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The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company
Tragedy or Triumph: An Improvised Shakespearean Epic—John Hirsch Mainstage
The Spontaneous Shakespeare company are returning to Winnipeg after their 2023 hit, Breaking Bard. We take your everyday story and turn it into an epic tale worthy of the Bard. Improvised entirely (well, mostly) in iambic pentameter you will swear that this group of fine thespians are reciting Shakespeare himself, except for all the times the show devolves into improvised insanity. Shakespeare fans and novices alike, come see theatre, improv and Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before!
The Tess Effect
Tess Talks—Planetarium
Raw, honest and heartwarming stories from the lives of five storytellers from Canada and the UK.
“If you are looking for relatable tales of humanity and heart, this is your show and these are your people.” – Jen Zoratti, Winnipeg Free Press
Dr. Nicolette Richer: “50 Year Old Horny Mom, the Zen and Tao of Tinder Dating”
Sally Scott: “16%”
Theo: “Stepping Out of the Abyss”
Marc Dionne: “Question Marc?”
Tess Emery: “Whatta Trip”
July 20th-It is Sunday afternoon and the lack of sleep had finally caught up to me, so I am a little late in getting this editorial ready. We are mostly caught up with adding reviews, but more should be coming in later today.
Huge thanks to all who have contributed reviews, it is great to get additional points of view on shows and reviews for ones we haven’t got out to yet. Also a big thank you to Dave Pruden who makes us look good with the fantastic cartoons.
Share a Table with Jenny!—Since seating is going to be limited at this year’s Jenny Awards, we have decided to set aside one table of four for the winner of our new contest for Instagram followers. Here is how it will work: at the end of each day we will create a list of people who have liked or shared our #AreYouReadyForJenny Instagram posts from that day featuring the adventures of our roaming donkey. On Saturday July 26th we will compile all these lists and randomly select a winner who will be awarded the table. So the more posts you have liked the more chances you will have to win. We have already put together the entries from previous posts prior to today.
Have a great Fringe, and check back here often to see the latest reviews.
-Murray Hunter
The Birdcage
Crosswalk Productions—Tom Hendry Warehouse
Let me start by saying that I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time. The acting in this show was superb. The different ways that certain characters pretend to be straight at points had me absolutely in stitches, and even the over-the-top personalities (looking at you, Albert) had such genuine heart and connection within the show that they all felt REAL, no matter how silly their behaviour seemed. As someone who struggles a lot with second-hand embarrassment, I was also blown away by how well the conflict was handled. It felt like it was building toward a much more uncomfortable-to-watch climax, but it was pure loveliness from start to finish. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Particular shout outs to Scott, Matt, and Corey. I could watch another five hours of interactions between their characters in various situations and it would still feel like it ended too soon.
Jordan Phillips
EGGSHELLS: The Spectrum of Fatherhood, Imposter Syndrome and Finding my Light
M.P.M.M Productions—Son of Warehouse
This story was a lot more stripped down and vulnerable than what I was expecting, but it was exactly the story I needed to hear. If you enjoy story-telling shows, connecting with performers, and wrestling with the triumph and tragedy that is real life, definitely add this show to your list. This show is an excellent exploration into the mess of healing, sacrifice, and the value of the things that bring us joy.
Jordan Phillips
The Apricot Tree
Yellow Pie Productions—Son of Warehouse
Chance the writer and performer of this show is well beyond his age in regard to performance, maturity and skill. The visual tone of the show sets off quick and you’re drawn in right from lights up. The various tales told throughout are combined in super clever ways and it makes you think and reflect. I went opening day and was beyond blown away with this show. I cannot wait follow this performers path in the years to come. A ‘Must See’ for this year’s Fest
Joel Passante
Rob and Jenny’s First Date
Dark Horse Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage
This actually felt like two separate plays that had been stitched together. There was the new love meets old love dynamic between the titular Rob & Jenny and the heart-warming character of Ambrose, and then there was the slapstick comedy of the horny service-worker’s fantasy in Diego’s last day before retirement. Both stories certainly have their moments – there were tonnes of both laughs and awwws from the massive audience – but I am left wondering if both halves could have been better if they weren’t competing with each other. However, while I would gladly have focused more on the romantic story, at least the distractions were entertaining!
Jordan Phillips
Yesterday Reimagined
Phoenix Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage
I’m sure we have all made a decision or two in our lives that leave us wondering, “What if…?” However, this play is a great demonstration of the fact that that can be a destructive train of thought, and likely an even worse conversation. However, if you are attached to someone as detestable as Daniel’s character in this play, it’s never too late to run for the hills. If you are a fan of relationship drama, and love-to-hate characters, you will find a LOT of that here.
Jordan Phillips
The Ballad of Boblin the Goblin (A DnD Musical)
WorkHardPlayBard—Gas Station Arts Centre
It’s a simple plot but it brings me back to playing Dungeons and Dragons. Although I play regularly, I’ve been DMing for a long time and it’s been a while since I’ve been an adventurer—and the feel brings me back to those days.
The musical glows with visual presentation and the melee makes up a lot of the fun. You come to a show like this expecting a fun adventure—and that’s exactly what you get!
Ray Yuen
Inescapable
Concrete Drops Theater—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio
Jon Paterson and Martin Dockery take on the stage thriller together. Tension and hilarity ensue. What a tour de force.
Natacha Ruck
