The Buzz – Reviews

Neurohilarity Exposed

Neurohilarity—Planetarium

Adam Schwartz has produced another stellar show! I’m a huge fan of his and the way he assembles a varying cast of neurodivergent comedians for our benefit and delight.

I highly recommended this to a lovely woman I’d met at a previous show. After the show she came up to me with a huge smile and asked if she was the only one who laughed from beginning to end. She wasn’t. It was so enjoyable to watch the audience whoop and holler, and express their appreciation and amazement. This was so wonderful, I might just see it again.

Lisa Campbell

Hockey Night at the Puck & Pickle Pub

RibbitRePublic Theatre 2—The King’s Head Pub

SCORE! The two busiest men at this year’s Fringe reprise the winning concept of an evening of hockey at this pub with the baffling name. Everyone’s got the puck part nailed but all are questioning the pickle part.

Knowledge of our national sport will add to your enjoyment of this show; but certainly isn’t necessary.

Jon Paterson and Ryan Gladstone will crack you up as they hilariously portray the diverse couples taking in the game at their local pub, two sport commentators and two buddies. They move in perfect sync, never missing a beat. There’s a laugh in every line in this rapid-fire comedy treat. I’ve been watching these two talented actors for years and will continue to; as they never disappoint.

The crowd went wild!

Lisa Campbell

The Naked Mennonite

Real Live Entertainment—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Entering Rachel Browne Theatre, there was a flurry of biblical references being verbally pelted at creator and performer Alan Fehr.

I was unsure if I came to Fringe, church or “So You Think You Can Shun?”.

All in good faith (no pun intended), the packed theatre was thirsty. They were willing, wanting and waiting to talk and quiz the performer. Each answer had a comedic spin, his personal take and truth, as he continued to take requests. He gained their trust, confidence and 60 mins of theatrical devotion.

Fehr, with his charisma and encyclopedic Biblical knowledge painted (and undressed) his story of faith, doubt and the pursuit of identity as a Mennonite.

A play for all faiths (or none). Come to question. Come to learn. Come to grow.

Stephanie Adamov

Gender Play, or what you Will

Will Wilhelm & Brannon Bowers—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Tarot. The Bard. A Seance.

Oh myyy.

Experiencing Will Wilhelm’s meticulous artistry over the Shakespeare’s words was wonderful to witness. We are invited to dive deep, not only in the words of the texts studied by any theatre hopefuls, but into our own self discovery as well. A unique reclaiming and recreation of the works, this play was bursting with queer energy and enthusiasm.

For anyone looking to see Shakespeare through their original genderfluid glory, and if “brevity is the soul of wit”…

Don’t miss it.

Stephanie Adamov

Plan V: The Rise of Reverence

Dance Naked Creative—The Asper Centre for Theatre & Film (U of W)

If I can use an orgasm as a metaphor, brilliant speaker O’Brien begins by easing the audience into the atmospheric mood by a simple exercise designed to arouse the sexual senses, releasing testosterone and oxytocin into the bloodstreams.

Slow at first, she gently builds the presentation up. Momentum gains, as does the pace and excitement. Then as the show ends, it blows like an explosive, orgasmic eruption.

Whew—that was a ride!

Three takeaways:

• Fuck organised religion and worship the pussy.
• PUSSY IS LIFE!
• Ding!

Ray Yuen (who would be having a cigarette if he smoked)

Moms Moms Moms: A Burlesque Comedy

DD Brassiere—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

Well your favourite Moms are back in town with their tits up and mostly out! DD Brassiere and Your Mom Kathy take you on the maternal rollercoaster through a polished thematic cabaret-style show. Revamped from their maiden production last year at the festival, the two performers mesmerize the crowd through not only bearing it all out with burlesque, but with meaningful mom-ologues.

The mom-entum moves through some parts the motherhood journey that are not often discussed. Many real moments are had when local and changing hidden mom talent from the audience graces the stage each show.

Though this show could get away with the bedazzled costumes and fun premise…the heart lies in the real moments in the monologues. Partnered with Harm Reduction Manitoba, these moms not only created life… They continue to save lives. Each. Show.

Come for the moms. Stay for the cookies.

Stephanie Adamov

SugarBoyz: A Boy Band Musical

JHG Creative—The Gargoyle Theatre

You don’t have to be a fan of boy bands to be a fan of Sugarboyz. After a trope filled entertainment tv interview and right into high intensity boy band musical action, we move right into the meat and potatoes, the washed up reunion tour. The songs that help bring the band back together are as funny as they are catchy, and each of the boyz play into the show with gusto. Outside of some difficulty hearing the pre-recorded comedy bits that break up the show, this was absolutely hilarious and a great addition to the JHG Creative catalogue

Josh Fidelak

The Birdcage

Crosswalk Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Filling a stage with queer joy, not only in content, but in company was ambitiously orchestrated for Crosswalk Productions 10th year. A slight remount from their past production based on the 1996 film has mostly (unfortunately) kept relevant.

Audiences were enthusiastically captivated and clearly were excited to see each scene and hear every line. I found the chorus of queens, kings and everything in between to be an exciting element for the large cast, but also for transitions on a Fringe budget.

If you are searching for comedy, heart and a dose of unapologetic queer joy…venture to Venue 6.

Stephanie Adamov

The Raunchy Romp with the Raging Queen

François le Foutre—The Asper Centre for Theatre & Film (U of W)

Ren Faire veteran François le Foutre’s Raunchy Romp is based on excerpts from his erotic pirate sexcapades aboard the Raging Queen, as serialized in his Seamen Sexology novellas. Performed solo, the show features frequent audience participation, with volunteers recruited to re-enact the adventures of the expected salty seamen and defensive dykes that populate his punny piratical exploits.

The sole departure from his innuendo-laden adventure tales is a full rendition of his not-yet-published Suessical fetish parody, which stands out as a highlight of the show. While the material is deliberately over-the-top, much of the show’s effectiveness depends on the energy and responsiveness of the crowd.

Audience participation isn’t optional, it’s central. With a lively and willing audience, the performance builds momentum; without that engagement, the structure might feel thin. While le Foutre is an experienced performer, the production’s success hinges on the audience’s commitment. You’d be best to board the Raging Queen with flamboyantly fruity or straight-but-not-narrow friends who are ready to play.

Ashley Frantik

A Spoonful of Magic

Krol Entertainment—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Family friendly yes. Practically perfect, not quite.

Aimed at younger audiences with some Poppins-esque dialogue spoonfed in, magicians and performers Lisa Krol and Jordan Rooks (Mary and a now grown Michael Banks) did delight our modest crowd with slight of hand and whimsy.

A gentle and low impact introduction to theatre magic.

Stephanie Adamov