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ACK NOW
Theatre & Play—Théâtre Cercle Molière
A fun and lively show that combines AI, the perils of not reading the whole terms and conditions of an app contract, and the ever ubiquitous subscription model foisted upon us by almost every company these days. The script by Craig Terlson pulls from many Science Fiction inspirations. With lots of breaking of the fourth wall and some simple but well used props, the excellent cast of Kim Kay, Alex Mutcheson, and Zanifa Rasool had the audience laughing throughout.
Murray Hunter
Little Red and the Werewolf
All About Theatre Kids—The Gargoyle Theatre
This was one of the only kids shows that I’ve seen so far this year, and it was silly. I am a huge fan of fairy tales and folklore, and I’ve recently been studying certain narratives more closely. One of which is the story of Red Riding Hood. I have seen and read many different variations of this tale, but this one was by far the wildest. Twists and turns all over the place, with new and imaginative elements added that take the story far from its roots. I think the writing itself was rather chaotic, but I am impressed by the children’s ability to share multiple roles and play the show in an entirely different arrangement of casting each night. The live music is also a treat. The Q&A was great, as many kids in the audience had questions and I hope they are inspired to get involved in theatre as a result of seeing shows they enjoy.
Calantha Jensen
My toes striving till the tips of your fingers
Johanne Gour Danse—Théâtre Cercle Molière
Johanne Gour, who is wheelchair-bound, choreographs and performs in this work with two other dancers, Alexandra MacLean and Amélie Albert. It is an amazing collection of scenes that tell a story of the unexpected loss of the ability to control your body in the way you want, the struggle to accept there are some things you can no longer do, and the triumph in finding other ways you can express yourself. A very fascinating, emotional and touching performance.
Murray Hunter
The Mirror Sphere: The Sworn Protector
Kirkatures—John Hirsch Mainstage
A playwrights note on the back of the lengthy program describes this musical as a childhood story come to life- and it was apparent. Not, however, in the “I’ll put this on the fridge” way that some children’s stories are, but in the nostalgic, endearing “I remember doing things like this” kind of way. Unfortunately for the company, the venue assigned didn’t do them any favours, and some performers weren’t prepared for the volume needed to fill the space. Something I would say is perfect for kids 10 and up, who’ve had a chance to delve into adventure media in a more meaningful sense, The Mirror Sphere is a labour of love; chaotic and full of tropes, it milked its inspirations dry, and almost seemed too ambitious to fit into a single hour. I suppose that’s why there’s a sequel in the works. And I suppose that’s why I might be checking it out.
Arden Pruden
Theatre & Play
ACK NOW—Théâtre Cercle Molière
You ever worry about what happens when you forget to renew an APP?
You ever have problems making a decision? Like, which path to the take on the road to life?
You ever wonder if AI can be funny?
Ignatius Industries has developed the brand-new AI driven APP: Anticipatory Cerebral Knowledge (ACK) just for people like you.
You might come away still worried… but at least you’ll have a good time.
Because, “You can always trust a tech company.”
“Thoughtful, humorous, insightful, and enjoyable! Especially if you love SciFi, go see this.” – Patron review.
Making It!
Megan Phillips—Dave Barber Cinematheque
This piece was perfect for first show of my day. Meagan has an infectious energy and charisma, and this is a story of her journey as a performer and an artist. She’s written about a dozen original songs, some insightful, some silly and all very funny. Her performance feels like you’re having some beautiful heartfelt shared moments with a good friend, and she is so much fun to watch. I found the content so relatable and hilarious, wholesome but also saucy. It will leave you with a smile, and a validating reminder that we do our best and we all have our own definition of what making it looks like. Also, bring a tea cup. She might have a treat for you.
Calantha Jensen
F*ck Marry Kill: The Improv Show
FMK Productions—The King’s Head Pub
I did not know Fuck Marry Kill was a game, not until the start of the performance. I guess I’m in the minority; when the cast asked who in the audience doesn’t know the game, mine was one of the few hands that went up.
I’m a veteran cruiser. I have almost enough cruise kilometres to get to the moon. Thus, you can believe it when I tell you what I know cruise ship games are like. I had the eerie feeling that this was going to be a hokey cruise game when it started. Don’t getme wrong: cruise games are fun, but on the ships, you also get unlimited, free alcoholic beverages to amp up your spirits.
Thankfully, once the “cards were dealt,” the performance turned back to being a show,rather than a game show. There are plenty of improv-type gags that go with the development, and some good ha-has throughout. I didn’t really get the “game” part of it,even with the “reveal” at the end. It would have been equally fun just to see the improv without the game and just made into a murder mystery.
Ray Yuen
Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret
Chase Padgett—PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage
Chase Padgett is another familiar figure to most Fringegoers at this point – he says this is his tenth time here. Most will know what to expect – multiple characters (despite his claim at the beginning to be eschewing that this year), brilliantly and hilariously brought to life, interspersed with equally brilliant guitar playing. This time is a little different, though; he’s using a deck of cards to determine which of numerous pieces to perform, and almost as importantly, in what order. Not all of them fit his usual mold – some, for example, more closely resemble standup comedy – and you might see a completely different show than I did. My personal favourite piece I saw was “Song Request Rant”, a half-standup, half-improv bit about what the songs people request from performers like him say about them personality, including suggestions from the audience. A close second is how he got CRABS! (it doesn’t mean what you think).
Jeff Heikkinen
Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist
Gravity Theatre—The Asper Centre for Theatre & Film (U of W)
The last time I had a professional work on my hair, Trudeau was the Prime Minister ofCanada—Pierre Trudeau! Needless to say, I never thought much about the daily routine of a hairstylist.
Not only does Joanna Rannelli give us some amusing (and some banal, intentionally) tales in the course of “the job,” she also gives insight into what it’s like to have a profession where you are literally glued to listen to whatever ramble the client delivers.
The tales could have been told through any medium: bartender, customer service rep,social worker, HR adviser, nurse, etc., but she chose hairstylist. That made me reflect both on the stories and the job of hairstylist itself—and I’m so happy I do not have a job where I’m locked into listening customers.
Ray Yuen
The Dirty Bucket Comedy Show
No Cheat Codes Productions—Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame
Take your classic stand up Fringe show with a rotating cast of local and travelling comedians, and shake it up with a bucket full of the audiences best to worst ideas. The comedians themselves were good, in my showing, but that like always is a bit of a crapshoot with these sorts of things, due to the daily swap over. The twist on the formula in the form of the bucket was, itself, a bit of a mixed bag (or bucket, I suppose.) Some of the prompts were solid, and allowed the comedians to mix up their set and keep things fresh and spontaneous. Other prompts were really unfortunately repetitive, with multiple fairly milquetoast sex prompts coming in one after another. Still, the pre-prepared stand-up was good, and the prompts themselves are different each night, so this likely isn’t a consistent issue.
Josh Fidelak