It is the first Sunday of the Fringe, and despite the hectic pace, things have been going pretty well. Our Staff reviewers have been busy and we have been receiving lots of great reviews from the public to help swell our list of reviewed shows to 73. It is always great to get a second opinion on a show or a review for a show that hasn’t been covered yet, so keep them coming.

I’ll pass you off to Ray Yuen our Review Coordinator who has some thoughts on flying solo.

Murray Hunter

Art by Dave Pruden

I’m a loser.

Or that’s what many people think of people who attend shows by themselves. Even among my friends, many of whom are well-educated and well-travelled, some have phobias about doing things alone—especially going to see a show or a movie. One friend called me super-brave for being willing to go see so many Fringe shows alone.

Many years ago, I tossed out the idea that going to events stag makes me a loser. In many ways in life, I’m not a loser. I have a great job, great career, best life partner in the world, and I own a number of
thriving businesses—does this sound like the description of a loser to you? I also see many shows alone, at conventional movie theatres and especially at Fringe.

Well okay, I don’t really have a choice. As a Reviewer, I can’t exactly drag someone alone with me. No one’s willing to pay for the number of shows I see, and certainly, no one wants to maintain this hectic schedule—but that’s enough talk about me. Let’s talk about you.

Do you want to see a Fringe show but you can’t find someone to go with you? Can’t agree on a show? How about going by yourself? Yes, I’m a reviewer but I’m not the only one going to these things on my
own. In almost every show (and I see close to 40 each year), I see numerous people sitting by themselves. Not only are you not a loser by being alone, you are part of the norm for Fringe. That’s what people do. Fringe people are not shy people—they don’t give a damn about being by themselves.

We’re all here for a good time—who cares what anyone else thinks? So if you’ve ever had any concern about whether it’s all right for you to see a Fringe show by yourself, don’t think about it anymore. Just
buy your tickets! If you miss out on experiences, you miss out on life! Then you really are the loser.

Happy Fringe!

Ray Yuen

The Ghost Project

Karie Richards—Son of Warehouse

The performer in this a one-hander adroitly and eloquently presents multiple characters sharing ghostly encounters. Though very well done, two or three fewer stories would have made it sharper. During the show, I kept thinking about all the stories Techs have told about ghosts in the Warehouse Theatre (and the Son of, particularly the scary things that happen on the stairs up to it…) So if you believe in ghosts: go hear about other people who do too, in a haunted theatre.

Audra Lesosky

LARRY

Candy Bones—

I’m generally not a fan of performers pre-show kibitzing with the audience as I feel it often makes the audience uncomfortable. But perhaps with Larry, that was the point. Because there was plenty to create a sense of unease in this mainly goofy comedy, like catching yourself laughing at the character’s political incorrectness. With a less talented performer and a less bold, relentless performance, it would not have worked. But it does work. I especially enjoyed it since, growing up in a small town like the actor did, I knew my share of Larry’s too.

Audra Lesosky

The Fever

The Vintage Players—Son of Warehouse

A gripping and powerful monologue, about the difficulty of facing the moral repercussions of living in fantastically rich nations supported by pain, exploitation and base suffering of the poorest in this world.

The actor was simply fantastic, paired with a very strong and morally piercing script makes this show a must see. The direction and lighting were also superb, taking advantage of the venue quite well.

Josh Fidelak

Yellow Den

Lady of the Lake—John Hirsch Mainstage

Yellow Den is aptly classified as unclassifiable because I can’t reveal the thing(s) that makes this piece so perfectly Fringe-y. Inventively staged, risky and very well executed – audience is seated on the stage “in the room” with the character who is struggling with her sanity. I’m guessing they have limited their ticket sales to the number of people who will actually fit on-stage, yet Venue 1 is the cavernous MTC Mainstage, which actually adds to the intimacy, isolation and tension. Super cool.

Audra Lesosky

Trendsettlers: Episode IV

Trans-cendent Theatre Co.—Son of Warehouse

Steeped in video game references, 4th wall breaking humor and emotional confessions, this 30 minute show deserves a watch, especially if you’ve seen any of the writer’s (Frances Koncan) other shows. Ultimately indescribable, this show ends up being the perfect fringe show, funny, odd and memorable.

Josh Fidelak

Diary of a Monster Kid

Magic Toaster Productions—Creative Manitoba

Alan MacKenzie plays 10-year-old Kevin Doherty in Diary of a Monster Kid (based on Doherty’s book by the same name). Beyond late 70s horror references, there is a ton of pop culture nostalgia to delight — and MacKenzie relatably captures the obsessions, fears, heedlessness and vulnerability of a child in this one-hander, supported by a beautifully-crafted soundbed and fun visuals. So well done.

Audra Lesosky

Passing

Stella Luna—Alto – Portage Place

I love the premise and I had huge hopes for a cultural exposition but this slow-moving drama soon lost my attention. Maybe it’s just me and there’s an audience out there who enjoys this genre. I often get slammed for not liking Jane Austin too so if it’s just me, I’m happy to take the blame.

Ray Yuen

The Witches

MTYP Summer Studio—MTYP – Richardson Hall

MTYP’s Summer Studio production The Witches delivers solid performances from the young cast, particularly the sparkling actor who played the fabulous Grand High Witch. Engaging for young and old.

Audra Lesosky

12

NMC Theatre—Alto – Portage Place

12 is a retelling of 12 angry men, with the jurors replaced by teens trying to determine the identity of the student forcing the school into an active shooter lockdown. Reducing what could be a fairly lengthy review with an evocative sentence, 12 is a high school production, for all the good and bad that implies. The actors were inexperienced, and the script featured a few too many preaching soliloquies. A few moments stood out very powerfully, and the core of a fantastic show exists, but it definitely required more work and experience before reaching that level.

Josh Fidelak