Sapphire Butterfly Blue

MTYP’s Summer Studio—MTYP – Mainstage

Sapphire Butterfly Blue by Melissa Major is a challenging journey into the mind of Bridget Bishop, the first victim of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Her last eight chaotic days are explored through voice and movement and presented by a cast of 16 young, multi-talented actors. Their performances are intelligent and nuanced and the demanding choreography is tight, tough and beautiful. Although the actors range in age from 13 – 18, this is not by any stretch a children’s show. The play has much to teach about injustice, false assumptions, and mob violence; the Company of Summer Studio has delivered a powerful and important message – one that I am still processing as a dark butterfly just fluttered past me.

Barbara Fawcett

Catch Me in the Kitchen Story Adventures

Catch me in the Kitchen—Planetarium

This charming storytelling show revisits some old favourites. Stories that I’ve known most of my life and have seen retold again and again. This particular production had new elements of fun and education, as the cast included some French language lessons throughout the telling of the stories, with some fun twists along the way.

Delightful physical comedy, extremely theatrical dialogue, and an overall hilarious lively delivery. I was fortunate to be sat next to a few little ones who were very vocal about how much they were loving the performance, which definitely added to the experience. It shows me that these stories not only still have relevance in the lessons they impart, but that there seems to be an enormous range of ways that they can be told! It was wholesome, nostalgic fun.

Calantha Jensen

Generic Male: Just What We Need Another Show About Men

PUSH Physical Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage

Those generic male(s) are back, or on their back, behind their backs. Stevenson & Jones are here to amaze us with a great huge venue at MTC/Mainstage to play on, which these two richly deserve and they use it wisely! There is funny banter as they both antagonize each other on staging. The production builds up with the complete amazing and playful choreography these two share. You will be blown away by the trust required between these two pros! They have this chemistry you usually don’t see in generic males. Oh, you may have to bring credentials…as you maybe picked to tech the show!

There was something else I took away from the show, after their slightly contortionists physical dance moves, and after the bows, one feels like stretching after taking in a show like that…which is good!

Kevin Campbell

The Ultimate Actor’s Nightmare

Axiom Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage

Fronting as a classic and solid improv show, the performance is quickly derailed by a dictatorial director, fresh off a marvel marathon and ready to throw his performers under the bus in the name of trite plot structures and groan worthy superhero references. The professionalism and performing strength of all the Club Soda Improv members who were in attendance at the show I saw were in full display. The crowd participation was a definite highlight, as the two kids who were most engaged in providing suggestions were both well managed, and had their ideas thoroughly included. At the end of the day, if you like improv without too many gimmicks, you can’t go wrong with this show.

Josh Fidelak

The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and the Wolf

Merlyn Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse

I had sincerely no idea what to expect walking into this show; I chose it more or less at random, but as I sat in a theatre filled with lively Ukrainian folk music, I couldn’t help but feel like this was a special treat! I have Ukrainian roots on my mom’s side and have been involved with Ukrainian folk dance most of my life, but I’m afraid I’ve otherwise been rather distant from the culture. This is a storytelling show featuring three favourite tales of Ukrainian children’s folklore. What I love about shows like these are the ways that I can recognize elements and themes of stories and folklore common across cultures, which hold lessons and messages not only for the children they are intended, but serve a purpose to preserve our histories and wisdom.

Considering the current conflict overseas as well, it was beautiful to see Ukraine celebrated and its culture shared in this festival. As for me, it was wonderful to learn children’s stories that I didn’t know and reconnect to the music I love. Music, stories and parables are important to all of us, and sharing them is how we keep our heritage alive and connect with one another. A very sweet show.

Calantha Jensen

Lia & Dor

Catun—Pyramid Cabaret

I was intrigued to see our first production from Romania. It’s not, as the program leads you to believe, a one woman show. I’m bewildered why no credit was given to Christina Tudor’s able co-star, Alexander Forsyth.

This was charming, well-executed and held my attention throughout. This is a show for almost everyone, from astute tweens to seniors. Very young kids might get antsy.

Tudor’s voice is delightful, as she treats us to many Romanian folk songs; and Forsyth accompanies her capably. I just wish I understood the language. Her graceful movements hint at a dance background; and show off her lovely traditional costume. The puppets were wonderful, beautifully crafted and added immensely to the interwoven folktales. I found the whole production to be thoughtfully and intelligently presented. This was a colourful, entertaining surprise!

This Thursday show was woefully under attended. What a shame as this venue has a great lineup and is a super place to park for the night and see the whole wonderful lineup. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and there are interesting beers on tap. Do yourself a favour and visit Venue 22!

Lisa Campbell

The Dungeons ‘n’ Dragons Improv Show XIV

Miki Media—The Gas Station Arts Centre

If you’ve never seen or heard of this show, you’ve been living under a rock. Smashing the d20 and melting pot fantasy of D&D with comedy improv. For anyone who truly hates improv, the loose story and continuity could give you more to connect with, and the night after night progression is absolutely a plus for anyone who enjoys the genre. As an aside, I truly do not understand the Fringe’s system for labelling shows as new or not. Just because they didn’t do the 13th D&D Improv show again a second time doesn’t mean it’s “new”. C’est la Vie.

Josh Fidelak

Grease, Too!

Tyson Comedy—The Cinematheque

Arriving at the venue, I was welcomed by the artist to “her” basement, as she excitedly gets us ready for a Grease movie marathon. Pass the Oreos, you BET we’re going to sing along.

It was a heartfelt experience, seeing both films at lightning speed through the eyes of an 11 year old girl. Her endearing, comedic explanations of the film have a sweet sort of innocence despite adult content. I’ve had my own opinions about the first film (I hadn’t seen the second one) and have been critical at times about its message. But to see how the little girl saw Sandy as a feminist presented me with an opportunity to reconsider my understanding. A young girl experiencing struggles of her own can escape into beloved films that provide her with a safe space to be herself and love the things she’s into. It’s certainly something I can relate to. Kid’s have an uncanny ability to have honest clarity and see right through to the heart of things while other things fly right over their heads, as is often appropriate. It was so refreshing to see the films from a new perspective in a funny, relatable way, while also touching on far more serious themes. There’s wisdom here that I very much appreciate. Grease is the word!!

Calantha Jensen

The Last Five Years

Hot Reject Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse

I thought The Last Five Years was fantastic, the actors had beautiful chemistry together, and I loved how accurately they depicted the relationship. I thought the turning of the boxes to show the passage of time was soooo smart and really helped me understand what was going on and when.

The singing was great and the acting was phenomenal. Overall great show.

Al Gilbert

The Tempest

Indifferently Reformed—Royal Albert Arms

The large cast did an admirable job performing the Shakespeare play, and aside from a few character gender switches, seemed to keep to the standard script. The show was accompanied by live music which combined with some great costumes enhanced the performance.

David Lange was well suited to the role of Prospero and was a standout. Well worth seeing if you are a Shakespeare fan.

Murray Hunter