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The Comaback Kid
Lykos Theatre—Théâtre Cercle Molière
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down in this theatre. Is this a comedy that will split my sides with laughter? Or a soul-searching journey that tugs at the heartstrings? Psst: it’s the latter.
I would have called this journey “brave” but de Jong says it’s not, so I won’t.
Ray Yuen
Creating Rem Lezar
Rem Lezar Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage
Creating Rem Lezar is a 1989 direct to video musical for kids. It’s 48 minutes long and has since the mid aughts built an online cult following. Creating Rem Lezar is a 2023 fringe show musical for kids. It’s 42 minutes long, entirely follows the film, and I have no clue who this is for. Well, I know who it’s for, but it’s for a very particular kind of person who likes online content about “so bad it’s good” movies from the 80s. For kids the plot could be a bit twee, and for adults who aren’t in the know there were some technical flubs and the general kid musical aesthetic isn’t something most enjoy. If this sounds like your jam I think you’ve already seen it by now, but if you haven’t, it’s what it says on the tin. My partner, who this was made for, watched it with me and she said that the actor playing Rem Lazar did a better job than in the original film. Take from that what you will.
Josh Fidelak
BOOKMARKS
Local Rascal Productions—Théâtre Cercle Molière
The words flow effortless from Raymond, all with poetic ease. There’s something about the words he chooses that makes the delivery sound elegant and graceful. This is a ludicrously fun story that’s beautifully told.
Ray Yuen
Fake ‘n’ Bake
Oh Hello Productions!—John Hirsch Mainstage
All I have to say is wow. Ellie’s physicality is amazing, and I was never confused about what character she was portraying. Her switches between characters was so clear, and you could easily tell when she’s being the voices in her head as opposed to outside characters. Her set was very effective, and I’m really happy with how much she utilized it to further her story. I would recommend this show to anyone and everyone, it was funny, and heartfelt, and sad, and all around a wonderful show and so very raw and real.
Al Gilbert
My Body of Work
Holly M Brinkman—The Rachel Browne Theatre
In my younger years, I sang, and I had a voice. Like many things in life, you use-it-or-lose-it. With the singing, I could belt out a good scream. Aside from song, when does a good scream come in handy? For a teenage boy? Where else but the strip clubs! Today, you don’t see many but in the 1980s, every bar became a strip venue over lunch hours. They were everywhere and they were good for “a scream.”
Then I grew up and there was no reason to scream anymore—not until today. Forty years ago, my scream rattled windows. Today, I sadly found that the best I could muster was the mewling of a cat. For this show, I wish that could belt out screams like I used to. The final 10 minutes of the show are THAT MUCH FUN! Oh, and so are the first 50 minutes.
Ray Yuen
Washed Up
Awkward Cheese Co.—MTC Up the Alley
This solo comedy written and performed by Chelsey Grewar touches on the feeling of being ‘washed up’ as your life enters a new phase. The format is a little different than most solo shows as there are short stand-up sets between each scene (with a couple second blast of the Seinfeld theme to mark them). As a Gen Xer, I am kind of at the next phase of change, but could still relate. Some great observational comedy here, regardless of how long you have been an adult.
Murray Hunter
Bruce Ryan Costella’s: RAT MAN HAPPY PLACE
Bruce Ryan Costella—Creative Manitoba
I was creeped out before this even started; as the audience is met by a startling sight upon entering. His costume and makeup perfectly conveyed a filthy, rat-like being, freshly emerged from the sewers; that you would RUN across the street to avoid.
If you are adventurous or a ‘weird adult’ as the program states, you will love this! The premise is that he is on trial for petty theft in the City of Winnipeg. There’s lots of audience participation, so don’t be shy! We elect a mayor and we are the jury. He spins the tale of a post-apocalyptic world, like Neverland; where all the adults had died from Covid-not Covid. They inhabit Disneyland and make it their own. He’s forced to leave, thus ending up in our fair city. There’s a lot of deeper meaning if you want to go there. Bruce is a wonderful actor with a perfect production that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. He deserves full houses.
Hint: find the elevator if you want to avoid a heart attack. Those are Lots of stairs!
Lisa Campbell
Everything is Super Wow
Spec Theatre—The Studio at Le Théâtre Cercle Molière
If you’re looking for something funny and weird (bonus points if you’re into cycling) then this is a perfect show for you! A one man show by ira cooper about a cyclist who has been biking for hundreds of days with some rather curious companions, filled with puns and bike jokes and relatable stories. It’s silly, strange and very endearing. I enjoyed the creative storytelling, and unexpected moments of clarity and wisdom written into the dialogue. Lots of fun!
Calantha Jensen
How I Met My Neurodivergent Friend
Autistic Productions—Théâtre Cercle Molière
For any fans of Adam Schwartz and his stand-up comedy, the intertwining of his usual work with stories of his childhood and later development gives a great look behind the curtain. While the particular jokes that tie the show together could likely do with a bit of tightening to make the flow between sections better, the overall stories and anecdotes of childhood misadventures between school and developmental classes more than makes up for it.
Josh Fidelak
August Quarterly Report
Tattooed Egg—Artspace Boardroom
It’s shows like this that are the reason I love Fringe so very much. A completely interactive show where the audience attendees are either board members or stakeholders in a yogurt company and have gathered for a quarterly meeting. For anyone who has ever sat in a meeting of any kind really, this is a show you won’t want to miss. It is so funny, so engaging and relatable and really quite sweet. Highly recommend coming early to score a seat at the boardroom table with a “yes and” attitude to be more involved in the show!
Calantha Jensen
