Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Studio Accelerando—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Creative, family-friendly, and FUN: this is a Journey that everyone should go on! An idea to adapt the Jules Verne classic into a physical theatre piece was well-developed and flawlessly executed. What more could you want at Winnipeg Fringe?

Well, if you’re a budding actor still hung up on his line count, you might also witness a valuable demonstration of “it’s not what you say; it’s what you do”.

There is a rich soundscape, despite being presented in mime. In addition to musical selections and voice-overs by the Director (Colin Bruce Anthes), the performer (Robert Feetham) continually provides his own sound effects, in what might be described as the Foley equivalent of beat-boxing.

A programme quotation that “the human being is richer than the greatest stage effects that exist” tells us in advance where this company is coming from. With no scenery to speak of, Mr. Feetham’s unwavering commitment to creating each and every moment of the story pulls us deep beneath the Earth’s crust, where we share in The Professor’s fears and exhilarations at the fantastical creatures encountered there.

John Chase

Brown Wasp

Saw Toe Productions—The Fountain – Portage Place

Sarah St. John is a woman on a perilous inner journey and searching for a cure in the healing waters of Lake Manitou. She has survived serious health crises in the past and now faces treatment for a malignant lump in her breast. “Brown Wasp” is brought to life by Megan McArton who reflects with gentle humour and ragged stoicism on the realities of aging and the myriad challenges both great and small that she must navigate. This tender, intimate, and determinately hopeful play was a perfect gift to an appreciative audience. We were glad it was the only show we saw that day so we could savour it more thoroughly.

Barbara Fawcett

The Disney Delusion

Prosperity Mule Productions—The Studio at Le Théâtre Cercle Molière

I’ve done some crazy things for love, or rather, attempts at love. The cumulation of the whacky things I’ve done do not close to the outrageous things that Oleson-Cormack has done in pursuit of a relationship.

Feverish, funny and fantastical, this adventure delivers entertainment on all fronts. Love it.

Ray Yuen

Art by Dave Pruden

It is the home stretch of the Winnipeg Fringe. We have over 90 reviews for 87 shows, which is not too bad for a rag-tag outfit. Thanks again to all those who sent us in reviews and to our own staff reviewers, Lisa Campbell, Josh Fidelak and Ray Yuen, who put in some very long hours filling these pages. Thanks also to Michelle Cook for her talents and hard work in creating this year’s Jenny Awards (more on that below). Last, but not least, thanks to Dave Pruden for his amazing cartoons which always make us look good. We have printed one last print edition which should hit the Jenny Boxes in Hospo and the Beer Tent early Friday afternoon.

The Fabulous Jenny Awards—Just a reminder to join us at at our new licensed and accessible venue Across the Board Game Cafe on Sunday July 24th (the last night of Fringe) for our wrap party and awards show. The evening will be emceed by our wonderful host Shawn Kowalke of the Horrible Friends Improv Group. Doors will open at 9:30 pm with the Awards show starting at 10 pm(ish).

Any company who has been mentioned in the Jenny, either in a Review or Shameless Self-Promotion, may end up nominated for one of our 13 fun categories. We then leave it up to the crowd to determine the winners. The only caveat is you have to be in attendance in order to claim your award. If the winner is not in attendence then who ever had the next highest score takes home the prize.

The prize is a highly coveted fabulous hand stitched Jenny Award created by our very own Michelle Cook. With a lot of hard work she creates a stunning herd of Donkeys with a different theme every year. Stay tuned to our Twitter Feed @JennyRevue for the first pictures of the unboxing of this year’s prizes.

Murray Hunter

More Reflections From Our Review Coordinator Ray Yuen—A colleague of mine asked what I’m doing tonight. “Fringe!” was my answer, “just like every night!” I tell him that I review for the Jenny and he wondered if Jenny was my penname or alias. I sent him the link and he ploughed through a few of my reviews. He was particularly interested in Contractions, because it blasts HR. He said he wanted to see it and ask how,

“Is it online?”

“No, it’s in person,” I replied.

“For f__k’s sake,” he exclaimed, “what isn’t available online in this age?!”

“Uh, it’s Fringe.”

He looked lost. He didn’t have a clue what the concept of Fringe is about. He’s heard about it on the news but he had no clue what it is in actuality. I explained to him that it’s theatre, same as any other theatre, opera, ballet, symphony or concert—you attended and watch the show.

“F—k that,” was his answer.

Meanwhile, another colleague overheard and read a number of my reviews. He expressed great interest in seeing a show and promised to read thoroughly through The Jenny to find ones of interest. This weekend, he’s going to bust his Fringe virginity and see his first shows with his family.

After almost every Fringe show, the actors tell you that word-of-mouth is key to attracting people to The Fringe. They say it because it’s true. The people reading the reviews from The Free Press and especially The Jenny are probably Fringe fans already. They have preconceptions about what they want to see and that’s how they prepare their viewing schedules.

Main media’s star system drives a lot of interest but what about the mass majority that get three stars? Just because a sportswriter from The Free Press didn’t deem it worthy of more stars, doesn’t mean it’s not a good or excellent show. How do they attract viewers?

Word of mouth from people like you.

I may not have recruited colleague #1 but colleague #2 and his family will be part of the audience soon. Being his first experience, I want him to hit winners. First, read The Jenny. Second, I’ll tell you what some of my favourites are.

Word of mouth.

Ray Yuen

The Truth ™

Still Your Friend—The Output at Video Pool Media Arts Centre

With humour and flair Adam Bailey draws upon personal anecdotes and historical references to get to The Truth.

Does the truth set us free? Should we correct someone when their truth is less than accurate? When does the truth matter and when is it unwarranted? Adam has a gift for words and weaving thought provoking tales. If you’ve ever said or received a “well, actually…” then this show is for you. Entertaining and recommended.

John Gordon

Charming & Rose: True Love

R-G Productions—MTC Up the Alley

When the first word that comes out of your Fairy Godmother’s mouth is “shit,” you know things are amiss—and there’s a lot amiss going on around here.

The opening dance segment led me to believe for a bit that this was going to be a dance show, since it went on for a fair number of minutes. The dance acted like a prelude and overview of the show to come, and it already gives you the sense that this is not a typical feel-good kind of fairy tale.

With names like Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, and the concept of being raised by wolves, you expect a ludicrous comedy and satire that mocks all things traditional. Instead, what we have is a drama worthy of the most horrifying and shocking of Shakespearean tragedies. Metaphors underscore the dialogue and storyline of the darkest side of hideous and heinous human behaviour and human expectations.

Ray Yuen

Gabe Mollica: a Solo Show About Friendship

Gabe Mollica—The Cinematheque

As the write-up in the guide says, this tale relives Gabe’s relationship trials. Amusing and comical at times, Mollica had a hard time engaging this audience. There were some giggles at the right moments, but I felt a definite disconnect between his tale and the listeners’ emotions.

For me personally, I found “you know” a distraction. It’s not as blaringly obvious as some people who say it after every sentence, but Mollica says it enough where it was an irritation. It wasn’t nails-on-the-blackboard irritating but mosquito-in-the-ear irritating. I know; it’s nit-picky but if you want to tickle the audience, you shouldn’t irritate them.

Ray Yuen

The Dungeons ‘n’ Dragons Improv Show XIII: The Loom of Annihilation

The DnD Improv Show—The Gas Station Arts Centre

It’s no wonder that the show constantly sells out, huh. A solid mix of high level improv skill, fantastic guests from other Fringe performances, and just enough structure and random rules to satisfy folks coming in for the D’n’D tagline. With nightly performances ensuring story continuity, there’s a great opportunity for anyone who really wants to keep following the show over the entire run, and for people who just want to check it out one night, there was more than enough context and explanation to ensure that no one was lost. For any fan of improv and fantasy roleplaying it’s a classic for a reason.

Josh Fidelak

Dr. Caligari’s Framily Reunion Cabaret

Dr. Caligari’s—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Editor’s Note: The Cabaret was a one-time performance held Tuesday Night

This one time annual treat put on by various performers is always anticipated by Fringe diehards. It’s so wonderful to see the big spirited collaboration by some of our faves; and be treated to a glimpse of those we may have missed, or not been able to catch yet. My highlight was to get to see my beloved Merkin Sisters who didn’t appear together this year except as a special treat at one of Stephanie’s shows. Another highlight was the cast from ‘Are You Lovin’ It’, and their amazing screen puppetry show.

Melanie Gall wowed those who not aware she’s a superb opera singer. Another cool moment was Tymisha Harris and Chase Padgett’s rap duet. Al LaFrance always pleases, Jon Paterson made the show run smoothly. This isn’t meant to be a polished show, but a fun, zany chance for performers to let loose together for a good cause.

Bravo to all the talented, kind performers who gave up their valuable time to entertain us. I’m sorry I can’t name you all!

Lisa Campbell

Bedwetter

Drawing Board Productions—The Cinematheque

Compellingly personal and deeply funny, Bedwetter ties exploration of a topic that many people experience but few discuss, coming of age, and comedy sketches (with a few Britney songs to boot). With extremely solid and evocative lighting and audio, the show is impressive in a technical sense, and while the puns can get purposefully corny the writing is earnest enough to pull even the most uninterested into the narrative. A very solid example of the comedic – but serious! – personal storytelling that Fringe is known for.

Josh Fidelak