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

The Light Bringer

The Light Bringer—The Cinematheque

The Light Bringer, directed by Bill Pats, is an insightful, compelling and charmingly told personal story of culture shock, family and courage. Though the story is about breaking away from family and cultural demands, the reliability Laila Lee conveys ultimately brings us closer to understanding our similarities.

Audra Lesosky

THREE

Bossy Flyer—One88

I’ve really enjoyed the previous shows by the Long Beach trio of Cynthia Price, Ezra LeBank and Taylor Casas and their acrobatic performances are always very polished and professional. This show lives up to previous standards as they enclose themselves in a tape delineated section of the stage and use their physical skills to tell a visual story. There are some spectacular and dangerous looking lifts, throws and catches combined with many parts where all three move together as one, twisting and turning around/over/under each other. Fear, curiosity, love, hate and jealousy are all on display at various times throughout the performance. Well done! There is also a free cookie provided by the venue for those that come for the show.

Murray Hunter