From Fringe 2024

Tycho Freakin’ Brahe!

Kiss the Giraffe Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

The titular character exemplified the stereotype of white folks rapping during one track, but apart from that, good luck finding anything to complain about here. The acting, singing, costumes, props, writing, directing – everything from top to bottom, really – belonged on the main stage of MTC. It was hilarious, yet the history it presented was also fascinating in its own right, and Alana Penner and Sam Plett are such a delight, both individually and together. Don’t miss them this Fringe. You will regret it.

Jordan Phillips

From Fringe 2024

Tycho Freakin’ Brahe!

Kiss the Giraffe Productions—John Hirsch Mainstage

This nerdy, campy, professionally presented local musical is ridiculous in all the right ways. Tycho Freakin’ Brahe! Is a pseudo-historic romp full of Knight’s Tale–esque anachronistic parties, duels, and rockstar swagger (pun abso‑freakin’‑lutely intended). The cheesy props, costumes, and projected backdrops perfectly match the show’s irreverent tone. Reminiscent of The Book of Mormon, the show blends science puns, fact, and absurd comedy to great effect.

While infectiously wacky, a few scenes and numbers feel padded with jokes that landed better elsewhere in the show’s sharper, more polished moments. Even so, the cast commits 180% to the bit, delivering performances that sparkle with the enthusiasm of outlandish farce. The show also benefits from some clever structural turns and reliably catchy tunes, courtesy of Winnipeg Fringe mainstay Joseph Aragon. The title song is especially freakin’ memorable and will be wormed into your ear long after the curtain call.

Ashley Frantik