The Buzz – Reviews

Things That Go Bump

Krol Entertainment—The Output @ Video Pool

I have a Degree in Science; I am faithless; I question most things; and I want to know how most everything works. To say that I do not believe in fortune-telling, ESP and magic is a colossal understatement. I don’t see many illusionist acts, but when I do, I look closely to try to figure out how things are done. I look, I see, and I observe. I often get it, but sometimes, the tricks elude me.

When you enter the venue, the usher (or whoever) gives you a string. That’s all I’ll say about this, but damn if I can figure out how it’s done! I love it! It really worked for me, and I’ve rammed my brain through walls trying to figure it out, with no success. Maybe some things are better left as mysteries.

For a person who doesn’t generally enjoy illusion acts much, I had a wonderful time here. The background stories are fun; the setting sets the mood; and the act has some great feats that are not the usual kinds of things you see at Fringe magic shows.

And!

I literally (not figuratively) came out richer than before I went in!

Ray Yuen

You are Happy

Hypothetical Projects—RRC Polytech

Why yes, I am happy. Thank you for noticing. It’s because this lovely contemporary farce is played with excellent physicality, hilarious fourth-wall breaking self-narration, and brilliant interplay between its three performers. As an added bonus, it’s an absurd yet relatable exploration of social, financial, and familial pressures to couple-up.

On top of all the FOMO, stereotypes, and hypocritical advice piled onto single adults, the piece highlights that you can’t skip the awkward parts of relationship building and, even if you could, it wouldn’t be as satisfying as it sounds. Relationships of convenience are often doomed or shallow, but still something people suffer to prove to themselves and society that they have value.

You Are Happy is a sharply executed and charming reminder that merely pairing off isn’t the cure-all it’s so often sold as.

Ashley Frantik

Serious Comedy

Still Your Friend—The Rachel Browne Theatre

No strangers to the stage, Winnipeg’s gloriously quick and funny Quinn Greene and Fringe circuit extraordinaire Adam Bailey have curated a wonderful carousel of talent, welcoming improv performers from near and far throughout the Festival. No two nights will ever be the same.

A Monologist (it’s a word) in a chair, present segments of the improv chaos we are about to see unfold.

Each performance begins with personal stories, as Greene and Bailey pull impactful sentiments from the monologue for their group of Fringe improv artists to…create something.

Will there be a lesson?

Maybe.

Did you come looking for one?

Probably not.

What you’ll find instead is a room full of laughter, quick-thinking performers, and the comforting feeling of spending an hour with friends, even if you’ve only just met them once.

After the kind of summer many of us have had, that’s more than enough reason to grab a ticket.

Also… there might be a lesson.

Stephanie Adamov

Goose! Night of the Cobra Chicken

Faux Ghost—MTYP – Richardson Studio Theatre

Any show with Carpenter Brut on the soundtrack has gotta be good. Take good ole Canadiana and the Canada Goose, and slather on top of it layer upon layer of 80s action camp, horror movie cheese, and a synthwave soundtrack to tie it all together. And as a one time victim of the Cobra Chicken menace, it’s always good to see them get their comeuppance.

With a supremely confident performance from Andrew Broaddus and Alexandra Chubaty Boychuk, they chew the scenery (and the audience) in a fantastic play on classic movie tropes and contrivances.

At this point I think all of their shows are sold out regardless, so if you can get in I would recommend it, and godspeed to ye.

Josh Fidelak

Promise & Promiscuity: A New Musical by Jane Austen & Penny Ashton

Matthew Harvey—John Hirsch Mainstage

Leaving the theatre, I heard two men commenting on how much they loved the show and surprised at how professional she seemed. You’re right blokes, that’s because she’s exactly that! Penny brings back many fond memories of early Fringes, where her talent was an important part of forming these; along with other Fringe pros.

Beautiful vocals, charming and often hilarious choreography and excellent and distinct portrayals of various interesting characters delivered with the oomph of a true trooper. I couldn’t believe that seventy five minutes had flown by. So lovely to see you again Penny! Thank you!

Lisa Campbell

A Kid Napping

Desert Rose Collective—Théâtre Cercle Molière

Described as a “chaotic, darkly comedic romp,” A Kid Napping, has all the ingredients for a memorable comedy. What it needs are higher stakes to keep its excellent comedic chemistry from occasionally losing momentum.

There was certainly no napping in the enthusiastic audience, many of whom were eager to see whether the chemistry from Brain (Winnipeg Fringe 2025) would return. It does, emphatically so. Burke and company have an easy rapport that keeps the laughs rolling over glitter. A stronger framing device or clearer sense of consequence, however, could help elevate the 45-minute comedy even further.

I would happily watch these two performers on stage again. Their comic timing and natural banter are undeniable. For me, it was simply the premise that needed more urgency and consequence to fully support the talent on display.

Stephanie Adamov

Strange Things: A Stranger Things Parody

Meraki Theatre—CCFM – Antoine Gaborieau Hall

Someone wise once told me “yeah obviously, kids are funny”. This happened today, when describing the show to them, and they are absolutely correct. Stranger Things may have fallen off hard but thankfully Meraki Theatre Productions is here to make something beautiful out of the slop.

The hijinks involved in translating an entire season of television into a one hour (closer to 50 minutes even, in my performance) are a feat to behold, and fitting a cast of 12 on a stage of that size is a true demonstration of agility and skill. The venue itself is a bit rough with a sold out show, but on the other hand, the fact it’s selling out shows is a sign all of its own already. Just make sure you get there early for both the ticket, and the seat.

Josh Fidelak

(dad) stuff

Rod Peter Jr—RRC Polytech

This one-person show features Rod Peter Jr. working through his experiences with Father/Son relationships and his agonizing attempts to become a dad himself. Always an engaging storyteller whose strong delivery and sense of humour grab your attention, Rod pulls at your heart-strings with the setbacks he encounters. He is an open and giving performer, both on an off the stage, and as such makes a great impression on everyone.

Murray Hunter

Tango After Midnight

PointeTango—John Hirsch Mainstage

This isn’t a couple of dancers rehearsing out of a basement or a rented, dingy hall. This is a big production, and a big production company—perhaps much bigger than the Fringe stage. As such, you expect it to be highly polished, highly professional, and perfect in every way—and it is.

As for the show, the movement, the music and the dancers exude sensual, sultry and sexy strides, as they glide effortlessly across the stage. The opening number highlights the ballet aspect of the show (afterwards, I heard rumbles among the audience who were surprised at the prominence of ballet moves; “pointe” refers to the ballet step, specifically going on toe).

As a tip for the audience, this is the ballet (and more); this is not the circus. You do not applaud after every move, as you would at the circus. You applaud at the end of the scene, and at the end of the production. Here, we have a lot of ballet tyros, so yes, you hear clapping at the end of every lift and every pointe. If you put yourself at the Royal Ballet in London, you would be the only one clapping.

The second number features more of a traditional tango sequence. The following songs provide a potpourri of numbers, including a showtune, Latinx folk, contemporary and classical. A fun, whimsical mini-plot on the screen provides some background and a great distraction while the dancers change.

It’s a beautiful performance—and I’ll reiterate—one that’s befitting a much larger stage than just a Fringe venue. You’re getting much more value than your $14 (or $10 ticket).

Ray Yuen

#BLACK EYE : a dark standup comedy special by Stéphanie Morin-Robert

Silver Lining Comedy—King’s Head Pub

As seen on Just for Laughs.

As seen on CBC.

As seen at multiple Fringe festivals gone by…

So why have I never seen Stephanie Morin-Robert before?

Mostly because the creator of BLINDSIDE and The Merkin Sisters has a habit of selling out before this humble reviewer gets a chance.

Working with an energetic, if slightly more reserved, crowd, Morin-Robert delivers a thoroughly entertaining dark stand-up hour, building toward an unexpectedly hilarious payoff featuring an eye socket lip sync, wig, googly eyes, and a saxophone solo.

Don’t believe me?

Go ahead and try to find a ticket to one of the Fringe’s most accommodating venues, where food and drinks are delivered right to your table.

I’ll wait.

Stephanie Adamov