The Buzz – Reviews

Sapphire Butterfly Blue

MTYP’s Summer Studio—MTYP – Mainstage

This show was sensational! It is a brilliantly choreographed, gripping, and powerful contemporary show. A most creative way to tell the story about the first Salem witch trial. I found myself captivated from the very first moment of the show, and enraptured the entire time. I wept, was astounded and shaken by the dialogue, and impressed with the way the choreography added to the storytelling. I had a particularly visceral reaction to the show in the sense that I am enraged and can empathize with those women. The sense of hysteria and terror was tangible as we saw how fear makes fools and they punish the innocent. It’s a poignant, compelling and breathtaking show. The costumes and set/lighting design were also incredibly well done. This show is a MUST SEE.

Calantha Jensen

Laughing Yoga – The Musical

Laughing Lion Wellness Therapy—CCFM Pauline-Boutal Hall

WHY?!

Why why why why why why wouldn’t you classify this as a kids’ show? There is not a stitch of adult, or even teen humour here. All of the songs, gags and gimmicks are geared towards the very young, or the very young at heart.

What about those who are not young at heart? They left the show—in droves. Twenty minutes in, half
the audience was gone. I would have been gone too if I didn’t have an obligation to see it through before writing about it.

All the material is juvenile at best, puerile at worst. If you have young children, give it a try. If you’re a child in an adult’s body, sure, maybe. Everyone else? It’s probably not for you.

Ray Yuen

At The Table with Keith Brown

Keith Brown—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

I used to think I didn’t care much for magic until I saw Keith Brown many years ago at the Fringe. Now I won’t miss his show and heartily recommend it to everyone I love. He’s so warm and wonderful with his audience. Not only did he have the packed crowd oohing and gasping ’how did he do that?’ throughout; he also is a superb storyteller. His true story of the Icelandic President and is family is charming. It warms my heart to hear how sincerely performers love our Fringe. Keith literally choked up on stage about how happy he was to be back. His magic really is amazing but his total package of personality and performance just bring this show over the top! He’s going to be sold out, so get your tix in advance!

Lisa Campbell

Flourish

Yours Queerly, Arts Collective—CCFM Pauline-Boutal Hall

Hello? Is this the Common Mycelial Network? Yes? I’m looking for some mushrooms? The kind you
take that gives you hallucinogenic effects? No? The Manitoba government shut you down? Damn. I guess I’ll just smoke some dope. I don’t really know what’s going on in this show but I’m sure some dope and early Pink Floyd will help me along.

Ray Yuen

A Wpg Stand-up Show

Gray Productions—Exchange Events Centre

Tim Gray is on every night showing off four very talented comedians to the good people of Fringe. The talent is undeniable. A veteran of the Winnipeg comedy scene, Tim brought some heavy hitters out with him to make the crowd laugh. Like any comedy show, some of the jokes didn’t land or weren’t my cup of tea. Some of the transitions were messy or clunky and one bit by one of the comics ran way way way too long. That being said I did belly laugh at most of the material. If you like stand up comedy this is well worth any price to come see!

Kaitlyn Kriss

The Barbarian Bombshells

The Barbarian Bombshells—

This is one of those shows that needs the audience to fuel the action. I’m not sure they would pull it off if there are only a few people in the audience. As well, as they point out often, it also works better if people have been drinking. Today’s run, at 11 am, means that the bar at the Warehouse isn’t even open yet.

Without the assistance of alcohol, it starts a bit slow, with some off-colour jokes that don’t click right away. Fortunately, the audience recruits are a load of fun themselves, which injects a large dose of adrenaline. The second half of the show picks up speed fast and most everyone ends up having a good time. The costumes and props? Top notch!

Ray Yuen

The Magician’s Apprentices

Comedy Illusions of Greg Wood—Calvary Temple

This magic show was AWESOME!! We are treated to a variety of magic tricks performed by a sister and brother duo and their magician master. I was captivated from the very beginning, as they move fast paced through a series of exciting tricks to get the show started. With fabulous costumes, plenty of audience participation, dad jokes, and very impressive performances! It is inspired, wondrous wholesome fun. I was fortunate enough to participate in one trick and honestly it was magic. I was astounded. The magician also included some history tidbits and lessons on kindness that definitely filled my bucket and brought a brilliant amount of laughter and joy to me for my first show of the week! Definitely check it out!

Calantha Jensen

The Horrible Friends: Free Beer: Last Call

The Horrible Friends—Duke of Kent Legion

The Horrible Friends were back for one last Fringe on their self declared ‘retirement tour’. If you’ve seen a Horrible Friends show it’s the same format but the games change every night. You can tell they’ve done this for a long time, but like a wine they’ve gotten better with age! I saw them about 5 years ago and found them much more polished and snappy now. You can tell they are trying to have as much fun as possible in their last hurrah. This show wasn’t ground breaking by any stretch of the imagination but I did laugh lots. A solid improv show for the frequent Fringer.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Opera Mouse

Melanie Gall Presents for Kids—Kids Venue: MTYP – Mainstage

I saw Opera Mouse a few years ago and loved it. Seeing it again, I forgot most everything that happened but it reminded me of exactly why I loved it, and I love it even more now. The show is fun, exciting and a load of laughs for the kids. Even as an adult, I had a great time engaging with the plot.

Then there’s the music, which is timeless—literally, since we’re talking about Puccini and Bizet. The aria from Carmen is one of the most recognisable pieces ever written and Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro is instantly familiar (Puccini is my favourite opera composer). People are instantly absorbed hearing these pieces.

Now let’s talk about Gall’s voice. I’ve seen many of her shows through the years and I love her singing. To date, I still haven’t heard her sing more than an aria here and there. I would love to see (hear) her perform a complete opera. Madama Butterfly? Turandot? C’mon Melanie! Do it!

Ray Yuen

1 Stand-up Comedy Show, Please

Dana + Tim Productions—Exchange Events Centre

Do you want a stand-up comedy show? Would you, perhaps even want one (1)? Focusing on experiences from his life in Winnipeg and then Toronto, Standup Comedian Tim Gray weaves together jokes about Winnipeg’s unrepentant grime with his travails getting through covid without being driven completely insane. The crowd work was fairly brief, however his reference to someone in a previous show completely roasting him led to someone in my performance doing the same, probably the highlight of the show. If you’re looking for a stand-up show in a bar, you’ll be in for a great time.

Josh Fidelak