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!

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 - 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!

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.

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

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!