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The Jenny Revue is a publication of The Jenny Revue Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, funded solely by advertising and donations. It is not affiliated with The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, MTC, or any other organization. Privacy Policy The Jenny Revue is published on Treaty 1 territory, the lands and traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. |
The Buzz – Reviews – 2015
Hey ’90s Kids, You’re Old
Hole Punch Productions—Planetarium
Wow was this show a blast! All of the impressions were absolutely bang on, and the modern world was integrated seamlessly.
This show was gut-bustingly funny and featured a soundtrack I couldn’t help singing along to.
The cast’s commitment made the scenes so funny; they really believed what they were giving the audience, and the audience responded with a standing ovation.
My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer.
Kaitlyn Kriss
Hey ’90s Kids, You’re Old
Hole Punch Productions—Planetarium
Do you remember all of the ’90s trends? Toys? Tunes?
Yeah, so do they and they roast them accordingly!
Worth attending for the soundtrack alone, and fun for anyone who survived the 90s!
D. Penner
Daddy Issues
selardi productions—RRC
The gripping story overcomes some of the flaws in this presentation. However, before the viewer gets into the story, during the intro, there are a lot of “uhs” and “ums,” which I found QUITE distracting.
As well, Aguero speaks at lightning speed, ripping through the dialogue and not giving the listener much of a chance to digest—slow down buddy!
After the picture appears on the canvas, I paid a lot less attention to the delivery and was immersed in the situations.
Having been raised in an abusive milieu, I easily aligned with some of the journey. This is a powerful story that is bravely told and the audience receptively comes on board for the ride.
Ray Yuen
Sea Wall
Theatre by the River—Rudolf Rocker CC
This show packs a LOT of punch into 30 minutes. It’s definitely a show where you want to hear every word.
Luckily it’s not that hard—it’s extremely easy to get lost in his performance. Everything he does and says is powerful, and it feels like there’s a meaning behind everything he says.
It’s an incredible show and well worth your money.
Arden Pruden
Do I Have To Do Everything My F**cking Self?
Regina of Light Fires—Son of Warehouse
This drag show was quirky and hilarious! Song and poetry were beautifully mixed together with story telling to paint a picture of how the performer got to be where he is now.
I loved the songs, which were sung beautifully; and the jokes were a mile-a-minute. I did not expect to see all of the high kicks or an 80s workout routine that I’m sure will stay with me the rest of my life.
This was a cute, quick show that I would highly recommend
Kaitlyn Kriss
Snack Music
SNAFU—The Rachel Browne Th. (Crocus Bldg.)
SEE THIS SHOW! This show was not in my top 5; now I am desperately trying to find a way to see it twice.
The 3 actors brought stories to life through ‘puppets’ made from objects found in the average kitchen. The group beautifully told distinct and dynamic stories that made me laugh and cry.
They then invited audience members up to tell their own stories and acted them out on the spot. All stories were treated with the same amount of respect and we all left the theatre with new found friends.
In short, SNAFU created a beautiful, family-friendly show that I predict will end up selling out very shortly
Kaitlyn Kriss
Butt Kapinski
Kapinski Enterprises—245 McDermot
Again, be warned you need to climb 75 steep steps to get to this venue. They give you another warning when you purchase your ticket: “You may sit anywhere, but you’re not safe anywhere.”
That second warning is so true, so don’t waste too much time thinking about where you want to sit—just grab a seat and prepare to have a good time.
This show is part improv, part audience direction, part mystery, and all fun and laughs.
I don’t laugh very much and most gags leave me sighing or shaking my head. Kapinski left me gut-clutching, roaring out in laughter. Folks, this is the funniest thing I’ve seen in ages, and I’m considering seeing it again to see how it can run differently. This may very well be my favourite show of the Fringe.
Ray Yuen
Heart Puppetations
SDT Productions—Playhouse Studio
This is a cute show with a rather disturbing premise. The singing is only just adequate and it often sounds like they’re singing outside their registers. The actors look very competent but this play doesn’t do them very much justice.
Instead of the advertised 60 minutes, this show only runs 40 minutes, which was quite enough for me.
By the way, Andrew the A/V Tech: please do not eat potato chips during the play. This is a small venue and everyone sitting around you can hear you crinkling the packaging and crunching. I’m surprised my dirty glares weren’t enough to make you stop.
Ray Yuen
Oni
Mochinosha Puppet Company—245 McDermot
Warning #1: You need to climb 75 steep steps to get to this venue (that’s four tall storeys); I witnessed a number of people who took breaks in the middle.
Warning #2: If you don’t like coarse language with graphic references to sex and genitals, you should avoid this show. If you’re ok with the forgoing, you’re in a for a fun time and a cute show.
The shadow puppet presentation isn’t as slick as it can be, but it’s enjoyable enough. All of the stories are absurd, but that just adds to the humour of the situation.
Half of the narration comes in Japanese, but you won’t have any trouble interpreting the folk tales.
Ray Yuen
Susannah Bird and Other Stories
bikecircus—Asper Centre (U of W)
Either I’m really overthinking it, or I was missing out on some serious bird symbolism here, so I would brush up on that if I were you.
The main gimmick is the trapeze, and it serves its purpose well enough—the metaphor rang clear as day,—but it felt like just that- a gimmick.
What also confused me was the choice of having a lead actress, and another actress playing two characters, with a 4th character played by a voice over.
It’s a quaint show, it has smooth transitions between the free-fall and the flashbacks to our leading lady’s younger years, but it made some unusual choices.
Arden Pruden