Why Not Murder Mother

TBA Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

I recognised some of the actors from this company right away and knew I saw them last year. Then about halfway through the show, I thought to myself, “are they re-doing the same show?” Even after the denouement, conclusion and closing, I wasn’t sure if I already saw this story. As soon as I got home, I looked it up to see if it indeed is the same show, and it is not. However, the familiarity is so etched that this company followed the exact same formula that they used last year, and perhaps from years before too. If you experience déjà vu somewhere along the journey, you’ll know why.

As for the show, I’ll use a metaphor. I have spent my entire life living in The Prairies so I’m very familiar with flat lands. I also travel a lot so I’m quite familiar with mountainous roads. Watching this show is like driving on a steep mountainous road in a snowstorm. You never know when the plot takes a turn, and before the turn is over, another one ploughs towards you. The first part of the show sets the stage, then the switchbacks keep your head turning and you never know if/when you’re going to fall off the cliff. That is the adventure in discovering who tried to murder mother.

It’s a fun journey and it keeps you guessing until the very end.

Ray Yuen

The Merkin Sisters: DEUX

Stephanie Morin-Robert—PTE – Mainstage

There was a great reason to make this absolute gem my kickoff to Fringe 2023. If you are silly enough to only take in one show, this would be my choice. Stephanie Morin-Robert and Ingrid Hansen gift us with gorgeous choreography as they move as one, hilarious puppetry perfection and the most amazing, creative costuming you will ever see! Their playfulness and superb sense of humour charm the audience even before the show starts as they tease and interact throughout the crowd. No seat is safe!

A cohesive, masterful effort, that weaves diverse characters and themes effortlessly. These women own their stage, even while naked. Their true professionalism is proven; as a running part of the show is incorporating new ideas submitted by the crowd that are pulled from a jar throughout the show. I was bouncing to the extremely catchy music and was blown away to learn it was their original soundtrack! Available free by QR code after the performance.

This is my ideal Fringe show. The amount of work and thought that was obviously necessary sets the bar high for others. The audience was thrilled, with the theatre full of screams of laughter and beaming faces. The thing that really melts my butter is the way their warmth, true kindness, and real love of what they do shines through. Brava!

Lisa Campbell

Bremner sings: Everything in New Orleans Is a Good Idea

Big Empty Barn Productions—Rachel Browne Theatre

In his latest show Bremner Duthie showcases his own music interspersed with stories about New Orleans and how it has influenced his own journey to finally take the gamble to write and perform his own songs. His wonderful voice carries the show with a great collection of stories and songs that are inspired by his adopted hometown.

He brings back one song from last year’s show that was not his and a dress (also not his), as a tribute to Princess Stephanie, who he describes as someone whose sometimes biting criticism will give you the kick in the ass you need to make some changes in your life.

Murray Hunter

Robert Will Show You the Door (tales of being fired)

Susan Jeremy Productions—Planetarium

What do you do when you’ve been fired from about 90 jobs? You write a fringe show of course! A woman takes us on her journey of terrible jobs and the lessons she learned along the way. Playing all the characters herself, Susan Jeremy did a great job of portraying all of her former bosses and coworkers with very specific movements and mannerisms. The actress had terrific energy and some great one liners. A lot of the jokes were very cute and made me giggle. That being said, the show relied heavily on impressions that were very stereotypical and a few that would have been considered offensive by many. This is a show for the older crowd but featured some funny stories that anyone could relate to. A great show to bring your mom or dad to.

Kaitlyn Kriss

La La Luna Sea

All About Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage

I often sit in the back row because I want an panorama of the entire stage, especially at a large venue like MTC Mainstage. Most of the time, it gives me a great view but there are times when I’m at a disadvantage, like today. I could not hear any of the actors’ voices and from the start, I was lost. Often, there are one or two cast members with weaker vocals I have trouble catching, but for the first 20 minutes, I could not hear any of them.

Just before the halfway point, they all found their stage voices, which made the outing perceptible. The title is apt, as there is a load of lunacy, a wad of wackiness and a flittering of fun. It’s not all touchdowns as some of the witticisms were fumbles but generally, it was a cute outing.

Perhaps it was first show jitters but if you’re taking in this show, I would sit near the front, just in case.

Ray Yuen