Sex Ed

Kerry Ipema—Red River College

Kerry Ipema is back with another stellar show. This year she comes with a new story to spin, her own. With a soprano voice worthy of a Broadway stage Kerry takes the audience on a journey through the use of raunchy Disney inspired songs and a whole butt-load of dick jokes and swears (if you don’t know how much that is ask the guys at Sound & Fury). This unabashedly feminist musical was hilarious and touching. Her story is definitely controversial and will offend some conservative viewers but as a left leaning feminist I loved it! Highlight of my day for sure.

Kaitlyn Kriss

The Life Henri

Still Your Friend—Dragon Arts Collective

For a while, we weren’t sure if we were talking about Henri, or Carrie, or Monet—I have very fond memories of Monet from the museum in Paris and it was quite a tease before we moved into the life of Henri Rousseau.  Who? Yeah, that’s what I thought for a while too.

Normally, biographies focus on true heroes and great accomplishments—this one continues to zoom in on deficiencies and short-comings of the protagonist! Through the presentation, I couldn’t grow to like the main character, leaving me to wonder why presenter Bailey chose Rousseau in the first place!

In the end, Bailey’s an accomplished speaker; coupled with some giggles, this is a show well worth seeing.

Warning:  this venue requires 45 steps up several flights of stairs—the strong air conditioning provides a nice reward after your ascent.

Ray Yuen

Desdemona: A play about a handkerchief

R-G Productions—MTC Up the Alley

We all know the story of how Iago drove Othello into a jealous rage with something as simple as a handkerchief. But what happened in the scenes that Shakespeare didn’t write? Was Desdemona really as innocent as the Bard made her out to be? Find out in Venue 2 with amazing local actors Heather Forgie, Alison Kolisnyk and Kaeliegh Ayre in Pulitzer Prize winner and Tony nominated playwright, Paula Vogel’s Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief.

Archetype Productions

A Woman of a Certain Age™—Planetarium

The ladies of “A Woman of a Certain Age” deal with grey divorce, acting-out teenagers, aging parents, disappointing marriages and betrayal by body and mind, fighting the effects of time and a culture that treats them as invisible. A story about more than hot flashes and saggy bits, exploring what real women in midlife and beyond experience (a frequent comment -and my biggest compliment- is “how did you know about my life?”) There’s lots of laughter too ‘cuz, let’s face it, you gotta’ have a sense of humour about getting older!

théâtre d’amour élastique—John Hirsch Mainstage

Wow! I was entranced by the stunning performance of Tymisha Harris as Josephine Baker. The life of Josephine Baker is put on display with some fantastic singing and truly seductive dance numbers. She has the audience hook, line and sinker right from the first song and you get carried along with the stories. Then when she starts performing some of risque dance numbers that Baker was famous for, you can tell you are in for something truly special.

If you want to see it, get your tickets early as the first show Thursday at Noon was sold out.

Murray Hunter

Story Hole

Bessie-Jean Productions—Wee Johnny’s Irish Pub

I’ve always enjoyed local Comedian/Artist/Storyteller J.D. Renaud’s shows and he is usually one of the first shows I go to see. Those familiar with him will know him for his great stories with accompanying primitive, yet hilarious, cartoons and the sometimes deeply personal revelations. In this year’s show he shares the art (and subterfuge) of how to tell a great story. He talks about the kinds of stories that are great, what makes them great, what can ruin a story and how the story doesn’t have to be about the storyteller, all while spinning several funny (and sometimes sad) yarns as examples. He really has mastered the craft, and the audience get transported into the stories. If you haven’t seen one of his shows and want to see some great storytelling you should add him to your list.

The venue itself can be a little warm, but it is licensed so drinks are available.

Murray Hunter

Mike Delamont: The Devil

Mike Delamont – The Devil—MTYP – Mainstage

God is a Scottish Drag Queen has become a Winnipeg tradition; with those in the know eagerly awaiting each new episode. Always a sell out, Mike is a must see. But this year no God, instead we get the Devil, although God drops in via video from Thermea Spa in Winnipeg. This was a real added bonus, with God totally misunderstanding how a spa works. I won’t spoil it but be prepared to bust a gut when you see what Satan really looks like! I love his use of video and audio on two huge screens, which greatly adds to the hilarity and variety of the performance. Mike always manages to include biting jabs at our city that show he really spends time here getting out and about.  This is a production of such high quality, that even the fussiest of theatre patrons will be delighted.

This is a great show to introduce someone to the Fringe. Find out what hell is really like, and who the lucky ones admitted are. It will surprise and frighten you. There is a reason why there is a highway to hell and only a staircase to heaven!  A segment where he reads supposed questions from the audience is particularly funny, with his rapt fans howling with laughter. His playful interaction with his stage assistant was hilarious. A lot of the show is ad-libed, and I might be inclined to believe his claim that he had over indulged in the blood of Christ. His profuse sweating gave the crowd a good laugh as he couldn’t get his mustache to stay on and had to pocket it. Nothing makes him skip a beat.

Mike doesn’t need my endorsement. He will sell out regardless, as usual. And deservedly so. I’m already looking forward to God 5 next year. Mike is also reprising his warm, heartfelt, true story of his bittersweet relationship with his mother, Mama’s Boy, next door. I saw this last year and it was a treasure. Enjoy.

Lisa Campbell

(MINI) DEMON OF DEATH

Rachelle Fordyce—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

The main premise of the show is that Death has taken on human form for a limited time. Despite being fascinated by this new body and extremely knowledgeable in the workings of the universe, she needs the audience’s help in explaining some of the oddities of human behaviour and culture. The show is greatly dependent on the audience asking and answering questions about their views on life and society, so you definitely need a few extroverts in the crowd, without them it can affect the flow of the show. There were some really good one-liners in there and it makes you think about your own life. The crowd is asked to come on stage near the end and form a circle, closing it all out with a short dance party.

Murray Hunter

The Honeymoon Period is Officially Over

Gemma Wilcox—MTYP – Mainstage

Gemma, a past Fringe favorite of mine hasn’t been here for a few years, so I jumped at the chance to see her again. This is a solo show, done by a true professional. Her lithe, dancers body propels her through various characters, not limited to humans. She can beautifully portray fire (very impressive) and her animal impersonations are particularly entertaining. Her impression of a chicken laying an egg was a standout; charming and hilarious. Her main theme involves the changing relationship of a woman named Sondra(?). She is building on this story, with other chapters to be performed in the future and at other Fringes. My standard of a good actor is the clear definition of each character; where you are never confused as to whom is speaking. She achieves this perfectly. Each character is distinct, with her facial expressions, voice and movement transforming her into each unique persona with ease. This is a worthwhile play to take in, though I have to say it didn’t grab me in the gut, or make me care about the character the way past performances have. I would love to see her play off another actor as she has in the past.

With all the top quality shows at MTYP, including Rob Gee (don’t miss!) and Mike Delamont, it’s best just to park yourself here and be thoroughly entertained for a day or evening.

Lisa Campbell

High Tea: Another British Comedy

James & Jamesy—PTE – Mainstage

The boys are back in town with another stellar show for the lineup. Fans of this physical comedy dynamic duo can expect no surprises here this year. That may be because it is the same show that was brought to the Fringe three years ago. That being said, as someone who is a fan I was delighted to be invited back into this world and be able to witness the pure joy and love this bro-mance radiates. These two best friends create a safe environment for the audience to just let go and have fun for an hour. This show is very participatory and the audience will either make or break the show. If you would like to forget your worries for an hour and have a blast being a kid again then this is your show! Cheers lads, well done as always.

Kaitlyn Kriss