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

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.