My Dad Isn’t Danny DeVito

Anthony DeVito—The Cinematheque

This relatively short performer pretty well divulges if he is indeed the famous Danny Devito’s son? Or not! Anthony shares his life as a DeVito telling the stories of growing up in New Jersey…and a father he never met. It was many females bringing up Anthony, starting with his mom, grandmoms, and aunts, but he never really knew his dad, who he imagined in his mind. It is also his mother who he gives credit to inspiring his venture into the entertainment biz. Also, it was the stories of his dad, thru his mom, that showed he is really no where near following his dad’s footsteps. Beautiful stories sharing the Italian connection, the culture and lifestyle with some good ol’ New York accents/slang.

Kevin Campbell

Dungeons & Shakespeare

Shelby Bond—Royal Albert Arms

Shelby bond is back with another invitation to create, play, and have some fun! Like a spritely Ms. Frizzle, every night Shelby invites the audience to take risks, take chances and potentially fail a dice roll to put together a story. This show is so much fun and Shelby clearly had a passion for the subject matter. No matter what Shelby was given, he masterfully rolled with it to make the story fun and engaging.

Since it’s improv the show does depend a lot on who is called to perform, but this is a Fringe gem not to be missed!

Kaitlyn Kriss

Why Not Murder Mother

TBA Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

I recognised some of the actors from this company right away and knew I saw them last year. Then about halfway through the show, I thought to myself, “are they re-doing the same show?” Even after the denouement, conclusion and closing, I wasn’t sure if I already saw this story. As soon as I got home, I looked it up to see if it indeed is the same show, and it is not. However, the familiarity is so etched that this company followed the exact same formula that they used last year, and perhaps from years before too. If you experience déjà vu somewhere along the journey, you’ll know why.

As for the show, I’ll use a metaphor. I have spent my entire life living in The Prairies so I’m very familiar with flat lands. I also travel a lot so I’m quite familiar with mountainous roads. Watching this show is like driving on a steep mountainous road in a snowstorm. You never know when the plot takes a turn, and before the turn is over, another one ploughs towards you. The first part of the show sets the stage, then the switchbacks keep your head turning and you never know if/when you’re going to fall off the cliff. That is the adventure in discovering who tried to murder mother.

It’s a fun journey and it keeps you guessing until the very end.

Ray Yuen

The Merkin Sisters: DEUX

Stephanie Morin-Robert—PTE – Mainstage

There was a great reason to make this absolute gem my kickoff to Fringe 2023. If you are silly enough to only take in one show, this would be my choice. Stephanie Morin-Robert and Ingrid Hansen gift us with gorgeous choreography as they move as one, hilarious puppetry perfection and the most amazing, creative costuming you will ever see! Their playfulness and superb sense of humour charm the audience even before the show starts as they tease and interact throughout the crowd. No seat is safe!

A cohesive, masterful effort, that weaves diverse characters and themes effortlessly. These women own their stage, even while naked. Their true professionalism is proven; as a running part of the show is incorporating new ideas submitted by the crowd that are pulled from a jar throughout the show. I was bouncing to the extremely catchy music and was blown away to learn it was their original soundtrack! Available free by QR code after the performance.

This is my ideal Fringe show. The amount of work and thought that was obviously necessary sets the bar high for others. The audience was thrilled, with the theatre full of screams of laughter and beaming faces. The thing that really melts my butter is the way their warmth, true kindness, and real love of what they do shines through. Brava!

Lisa Campbell

Bremner sings: Everything in New Orleans Is a Good Idea

Big Empty Barn Productions—Rachel Browne Theatre

In his latest show Bremner Duthie showcases his own music interspersed with stories about New Orleans and how it has influenced his own journey to finally take the gamble to write and perform his own songs. His wonderful voice carries the show with a great collection of stories and songs that are inspired by his adopted hometown.

He brings back one song from last year’s show that was not his and a dress (also not his), as a tribute to Princess Stephanie, who he describes as someone whose sometimes biting criticism will give you the kick in the ass you need to make some changes in your life.

Murray Hunter

Robert Will Show You the Door (tales of being fired)

Susan Jeremy Productions—Planetarium

What do you do when you’ve been fired from about 90 jobs? You write a fringe show of course! A woman takes us on her journey of terrible jobs and the lessons she learned along the way. Playing all the characters herself, Susan Jeremy did a great job of portraying all of her former bosses and coworkers with very specific movements and mannerisms. The actress had terrific energy and some great one liners. A lot of the jokes were very cute and made me giggle. That being said, the show relied heavily on impressions that were very stereotypical and a few that would have been considered offensive by many. This is a show for the older crowd but featured some funny stories that anyone could relate to. A great show to bring your mom or dad to.

Kaitlyn Kriss

La La Luna Sea

All About Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage

I often sit in the back row because I want an panorama of the entire stage, especially at a large venue like MTC Mainstage. Most of the time, it gives me a great view but there are times when I’m at a disadvantage, like today. I could not hear any of the actors’ voices and from the start, I was lost. Often, there are one or two cast members with weaker vocals I have trouble catching, but for the first 20 minutes, I could not hear any of them.

Just before the halfway point, they all found their stage voices, which made the outing perceptible. The title is apt, as there is a load of lunacy, a wad of wackiness and a flittering of fun. It’s not all touchdowns as some of the witticisms were fumbles but generally, it was a cute outing.

Perhaps it was first show jitters but if you’re taking in this show, I would sit near the front, just in case.

Ray Yuen

Keith Brown

At The Table with Keith Brown—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

WINNER of Critic’s Choice BEST MAGIC SHOW Orlando 2023

World-class magic & storytelling from Fringe Vet Keith Brown will BLOW YOUR MIND! At The Table is fun for all ages.

“an hour of laughs, bewilderment, and sleight of hand.” – Parton & Pearl

“Brown’s performance is pure joy” – My Entertainment World

“a real deal magician, and a wonderful storyteller. You will leave believing in magic” – Stageworthy Podcast

Salvador Dinosaur

Otto & Astrid’s Joint Solo Project—Pyramid Cabaret

Otto & Astrid from the Berlin band Die Roten Punkte have travelled to Winnipeg Fringe TEN times!! That’s how much they both love Winnipeg, they get on a plane with their drum kit balanced on Astrid’s lap and Otto holding 3 guitars and arrive ready to explode onto the stage and make a party in your pants! So what are you waiting for, RUN to the Pyramid Cabaret for Otto & Astrid’s Joint Solo Project!!

Merlyn Productions

The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and the Wolf—Tom Hendry Warehouse

FAMILY-FRIENDLY fun! Twelve local talents re-create three traditional Ukrainian folk-tales in under 1 hour, using cheap props for even cheaper laughs (cheap tickets, too – they’re all just $10 at the door)!

Better than All-You-Can-Eat Borscht, and funnier than a Babushka with a big stick (although we’ve got one of those, as well)!

Merlyn Productions Theatre Company is back on stage after 3 years. Bring the kids (and bring Baba, too)!