Anesti Danelis: This Show Will Change Your Life

Anesti Danelis—Théâtre Cercle Molière

There are 140 companies at this Fringe. I would make this your 141st choice. I’ve never walked out of a show in 30 years of Fringing but my eyes kept drifting longingly towards the exit.

His funny bone resides in a deep, dark place where it should have remained. The bulk of this show is saying the quiet part out loud. I could forgive him if any of what he did was funny. The few forced laughs were only from those obviously taking advantage of the bar. There were lots of ‘ewwwws’ from the crowd. And it’s pretty hard to disgust we open-minded Fringers. He forgot where he was at times, and mis-spoke frequently. The funniest moment was when he forgot the name of a patron and she quipped “Well, you changed my name”; referring to his title.

Lisa Campbell

Broadway at the Blue Elephant

7 Ages Productions—Théâtre Cercle Molière

Welcome to the Blue Elephant cabaret, located in the smoky suburb of St. Boniface. Seven Ages presented an evening of Broadway standards, all about the subject of love in its many forms. If you’re going to do Broadway at the Fringe, you’re going to need good performers. This show delivered and then some with Joe Plante, Erin-Brie Warwick, Dylan Woodcock,Holly Walker, and Kitrina Plante, excellent singers that really elicit the emotions of the songs. Each had their own shining moment, and the conclusion wrapped up the show on a poignant note. If you’re jonesing for musical theatre in between the shows at Rainbow Stage, this cabaret is the place to come.

Karl Eckstrand

Neurohilarity

Neurohilarity—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

This was a treat! A comedy show featuring standup, song and spoken word, it presents performers who live a neurodivergent existence. It was a beautiful and candid glimpse into the lived experiences of folks on certain spectrums, whether that be autism, anxiety, or dyslexia, to name a few. While it was hilarious of course, it was also validating to see that although we may live with different states of being, we all struggle with similar things, have shared experiences, and navigate the same weird confusing world. Hearing their stories had me laughing and crying. I feel as though this show can not only help the audience feel seen, it can educate as well. Absolutely loved it.

Calantha Jensen

The Barn Identity

Other Erika Presents—Creative Manitoba

In the program blurb for Erika MacDonald’s solo show it has part of a review from the KC Fringe Review that says “As if pulled straight from a Joni Mitchell song”. Normally I wouldn’t crib parts of another review, but they really nailed it. The structure of this show is like a song, in that there are parts that are repeated (like a Chorus) to stress their importance, then there are deeper dives into the past with similar themes (the Verse) and finally there are a few parts in between that are a complete break (the Bridge).

As for the content itself, she tells us she is telling a story about barns falling down, actually a deep metaphor for the actual story. I won’t say too much more except to say it is a strong storytelling effort with a nice recorded soundtrack (by Paul Strickland) [Note: He will be playing the soundtrack live on Saturday July 29th] on how we get through life’s challenges.

This one has been selling out, so you are probably best to get advanced seating. There is also an elevator to get to the 4th floor (ask the Fringe volunteers so you get the right door).

Murray Hunter

Okie Dokie

Physically Speaking—Cre8ery

Meet Margaret, a lonely Elvis worshipper living her humdrum existence until her life is turned upside-down by a close encounter of the third kind. An extra-terrestrial baby left at her doorstep. Ardyth Johnson expertly uses clown, physical theatre, and mime to tell this sweet story of bringing up baby, and the truly alien experience that it is. Some technical glitches, but otherwise a funny and cartoony show in this intimate space. Well worth it.

Karl Eckstrand

A Series of Card Tricks Done in a Row

Brad Micholson Magician—MTC Up the Alley

This was the first I’d seen of the seven magic shows involved in Fringe this year, and it was terrific. It was a lovely treat to be greeted by the magician serenading us on his guitar while we took our seats.

It’s in my nature to want to be involved, so I eagerly volunteered to participate when asked. I sat across the table from a young performer in another show and we got to assist in each card trick. I think parts of us all want to try and see if we can watch the sleight of hand to see what’s happening, to see if we can figure out how he’s doing it. I remain baffled and impressed. Cannot fathom it. I had so much fun and it felt like a wonderfully intimate show as the audience watched closely to all the tricks and we shared laughter and moments of awe as a group. Absolutely delightful! Any fans of close-up magic or just wonder in general, definitely check this one out.

Calantha Jensen

Dear Jenny,

I thought that Free Press reviewers had enough Fringe experience to be able to, in a constructive way, be critical of a show. It looks as if Randall King didn’t get the memo. His review of La La Luna Sea (Free Press July 21, 2023) characterizes the show as SFAF (Strictly Friends and Family) and then applauds the fact that there are enough members in the cast to make the show successful on this basis. If he is trying to be clever, or worse yet to be funny, he isn’t. His review is not constructive, it is demoralizing. He knows the kind of impact this review will have on the performers and the show generally, and he should be ashamed of himself.

Michelle Cook

The Seat Next to the King

Root Sky Productions—Alloway Hall – Manitoba Museum

From Brandon based Root Sky productions, The Seat Next to the King is a drama focusing on the harassed and paranoid existence of gay men at the height of the Civil rights era, featuring two figures deeply implicated in the political scene of the time. Focusing more heavily on Bayard Rustin, close collaborator of MLK Jr. than Walter Jenkins, aide to the sitting president, the fear of brutal police oppression, both due to homosexuality and deeply racist police, that both men experience is very well explored. Well written and performed, the show is definitely closer to 60 minutes than the listed 75.

If you’re in the mood for a politically charged drama, this is a great choice.

Josh Fidelak

EVERYBODY

Actors Studio—The Gargoyle Theatre

I took a little more time to write this review because this particular show left me with a lot to think about. Based on old and ancient material, EVERYBODY is a morality play, where the characters are grappling with the concept of death. It is presented in such a fun, unexpected and creative way. We see abstract concepts personified, with metaphor and poetry given a sort of literal and tangible presence on stage or placed around the room.

The reason it took a bit longer to write my thoughts is largely due to the nature of what was being performed. The opportunity to consider our own mortality, reflect on how we spent our lives, and what comes next is a lot of food for thought. I am impressed with the clever writing, loved the delivery and how the show was designed. I took notes during the show, and the word fascinating was scribbled several times. I love a good moral of the story moment, and this show has some very important ones. A very entertaining, unique and engaging show!

Calantha Jensen

Gangland Productions

Good Grief—MTC Up the Alley

If you see only 77 shows at fringe this year, make Good Grief #77. Good Grief is a very funny show about very sad things and it follows James as he learns to love his mother only after his father dies. There are laughs, tears, and fart sound fx. Come get real and get real silly.