Dr. Calagari’s Cabaret of Everywhere Else

Various—Tom Hendry Warehouse

[Editor’s Note: The Cabaret is a one time event, usually the second Wednesday of the Fringe at midnight.] The Cabaret was fantastic as always. We just couldn’t understand why it’s not packed like it used to be. Kev and I sold the tix for a decade and we sold out every year in 10 minutes! The performers work hard to bring you acts you won’t see in their shows and the proceeds go to charity. It’s so nice to see the collaboration of actors from different genres work together in unique combos. Particularly funny this year was Wes Borg’s solo lament of a washed up (he isn’t) Fringe performer, “I’ve Got Nothing to Give Ya”, and he had the whole audience singing along, even before he asked. Martin Dockery did a hilarious portrayal as Jem Rolls’ double, perfectly mimicking Jem’s accent, stance and style. Even better when they were both on stage at the same time! A terrified tribute? to self-effacing TJ Dawe was so clever, and picked on every attribute he has. Except the tyranny they professed to cower under and be abused by, while they worship him at the same time. It was a fave with the crowd. Well done everyone who participated, thanks to Jem and Melanie Gall for organizing it, and please let’s do more to support this unique event that only happens at our wonderful fest.

Lisa Campbell

NO TWEED TOO TIGHT: Another Grant Canyon Mystery

Ryan Gladstone—The King’s Head Pub

What you read in the program is exactly what you get from veteran Fringe performer Ryan Gladstone. This is his 13th Fringe, I believe, and I don’t ever miss him.

It’s a wild, fast paced romp, with the addicted Canyon in another boozy adventure. Back is his love, Jane Velvet and her deadly boyfriend, Jimmy the Fish, threatening to be another eager enemy, just one in the line waiting for a chance to off or beat up our hero. The sound track and narration is a scream. A great chance to have some nice food, laugh your face off, and just relax at the hospitable King’s Head.

It was particularly nice to sit with some first time Fringers and enjoy the smiles on their faces and listen to them crack up. In their 40’s, they eagerly asked what else to see after having such a great experience at this show. Still 3 chances to enjoy this goofy, yet expertly timed and acted treat!

Lisa Campbell

A Girl in the Fridge

Dead Unicorn Ink—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (U of W)

The core concept is fraught with potential that is perhaps unrealized in its storytelling, as it makes its point early, but doesn’t really flip it or build on it. However, comic book enthusiasts will likely revel in obscure (to me) references.

Audra Lesosky

Stephen Hopwood Is Not Dead

Pengwin Productions—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (U of W)

An imaginative piece that is sharply and simply staged. When you know every person in the cast it’s difficult to dissociate — and everyone did a great job capturing distinctive characters, but in particular Leith Clark’s serene performance erased the person I knew and I saw only the benevolent Walter.

Audra Lesosky

Spotlight: The Show With No Actors

Shelby Bond—Tom Hendry Warehouse

Spotlight by Shelby Bond is a lovely play with no actors. It is a lot of fun. He doesn’t do anything to embarrass anyone and gives many people chances to get up on stage and put on a play. Some may be costumers or stage hands, the leads or the ensemble. It is really nice. I went 2 times. The story is all written and it is a fun time. An invitation to play.

Shy Pattie

Sansei: The Storyteller

Cloudsway Dance Theatre—The Rachel Browne Theatre

A magnetic performer who beautifully, gently and movingly shares ancestral stories, which include a shameful, yet important-to-remember piece of Canadian history, Japanese internment camps. Powerful.

Audra Lesosky

A Man Walks Into A Bar

Theatre by the River—The Cinematheque

Chilling in its subtle subversion and wrenching in its truth about gender power disparity. The best performances I’ve seen so far this Fringe. An absolute must see.

Audra Lesosky

Alabama Monster

Trey Tatum—Creative Manitoba

[Editor’s Note” This is a shared review with A Confederate Widow in Hell] Both family horror stories, both about malevolent legacies, both by men from the American south, both remarkable in their own way. And they couldn’t be more different from each other. Confederate Widow is an impressively staged and costumed ghost story that unexpectedly makes uncomfortable links between the slave-powered prosperity of the old south and today’s global economic structure. Alabama Monster is stripped down thrilling and moving storytelling – with pitch perfect pace and emotional escalation – the family story is intertwined with the monster tale as an allegory for terrifying inheritances. Both very well worth seeing.

Audra Lesosky

A Confederate Widow in Hell

Willi Carlisle Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

[Editor’s Note” This is a shared review with Alabama Monster]Both family horror stories, both about malevolent legacies, both by men from the American south, both remarkable in their own way. And they couldn’t be more different from each other. Confederate Widow is an impressively staged and costumed ghost story that unexpectedly makes uncomfortable links between the slave-powered prosperity of the old south and today’s global economic structure. Alabama Monster is stripped down thrilling and moving storytelling – with pitch perfect pace and emotional escalation – the family story is intertwined with the monster tale as an allegory for terrifying inheritances. Both very well worth seeing.

Audra Lesosky

A Girl in the Fridge

Dead Unicorn Ink—Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (U of W)

The story of a couple, trapped in the tropes of a super hero comic book, unable to escape them. Suprisingly funny, and informative of misogynistic tropes in the media. Even with technical issues during the show, it was deeply engaging and interesting. Overall, anyone interested in comic book movies and modern academia is deeply encouraged to see this show.

Josh Fidelak