The Buzz – Reviews

How Bono Saved my Life (Three Times)

Sonya Ballantyne Entertainment—Club 200

In this masterful spoken-word piece, Cree author and filmmaker Sonya Ballantyne showcases her love for U2 and the contents of her heart with the candour of a writer and the intensity of a fangirl. While chasing something that feels like hope, Ballantyne finds surprising inspiration in disappointing crushes, male vulnerability, and the devastating heartbreak of surviving abuse, as she recounts how a favourite band can pull you out of darkness and lead you to who you’re supposed to be.

Nyala Ali

Unzipping the Cat

3L Theatrics—Son of Warehouse

In a cautionary cat-sitting tale, as this reviewer knows all too well, Kevin Reid presents an earnest and heartfelt story about earning the trust and approval of Winston, a purrfectly sized Maine Coon.

Reid has a natural feel for the stage and, as a theatre blogger, has curated a tight 60-minute piece for anyone who has ever had a difficult conversation at the vet.

Part internal discovery, part adaptation, and part accommodating the potential destruction of his personal comic book collection after agreeing to become a short-term cat sitter, the unexpected moments are the ones to treasure.

Stephanie Adamov

Absolutely Not a Cult

Starr Street Productions—Théâtre Cercle Molière

There’s one major issue with this show, and it’s that the whole thing is a fantastic joke that I can’t really write about without spoiling the punchline.

The three members of the cast have fantastic chemistry and confidence in their roles, and the jokes land with military precision. Writing-wise the content is tailor made for the moment we find ourselves in of AI doomerism and technological overlords. Just an absolute masterclass in comedy writing and performance flying in from a New York City gripped by all the political, social and technological conflicts explored in the show.

Josh Fidelak

Book Lovers

TBA Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

It is a first meeting of a book club, with people who are looking forward to it, people who would rather be elsewhere and some unexpected guests. The large cast does a good job in bringing the drama and comedy to life. There are a number of twists and turns, so to avoid any spoilers, I will just say it is a fun little show, and worth seeing it for yourself.

Murray Hunter

The Late Great Mormon Drag Queen

Steven Morton—CCFM – Salle Pauline-Boutal

A delight. Simply a divine delight.

Steven Morton dazzles the audience with his dress, his voice, and his presence as Madam Pattirini is born in the limelight. Working the audience in the occasionally daunting amphitheatre at CCFM, Morton effortlessly flips between characters and costumes while presenting this new work as a 60-minute musical journey backed by soaring songs.

Based on a true story, Morton delivers operatic arias and vaudeville-style performances with ease, displaying excellent physicality through expressive mime.

Clearly dedicated to his craft, this show is as professional as it gets when it comes to Fringe.

Stephanie Adamov

The Golden Boys

Enigma Performance Company—Théâtre Cercle Molière

“Picture it”…

Entering the theatre with years of encyclopedic Golden Girls trivia under my belt, I found this earnest new work to be a delightful homage to the classic TV show. The catch? They’re men over 60 grappling with the tricky tribulations of aging…all while preparing to compete for the title of Winnipeg’s next “Golden Boy.”

The parody exceeded my expectations. Creative choices and clever twists bring the gang to life while breathing fresh life into the now-recognizable tropes of the iconic Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose.

Sam, Devin, Blake, and Ross (respectively) revisit familiar plot-lines that audiences are sure to recognize, while never losing sight of the honest moments that made the original series a beloved classic.

The balance is hard to strike, but Ferens cleverly sprinkles in Manitoban references that ground the piece in its own identity.

Grab a slice of cheesecake, bring a fellow Fringer, and thank them for “being a friend.”

Stephanie Adamov

Our Father

Stark Raving—John Hirsch Mainstage

After hearing that Ethan Stark received an Honourable Mention for the Harry S. Rintoul Award, it became my mission to see this new work before the sell-outs began.

Well… Our Father delivered.

Rarely does a show catch me off guard the way Our Father did. Heart palpitations ensued during its most intense moments, as the audience was firmly gripped by this 60-minute dramedy.

There was “no mistake” that this piece speaks powerfully to the growing generational divide surrounding gender identity and expression, as well as the preservation of familial religious identity.

This show isn’t just for your heart…it’s for the soul of anyone seeking approval, acceptance, and understanding.

Don’t make a mistake and miss this one.

Stephanie Adamov

The Rocky Horror Show

The Dramatic Theatre Company—John Hirsch Mainstage

Caution: This Production May Contain Complete or Partial Traces of AI.

After seeing their production in October, this “creature of the night” was excited to see this community passion project on the mainstage. While there were some adaptations to accommodate the cavernous venue, it was also the most reserved, yet enthusiastic, audience I have ever encountered at a Rocky Horror performance.

While we didn’t all leap to our feet for the Time Warp or throw toast, the antici…pation was palpable throughout the audience. The live band added a nice touch, contributing to the concert-like atmosphere, though the vocal mix was troublesome at times.

However, when Lorraine James emerges as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the whole venue is hooked. With a glance, a laugh, or a sharp smile, James absolutely milks the camp out of this counterculture classic.

In the end, when it comes to the Fringe, artists, and our climate crisis, this production truly soars when it is DIY and not AI.

Stephanie Adamov

The Crown Witness is a Stand-Up Comedian?

Jeff Gobeil Productions—West End Cultural Centre – ACU Hall

Jeff Gobeil delivers an outstanding memoir of a traumatic event: his journey to a courtroom as a Crown witness in a child sexual assault trial. It’s heavy material with exceptional pacing; Gobiel keeps it moving by lightly embodying a cast of characters he encounters on his way to testify, giving welcome texture and levels to an intensely personal story. He pauses when he needs to, breaks the tension with breathing exercises when things get rough, and lifts his audience up with a well-placed punchline. By the time he ties everything together with a little rap, it feels like a natural extension of a story told with remarkable confidence and care.

It is rare to be invited into such a candid first-person account of something that feels so ripped from the headlines. Gobeil offers remarkable insight into a deeply private experience, told with authenticity and artistry.

Ashley Frantik

Céline & Cher: Divine Divas

Marysia Trembecka—John Hirsch Mainstage

With her treasured divas’ names creatively displayed in gilded, gold cursive antlers, Marysia guides a Fringe performer-heavy audience through storytelling, camp, and glam.

Armed with quick quips, wit, and an Omnichord, the audience at a 10:30 p.m. weekday show was thrilled to relax, turn back time, and simply sing along with the projected lyrics (though there were plenty of die-hard Divas all around).

Trembecka corrals the audience through intermittent slides highlighting peak moments shared by both divas, with witty life lessons sprinkled throughout like parables we can all learn from. Stories of love. Tales of irony. Above all, persistence and the relentless desire to “go on”.

This piece might not be for every non-believer, but it is certainly packed with heart, fun, and sing-along joy.

Stephanie Adamov