Commando: The Radio Play

Ditch Water Theatre—Centennial Concert Hall – Rehearsal Hall

I’ll preface this with saying I have probably seen the movie Commando at least a dozen times and had actually watched it again a few weeks before hearing about the show. While it probably helps if you have seen the movie, as you will be more familiar with the overall plot, I think those that have not seen it will still very much enjoy this farcical take on a classic 80’s action movie. Doing it as a radio play was really an inspired choice and is perfect for a Fringe show.

The three member voice cast wonderfully bring all the characters to life. The sound effects are all done live by the fourth cast member. The menagerie of devices, items, fruits and vegetables that are used to create cars, planes, helicopters, machine guns, a rocket launcher and various results of hand to hand combat sound amazing but are also a sight to behold. The show is of course filled with the ubiquitous 80’s action movie catch phrases you would expect but also includes a few fun ads between scenes that are more reminiscent of the time when radio plays were the biggest form of entertainment.

Murray Hunter

ArtsDiva Productions

Erik de Waal’s TROLLS, BULLIES & ROCK STARS or A Kerfuffle in a Doodlesack—Alto – Portage Place

One post from a bullying, homophobic South African roc kstar, and a social media kerfuffle
catalyzed Erik de Waal’s TROLLS, BULLIES & ROCK STARS or A Kerfuffle in a Doodlesack. As de Waal and other queer artists protested, real people contacted him with their stories and four gave him permission to retell them in this year’s show. TROLLS, BULLIES & ROCK STARS explores the dark side of human sexuality and challenges the audience to confront its biases and privilege.

Stories Alive

Bleak Expectations, Dickens’ First Draft—Planetarium

A one-man show, featuring British storyteller Eden Ballantyne (from last year’s Carmen and Don Jose & Grimm’s Fairer Tales) as famed author Charles Dickens, telling his brand new story, (his first draft) featuring all his now famous characters mixed up in his now famous plots. For a sneak peek video of the show check out Stories Alive’s webpage or YouTube account.

Enjoy a proper English classic told in a twisted way, in the beautiful Planetarium venue.

Crosseyed Rascals

Improv Comics: The Adventures of Poncho Kid—Centennial Concert Hall – Rehearsal Hall

Move over Superman, Poncho Kid is here to save the day. When it comes to clean improv comedy, the Crosseyed Rascals deliver-except for their uncensored late night show.

Strokes of Genius

Strokes of Genius—One88

The world of stroke recovery can be a weird emotional ride. Stroke survivors, Dianna & Mitch, think it is better to laugh about it than to cry about it. Join the Strokes of Genius and friends for an inappropriate sketch comedy adventure into their world.

THROWBACK!

Outside In—The Gas Station Arts Centre

I had a chance to catch opening night of Throwback and it was a real treat. A great combination of comedy and world class circus entertainment with a retro twist and a fabulous soundtrack. And when I mean circus I don’t mean clowns and ring masters… I mean the fancy one from Montreal/Las Vegas. Absolutely would recommend Throwback for a wide variety of audiences, there were people sitting near my ranging from about 7 to 80 and they all seemed to love it too.

Hayley Bessette

One Man Star Wars Trilogy

One Man Star Wars—The King’s Head Pub

Charles Ross, his renditions on Star Wars, and his multitude of one-person shows have been around a long time and you expect his delivery to be smooth and flawless, which it is. However, it goes way
beyond just that—it’s a over-the-top, mocked reincarnation of the original characters.

If you’ve never seen the franchise, you will miss a lot of the plot, and surprisingly, there was one party in the audience who never saw any of Star Wars.

Huh?! What are you doing here?!

Anyway, most people will be moderate to huge fans, and will know every scene he simulates—but it’s not the scene that makes the show, it’s Ross’s impeccable mockery of the characters that emphasises what you’ve always thought about the movies. Yes, Mark Hamill is a bad actor, and Ross blows Hamill’s shortcomings to ghastly proportions!

The Star Wars franchise has always been a cheesy production, with some installments much worse than others. Ross takes those nuggets of cheese and turns them into gargantuan cheese wheels, and does it expertly. If you like Star Wars at all, you should see this. What the heck, even if you’ve never seen any of the movies, come anyway!

Ray Yuen

Dion Arnold: How I Killed My Nan

Dion Arnold—Creative Manitoba

I was so glad I took a chance on this Fringe newcomer! He didn’t actually kill his gran, just held her hand as she finally received the Canadian government sanctioned death, at 94, she had so desperately desired. He handles this delicate subject with much love, humour and skill. The background to this tender tribute of his adored grandmother consists of many photos that portray the almost 10 decades of this plucky, sardonic, very busy, and playful woman’s life; accompanied with witty commentary. He manages to convey just what a special character she was, and his deep love and respect for her, without once being maudlin. No mean feat for such a loaded subject as assisted suicide. A special and wonderful show that you will love.

Lisa Campbell

THROWBACK!

Outside In—The Gas Station Arts Centre

My family of 6 (adults and teenagers) went to see “Throwback!” (Retro Circus) for the opening night of the Winnipeg Fringe tonight! It was an outstanding show – full of high energy, mind-blowing physical feats, fun 80’s/90’s nostalgia, and absolutely hilarious comedy. All of us loved it and had an absolute blast. Definitely check it out if you have an opportunity – you won’t regret it!

Carlson Teakle

Meatball Séance

John Michael—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Seeing props in the theatre always intrigues me, and looking at a tableful of food leaves me wondering what he will do with all this. What ensues is the oddest cooking demonstration I’ve ever seen—and you
don’t get to try any of it in the end, not that you would want to.

Everyone in the audience can be a target for a variety of wacky roles, although John Michael promises that you would not be a victim if you cross your arms (not sure if I believe him!). Being drafted could
either be rewarding or embarrassing, depending on your personality, but it’s mostly fun for the audience.

He tries hard but Michael falls just a bit short of what he tries to present. The show isn’t quite funny enough to be hilarious and emotional enough to be touching. It’s still a good time and a fun way to spend an hour.

Ray Yuen