The War of 1812

Morgan Cranny—MTYP – Mainstage

This is reprisal of last year’s hit, with new bits, so don’t hesitate to see it a second time, as I did. There is plenty new to entertain. You just can’t lose with the veteran, mega talented cast of Wes Borg (3 Dead Trolls), Mike Delamont (God is a Scottish Dead Queen), Morgan Cranny, and Rod Peter Jr. Under the premise of Pierre Burton endeavoring to educate grade 8 student Wes as to why he should be proud to be Canadian, much sweaty, silly, musical hilarity ensues. Non-stop action with an anything goes attitude, multimedia, improv on the fly, and rollicking, musical fun. Delamont, as a coy, huge, horny Laura Secord was a favorite of mine. This is going to be selling out again, so do what you need to do to treat yourself.

Lisa Campbell

The Robber Bridegroom: A Grimm Fairy Tale

Chimera Theatre—Le Théâtre Cercle Molière

Rhythmic warnings, silent stalking and horrifying endings. Powerful and effecting, the show featured fantastic lighting, sound and direction. If you are interested in slow burn creepy and the macabre this is the show for you.

Josh Fidelak

EYE CANDY

Merkin Sisters—MTYP – Mainstage

I will see Stephanie Morin-Robert, of the famed Merkin Sisters, any chance I get! She always pushes the envelope; and is the epitome of fringey. If you are of an extremely delicate nature, you may not appreciate just how far her boundaries extend, but anyone with a true love of the unique, will be delighted with this show.

Many in the audience did not recognize her as she mingled with the crowd pre-performance, as she was sans the full pubic hair costume she is famous for. Once seen, never forgotten.

It was different, but lovely to see her perform solo, as she shares the wild highs, lows and life-threatening events of her life on the Fringe circuit while pregnant, billeting, experiencing health crises, giving birth, often without her partner Allistair Knowles (of James and Jamesy). The extent of her love for her fellow Merkin sis was so sincere and heartfelt. Her use of her missing eyeball socket (yes, she lost an eye to cancer at age 2), and many other various body parts to represent the baby she was carrying had the crowd cringing and cracking up simultaneously.

Outrageous, heartwarming, and just plain talented, you should never miss an opportunity to treat yourself to an hour like no other. Fresh breast milk and flying eyeballs anyone?

Lisa Campbell

The Great & Powerful Tim: Clue Dunnit?

The Great & Powerful Tim—The Cinematheque

Set in 1926 (despite the magicians cell phone), this comedy magic show simultaneous manages to elicit laugh, thrills and chills (from the constant stream of audience members forced onto stage to participate.)

The audience participation was by far the funniest part of the show, the young heckler in front stealing the night. Well worth the price of admission, as long as you’re not shy. Or good at hiding.

Josh Fidelak

Graceland

Shoestring Players—Planetarium

I would love to give you a reason to go see this, but I can’t. It’s not bad, but not rewarding either. It’s biggest flaw is the lack of a conclusion, which could have redeemed this show; and made it into something I could recommend. The fault lies not with the actors, but the script by Ellen Byron. It’s a two woman show, with Merri-Lou Patterson being entirely capable, skilled and charming. Laura Harrison flubbed many lines but recovered immediately and professionally. This was the first performance, so I will give that as her excuse. Both women did a fine job of developing their vastly different characters into people you could like, and relate to. The props were used to great effect, especially the wig and pillow. But in the end, this was a waste of time and talent. A shame.

The story flows nicely along but comes to a confusing, abrupt, dead stop. I had so many questions, and the ending made no sense because there was none. I was not the only one who felt bewildered. Everyone I talked to after the show, which ended 10 minutes early, said the same thing. The program asks how we feel about the end result, but there is none to react to. Why did Bev take and leave what she did, where did she go, and who won the contest? Too many questions and no answers. My main question is why did I go?

Lisa Campbell

Monica vs. The Internet: Tales of a Social Justice Warrior

Rage Sweater Theatre Productions—Centennial Concert Hall – Rehearsal Hall

This one woman, multimedia storytelling adventure was much more than expected. Tackling issues of racism, sexism, colonialism and the tribulations of a mixed race identity, Monica takes you through anecdotes from her life between explanations on critical theory they represent.

If you understood the vocabulary of that last sentence, then this show will be a worthwhile experience. If some of it went over your head, but the concept sounded interesting, don’t let it stop you from giving it a shot.

Josh Fidelak

The Witches

MTYP Summer Studio—MTYP – Richardson Hall

MTYP Summer Studio launched Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” on July 17th. Right out of the gate this young company brought the story to life with energy, zany comic action, endearing puppetry, crisp choreography and some pretty complex costume work. Boy and Grandmama bring heart-felt and timely message and the Grand High Witch is faaaabulous! Even the very youngest members of the audience were enthralled on opening night and the standing ovation was well-earned.

Barbara Fawcett

I Lost on Jeopardy

So Lonely Productions—The Cinematheque

This is a very well scripted and well performed show. For Jeopardy fans, like myself, hearing about the process to become a contestant and what it is like to actually be on the show was really interesting. Even more interesting was George Buri’s excellent analysis and reflections on competition, what makes people competitive, winning and losing. This show is most definitely a winner.

Murray Hunter

Not Quite Sherlock

Chris Gibbs—Rio – Portage Place

I am somewhat stunned that it was all the way back in 2005 that Chris Gibbs brought the original version of this show, then called Antoine Feval, to the Winnipeg Fringe. He has not lost his touch as he still keeps the audience laughing (a lot) with his masterful and often punchy word play. The story follows main character Barnaby Gibbs, who is almost completely clueless and very naive, and who has been taken in by a criminal who pretends to be a great detective in order to cover up his crimes. Gibbs easily moves between the various characters and it is a fun story with a great ending.

Murray Hunter

The Great Pillow War of ’96

Not My Favourite Daughter Productions—Rio – Portage Place

A coming of age story about 4 girls at their bible camp, trying to stick it to those gross dirty boys. It has some good moments, and some clunkers, but overall it’s a cute, and well performed show. The only standout issue was with the actors projection, as a few lines were delivered over top of music. The overrunning theme of “girl power” felt as though they were trying to make it more prevalent, but it never truly came through. Ultimately there was a lack of resolution that made feel as though it could have wrapped a little sooner. A fun, light hearted comedy about 4 girls coming into their own, whether they like it or not.

Arden Pruden