The Sama Kutra

Jacqueline Russell—MTC Up the Alley

If there is one thing I regret it’s that I saw this show at 12 noon on a Thursday. This is definitely a show to see in the evening.

The two performers are excellent clowns, and their comedic timing is amazing as they stumble their way through trying to save their marriage through sex.

Just be prepared to have things thrown at you.

Arden Pruden

ESSENTIA

Hacault and Crist Prods.— R. Browne (Crocus Bldg.)

I love watching dance shows for several reasons: the dance is beautiful, the choreography is beautiful, the dancers are beautiful, and the music is beautiful.

Not here—one of the opening pieces sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and it seems like an eternity before that number ends. For several minutes I couldn’t connect with the movement because of the sound.

The second piece captured my attention much better. While the show is enjoyable, it’s not up to the standards of other truly engaging and ethereal pieces.

Ray Yuen

The 11 O’Clock Number

Grindstone Theatre—MTC Up the Alley

An improvised musical is a daunting task, and when a group promises an hour long one, you tend to take it with a grain of salt.

But this group delivers. They have incredible comedic timing, and are completely in sync with their pianist. They quickly craft an hilarious musical out of the life of someone in the audience and the chemistry between the cast, the pianist, and even the tech is fantastic. Hard to be unimpressed when you see an improvised 5-part harmony.

Arden Pruden

Mr. Flannery’s Ocean

Shoestring—MTC Up the Alley

A sleepy ocean-side guesthouse in the south of England is the setting for this funny and heart warming production, Mr. Flannery’s Ocean, by Winnipeg’s own Shoestring.

As the self-proclaimed owner of the ocean, the cranky, crusty, and crude Flannery fiercely protects his beloved waters. It is only with the appearance of new houseguests that we learn of his true spirit and commitment.

The strong, opening night attendance reflects the consistently, excellent productions we have come to expect from this well-seasoned company.

Do not wait to get your tickets to this well crafted and beautifully acted show.

Richard & Karen Howell

Armageddon F**k Fest

Heaving Bosom Productions—Warehouse

With a title like Armageddon F**k Fest you go in expecting something, and I don’t think I got quite what I expected—not in a bad way of course. I did enjoy the show. It feels like it hopes it’s insightful enough to make you think. It also feels like it’s trying just a little too hard.

Characters all have their introspective moments—some just a little too lengthy—and there’s very good chemistry amongst the four actors.

One of the biggest issues I had was discerning the difference between what was supposed to be funny, and what was supposed to be meaningful. Maybe that was purposeful, and maybe I was supposed to come out not knowing whether I liked it or not.

Arden Pruden

The Orchid and the Crow

Button Eye Productions—MTC Mainstage

I really didn’t know what to expect here. The show opens with a toe-tapping number, leading me to believe that it’s going to be a fun and humourous romp. While there are many fun moments, the air of the piece is a somber, introspective look into faith—faith in Jesus, God, no one, or Lance Armstrong.

This powerful, thoughtful story is one person’s brave recital of a somewhat taboo topic. Don’t let this one fly under your radar.

Ray Yuen

At Your Own Risk

Alexandra Elliott Dance—Dragon Arts Collective

Before committing to this show, be aware you need to climb 50 steep steps to this venue, and (if that’s fine with you) be sure to book early! This is the smallest Fringe venue I’ve ever seen (capacity 25).

If you get past those two obstacles, you’ll be glad, as this engaging show will keep you entertained.

The presentation has two discrete parts. The first, “to be alone”, is hauntingly beautiful and eerily graceful. Look deep into her eyes and you see an Exorcist type of emptiness. While the drapery and veiling has a sultan’s palatial look, the desolation of the character starkly contrasts with the warmness of the room.

I can best describe the second segment, simply called “MAN”, as primal and savage. This mysterious interaction leaves you wondering what’s coming next.

This is day one of Fringe; I can’t imagine what these actors will look like at the end of the festival.

Ray Yuen

Beau & Aero

A Little Bit Off—Playhouse Studio

This is another great family-friendly show that features the physical comedy of Beau and Aero, played by David Cantor and Amica Hunter. The mime/clown aviators take the audience on a fun-filled 60-minute ride with some impressive acrobatics and a lot of unique balloon tricks. I had no idea you could beat-box or make puppets with a balloon. I salute their creativity!

Murray Hunter

Trampoline

Weeping Spoon Prods.—Playhouse Studio

What do you do when life throws you a pineapple? When your dreams are so vivid that reality and dreams become blurred— what do you do?

Your relationships are fraught with failure because of your affliction. Even your therapist pokes fun at you. Is it real or just a dream? Maybe all you really need to make you snap into reality is a bag of frozen peas? Think about that for a while.

Frank Martin

VIOLET, the Musical

Winnipeg Broadway Th.—CC Franco Manitobain

The gospel is alive in the Franco this year!

This musical featured up-tempo gospel songs that left me tapping my toes. There were numerous times where one soloist would out-belt another, making lyrics really hard to hear, but I was still able to follow along pretty well. Quirky dance moves and characters kept my attention throughout the show.

Kaitlyn Kriss