The Buzz – Reviews – 2015

Dr. Caligari’s Cabaret of Change

The Improbable Cast—Warehouse

You’ve heard at LEAST one person talk about “The Fringe Family/Community”, but I don’t believe you truly understand it until you’ve experienced the annual midnight cabaret.

In a mere 90-ish minutes (late start and late end) performers, patrons, volunteers and Fringe staff came together to both name a baby (for real?) and give birth (definitely a performance).

While one audience member had a few too many before the show, he was only minorly distracting.

Like any good fringe there were some good, some not so good, and some absolutely stunning performances Highlights include: the APPocalypse, a flashlight showdown, literally flying flyers, a Rabbit Rave, and let’s just say the mayonnaise will never die.

Be sure to check out next year’s Cabaret! And please, light performers responsibly.

Erica Mitchell

Peter ‘n Chris and the Kinda OK Coral

PFK Productions—Gas Station Arts Centre

Ho boy was this show a hoot! Beyond wacky, and meta as all hell, this play was a riot! I can see why this loveable duo was picked for Just for Laughs.

This play doesn’t take itself seriously, and the duo has a heck of a lot of fun with it. Through mime they created one of the most realistic bar fights I’ve ever seen, even though there was zero set.

This talented duo managed to throw in a bajillion references and even though they were all out of the blue, they fit within the spirit of the show, and added to the insanity of it all.

If nothing else go for the beautiful bromance that is Peter and Chris.

Kaitlyn Kriss

a bicycle built for two

Theatre of the Beat—Rudolf Rocker CC

This show is a charming and endearing expression of the vibe of an upcoming marriage.

Of particular note were the amazing set changes. Not only where they clean, but very interesting to watch, and went very smoothly.

The narration flowed well with the scenes, the show was amazingly choreographed, and it made for a smooth ride.

Fair warning—the show I saw was sold out. Get tickets for this one fast.

Arden Pruden

Dreamscape: our dreams told through dance

Viva Dance Company—MTC Mainstage

I don’t generally like dance shows, but I was really sad when this one ended. I had such a strong connection with the 6 artists on stage that I was bawling by the second dance.

The stories are really moving and easy to connect with. The program write-up made it easy for me to follow the message, and the intentions were clear. Crisp images were displayed for an hour and I was truly moved.

One song became way too repetitive and that ending really dissapointing. I expected something more after watching these talented ladies dance for an hour. It’s a solid show with a simple and easy to follow story.

Kaitlyn Kriss

The Unchosen One

Ditch Water—Son of Warehouse

This is a very physical show, and with the amount of times she switches from character to character it certainly seems like it would benefit from being more than a one woman cast. She did a very good job of keeping characters straight but the more characters that are in a scene the harder it gets to keep track.

Honestly though, that is my only complaint. It was well acted and funny, and made fun of all the fantasy tropes we’ve come to know and love.

Arden Pruden

Now What?

Girl Meets Boy—Rachel Browne Th. (Crocus Bldg.)

A story we see every month at the movies, but this time with a bigger message. It uses the foundational story of boy meets girl, get married etc. to deliver a much more meaningful story of how we connect with one another.

They incorporate the art of Contact Theatre at a level that is both interesting for theatre enthusiasts and those new to the community alike.

The lighting and set designs, though simple, were to the point, well timed and complemented production as a whole.

The sound needs to be slightly quieter, as the performers are difficult to hear.

Well worth your time!

Erica Mitchell

Hot Thespian Action: Back in Black

Hot Thespian Action—Gas Station Arts Centre

Hot Thespian Action is back with fresh new funny skits!

I found all of the jokes surprising and loved the fresh take on some old stereotypical ideas. Adorable and quirky, this loveable troupe has some of the most expressive faces in the festival.

These festival favourites sell out for a very good reason so make sure to go early to get tickets!

Kaitlyn Kriss

Revenge of the Meek

Thin Lizotte—Warehouse

In our day and age everything is commercialized, including religion to some extent. The more you know about Christianity the more you’ll enjoy this show, that much is certain, and even with my limited knowledge I had a great time.

The scenes were quick, as was the dialogue, and as long as you remember satire exists for a reason, you’ll certainly enjoy this show. Definitely worth checking out, and I really dug the music.

Arden Pruden

SHYLOCK

By the Book Productions—Cinematheque

At the beginning and at the end of this production, sole actor, John Huston recites famous excerpts of text spoken by the character Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, while fully inhabiting that character.

In between, his character is an actor who has taken considerable flak for portraying this supposedly stereotypical and negative Jewish personage in Shakespeare’s supposedly anti-Semitic play, and who defends that role and that play.

It is essentially a play about a play, but, more deeply, this show is a lengthy (90-minute) meditation on various aspects of the philosophy of art. What is the purpose of art? Do changing societal mores make some art obsolete and unacceptable? What is the limit to which we should allow art to challenge us, before it becomes potentially dangerous?

This show clearly supports the ongoing staging of The Merchant of Venice, but it also raises questions for which there are no simple answers. Best of all, Huston keeps things captivating throughout.

Konrad Antony

Marathon

Big Sandwich Productions—WECC Ventura Hall

TJ Dawe’s new monologue show catches us up with the years since his last Fringe appearance.

It is largely focused on his experiences with the personality type system The Enneagram. He deftly discusses how it has helped him figure out his own personality, the personality of others and what work he needs to do to avoid falling prey to the same self-defeating blind spots that each of us has.

That discussion is woven into a tale of his time in high school and experiences on the high school track team.

It was a fascinating subject that makes you reflect on your own personality and behaviors.

Murray Hunter