The Buzz – Reviews – 2017

Story Hole

Bessie-Jean Productions—Wee Johnny’s Irish Pub

I’ve always enjoyed local Comedian/Artist/Storyteller J.D. Renaud’s shows and he is usually one of the first shows I go to see. Those familiar with him will know him for his great stories with accompanying primitive, yet hilarious, cartoons and the sometimes deeply personal revelations. In this year’s show he shares the art (and subterfuge) of how to tell a great story. He talks about the kinds of stories that are great, what makes them great, what can ruin a story and how the story doesn’t have to be about the storyteller, all while spinning several funny (and sometimes sad) yarns as examples. He really has mastered the craft, and the audience get transported into the stories. If you haven’t seen one of his shows and want to see some great storytelling you should add him to your list.

The venue itself can be a little warm, but it is licensed so drinks are available.

Murray Hunter

Mike Delamont: The Devil

Mike Delamont – The Devil—MTYP – Mainstage

God is a Scottish Drag Queen has become a Winnipeg tradition; with those in the know eagerly awaiting each new episode. Always a sell out, Mike is a must see. But this year no God, instead we get the Devil, although God drops in via video from Thermea Spa in Winnipeg. This was a real added bonus, with God totally misunderstanding how a spa works. I won’t spoil it but be prepared to bust a gut when you see what Satan really looks like! I love his use of video and audio on two huge screens, which greatly adds to the hilarity and variety of the performance. Mike always manages to include biting jabs at our city that show he really spends time here getting out and about.  This is a production of such high quality, that even the fussiest of theatre patrons will be delighted.

This is a great show to introduce someone to the Fringe. Find out what hell is really like, and who the lucky ones admitted are. It will surprise and frighten you. There is a reason why there is a highway to hell and only a staircase to heaven!  A segment where he reads supposed questions from the audience is particularly funny, with his rapt fans howling with laughter. His playful interaction with his stage assistant was hilarious. A lot of the show is ad-libed, and I might be inclined to believe his claim that he had over indulged in the blood of Christ. His profuse sweating gave the crowd a good laugh as he couldn’t get his mustache to stay on and had to pocket it. Nothing makes him skip a beat.

Mike doesn’t need my endorsement. He will sell out regardless, as usual. And deservedly so. I’m already looking forward to God 5 next year. Mike is also reprising his warm, heartfelt, true story of his bittersweet relationship with his mother, Mama’s Boy, next door. I saw this last year and it was a treasure. Enjoy.

Lisa Campbell

(MINI) DEMON OF DEATH

Rachelle Fordyce—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

The main premise of the show is that Death has taken on human form for a limited time. Despite being fascinated by this new body and extremely knowledgeable in the workings of the universe, she needs the audience’s help in explaining some of the oddities of human behaviour and culture. The show is greatly dependent on the audience asking and answering questions about their views on life and society, so you definitely need a few extroverts in the crowd, without them it can affect the flow of the show. There were some really good one-liners in there and it makes you think about your own life. The crowd is asked to come on stage near the end and form a circle, closing it all out with a short dance party.

Murray Hunter

The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over

Gemma Wilcox—MTYP – Mainstage

Gemma, a past Fringe favorite of mine hasn’t been here for a few years, so I jumped at the chance to see her again. This is a solo show, done by a true professional. Her lithe, dancers body propels her through various characters, not limited to humans. She can beautifully portray fire (very impressive) and her animal impersonations are particularly entertaining. Her impression of a chicken laying an egg was a standout; charming and hilarious. Her main theme involves the changing relationship of a woman named Sondra(?). She is building on this story, with other chapters to be performed in the future and at other Fringes. My standard of a good actor is the clear definition of each character; where you are never confused as to whom is speaking. She achieves this perfectly. Each character is distinct, with her facial expressions, voice and movement transforming her into each unique persona with ease. This is a worthwhile play to take in, though I have to say it didn’t grab me in the gut, or make me care about the character the way past performances have. I would love to see her play off another actor as she has in the past.

With all the top quality shows at MTYP, including Rob Gee (don’t miss!) and Mike Delamont, it’s best just to park yourself here and be thoroughly entertained for a day or evening.

Lisa Campbell

High Tea: Another British Comedy

James & Jamesy—PTE – Mainstage

The boys are back in town with another stellar show for the lineup. Fans of this physical comedy dynamic duo can expect no surprises here this year. That may be because it is the same show that was brought to the Fringe three years ago. That being said, as someone who is a fan I was delighted to be invited back into this world and be able to witness the pure joy and love this bro-mance radiates. These two best friends create a safe environment for the audience to just let go and have fun for an hour. This show is very participatory and the audience will either make or break the show. If you would like to forget your worries for an hour and have a blast being a kid again then this is your show! Cheers lads, well done as always.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Roller Coaster

Big Sandwich Productions—Dramatic Arts Centre

What a way to start my Fringe! Fringe God T.J. never disappoints. His shows are masterfully crafted and his humble ‘aw shucks’ persona is instantly engaging and he has you in the palm of his hand from start to finish. It’s always over too soon. This year’s new show is titled due to his experience at Universal’s Harry Potter theme park in Orlando. His style weaves in and out flawlessly between topics; a hilarious tale full of his astute observations of life. Besides the park, which he adores, his topics this year include Trump, zombies, the causes of war, development of humanity, and the apocalypse. Would you survive? He thinks the value of a monologist might not be that great in the end of days. He also shares his billeting experiences, which ranged from the unbearable to sublime in one day. (I hope my billet won’t use us on stage one day.)  I was very interested in his description of the Orlando Fringe, which I would love to attend one day. It sounds quite different from ours. He also shares his brilliant analysis of pop culture and the influence of X-Men, comics, and pop music on society. He interacts constantly with the audience; treating you like a friend discussing life and is so warm and charming. You always leave his shows with a fuzzy feeling.

He lives his work, teaching writing at college and leading writing workshops. This extensive experience means you will be treated to a work of such quality, that you will be reflecting on his ideas for some time. Be sure to grab his program, which shares some excellent reading suggestions, which I plan to peruse after the Fringe.

Do not miss!

BTW This is a very comfy, air conditioned venue that some find cold, so bring a sweater.

Lisa Campbell

What We’ve Learned from Watching You – A Double Bill

MTYP Summer Studio—MTYP – Richardson Hall

What We’ve Learned From Watching You is great! Smart, funny political piece that demonstrates youth engagement and hope for the future.

Kevin Bumstead

The Beer Show: AKA A Brief History of Beer

Wish Experience—The King’s Head Pub

The Beer Show is a new show from William Glenn and Trish Parry comprised of some audience participation games mixed into a number of multimedia sketches and songs related to an ongoing theme of trying to determine why bland lagers are the best selling beer. It was not as polished as last year’s show, I think largely due to it being the first night of a brand new show in a new (licensed) venue.

They went all out incorporating a number of Winnipeg and Canadian beer history references into the sketches. Some of the skits are better than others, but overall it was a fun time. However, if you have no interest at all in beer you will probably not enjoy it as much.

Murray Hunter

Sound & Fury’s “Doctor Whom”

Sound & Fury—John Hirsch Mainstage

Sound and Fury are back with another rad, rude, crude show dudes! As always it was a fun romp with this years theme of Doctor Whom (for legal reasons). The guys decided to focus more on their improv roots and thus have yet to make a script for this show. If they hadn’t told me that I probably would have eventually caught on, but it was still very similar to their scripted shows. The play was very sloppy at times and rarely was it a serious piece of theater; but, if your coming to Sound and Fury looking for serious, you are at the wrong show. A fun improv show that will no doubt age like a fine wine. Definitely worth a watch!

Kaitlyn Kriss