Fringe Full of Stars - Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Peter Pan, Opera, A White Tiger and Jeopardy!

Quiz Icarus

This was definitely a show for ME! As many of you know (maybe you don't, but if you follow me on Instagram - you KNOW) I am a big Trivia buff. My husband and I (and sometimes my youngest son) play trivia on a regular basis - minimum twice a week, but sometimes more. We're also BIG Jeopardy fans and we PVR it daily to watch together and have done so for years. We also have a big place in our hearts for anyone on Jeopardy who is from Canada. So, about the show, Nam and Aaron are two Canadians who got on Jeopardy in the last few years and they were telling their stories about their love of Jeopardy, and all things Trivia and the lengths that they (and many others) went to in order to prepare for "The Show!" Each had a slightly different journey and different outcomes, but I was captivated by their Boot Camp recollections and thoroughly wowed by the name-dropping (Mattea! Juveria! OMG!!). As an avid viewer I remembered both of them, particularly Aaron's episode. Anyhow, in a dream-come-true moment, I got to go onstage and participate in a 10 minutes Jeopardy round. I did not win - I knew answers, but it is very much a buzzer game and my buzzer game sucked. The other audience member participating did win and got $100. I was jealous... the guys didn't even want a picture with me afterwards like they did with Sarah... That's the difference between a player and a champion, I guess... But I still had a lot of very nervous fun! 

Paloma and Joy

This production by Whizzgiggling was a bit different from their past few shows - a little darker and more serious as it explores the exploitation of foreign workers through the use of a German white tiger (Magda - played by Kristin Johnston) brought into the tired magic act of Paloma (Cheryl Jameson) and Joy (Michelle Todd). Paloma is the big bully of the two, but the dimmer Joy doesn't really help things. The play culminates with a near fatal attack after Paloma pushes things too far. I guess if you are going to poke the tiger, so to speak, it's important to understand that at some point they might poke back. There's a terrific opening sequence from Jameson and Todd, a fantastic cabaret song performed by Johnston, and all three actors commit fully to their roles. It makes you think. 

Peter Pan Cometh

I'd been waiting for this show and it did not disappoint! It's Peter Pan meets Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh and the the juxtaposition is wild. I am not as familiar with Iceman as I am with Long Days Journey into Night (Peter Pan is a no-brainer - I was in the musical years ago!), so I read the wikipedia article before seeing the show. The man in front of me watched the 4 hour movie version before coming. I don't know if you need to be that prepared. It's surprisingly fitting, and those surprises make you laugh and lock in. I was totally engaged from the moment it began. Very smart and clever, and well-acted and directed, and these folks clearly know their stuff when it comes to creating an out-of-the-box theatrical experience. Go see it! 

Dressing Requiem

I don't usually go to the opera at Fringe, but the title was recommended a few times to me during Word of Mouth chats so I thought I would check it out. There's some fine singing in this show who's premise is that the show is cancelled and the cast decide to reminise their favourite songs as they wrap up the dressing room. This allows the cast to share a greatest hits of Opera for the audience. My favourite performances were Udite (Donizetti), Vilia (Lehar), Habanera (Bizet) and the final number, Nessun Dorma (Puccini). 

I am taking today off and then tomorrow, Saturday, will be my last day! I hope you all have a terrific final weekend of Fringe Full of Stars!

Word of Mouth - Fringe Full of Stars - Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 20 and 21)

It's Two Days Worth of Word of Mouth, because I was so tired on Wednesday evening that I didn't get them posted! THe good news is, I have a lot of new titles that might give you some cool ideas for the last weekend of Fringe! So take a chance on one or two of these shows that friends and random strangers told me about!

Word of Mouth

Wednesday, Aug 20 & Thursday, Aug 21st, 2025!

1 Small Lie: Martin Dockery
Rat Academy 2
Victor & Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things
Carole of the Belles
Flora & Fawna Face Their Fears
The Witches
Jem rolls ADVENTURES IN CANADIAN PARKING LOTS
Lousy Parents
The Stakeout
Hamlet & Iago
Fear Fables: The Horror Drag Anthology
Chase Padgett: How To Play Guitar (Poorly)
Peter Pan Cometh
Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody
Cabaret of Legends
Sam's Clam & Oyster Bar
Assassins
Riot!
Marv n' Berry
A Kind of Electra
Moonshine
Lost Sock Rescue Society
Joan of Arc Ascending
The Last Perfect Game: The Jerry Stephenson Story
Colonial Circus
Motherhood
Plan V
100% UnTrueBadour!

Happy Fringing everyone! I hope you stumble into something fantastic!

Super Quick - Wednesday, August 20 Shows - Fringe Full of Stars!

 I slept in a little this morning because I was pretty tired. I realized yesterday why I usually take Wednesday off as my recharge day (I didn't this year...). 

Bomb

Still thinking about this one. Very well done, a little bit surreal, and I am still thinking about what it was trying to say. Definitely a strong comment on maintaining Ukrainian Identity in the face of Russian oppression and incursion. An Excellent cast (Anna Kuman, Geoffrey Simon Brown, Mariya Khomutova, & James MacDonald) and very cool choices for production design and blocking. Loved the gliding hospital screens and shadow play using overhead projectors! Still thinking. Would love to chat with someone else who saw it - it's that kind of play. 

SHIPSHOW!

A very silly and fun show at the Spotlight! Top-notch performers, Dave Clarke & John Ullyatt, come to the stage as the Captain and a Seaman from cursed The Flying Dutchman. Their goal? Find a woman to pledge her love to the Captain to end the curse. Along the way there a many a sea shanty and sailing or boat related songs sung, as well as dances and clever wordplay. I particularly liked all the Fish Puns! Silly fishy fun! 

Giorgi of the Jungle

Set in the 1980s, this show explores the repercussions of bullying based on body hair. There are some strong performances from the cast (Kirsten Throndson, Jason Hardwick, Miracle Mopera, Natalie Czar) and they all commit to their perspective on the issue, but it's sometimes hard to discuss an issue in a play set in another time when modern times have different perspectives. I wasn't sure what point of view the play was, if any, championing. As a junior high teacher I see so many young folk obsessed with how they look and I don't think it's a good thing. I also have my own complicated personal feelings about my appearance, so I think this triggered a few things for me. I don't think the bullies should win and I also think 10 years old is way too young to have to be thinking about how you look. But maybe that's what the show was trying to say?

Word of Mouth - Fringe Full of Stars - Tuesday, August 19, 2025

 

Word of Mouth - Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The Illusionary Magic of Sitruc James
Rat Academy 2
Wizard of One
Final Girl: A New Musical
The Alberta Hospital For The Insane
!SNAFU's Sexy Puppet Show (Epidermis Circus 2)
Hockey Night at the Puck & Pickle
Pair of Guys Lost: A New Musical
Edmontask
Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach?!
Chase Padgett: How To Play Guitar (Poorly)

That's what I got for Tuesday! There's some new ones in there - so try one out. Somebody in line told me they liked it, so maybe you will too!

Fringe Full of Stars - Tuesday, August 19 Brings FINAL GIRL! And it's SO GOOD!

 Only Two shows on Tuesday, but the first one was simply terrific! 

Final Girl: A New Musical

Straightedge Theatre, particularly playwrights Seth Gilfillan and Stephen Allred, have done it again! They just keep getting better and better and they have been at a pretty high level for quite a few years now! Final Girl is so good. The cast of five (Alyson Horne, Bella King, Jaimi Reese, Josh Travnik, & Liz Janzen) are all stellar performers delivering top-notch vocal and dance performances in this musical that explores the final girl trope of horror movies like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Throw in some Mean Girls, topical references, clever staging, and a terrific score and you have a show to die for! It's so incredibly tight and funny. I was laughing so hard at the final number that I was literally crying - I couldn't stop. Like Krampus (a previous Straightedge production), I think this show should very much live on beyond the Fringe, for while it has it's Fringe sensibilities it is sure to live beyond. 

DMV

This show explores an adventure of Daphne and Velma (of the Scooby-Doo gang) as they get lost in the woods on their own. They have an accident and are stuck for a while but they find Shaggy's stash and also discover some things about themselves. There's a bit of a mystery involving a serial killer that they inadvertently solve, and some random dancing that's very fun. The production values for this show are pretty impressive - the woods, the Mystery Machine van (complete with working headlights and turn signals), a glow in the dark puppet that's super cool, and great sound tech! I think there were a lot of references that were aimed at a different (younger) demographic than me because there were a lot of  folks laughing at things I didn't get. So I figure would be best for the 18-35 year old crowd. 

Happy Fringing everyone! We're past the halfway point!

Word of Mouth - Fringe Full of Stars - Monday, August 18, 2025

I didn't have as many chats as I usually do on Monday, but I did get a few new show titles and a few repeats! Enjoy!

Word of Mouth - Monday, August 18, 2025

I'm Actually Right About Everything: A Bisexual Love Story
Dead in the Water
Boston Dip
Bone House
Dressing Room Requiem
Victor & Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things
Cadaver Synod
Sam's Clam & Oyster Bar
Shot in the Dark
A Kind of Electra

Enjoy and Happy Fringing!

Fringe Full of Stars - Monday brings the BEST SHOW SO FAR! Victor & Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things

Victor & Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things

Now this is how you tell a scary story! From the pre-set of the cartoonish, but creepy, bed draped in fabric that appear to be covered in skulls, to the first few flashes of light and the quickly revealed tableaux, you know you are in for something really special with Victor & Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things. I did not see it when first performed by creators Beth Graham and Nathan Cuckow (pretty sure it Sold Out back then), so other than the imagery of the hollow eyed and sunken cheeked Victorian twins, I didn't quite know what to expect script wise. I think, however, even if you did see it previously, this production would hold up and delight you in a Gothically scary way! 2025's Victor and Victoria and played by Eli Yaschuk and Rain Matkin, who have electric chemistry with each other as was seen earlier in the season in NLT's Radiant Vermin. That chemistry continues with this brilliant show. You do not always expect the level of quality in lighting, set, costumes and the tightness of the performance in a Fringe production. Director Jim Guedo, along with his cast, has delivered a real treat. The ridiculous leg acting alone is worth the price of admission. But seriously folks, it's so incredibly good. It's hysterical, fast-paced, with twists and turns, is at times super scary, and always engaging. I was captivated from the first hilarious moment to the terrifyingly last one! See this show - you won't regret it! 

Word of Mouth - Fringe Full of Stars - Sunday, August 17, 2025

Lots of new recommendations today! Obviously people have seen more shows - which is awesome!

Word of Mouth - Sunday, August 17, 2025

The Cult of the Clitoris
The Divorced Dad's Guide to Slaying Vampires
yegDND
Sam's Clam & Oyster Bar (this show has made the list every day so far - I'm trying to fit it in my schedule!)
GORDON'S BIG BALD HEAD: Play-giarism
Flora & Fawna Face Their Fears
Eleanor's Story: Life After War
Afeni
Low Budget Narnia
Shipshow
Rat Academy 2
The Wizard Of One
Giorgi of the Jungle
Connor's Gonna Tell: The Táin Bó Cúailnge
Wit & Whimsy: An Improvised Regency Romance
A Kind of Electra
Elon Muskrat

If you see me on the grounds - please tell me what you've seen that you think people should see! 

Tickets!

Fringe Full of Stars - Sunday, August 17 - What a Terrific 3-Show Day!

Boston Dip

I started the day at the Sugar Swing Venue with Nachopals Theatre's production of Boston Dip (they presented last Fringe's hilarious Dick Piston Hotel Detective in Prague-Nosis). It's a delightfully funny farce set at a Ball where everyone wants to learn the Boston Dip, the newest move in the waltz. The cast of seven (Dave McKay, Christine Gold, Melissa Masse, Lauren Tamke, Lucas Anders, Ethan Handford, & Dalton Terhorst) are great fun to watch with some of them wanting to romance and be romanced, and others wanting to gain a fortune and others simply wanting to learn the dance moves. And of course, there's one person trying to figure out who's who, what's going on, and is his wife cheating on him and if so, who is her suitor!? There's a lot of wonderful physical comedy and mistaken identity and like any good farce, the good have their happy endings and the scoundrels are all found out! 

A Kind of Electra

The next show I saw was a happy accident. I had a gap in my schedule and happened to be dropping by Walterdale Theatre and saw the line-up outside. I asked what show it was and realized that a friend of mine had recommended it after she had seen it earlier in the week, so I grabbed a last minute ticket. What good fortune for me (the gods were smiling!). It was so very good! It's a must-see piece of theatre. The cast of three (Caitlin Stasey, Hayden Ezzy, & Tiffany Elle) tell the story of Electra and Orestes in a refreshing and captivating way. They are all wonderful actors, with incredible characterization and physicality, and you cannot look away. It's funny, intense and has an unexpected twist that raises it up beyond a simple retelling of the Greek myth. There are only four more performances of the show and I encourage you all to pop it in those holes you have left in your Fringe schedule. It will be completely worth it! 

"Speed!" A 1940s Radio Drama

I mentioned in a preview article that I was looking forward to seeing this show and it did not disappoint! It's hard to talk about it without giving away a lot of the funny stuff, but I will do my best! Imagine a 1940s Radio Play of Speed! featuring Keanu Reeves, Orson Welles, and taking place during World War II when anyone can be drafted at any moment! It's all hands on deck to create a huge pantheon of characters and sound effects, BUT things go wrong and that makes it all the more hilarious. This company commits to the bit and embrace the style and characterization required for a 1940s Radio play, all while re-telling the story of Speed! Your sides will ache with all the laughing! Mine did!

Fringe Full of Stars - Three more shows! That makes Eight so far! Woot!

After yesterday's cold, wet weather I wore a sweater and a different pair of running shoes to get through the day. The sweater was a good choice for the first half of the afternoon but then the sun came out. I am hoping for more sunshine for the next few days of Fringe because that's a little more enjoyable! I kept my three shoes firmly on the main fringe grounds so that I wasn't travelling too far afield (that's tomorrow).

A Little Something for the Ducks

This was actually two short double-handers, Something's Wrong and A Little Something for the Ducks featuring Francie Goodwin-Davies and Andy Northrup. The two pieces demonstrated the versatility of the two actors as they played very different characters in each of the plays. I was very impressed by the subtle disintegration of Goodwin-Davies character in the first piece, as the something wrong becomes something different than what you later realize. They wisely end with the more humorous and hopeful A Little Something for the Ducks. The two actors work well with each other and there's a lovely evolution of their relationship over the 25 minutes. It was a very nice start to the afternoon!

Inherently Disordered

The next show was a bit stand-up and a lot of personal story-telling as Aldrick (we learn where his name comes from - it's a funny story) Dugarte relates key moments of his life being raised Catholic and coming out as queer and then as gay. It will make sense when you see it. Dugarte is very personable and likeable onstage and he has a great sense of humour about himself and what he has gone through. They say the best stand-ups come from challenging life circumstances, and certainly Dugarte's stories are built upon those challenges. He kept us with him for the entire show and wasn't afraid to get physical in amusing ways, or involve us in the narrative, and it felt very natural. He has opinions, and a point of view that he is not afraid of sharing and you like him even more for that. The show is new and I think as he continues through this Fringe it will get a bit more flow, but I had a good time and I think you will too!

Flora & Fawna Face Their Fears

What a lovely continuation of the story of these two little girls. I will likely never miss an episode in their journey - it's my kind of drag show. I think because it's not really a drag show. These are real plays with clever dialogue and well constructed characters and, yes, there's some double entendres, and yes, these are men playing little girls, but the stories are told with a real respect for the girls they portray. Anyhow, I could easily gush about Flora and Fawna (Trevor Schmidt & Jake Tkaczyk) for paragraphs. This is a fabulous continuation where the girls face their fears by having a camp-out in the backyard. The dynamic of the Naturelle Girls is a little upset because they have brought a new girl in to be Secretary (to replace Fleurette who had to move) and Fern Gummy (Jason Hardwick) is a real disruption. She's American and has some different values. It's a bit crunchy there as the three learn to adjust to a new dynamic, and Flora and Fawna teach Fern about being kinder and not a mean girl (no mean girls allowed!). As always, the show is funny and laughs abound, but also touching with some legitimate "awwwws" from the audience. And we got to sing my favourite song, Face Your Fears. A very happy ending to my afternoon!

Fringe Full of Stars - Word of Mouth - Saturday, August 16, 2025

Word of Mouth - Saturday, August 16, 2025 

Here's what shows people told me to go see today! No editorializing - just titles! Many of the people were total strangers, some were at the same shows as me, some were in the Arts Barn Lobby just chatting! I got a real nice mix with lots of new titles today!

Shipshow!
Alice by Heart (this one is currently Sold Out for all performances but there are a handful of tickets released in the last hour before each show.)
Dead in the Water
Peter Pan Cometh
Sam's Clam & Oyster Bar
Rat Academy 2
Lost Sock Rescue Society
Boston Dip
Spotlight's Shadow
Mystery House
!SNAFU's Sexy Puppet Show (Epidermis Circus 2)
52 Stories
Carole of the Belles
The Birds
Dressing Room Requiem
Chase Padgett: How To Play Guitar (Poorly)
100% UnTrueBadour!

If you see me on the grounds, let me know the show you saw that you think everyone should see!

Tickets!

Fringe Full of Stars - Off to Eden in Pair of Guys Lost!

I finished up my second Fringe Full of Stars day by taking in Pair of Guys Lost: A New Musical at the Mile Zero Dance venue. It was an absolute riot! This is the kind of show that is made for the Fringe and that the Fringe is made for. A new musical by first time playwright/composer David Son, it supposes a Trump-like God (Zack Seizmagraff) who only wants the denizens of Eden to say he's great and do what he says. He also doesn't want to do any of the managing so he leaves that to Kelly Anne (Nicole Gaskell) . In the garden is only Adam (Andrew Cormier), until the three fates/muses (Sika Clarke, Erin Mclean, & Kaitlyn Power) bring him a companion - Steve (David Son). It's Eden, so there's also a snake (Jack Hunting) to tempt the young lovers. But that's just the story. The show itself is irreverent and hilarious, as parodies should be. The songs are complex and fun and the script is well peppered with topical refences and jokes that kept the audience laughing from start to finish. The whole cast can really sing and dance and the songs are bops! There's a cascading Disney parody that had me giggling from start to finish. A super fun show that's smart, silly and saucy!

Fringe Full of Stars - Word Of Mouth Friday, August 15th

In an effort to preserve the Line Culture of Fringe, I ask people I am in lines with about their recommendations for shows to see. There's no elaboration, just the title! So, if you see me on the grounds, let me know what you think people should go to based on what you've seen! Ideally the shows you tell me are other people's shows, not your own... 

Today's list is small because many of the people I saw today were at their first show of the year... but it will grow as I see more people and they see more shows!

Word of Mouth, Friday, August 15th

Chase Padgett: How To Play Guitar (Poorly)
Alice by Heart
Bruce Ryan Costella: Spooky & Gay-ER
Jem rolls ADVENTURES IN CANADIAN PARKING LOTS
Pepperoni and Cheese
Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody
'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery
Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar

Happy Fringing everyone! See you on the Fringe Grounds!

Day Two - Fringe Full of Stars is off to a Great Start!

Carole of the Belles

This is a super fun show with all the quality that you would expect from this company. They presented the delightful and funny Mass Debating at last year's Fringe. When the Leader of the Silver Belles (Handbell Choir) is in an accident just before the big Christmas concert, the dynamic between the women (Michelle Todd, Kristin Johnston, Trevor Schmidt, Jason Hardwick, Cheryl Jameson) is upset. Barbara, played acerbically on point by Hardwick, challenges the other women (nervous replacement leader Francine, second-wife Shelley, and tell-it-like-it-is Violet) for various reasons. Schmidt as Mother Fowler is hysterical without saying a thing. A replacement bell-ringer, Carol (Jake Tkaczyk), joins the group and gently guides them to reconciliation and harmony. It’s very funny as they explore the various conflicts in the group, but also heartwarming and it asks the question "Who should be the first to start being kind?" It was fun to sing along to the Christmas carols before and after the show and like I said with Krampus a few years ago, I think this would make a nice Christmas tradition theatre experience not written by Dickins! 

How To Pack A Revolution In Your Suitcase

This show is for you if you absolutely love the music of Kurt Weill and the other composers of 1920s-30s Berlin. For me, it was a nice call-back to when I did the Three Penny Opera as several of the songs from the show were featured. Bremner Fletcher has a great voice for this style of singing, and he endeavours to connect the rise of the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s with current world events. It's easy to see the connections in history. I did wish more a little more of the history as I am a lover of obscure facts. It was his first time doing this show in front of an audience, and I think as he does it more, it will become more refined in the telling, and hopefully he can layer in more true stories to support the songs. But as I said, if you really like the music of Kurt Weill you will absolutely love this show.

Dead in the Water

This show was brilliantly performed by Ruth Alexander. I cannot imagine many who would be able to pull the story off as it requires you to be a consummate pianist, singer and actor, and Alexander is all three. I love the fact that it was not just someone talking and playing, but it was an actual play. This was a character, telling her story, and she just happened to be a pianist. Music was embedded within that story. In fact it was key. Alexander was adept at playing multiple characters, switching effortlessly with various accents and physicality, but never becoming gimmicky. You felt that she was Amanda Bridge telling us her life story.  It was a little sad at the ending, but that just shows I was invested. I was hoping for that major chord after the minor.

Kicking off Fringe Full of Stars with some Magical Musical Mayhem!

Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody

One show down and it was a terrific one! I started the Fringe last night with the Harry Potter prequel parody which tells the story of Voldemort (Jayden Leung) as a teen in Hogwarts. He has a Hufflepuff girlfriend Muffin (Carly Pettit) and their classmates include a young Hagrid (Jeremey Zimmerman), Genevieve Gryffindor (Katelyn Cabalo), Ravenclaw Mertle Warren (Alisha Breton), and Hufflepuff Derald Bacon (Stefan Sikanja). They are instructed by a young Dumbledore, played hilariously by Lucas Paterson. This was a very funny production, filled with Harry Potter Easter Eggs for the indoctrinated, wonderful singing and dancing throughout (Standout Songs: Pettit and Leung have a terrific duet, and Zimmerman shows some major vocal chops!). The Choreography (By Director David Son) is fabulous and all commit 100% to the moves and tone of this cheeky and saucy productions. There's also a major dig at the source material author, and the score makes it clear she's not seeing a dime from the show! I recommend! But buy soon as the opening show SOLD OUT and I can see there's another sold out show on the roster. 

Note: Despite the source material, this is NOT for the little ones. It's rated 14A in the program for a reason. 

Looking for some Music and Theatre (or Musical Theatre)? Here are some options! Fringe Full of Stars!

Assassins

Stephen Sondheim's Assassins is a bold, chilling, and darkly funny journey through the minds of America's four successful and five would-be presidential assassins. This Tony-Award winning musical explores celebrity culture and the violent means that some will use to obtain the American Dream.

Playwright: Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman
Director: Sarah Dowling
Music Direction: Mackenzie Tennessen, Choreographer: Samantha Ketsa
Cast: Cameron Chapman, Brian Christensen, Alyson Horne, Anthony Hurst, Bella King, Nico Maionara, Damon Pitcher, Dustyn Tennessen, Michael Vetsch, Aran Wilson-McAnally
Stage Manager: Kandice Laurie

Uniform Theatre is bringing Sondheim to the 2025 Fringe! They're a company with an excellent record of producing high quality musical theatre and looking at their cast I have no doubt this one will also be brilliantly executed. Assassins is also an interesting vehicle featuring one of my favourite Sondheim songs, Unworthy of Your Love. Their first performance is SOLD OUT so this might be one to grab tickets earlier rather than later! 

Dead in the Water

Edmonton-based British actor/musician Ruth Alexander (from TV’s Coronation Street and Les Miserables, UK) performs this darkly comedic musical inspired by her travels across Europe as a lounge singer/pianist. One woman. One piano. One last chance to be heard.

Playwright: Ruth Alexander
Director: Max Rubin
Cast: Ruth Alexander

I've enjoyed local artist Alexander in everything I have seen her in and friends have also recommended this show to me. I am looking forward to her showing her stuff onstage at this year's Fringe. 

Pair of Guys Lost: A New Musical

A queer, irreverent, sinfully original satirical biblical musical comedy with new original music and book by local playwright, David Son. Angels spill tea, snakes offer wisdom, and a Trump-like administration struggles to control Eden, where truth and knowledge are elusive. Wickedly funny, catchy and heartfelt.

Playwright: David Son
Director: Director/Choreography: David Son
Assistant Director: Rachel Whipple
Cast: Sika Clarke, Andrew Cormier, Nicole Gaskell, Jack Hunting, Erin Mclean, Kaitlyn Power, David Son, and Zack Siezmagraff
Designers: Debo Gunning
Stage Manager: Rachel Whipple
Website/Socials: darkstageproductions.com

I've spent the last 5 months or so working with the amazing David Son. I am so looking forward to seeing this brand new original musical that he has written, directed and choreographed. I was so very impressed with the show Lizardboy: The Musical that this company presented in the 2023 Fringe, and Stranger Sings from the 2024-2025 regular theatre season. This company knows what they are doing when it comes to parody and musical theatre. 

Undiscovered Country

The story of the rise and fall of country star Tyler Wainwright Jr., as told by Sterling Award-winner Chris Bullough, takes you on a mind-bending journey through one man's quest to find a song that could save us all. Featuring original music, UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY presents a darkly humerous vision for the end of the world.

Playwright: Chris Bullough
Director: David Kennedy
Cast: Chris Bullough
Designers: Even Gilchrist

I caught an earlier incarnation of this show in 2023 when it was a last minute replacement. I enjoyed it then and still think more people should see it. Bullough is great as musical storyteller Tyler Wainwright Jr. and the music is captivating. It's also darkly humorous and reflects on our relationship to the planet we live on. 

I'll Be Here: a musical cabaret

Elena Porter, one of Edmonton Musical Theatre’s most evocative voices, shares the joy and pain of the past decade in a heartfelt cabaret. Accompanied by her friend, the incomparable Steven Greenfield on piano, she shows how music helped her survive when life came at her with two closed hands—one holding joy, the other heartbreak

Playwright: Elena Porter
Director: Clinton Carew
Cast: Elena Porter, Steven Greenfield
Website/Socials: @brokentoysyeg

I caught Elena Porter onstage this summer in Freewill Players Shakespeare in the Park presentation of As You Like It. It reminded me that I hadn't seen her onstage in a while and it was lovely to see her up there. I have always loved her stage presence and voice, and Broken Toys always presents interesting thought-provoking work, so I am looking forward to catching this one!

Happy Fringing! I hope you all have found some great shows to see! Stay tuned for more recommendations!

Tickets

More Shows to Consider As You Plan your Fringe.... MORE!

The Program is a lot of fun to search through... Here's a few more shows that have caught my eye... 

Low-Budget Narnia: Now With 50% Less Wardrobe!

Step through the wardrobe into an irreverent (and occasionally offensive) parody of C.S. Lewis' classic novel. Four siblings stumble into Narnia, a frozen world ruled by the neon yellow White Witch. To defeat her, they must team up with disturbingly amorous anteaters, a spandex-clad lion, and a particularly musical beagle.

Playwright: Joel Mendenhall
Director: Joel Mendenhall
Cast: Jack Bizuk, Sam Creighton, Laura Dahl, Phil Haverkamp, Aidan Jones, Lee Lamanes, Rena Rachar, Francesca Scarpella, Kynan Sorochan, Daniel Summers, Mya Tse, Kiyang Wajo
Stage Manager: Sam Papirnik
Website/Socials: psychopomptheatre.com

I've been seeing clips and photos from their rehearsals on Instagram for the last month or so and they look ridiculous (in a *good* way). I love the Narnia Chronicles and a good parody! I also know there are some powerhouse singers in this cast so I am intrigued... 

Quiz Icarus

In 2024, Nam & Aaron both competed on Jeopardy! and returned with prize money & a permanent monkey on their backs. Now they're here to tell you their stories of growing up nerdy & striving for trivia glory. If you feel brave, step on stage - they'll put their pride (and $$$) on the line to prove they're still smarter than you.

Cast: Nam Nguyen & Aaron Brown
Website/Socials: torontotrivia.com

For those of you who know me or follow me on Instagram, you could probably guess I have a passionate attachment to Jeopardy and all things trivia. The idea that I could get onstage and compete is actually more exciting. I told my husband about this show and he too wants to go (mostly to try to get onstage). Weird how I'd rather get onstage and do trivia than get onstage and clown around! ha ha ha

Bomb

Dora Award winning director Lianna Makuch helms the Canadian premiere of Bomb by Ukrainian playwright Natalia Blok, featuring a star-studded cast (Anna Kuman, Geoffrey Simon Brown, Mariya Khomutova, and James MacDonald). Explosively funny and razor sharp, Bomb is a dark absurdist comedy that detonates with wit and strikes deep.

Playwright: Natalia Blok
Director: Lianna Makuch
Cast: Anna Kuman, Geoffrey Simon Brown, Mariya Khomutova, James MacDonald
Designers: Stephanie Bahniuk (Production), Bernardo Pacheco (Sound)
Stage Manager: Lore Green | Producer Sheiny Satanove
Website/Socials: pyreticproductions.ca | @pyretic.theatre

Okay - so this one drew me is because of the incredible cast. I love seeing James MacDonald onstage and we haven't been able to for the last 5 years or so because he was gone from our city. The rest of the cast is pretty amazing too! I also like a Fringe experience that challenges me to do more than just laugh, and while I have a feeling I will laugh at this show I think it will be for very different reasons than some of the other things I am seeing.

The Peter Pan Cometh

Hook, Tinker, and Smee all dreamed of a life outside of their Neverland. Then along came Peter. From those who brought 2024's "Who's Afraid of Winnie the Pooh?"; it's The Ice Man Cometh, but Peter Pan. "Clever, smart, ridiculous, and well executed" - Cherry & Spoon. "Another triumph for the company" - The Stages of MN.

Director: Alexander Gerchak
Cast: Alec Berchem; Thomas Buan; Nick Hill; Isabelle Hopewell
Designers: Genevieve Kafka; Connor McEvoy
Stage Manager: Karina Hunt
Website/Socials: IG @clevernametheatre

Last year my friends raved about Who's Afraid of Winnie the Pooh... but they did it too late in the Fringe for me to get a ticket to see it! I am determined not to miss this one. 

The Pansy Cabaret

Take a step back in time to when queer artists ruled Vaudeville stages, and frivolity was the fashion. Featuring songs and monologues from up to a hundred years ago, as performed by Sterling Award WINNER Lilith Fair ("Outstanding Fringe Performance by an Individual" - The Pansy Cabaret - 2023).

Playwright: Darrin Hagen
Director: Darrin Hagen
Cast: Zachary Parsons-Lozinski aka Lilith Fair, Daniel Belland

I saw this a few years ago when it premiered at the Fringe and I LOVED IT. It is such an excellent show - for content and performance. It's classy, but thoughtful and very relevant today even though many of the stories and songs are from long ago. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. And if you have seen it, you might want to check it out again as it's relevance seems even greater today than 3 years ago. 

Final Girl: A New Musical

Ugh, teens are so dramatic. Always screaming when they get stabbed, and crying and flailing around when they get choked. Weekend trip? Next time, I think I'll skip. It's Scream meets Mean Girls, and this musical, from the creators of Krampus and Cult Cycle, is one to die for... The real question is "Who will be the Final Girl?"

Playwright: Seth Gilfillan and Stephen Allred
Director: Stephen Allred
Cast: Alyson Horne, Bella King, Jaimi Reese, Josh Travnik, Liz Janzen
Designers: Amanda Neufeld and Stephen Allred
Stage Manager: Amanda Neufeld

I'm not likely to miss a show from this company particularly when it is one of their new works. Their original musical Krampus, which I saw in it's original version at the Fringe and it's updated version in the regular season, raked in a Sterling Award this past season. Cult Cycle was hysterical (I still have the tank top!). They have a penchant for the macabre and ALWAYS have amazing actor/vocalists in their casts! Needless to say, I will be in the audience for this one!

Whatever you get to this Fringe - Enjoy! Happy Fringing! Stay tuned for more recommendations!

Tickets for Fringe Shows

A Show to Consider as You Plan Your Fringe - Hearts Left Opn

Hearts Left Open - #3 Nordic Theatre in the TransAlta Arts Barn

Tickets

Who's Involved? 

Cast includes: Marisa Scarbeau, Karen Huntley, Ryan Mattila, Sara Gibson, & Dave Breakenridge

Marisa, Karen, Dave and Ryan have previously been seen at Walterdale Theatre's From Cradle To Stage Festivals. Marisa, Karen, Ryan, Sara and Dave recently performed in Ballad of Marie Marten with Leduc Drama Society. Ryan and Sarah have both performed in recent Walterdale productions, Stag and Doe,  A Party to Murder and Harvey.

Behind the Scenes: Laura Eschak is Stage Manager and has performed and crewed numerous productions in and around Edmonton. Mike Leoppky (Assistant Director) was recently seen in Shakespeare in Love at Walterdale and Ballad of Marie Martin with Leduc Drama Society. 

Hearts Left Open is written and directed by local artist Lee-Anne Smenyna. Lee-Anna based the story on her personal experience of growing up with a family member diagnosed and surviving cancer. An earlier draft of Hearts Left Open was performed as a staged reading at Walterdale's From Cradle To Stage 2025, and it was named one of three finalists in Script Awards Los Angeles competition recognizing powerful stories across stage and screen.  

Why should you see this show? It explores the tragedy, anger and healing that families experience when a member is diagnosed with cancer and may or may not survive. Audience members will recognize and relate to the anguish, fear, hope, heartbreak and if lucky, celebration that occurs in hospital wards; where families can be torn apart and/or rebuilt. Where hallway neighbors can become friends or chosen family.  Bring tissues. If you want a Fringe experience that pulls strongly on the heart strings and leave you emotionally changed, this is a terrific choice!

Hearts Left Open is supported by Canadian Blood Services, Alberta Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities. On August 15, RMHC will be celebrating 40 years of supporting families dealing with kids in medical facilities. 

Shows to Consider as You Plan Your Fringe - Fringe Full Of Stars!

Planning a Fringe Schedule is Hard! So, I thought I would share some of the shows I am seeing (or would like to see if I can fit them all in) so if you're new to the game, this will give you some good suggestions! There might be a few of these posts as I am not all the way through the Program yet!

Flora & Fawna Face Their Fears - Varscona Theatre

Tickets

Flora & Fawna are back in a brand new backyard slumber party presentation! From the award-winning team that brought you Flora & Fawna's Field Trip, Flora & Fawna Have Beaver Fever, Microwave Coven, Crack In The Mirror, Puck Bunnies, Dragula, Prepare for the Worst, Don't Frown at the Gown, Psychobabble and Klondykes!

Playwright: Darrin Hagen & Trevor Schmidt
Director: Trevor Schmidt
Cast: Jason Hardwick, Trevor Schmidt, Jake Tkaczyk

I fell in LOVE with Flora & Fawna with their first show many years ago and have not missed one since, dragging my husband and other friends to see them because they are funny and heart-warming. I have a paper bag puppet from one of them (still), and a Beaver Fever sticker. You might say I am a real fan. I cannot wait to see this year's continuation of their story, and based on the title I'm very hopeful we will get to sing the song, Face Your Fears, a song that my husband and I still periodically sing to each other! Warning: One of their performances was already SOLD OUT when I wrote this blog, so it's one of those shows you need to buy early for!

"SPEED!" A 1940's Radio Drama - Sugar Swing Ballroom

Tickets

From the minds that brought you 2024’s The Silence of The Lambs Jr. comes the auditory event of the summer. “SPEED!” A 1940’s Radio Drama. A re-imagining of the classic Hollywood action thriller about a bus that couldn't slow down. Tune into the Denton Dayco Radio Hour for “SPEED!”. It’s a visual feast for the ears

Playwright: Andrew Boyd, Jesse Harlton
Director: Lauren Boyd
Cast: The Denton Dayco Radio Hour Players

I saw this company's Fringe production last year and it was one of the funniest shows I have ever seen (The Silence of the Lambs Jr.) so when I saw they had another parody production on the docket I added it to my wish list! Based on last years, I assuming it is not child-friendly and it pays to be familiar with the source material for the complete experience, so if you haven't seen Speed, maybe watch it first (hmmm... I wonder if they reference the sequel?)... 

I'll be back for more recommendations later! Happy Fringing!

A Show to Consider as You Plan Your Fringe - Alice By Heart

Alice by Heart at Strathcona High School

Tickets

Who's involved in the show? 

The cast: Brent Gamalinda Macdonald, Emmy Whitehead (who was last seen in Dogfight with the company - gorgeous voice, as I recall!), John Avila, Jordan Melnyk, Kendra Humphrey (the luminous Kendra - she was in Light in the Piazza at Walterdale and was such a joy to direct!), Meredith Watt, Patrick Lynn, Quinn Yerex, Sarah Veale, Tana Bumhira

The crew: Linette J Smith - director/choreo (As many of you know, Linette is an Edmonton theatre icon - she's directed me three times [Steel Magnolias, Cinderella, and Little Women] and always creates fabulous art onstage), Julie Sucie MD (also plays cello for the show and her kindness and talents are well-known!), Hails Quinn - SM, Lyn Reade - Sound, Keira Roberts - Lights, Jordan Gozjolko - Props

Why Should you see this show? What's in it for You? In a time of unrest, and darkness the power of imagination is everything. During the darkest times the most amazing art is created and new art forms - Alice is a response to that. It's a cool show living between the blitz in London and the imagination of someone trying to understand death and grief. 

The SATCO Shows are always highlights of the Fringe for me! From Xanadu, to Ride the Cyclone to Hedwig and the Angry Inch this company pushes boundaries and does excellent work! 

A Show to Consider as You Plan Your Fringe... Inherently Disordered

Inherently Disordered @ Yardbird Suite (Venue 7) 

Tickets

Who's in the Show: The show is written and performed by Aldrick Dugarte – seen onstage at Walterdale Theatre and going into his 3rd year in the BFA Acting program at the U of A.  The show is directed by Kalin Jensen – seen on and off stage at Walterdale Theatre. Aldrick gave a wonderfully nuanced and thoughtful performance in Amigo's Blue Guitar at Walterdale Theatre a couple of seasons ago. Kalin was one of the wonderful readers in my play, Modern Day Saints, presented as part of the 2023 From Cradle to Stage Festival. 

Why Should You See This Show? It's a funny show about big topics that are typically shown as tragedy (difficulties in coming out, crisis of faith, immigration frustrations), but it details both the queer and Catholic coming-out journeys with humour and introspection, interweaving political context while taking the piss out of terrible roommates, drunken adventures, the existential crisis of the playwright's nine-year old self, a first crush, gangs of Chicago, and more.  It provides space to laugh at some of the hardships and absurdities which comprise coming out. I would also add that Aldrick is a gifted actor and I am looking forward to seeing him again onstage!

A Show to Consider as You Plan Your Fringe... Boston Dip!

Boston Dip at the Sugarswing Ballroom

From the company that brought the hilarious Dick Piston: Hotel Detective to the 2024 Fringe. 

Tickets

Who's in the show: Lauren Tamke, Mélissa Masse, Dave McKay, Christine Gold, Lucas Anders, Dalton Terhorst, Ethan Handford - This is a terrific cast to attack this dance-comedy. I've worked with Lauren and Lucas before in The 39 Steps at Walterdale and have seen them onstage killing it in other roles. Mélissa was hysterical in Dick Piston last summer and I've seen Ethan twice now at Walterdale Theatre (It's a Wonderful Life and Shakespeare In Love) where he raised the bar in both productions with his comedic skills! 

Who's Behind the Scenes: John Anderson (Director), Afrah Collier-Potts (SM), Rebecca Cave (Lights, Op), Mélissa Masse (Costumes), Sabrina Thievin (Dance Choreo), Lauren Tamke (Fight Choreo) - Definitely an experienced team that looks after all the details. I have worked with most of them and seen the work of others. You know this will be a show that is READY for an audience!

Why Should You Go See It? What's great about the festival is its variety, and the Nacho Pals team is very happy to offer an ensemble production to the Fringe's diverse menu. The play is a farce, full of entertaining and eccentric characters. The message and ending is a warm and happy one, which feels necessary at this time in the world. It's family friendly, and there's a lot of action to keep the pace moving. The result is a play that's active, on its feet, and fun to watch for all ages. The costumes are also colourful and gorgeous. Boston Dip brings a lot to the stage, but what will stand out most is the laughter and the tender, heartwarming pathos.

Fringe Full of Stars is Almost Upon us! Let me help promote your show!

A Fringe full of stars is almost here! The kick off was today and, like many others, I was on my keyboard at 12:00 noon exactly so that I could buy my Double Fringer Pass! I'm glad to say that I got one so that means I have 20 shows to see for sure (and more if people are nice to me and comp me or I scrounge some extra dollars to see a few more - it certainly has been known to happen!)!

Anyhow, I was feeling a little grumpy because earlier this summer a friend chastised me for seeing their Fringe show last year on the last day of the Festival and because of that I didn't blog about it until after the festival was done. Folks, it's a logistics game with a very full spreadsheet, limited time and money, and a very tired Finster! I do what I can, really, and that's why I started the Word of Mouth posts several Fringes ago because I can't get to every show and I want to get the word out about the many, many, many fabulous shows that are out there. 

Anyhow, I may not get to your show, or I may not get to it until the last day of the festival - however, if you want me to blog about your show before the Fringe starts, I invite you to email me at smeep22003@yahoo.ca with the answers to the following questions and a show image and I will spend the next week posting in advance of Fringe to tell people about your show! Once Fringe starts all bets are off, so get yours to me before Wednesday, August 13th. Also, if you want me to see your show in the first couple of days - offer me a comp (just one - I fringe alone) and I will try to fit it in! 

1. Title and Venue of show 
2. Who's in it? Who helped build it? How are they awesome?
3. Why should I (and others) come see your show? (please don't say "to support artists" - I'm doing that no matter what show I see - tell me what I will get out of it - soul shaking tears, belly-laughter, a new understanding of the world, amazing musical experience, etc... please make this about me as the audience member and my experience.)
4. Anything else you'd like to add!

Thanks! I'm planning my Fringe over the next few days so earlier is better for getting back to me! I CAN'T WAIT to see what you have for me to see!

Teatro Live! Closes their Season with a very funny production of The Odd Couple!

Marc J Chalifoux Photography 

Summer is really such a great time for theatre for me! I love it when you leave the theatre and it's still a little light out. Even better when the show is a comedy, like Teatro Live's production of The Odd Couple, which I took in on Friday night. If you are around my age (and even younger since there was a reboot in recent history) you are no doubt familiar with Oscar Madison and Felix Unger (played in this production by Alexander Ariate and Andrew MacDonald-Smith), the mismatched roommates from Neil Simon's play. The two are physical foils, which ups the ante on their character's personality conflicts, and this production puts their physicality to good use, particularly with MacDonald-Smith's height and long legs making seemingly inhuman movements around the furniture and Ariate's flopping on couches. The physical humour alone makes this show tremendously entertaining!

Marc J Chalifoux Photography 

But it's the scenes with the accidental roommate's poker buddies and the Pigeon Sisters that had me the most entertained. Not surprising when you consider the group of assembles artists - all of whom could (and most have) anchor a Teatro show themselves! The poker buddies (Garrett Ross, Matt Busby, Bernardo Pacheco, and Oscar Derkx) give more depth to the recognition of the disparity of personalities between Oscar and Felix, and their banter is very fun to watch and listen to - particularly the contrast between the old (Oscar's toxic waste level of cleanliness) and the new (Felix's immaculate and antiseptic environment). From their reactions, you understand that neither extreme is particularly healthy. 

Marc J Chalifoux Photography 

The Pigeon Sisters, Cecily (Kristin Johnston) and Gwendolyn (Jenny McKillop), add for another level of tension between Oscar and Felix. Oscar is looking for a wingman, but Felix's impending divorce is too new to make him a suitable one. Johnston and McKillop are hysterical as the British girls from upstairs with backcombed hair and synced responses. I was very glad to see them return in the third act! 

There's a lot to laugh about and for those who were fans of the movie and the TV shows, I think it's well worth the nostalgic trip to the theatre. It's a nice reflection on friendship and compromise, but above all makes for a laughter-filled night of theatre on a summer evening! 

The Odd Couple runs until July 27, 2025 at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets range from $25-42 and there are also special event nights, like Pay-What-You-Can on Tuesdays. Tickets can be purchased here.