The Buzz – Reviews

Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Tara Travis—PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage

Resurrected from Winnipeg Fringe 2012, Tara Travis returns to Winnipeg Fringe as part of Monster Theatre’s 25th Anniversary celebrations this year.

Travis is remarkable as she transforms between the 6 wives of the monarch. Periodically, they all (or most of them anyway) plunk down to be introduced to the audience, and each other. You don’t need a history book to keep up with the drama or the timelines… Her physicality creates an approachable and hilarious introduction to this crew of dames arguing over who gets Henry for eternity.

Self proclaimed as a creative chameleon, Tara Travis carries this tale with regal stamina and endurance as she transforms into each royal role.

Part history. Part her stories. All Fringe.

Stephanie Adamov

Eleanor’s Story: An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany

SNAFU—PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage

It’s not common that a ten year old show gets more, rather than less, timely. As Ingrid herself notes, this show isn’t for anyone seeking escapism from the horrors of today. From fascist state violence against minorities to family homes and cities pounded rubble to starvation employed as a weapon, no one would judge you for looking elsewhere. But despite the horrors, hope for the future, of communities coming together to survive and thrive, make this show’s relevance far more than just one of bearing witness to despair.

Utterly fantastic, but to steal Ingrid’s joke, make sure you schedule yourself a comedy after this.

Josh Fidelak

An Improvised John Hughes Movie

Tectonic Improv—CCFM Salle Pauline-Boutal

Whether you come for the nostalgia, the teen angst or the 80s tunes, Tectonic Improv had our Saturday audience enjoying some fun comedic throwbacks.

The four person ensemble set the stage at CCFM as they Hughes-ified suggestions by the audience. Some die hard Hughes fans could be picked out in the crowd as certain lines and references seemed to be more poignant…all added to the suspense of “what references could be made next.”

For a world that is moving pretty fast, it was nice to take a break and see different scenarios play out with a pretty pink hue.

Stephanie Adamov

The Best (?) Non-Denominational Holiday Concert Ever!

Rem Lezar Theatre—Tom Hendry Warehouse

I know some people complain about the drive to get away from “Christmas” and be more inclusive. As a non-Christian growing up, I (mandatorily) played parts in school plays. While the Christian children immediately understood what was expected of them, I didn’t have a clue who Joseph was and what were the three wise guys? Kids are cruel, which made me the victim of ridicule because of my ignorance.

I’m happy to see non-denominational celebrations because children don’t deserve the treatment I received—especially when our population continues to get more diverse and there are more non-Christian people and children.

I expected this play to hit home with me and at first, I saw exactly the resistance behind change, and how so many people really hate change. I embrace change, when change is for the better, but change for change’s sake? That’s something different entirely.

Gradually, the play evolves away from being about the holiday presentation and towards an homage to the profession and duties of teachers—and teachers deserve all the lauding.

When the big moment finally comes and the holiday show goes live, it all goes off the rails and I think I’m still catching my breath from laughing so hard! Today’s audience had lots of children and youths and they all seemed have a wonderful time—and as an adult, so did I!

Tip: some of the voices are a bit subdued and hard to hear when the actors face away from you. Grab a seat closer to the front if you can.

Ray Yuen

Drag Me to the Opera

Aida Cupcake Presents—CCFM Salle Pauline-Boutal

With a satin sashay through the Wagner arched audience, Aida Cupcake gets a “Handel” on the crowd’s knowledge of opera, drag and everything in between.

Musically autobiographical, the 60 minute piece written and performed by Steven J Morton, is tenderly told by the uplifting tenor.

Whether it be dreams deferred, delayed or simply dismissed…the journey painted by the artist connects to us all, even if opera (or drag) is not your forte.

Stephanie Adamov

outside, in the laneway, under the stars

Hard Times—Planetarium

After learning there were two parts to this show, I was determined not to miss part two right in the middle of part one. He’s that good. I had to wait to talk to John after the show as a freep reviewer was so admiring of his talent, that he was basically doing an interview. We all engaged, and realized we were the only people who had seen both parts. It’s mystifying to us that more people aren’t taking this most warm and rewarding show in. As the Fringe gets busier, the comfy, spacious Planetarium has a seat for you . Reward yourself and take advantage of that seat.

Lisa Campbell

Literally against all odds

inspired I theatre—MTC Up the Alley

Mom come pick me up I’m scared, the teacher is losing it again.

Vivid and hilarious, the various vignettes making up the working life of our first grade teacher played by Spenser Payne and pulling from the teaching career of the writer/director Alissa Watson are as uncomfortable as they are humourous. From bad administration to terrible HR to disruptive students, the profession is shown warts and all. Ending on some timely commentary about teaching during COVID now going into the era of generative AI and at a tight 45 minutes, this is a great watch for our last week of Fringe.

Josh Fidelak

Stacey-Jean: Life Lines

SJeanSProductions—MTC Up the Alley

This piece tackles the ripple effect of childhood trauma with about as much force as a middle-schooler. For a show that had so much it wanted to say, it seemed unable to say most of it, as the performer often stumbled her way through vignettes, despite having the script in front of her. While her pleas to look after oneself is admirable, her message had to be force fed in the face of monotonous delivery, poor prep, and apparent aversion to engaging the audience. Putting on a show to begin with is commendable. Preparedness is, however, expected.

Arden Pruden

Jimmy Hogg: Potayto Potahto

Jimmy Hogg—RRC Polytech

When the audience is full of performers, it’s a sure sign you’re in the right show. When busy actors take their limited spare time to see a show, it’s a definite sign of respect. Jimmy deserves your time too. As he frantically bounces around the stage, he drops comedy gems the way only he can. Learn what a Johnny Two Sheds is and other unique terms and perspectives that only Mr. Hogg can conjure up. He’s had an interesting life and he will keep you laughing from beginning til end as he puts his particular comedic spin on these adventures. Just go!

Lisa Campbell

Moms Moms Moms: A Burlesque Comedy

DD Brassiere—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

This is a skit/sketch variety show with a bit of everything. The raucous audience provides part of the fun as the crowd’s energy feeds the actors and they certainly return the favour.

Everyone talks about the burlesque part so I won’t be repetitive and go over that again. The deeper story here is owning who you are, owning what you are, and being comfortable with that as you age. Let’s face it, many of us were in great shape in youth, and we were proud (yes, I did it too) to prance around in bikinis and thongs. Now at almost 60, how many of us would do that? Sadly, not that many. Society teaches us that unless you have the supermodel body, you shouldn’t flash it. Many of us will never get out of that mind-frame but DD and Mom Kathy boldly come out and say, “we’re moms; we have mom figures; we’re in our 50s; and we are proud of our bodies.”

Good for you! Love it!

Also love the show, but the drug-addiction part feels out of place. This is a fun, hyper, good-time romp, and this excerpt just didn’t belong. That should be a show of its own—just keep the momentum going and keep the fun going for this show.

Now excuse me while I walk out naked to bring the recycling bin back in…

Ray Yuen