The Time In-Between

Fill The (W)hole—MTC Up the Alley

My mother went from normal to severe dementia in months; it’s not quite the same but it gives me perspective on this play. The players do a good job establishing a deep relationship between the mother and the children to preface the disaster of the disease. The situational jumping however, fractures the flow of the play somewhat. You start to establish a heartfelt bond, then you move away and lose some of the emotion.

In the end, you still walk away with a good understanding about the devastation Alzheimer’s creates. There’s a donation box as you exit—the message is good enough for you to drop in a bill (or at least a few coins).

Ray Yuen

Trued on a Base Story: A Cautionary Tale

The Opposite of People—Planetarium

If this is a true story, this is the first time I have despised a performer for his lack of decency. If this is meant to provoke, inspire a strong reaction, it has succeeded in spades. The program specifically invites teachers and principals; and having spent most of my life in that field, it piqued my interest. He starts by saying he is a sucker, and an asshole. If what he relates is true, I heartily agree with the second. His story of being groomed and seduced by his serial pedophile teacher, whom he goes on to father three children with, and commit bigamy is a crass one. He claims to have been in charge of the child care while his wife was off molesting another student on her famous screw and canoe trips. He goes on to become a teacher, among other things. Yet when he encounters the six year old a few years later, he lets her call excitedly out to him seven times; knowing he will choose to ignore her dwindling entreaties. If it is a true story he is the kind of parent my circle cannot abide. The kind of person who breaks a bond with the children he has raised and abandons them without a care, is not someone worthy of respect. The children were not well served by either parent and must have felt so unwanted. The long lasting sense of worthlessness and ensuing inability to trust take years of therapy to begin to heal, if ever. I was taught birth control in elementary school. These two teachers seem to have missed that class.

Lisa Campbell

SwordPlay: A Play of Swords

Sex T-Rex—WECC – Ventura Hall

This non stop laugh a minute show was hilarious. Picture Princess Bride mixed with a sword fighting game from the 80’s and you have swordplay! The play was over the top, beyond corny and I loved it. Great physical comedy and a ton of sight gags. I didn’t want it to end! This is not one to bring the kids to as there are quite a few dirty jokes and swearing. This is the show you bring your buddies to then go grab some beers afterwards.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Shadowlands

Pretentious Productions—Red River College

The performer tells you off the start that you won’t know what’s going on for the first half of the play—and she’s bang on. The way the stage looks, you think you need to be front-centre to get a good vantage, but that’s not true. If you arrive later, you’ll be fine sitting on the flanks (everyone crowded in on this show and it was quite squishy in the front section with lots of empty seats on the sides).

In true Fringe spirit, you sit with the thought of “what’s going on?” Although the segments have nothing to do with each other, they all grip you in different ways. As the plot evolves, you see the similarities come together, but you still have no idea how this will come together (or if it will, in Fringe tradition).

Everything eventually ties together nicely and delivers a tragic story. You walk away with good satisfaction that a thoughtful story’s been told. I love the way that Savanna Harvey put this together and tied up all the loose ends. I never would have guessed the primordial goo’s role and the “pet’s” imitation is very convincing (being a former experimental scientist).

Not many people in the chairs tonight—this show deserves more. Come see it—it’s a great show.

Ray Yuen

The Inventor Of All Things

big word performance poetry—Planetarium

This is a nice change from Jem’s usual Performance Poetry show. He is known for his rapid fire, tongue tripping, verbal gymnastic rants. This time he chooses to slow down a tad and relate the true story of physicist Leo Szilard and other scientists of the time surrounding the atom bomb, and the development of the nuclear age. Of course, he manages to make this romp through history hilarious. The subject matter is already fascinating for anyone who cares about ones own and the earth’s survival. Jem just adds his own unique take on it and crafts it into a fascinating hour you will not regret, or forget. He will be selling out as usual, so get your tickets soon.

Lisa Campbell

S#!t I’m in Love With You Again

Crowning Monkey—Pantages Mainstage

Fringe veteran Rachelle Elie returns with her own auto-biographical story of life and love. She wowed the crowd with her shimmering no-holds-barred songs and stories. She starts from virginity, and works her way through her sexual awakening, love and marriage, child birth (ouch!), fading love and finally re-finding that spark later in life. Throughout the show she had the crowd laughing (and sometimes cringing) at her often bawdy lyrics and experiences. Great job!

Murray Hunter

Time’s Fancy: The War of King Henry V and Joan of Arc

Sixth Planet Productions—Asper Centre (U of W)

What a remarkable powerhouse of a show! This ‘new’ Shakespearean play takes a look at the showdown that would happen had King Henry V met Joan of Arc. The cast as a whole was very talented. A standout for me was Joan of arc. The actress oozes passion and had me completely enthralled. The play had a great flow and seamlessly went from scene to scene. A very minimalist show, the use of their set was highly creative and imaginative. The best part being a large sheet of metal used for some shocking and loud effects. While the play was good, it is recited in traditional Shakespearean language and was thus hard to follow at times. There was also one scene where a cast member seemed to not quite finish dressing and looked very bizarre next to the lavish costumes of the rest of the cast. Nevertheless this fierce cast raised the bar for Shakespeare at the fringe.

Kaitlyn Kriss

Hotter Than Potter

Keith Brown—Son of Warehouse

Another in the multitude of magic shows available at this year’s Fringe, Keith Brown tilts his angle to a technological focus. The acts are familiar to illusionist fans but the delivery is novel enough to get some oohs and aahs. He elicits some laughs and giggles and lots of audience participation, so beware!

When you first enter, pay attention to the monitor at the stage. Follow the instructions if you want to partake in the fun.

This act sold out fast on Friday at lunch so you best act fast if you want in!

Ray Yuen

Wanderlust

Martin Dockery—Planetarium

Sold out, save for a couple of seats, this well respected artist deserved the crowd. He is a must-see for patrons in the know; and he never  fails to deliver. This reprise was no exception. His ease on stage is evident even before the show starts; as he mingles and chats with the crowd, encouraging them to sign up for his first podcast. Watching him share the story of his backpacking adventure to West Africa is like listening to a wonderful story shared by a friend over beers. His unique observations of his ‘quest to reach Epiphany’ showcase his unique and and very humble sense of humour; evidenced by his ability to laugh at himself. You could imagine yourself in his shoes as he struggles to navigate his way in a strange land where he doesn’t even speak the language and is traveling solo. His crazy adventures range from the delightful to the dangerous. He intersperses his life and his escape from romantic commitment on his ‘incomplete relationship search’ in NYC. He examines his life and adventures with a sense of wonder and a ‘come what may’ attitude. The script is exquisitely written and has been perfected. You can tell he has performed this numerous times by his familiarity and panache with the tale. Come along for the ride. You won’t soon forget it.

Lisa Campbell

Hey ’90s Kids, You’re Old

Hole Punch Productions—Dramatic Arts Centre

Hole Punch Productions returns bringing their trademark sketch comedy, this troupe parodies everything you want to remember and more. The show was laugh out loud funny. While I have seen the show before (it’s almost the exact same show from two years ago) my friend that I brought along couldn’t help but say “that’s so true! So on point!” After every sketch. Even if you have seen the show before you can’t help but laugh at the energy and enthusiasm of this show. While it wasn’t as funny the second time around, it is still with a watch. Well done again!

Kaitlyn Kriss