Motherhood Out Loud

The HamDad Players—MTC Up the Alley

Although focussed on motherhood, many of the situations apply to parenting in general. Topics cover the spectrum of offspring issues, from the emotional to the comical. Perspectives blanket parent and
child, and many of them hit the bullseye. I challenge anyone to sit through the entire show and not
shake your head thinking, “yikes, that’s me!” Solid acting and excellent delivery contribute to an all-
around superb performance.

Ray Yuen

Between Sunset and Sunrise (Or, that time I walked around all night with a guy I met online)

hartofsilver productions—Alto – Portage Place

A homage to the Richard Linklater before trilogy, this show is a romantic dramedy about a transient all night first, and last date. The show itself is quite well acted with good chemistry between the two actors, and takes advantage of the venue, physical space and quite interesting narrative tools in a very engaging way. However, the script itself is generally quite glacially slow, and lacks real pull, unless the concept itself calls to you. As a 75 minute show, you really need to be into the concept to make the show worthwhile.

Josh Fidelak

Growing Op

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

As a Reviewer, I see a lot of shows—and as soon as someone finds out I’m a Reviewer, one of three questions arises:
1. Anything good? Or
2. What’s your favourite? Or
3. How’s Fringe this year?

In answer to the first question, I always answer “yes,” which normally leads to question #2. Then in response, I say,
“Read the Jenny!” When people ask the third question, I always answer,

“Same as every year, some great, some good, some shit.” Everyone knows Tymisha Harris and Chase
Padgett put on great shows—but what about other great shows? That’s what the Fringe journey is all about – finding that great show when you have zero expectations or foreknowledge.

This is one of those great shows.

Packed with humour, emotion, development and growth, this coming-of-age examination explores
three roommates’ travel through maturation. Together with superb actors and an engaging plot, this show has it all. Ok, the singing’s not great—Katy Perry, they’re not, but every other aspect is excellent.

Don’t miss this one.

Time to stop by Tokyo Smoke…

Ray Yuen

Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman Queer Clown Sex Ed Show

Maximaliste Productions—Centennial Concert Hall – Rehearsal Hall

Part clown show, part remedial sex ed lesson. The performer’s heartfelt and earnest performance really sells the show, and paired with the awkward humor obligatory to the concept, there’s a frightened chuckle a minute. Be forewarned, the show relies heavily on audience participation, and with a bad crowd, as this reviewer had, the experience could easily be negatively impacted.

Josh Fidelak

Tell Me On A Sunday

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

A reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber production Tell Me On a Sunday, with the show normally that of a woman from England traveling to the states for romantic misadventures, instead being both her and her son, separated in time, both doing the same. The show itself features two strong singers, and the songs themselves are quite good as you would expect. There is a general need for more polish on the show, and as a general word of warning, the show ran 20 minutes short (which, on a 90 minute time slot still results in quite a long show).

Josh Fidelak

Water

Viva Dance Company—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Through my Fringe journeys, I’ve seen a lot of dance shows (A LOT!). I love dance routines, especially when they show off how elegant, agile and beautiful the human form can be. Some of the shows I’ve seen are truly spectacular; this one stands among them.

Admittedly, often I don’t get it—I walk out of the theatre and think to myself, “I loved that show, but I didn’t understand it. What were they trying to say and what were they doing?”

Thanks to some well-timed narration and appropriately lyricked songs in this presentation, I got it! And it’s beautiful! If you only see one dance show, see this one. You’ll love it.

Audiences in Winnipeg love to give standing ovations. I’ve seen people stand and clap for absolute garbage. This was the first Fringe show of the year that I’ve seen where people got off their seats—and
this time, it was well-earned. I was off my seat too—and that says a lot.

Ray Yuen

Sansei: The Storyteller

Cloudsway Dance Theatre—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Storytelling and dance interwoven to tell the tale of Japanese internment, it’s past present and future. Deeply heartfelt, this show manages to demonstrate both the scarring pain such a horrific act caused, and the happiness born from perseverance through it. Funny, informative and heart-wrenching, this show is a must see in a country full of the invisible scars of horrors wrought within living memory.

Josh Fidelak

It’s All Relative Productions

So, do you want to talk about it?—The Rachel Browne Theatre

Anxiety is hard topic to talk about. That’s what Ingrid and Mia find out when their friendship emerges over a commonality with the mental disorder. Together they try group therapy, meditation, yoga, dance, and even talking to help find a path to healing. Along the way there will be some tears, and some laughter, and an understanding that talking can lead to health, and friendship.

From the creators of Filter This and One Date City (★★★★ Winnipeg Free Press).

Magnificence

Doctor Keir Co.—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

I have yet to miss one of Keir’s Shows (unless it is a remount) in the 15 years he has been performing at the Winnipeg Fringe. There is a good reason for that. You will always enjoy a piece of true theatre by a consummate professional. I love the different direction this year’s offering takes, away from the professorial and into the passionate. His love and respect for his late mother and her very remarkable achievements comes through in a way that brings out a side of Mr. Cutler that I haven’t seen before. And it is lovely.

He celebrates May Ebbitt Cutler’s life using the backstory of a book she wrote about another remarkable woman, Madame Day, a strong, unique Indigenous woman who was ahead of her day. The tale is completely engaging, made more moving by its being fact not fiction. I highly recommend reading the program for a more complete background to this historical story; and more about Mrs. Cutler’s numerous accomplishments. I could relate to the setting very much; having spent a lovely month in a ritzy chateau in the Laurentians, near the very Mont Tremblant, and the village of Saint Sauveur; imagining what it was like back in the period she wrote about.

Keir has, to my mind, softened, as we all do, as we become orphans, no matter our age. He has shown us a new side, and I certainly appreciate that. Bravo!

Lisa Campbell

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life

Quivering Dendrites—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

I was told to see this by performers who had loved this. I’m so glad I listened! I love, love, love this man! A touching, soul-baring true life (has to be as he said so 3 times) tale about mental health through banjo playing. The title really says it all. Uncomfortable stepping outside himself, CPA Keith Alessi realized that true bluegrass meant jamming; and that meant having to join other folks. Besides being a talented musician and wonderfully warm story teller, he’s just a genuinely nice person with a true appreciation of the banjo. He humorously shares how he overcame some personality traits that were holding him back from fulfilling his life, through finally learning to play the instruments he was hoarding in his closet. I won’t spoil it but let’s just say he has some of the most memorable banjo jokes.

Keith mentioned the Jenny first, as the place to send reviews! Yay for us!

Buzz has it that he is planning to donate some, or all of the proceeds from his shows to some, yet unnamed charity, as he is not hard up for cash. I spoke to him after the show, sharing the story of our Winnipeg bluegrass friend, Dave Nishikawa, of the Magnificent 7’s, who was left for dead in a hit and run bike accident, and never fully regained his magnificent banjo skills. Keith sincerely promised to check them out. A real, warm and personable guy.

Lisa Campbell