuser). The baby ghost scene was one of the funniest things I’d seen in a long time.

Some skits seemed rather fractured from the main story, and they didn’t feel like they belong in the plot. Even as outcasts, those scenes entertained amusingly.

Because the audience got to choose the course of several events, some of the skits remained unseen to us. I’m curious enough to see the scenes I missed; I have every faith that they would be just as much fun. It was a howling good time.

Ray Yuen

Macabre Tales of Horror and Macabreness (kinda?) 10 Year HELLebration

Puppy in Pants Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse

The wildly and weirdly talented company of Macabre Tales is back with a 10th anniversary “hellebration” and delivered a creepily crafted show filled to the brim with multi-media magic, funky special effects, bad puns, precocious black ops, and classic horror tropes. As in the past it was hosted by Satan himself who presided over the offerings from his “bone throne” and delivered a totally satisfying Rick Mercer style rant. Subtle it ain’t but hilarious it is. Avoid “Coward’s Corner”; you won’t want to miss any of the fun.

Barbara Fawcett

Field Zoology 201

Shawn O’Hara—Planetarium

An hour of every fact about animals you could ever hope to know, most of them incorrect but I’m not counting. Split between prepared classroom lecture and audience request for animal facts/combat advice, Shawn O’Hara as the dishonorable professor Gooseberry rarely fails to elicit a laugh. And following his midshow editorial advice for any reviewers in attendance, he did not read the audience supplied question cards in advance.

Josh Fidelak

An Evening of Magic & Mystery with Ken Sky

Ken Sky—Planetarium

An act that can boast of a strong globe trotting pedigree, an Evening of Magic and Mystery quickly transitions from Magic trick to joke, most commonly at the expense of the performer’s own accent. Strong crowd work and rapport are the standouts of the show, with some tricks being held for a few moments too long. A crowd pleaser, for anyone seeking exactly what the show says on the tin.

Josh Fidelak

amused

Peachy Keen Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse

With a title like this, one had better be amused. Sydney Hayduk has a great reputation in the theatre community, and deservedly so. Due to a few moves, past Fringe programs were parted with, and a Google search left me hanging with regards to Lindsay Johnson, other than she’s active in theatre in The Peg.

I liked the premise of this play, reminiscent of past Twilight Zone plots.

Sydney is a great physical actor, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, her whole being is involved. She exudes charm and energy. In stark contrast, Lindsay is far more reserved; and except for the last few minutes, I was going to say I never saw her smile. This isn’t a comedy; so not a criticism, but an observation. I would love to see her do Shakespeare; as I loved the taste we had. She’s a lovely presence on stage, I just feel she could be looser as an actor.

Sci-fi and platonic love are challenging topics and they met the task well.

I was so glad to see the theatre fill up last minute so they had the audience they deserved opening night.

Lisa Campbell

The Ultimate Actor’s Nightmare

Club Soda Improv—John Hirsch Mainstage

Solid improv comedy meets crass consumerism in hilarious and often physically uncomfortable ways. From the more common basis of using audience participation to set the scenes, it takes only a few minutes for the “missing” director of the show, the last member of the sextuplet to maniacally enter the show. Acting as an agent of chaos, from that point on the show is defined by his suggested sponsorships and ad reads awkwardly and hilariously forced into unrelated dramas the performers have constructed.

Josh Fidelak

Blueberries Are Assholes

TJ Dawe—Tom Hendry Warehouse

It’s always a great bet to give Fringe favorite T.J. an hour of your time. His unique and quirky way of looking at the world is thought-provoking and never boring. He seemed a lot calmer than in the past, but just as engaging. I’ll let you find out why blueberries are evil, while you chuckle along with his roller coaster ride of a show. His message is a great one, “Be curious and life is never mundane!” He’s one of the most respected actors on the Fringe circuit and you should find out why. He tends to sell out; so grab your tix while you can!

Lisa Campbell

Meagre Joys

Project Pigeon—Comedy at Wee Johnny’s

This skit comedy show sees strong manic energy backing an array of absurd situations, ranging from the beleaguered red lobster choir to arts and crafts gone murderously wrong. The skits themselves range in terms of strength and polish, but due to the quick turnover there’s hardly time to dwell on any missteps. Short and sweet, the jokes and comedic beats are tightly packed, and for anyone wanting a reason to head in for Wee Johnny’s comedy offerings this is sure to please.

Josh Fidelak