The Buzz – Reviews

Lies of a Promiscuous Woman

Darker Bright Theatre—MTYP – Mainstage

I walked into the show with no real idea of what to expect and left feeling… everything. I laughed, I raged, I despaired, I cried and still left inspired. They managed to take a heavy topic and make it…marketable? Theresa has the kind of voice that was designed for storytelling and a knack for saturating lines with so much emotion you can’t help but feel it in your bones. It was a beautifully done show with some really fantastic acting, if you haven’t seen it yet I highly encourage you to go. Easily one of the best performances I have seen in a very long time.

Sarah Leighton

Captain Ted: Disabled Astronaut

Strokes of Genius—One88

What a hilarious and fantastic show! The cast was incredibly talented, and I laughed from beginning to end.

I especially appreciated that they incorporated ASL into the play and, even more impressively, provided ASL interpreters at every performance. That kind of accessibility is so meaningful and something I wish every Fringe production would offer.

And Anne Droid collecting bras once again? Absolutely iconic!

If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out before it ends, you won’t regret it!

Joanna Hawkins

The Mistress of Wholesome

R-G Productions—One88

A splendid performance of all 3 actors in this show. Well done.

Hank Koreman

Captain Ted: Disabled Astronaut

Strokes of Genius—One88

Kudos to the cast of this amazing show. The timing was perfect as was the humour.

Hank Koreman

Quintland, The Musical

Winnipeg Broadway Theatre—CCFM – Salle Pauline-Boutal

I had no idea of the full story of this show before going in, it had just been highly recommended to me by several other people. Wow, I was blown away. This musical was very well done, the cast of over 20 performers did an amazing job telling this important story through some great musical numbers. They utilize three sets of five women and girls to portray the five sisters (and other side characters throughout), and I was especially impressed by abilities of the young and very young members of the cast. The powerful chorus when the entire cast are all singing is really something to behold. The show’s music is also performed live on piano and guitar. The heart wrenching but hopeful ending was met with well deserved standing ovation. There is one more show on Saturday at 11 am, catch it if you can.

Murray Hunter

Unresolved

Cactus Theatre Co—One88

“Unresolved” tackles a hard-hitting, emotionally-charged issue -teen suicide- with an unapologetic, heartfelt approach. The script is tight, the performances are intense and deeply moving, and the entire production takes the audience on a journey into the darkest depths of despair in a struggle to find some sort of resolution to an unfathomable situation. But seriously, is resolution even fully possible? If so, how does one even get there? Or are things destined to remain…unresolved? This is difficult to watch at times, but ultimately it’s a powerful portrait of a family dealing with an unthinkable tragedy, acted and written with great sensitivity. Not to be missed.

Mike Seccombe

Lies of a Promiscuous Woman

Darker Bright Theatre—MTYP – Mainstage

Lies of a Promiscuous Woman is a narrative of feeling: what it feels like to be gifted by your parents to serve at the Temple at age three; what it feels like to fall in love; what it feels like to give birth to a beautiful baby; what it feels like to hold his lifeless body in your arms. The powerful feelings ground Mary’s story in the real, the visceral, the universal, while also drawing in biblical references and songs from Madonna to create a dialogue between the historical tragedy of a mother losing her son and a modern world that still sees young women as disposable.

Thomson’s second turn as Mary brings an extra edge: she carries the fiery defiance of one who has faced harassment and attempted silencing, and refused. This dimension gives Mary bite; her simmering righteous rage gives weight to her declarations that we all matter, the hope matters, and belief in the extreme is always dangerous. The Madonna chorus does a beautiful job to amplify the message, as does Koreen’s turn as a young woman seeking Mary’s intervention.

The weight of such a sorrowful story is balanced perfectly with Thomson’s wit, as cheeky jokes and one-liners gild the story, giving us respite and release to laugh and cry at a mother’s story of love and loss. We can remember that we can talk about politics and religion, but we shouldn’t take it all too seriously.

Christina Fawcett

Double Dare Magic

Double Dare Magic—Kids Venue – MTYP – Mainstage

Right from the opening moments, the young magician took command of the stage with an incredible illusion, making the other magician appear in spectacular fashion. It immediately grabbed the audience’s attention and set the tone for an unforgettable performance.

Wynter and Tanek are exceptionally talented young performers. Throughout the show, they delivered one amazing illusion after another, mixed with outstanding comedy that kept everyone entertained. The children were laughing from the very beginning until the final curtain, while the parents were cheering, applauding, and even jumping to their feet several times throughout the performance.

When I attended, the auditorium was packed with hundreds of excited families. As the audience filed out after the show, you could hear kids saying things like, “Wow, how did they do that?” and “That was so amazing!” Those reactions say everything about the impact this show has.

As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. As a fellow magician, I was especially impressed by how polished their techniques, timing, and presentation were. It’s remarkable to see two performers of their age delivering such a professional, high-quality production. Their passion, confidence, and stage presence are truly beyond their years.

If you love magic, enjoy great comedy, or are simply looking for an outstanding family-friendly show, Double Dare Magic is an absolute must-see. I highly recommend it to audiences of all ages.

Sitruc James

Lies of a Promiscuous Woman

Darker Bright Theatre—MTYP – Mainstage

The desperate young woman who would come to be known as The Virgin Mary addresses the audience with “a proclamation” and shares her life story intimately yet powerfully. This “what if” tale is skillfully shared by Theresa Thomson, seasoned Fringe actor, writer and producer (31 Fringe shows in 26 years). The harrowing story’s tension is graciously lifted by humorous and sometimes stinging asides. Maggie Koreen portrays a young girl’s heart-breaking life struggles as Mary looks on lovingly but unable to come to her aid.

The whole production is framed by solid professional choral work of “cantors” Christopher Dunn and Carlyn Graff-Czehryn who bring timely Madonna lyrics into focus.

Hold on to your heart at the nativity and the crucifixion. This important work restores faith in whatever you believe.

Barbara Fawcett

Filthy Fakespeare…and Friend

Patchwork Theatre—aceartinc.

Great chemistry between the regionally and aurally different stars of this improv show. We have the Patrick Hercamp with a bit of a twang from Indiana and best known for the troupe Sound and Fury paired with the Brit, Andrew Silverwood. The strange combo works because of the clever wordplay and obvious fondness the two share for each other. The show’s success also depends on the level of participation from the audience as we are part of the show. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced hour and they had the audience in the palms of their hands. I’d definitely recommend you take this in if you are in the mood for unpredictable moments and lots of laughs. Bring your best joke as you may win a prize!

Lisa Campbell