The Ballad Of Frank Allen

Weeping Spoon Productions—MTC Up the Alley

There is no mention that this is a reprisal from 2017. It has been finely honed and though I loved it then, it is magnificent now. The concept is, a tiny man who was a custodian, has shrunk to become a “tongue janitor“ to his friend Frank, as he now lives in his beard. Their relationship is pure ridiculousness, as tiny Shane Adamczak has remarkable control over his gargantuan (to him) buddy. He controls him by pulling nose hairs and other methods, and unfortunately his diet consists of whatever Frank (Al Lafrance) misses getting into his mouth- yech! This is a musical comedy with extremely vulgar and witty lyrics (rhyming vagina with recliner!) Frank is laid back as he relates his sad love story of Heather, who engages in every kind of sex act with all his friends, but not him! In contrast, skinny Shane throws himself around the stage, contorting his rubber body and producing wickedly funny sound effects. A clever concept done to perfection.

I can’t recommend this clever, amusing journey enough and would strongly advise you to see this zany Australian duo while you can. If you don’t laugh your ass off, your sense of humour is broken. I bought their CD and enjoyed it on the way home.

Lisa Campbell

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ODD JOBS?

3rd Floor Productions—MTC Up the Alley

An accomplished storyteller, Arthur MacKinnon delivers a polished act that gives us a peek into the backstage life of many actors. Sometimes comical, sometimes sombre, the act mirrors life’s ups and downs.

Big accolades to MacKinnon and all of the Fringe actors out there! It’s not an easy life and I could never do it. It’s great that you sacrifice so much to bring a smile to our faces.

Ray Yuen

Musicals Are Stupid: A Stupid Musical

Neat Story—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Holy smokes was this a fun show! Gus hates musicals but lives within a show. Thinking he’s insane, his frenemy and bestie take him on a journey to try and recover his voice. This stellar cast was hilarious! They totally all bought into the the crazy antics. Their infectious enthusiasm had the crowd in stitches. I couldn’t stop laughing the entire time. If you love musicals you will absolutely love this show! The songs were funny and catchy and there was not a single weak link in this cast. A cast ensemble piece, don’t miss this show!

Kaitlyn Kriss

A Sunshine Odyssey

JD and the Sunshine Band—Club 200

I thought the start/intro was dubiously amateurish (I mean middle-school level amateurish) but as the show progressed, I get why they did what they did. Correspondingly, the show started slowly but things
sure picked up to be a rip-roaring good time. All the tunes evoke the toes to tap and the hands to clap. It’s a bit hard to hear the lyrics at times but they’re fun.

Reflecting, I would still prefer to see a polished emcee/narrator but this works.

It’s not close to any other venue—and a bit of a pain in the butt to get out here—but it’s worth it. It’s a fun time, especially if you make it an outing and take in the other show at this venue, A Glimpse of
Sunshine.

Ray Yuen

The King in Yellow, a Musical Parody

Brad Torres—Knox United Church

The King in Yellow is a darkly comic horror musical that takes place all in the dark, and a subtle satire of toxic masculinity to boot. Engaging, entertaining, unpolished and full of promise, this show ran 15 minutes over and I loved every minutes despite all its numerous flaws. This show deserves more love (especially with its cursed venue), and any fan of The King In Yellow and experimental fringe shows should definitely check this out.

Josh Fidelak

Almost, Maine

Smelly Puppies—Oseredok

I was so lucky to have stumbled into this gem; after missing my original choice by 2 minutes. And I am so glad I did! The story really has nothing in particular to do with Maine; as this could unfold anywhere the Aurora Borealis can be seen, such as Winnipeg.

You will be treated to a large ensemble cast of ten talented young people. This is a welcome change after all the solo shows that are the Fringe norm. A engaging story, popular and well-chosen songs, sung and performed live, all make for an enjoyable experience. It is easy to see why this off-Broadway show broke box office records, and this cast does the script by John Cariani justice. The 75 minutes will fly by and you should take this in while you can!

Arrive early or linger after, as you are welcome to stay and enjoy the beautiful and interesting exhibits at this venue, the Ukrainian Museum, Osereredok, which just means Centre. The charming volunteer I met (actually Board member Don Puhach), was so friendly and proud to show it off, and inform you of his Ukrainian culture. This was my first visit and the building makes great use of this historic gem.

Lisa Campbell

A Glimpse of Sunshine

The Sunshine Bunch—Club 200

This is a glamourous show full of enthusiasm and energy. The glitz is a visual treat, sparkling through the set and outfits. The songs are loud and movement-evoking; you can’t help but bounce with the dancers/lip synchers. They want you to make noise and I don’t see how you can refuse.

This is a drag show. If you have a phobia about that, it’s not for you…

…and you’re a hater and an asshole.

It’s not close to any other venue—and a bit of a pain in the butt to get out here—but it’s worth it. It’s a fun time, especially if you make it an outing and take in the other show at this venue, A Sunshine
Odyssey.

Ray Yuen

The Comedy Illusions of Greg Wood

Comedy Illusions of Greg Wood—Son of Warehouse

Dad jokes abound at this family friendly magic show! Wood brings all the charm of old school magic and adds his own bit of flair. The tricks I’ve seen done a hundred times. Nothing new is being presented here but the way it’s presented is what’s so charming. Wood’s slight of hand skills are slick and polished. He’s been doing this forever and it shows. The jokes are definitely groaners but it’s fun in the way laughing at your best friend’s dad’s jokes is funny. The ending was overly cheesy but its heart was in the right place. It was cute and charming. A great magic show for the family.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Rook

Umbrellaphant Productions—Planetarium

This two man show features a quiet man, busy writing in his journal, drawn into a game of chess by a man who won’t take no for an answer, before the game inevitably evolves into something more. Short and to the point, and more of a drama than a comedy, the show itself has well written dialogue and is well acted. Quite worth the watch in these last few days if character drama is your thing.

Josh Fidelak

Art of Astonishment

Keith Brown—Centennial Concert Hall – Rehearsal Hall

I have seen every one of Mr. Brown’s shows and will continue to do so. He has very impressive, and well deserved credentials and honours, which he didn’t mention in this year’s program. Where else can you see a top notch magic show for this price?

I’m not even a fan of magic, but what this handsome young man is able to pull off so effortlessly is absolutely astounding! Definitely suitable for all ages, so bring the whole family. My grandkids have really loved his shows in the past. My luck held again, as I always seem to be the fortunate recipient of a huge can of my fave beer, Stella. Like any great magician, he leaves you wondering just how he pulls off the astonishing tricks he does. They are truly mind boggling. He is a master at involving the crowd, and plays with us with kindness and humour.

You will gag at his amazing needle swallowing trick and I won’t give more details away, as it is quite more involved than that. He has the photographic proof of just how dangerous this trick really is. You will leave amazed and amused. A nice change if you have been seeing a lot of dramas. Not to be missed! Thanks again Keith!

Lisa Campbell