Fringe 2024 - Saturday, August 24th - Young Wives and The Bells!

I saw two shows on Saturday. I'm pacing myself this Fringe so I might not hit my usual 30+ total! But despite the slightly overcast weather, it was a nice day - not too hot and my feet could handle the walk to Sugar Swing and back to the main grounds!

What a Young Wife Ought to Know - This was a very well done production of Hannah Moscovitch's script. I had not seen the show when it was done in the city in 2018 but was glad to catch it here at the Fringe. It deals with the challenges and trials of a young (a very young) wife in 1920s Ottawa dealing with managing her fertility despite a lack of support both socially and medically. This is pre-birth control pill times; this is back alley abortion and throw yourself down the stairs to end a pregnancy time; this is the time when women frequently dies in childbirth. This is the time when you are looked at with disgust and judged when you ask for help for how to prevent a pregnancy. Anyhow, the show was very well done. The cast of three were all strong and handled the script well. A special shout-out to Abby MacDougall, who plays the young wife Sophie. She was mesmerizing and I was blown away by her onstage. A talent to watch!

The Bells - A musical about the Brontës - Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell (the brother). I have seen a few shows about the Bronte sisters over the years and though this would be a cool one to check out! It was! The music was really good and this cast can sing. The script is new and has room to grow a little, but the bones are definitely there. The music is outstanding (written by Cassie Hyman and Emi Gusdal - who also play Emily and Charlotte respectively) and modern (they rock out!) and the cast can all sing excellently. There are some fabulous moments that demonstrate terrific harmony. Those Brontës sound really, really good together! Definitely worth checking out!

Fringe 2024 - WORD OF MOUTH - Saturday, August 17th - Find Your Fringe!

Many of the folks I ran into on Saturday were seeing their first show that day, but I did gather a few suggestions from people on the grounds!

638 Ways to Kill Castro
AWOL
Trial By Jury
Murder She Improvised
Fool's Gold the Musical
Accidental Beach (Which might be sold out - but it's at Grindstone so fingers crossed for a holdover?)
Rob and Chris (Bobby + Tina)
What a Young Wife Ought to Know (Caution: topic might be challenging for some audience members)
Bright Lights

I've seen a couple of these but these are all recommendations from other people on the grounds! So if they were on your 'maybe' list, or if you are looking to fill a hole in your schedule, these are options! 

Tickets: https://tickets.fringetheatre.ca/events/ 

Fringe 2024 - Friday, August 16th - A Terrific Afternoon of Shows!

I caught three shows yesterday afternoon and had a wonderful time!

Bright Lights - So funny and so well done! This script is hilarious but it only works because the acting and directing is so excellent! I mean, you have to figure those that attend a group for Alien Abduction "experiencers" are going to provide opportunity for huour but I was laughing so much! Great to see some of our finest local actors in this piece and some in roles you wouldn't expect to hilarious effect! See it!

ROB AND CHRIS (BOBBY+TINA)-A NEW MUSICAL - Another excellent show. This one a new musical based on Collin Doyle's Let the Light of Day Through (perhaps the best new script I have seen ever and I think of it often...). The musical is the same but different, as it is a musical. But it is excellent. Doyle worked with Matt Graham to adapt the piece and it still has it's humour and heart break, but now with wonderful songs. I would avoid spoilers if you haven't seen the play as I think the reveal is important. If you have seen the play, you're prepared. Great chemistry between Rob (Garret Ross) and Chris (Jenny McKillop) and excellent voices. Kate Ryan did a great job directing it so it moves beautifully. 

The Black Widow Gun Club - A new show from Whizzgiggling Productions written by Trevor Schmidt and starring the trio of Kristin Johnston, Cheryl Jameson and Michelle Todd. One thing about watching these perennial favourites is that it really shows how diverse these three actors are. Each show has them playing vastly different characters! This is a dark but funny, film noir piece about three ex-wives and one dead husband. Who killed him? Striking lighting, and a fabulous aesthetic is the setting. Johnston channels a Joan Crawford-like heiress, Jameson is a wisecracking Bette Davis artist, and Todd is a Marilyn Monroe- inspired waitress. It's a lot of fun and there's a delightful twist at the end that every good Film Noir demands!

Fringe 2024 - WORD OF MOUTH - Friday, Aug 16th - Find Your Fringe!

Word of Mouth

I asked folks in the line-ups and beer tents if they had any shows to recommend. These are shows they enjoyed and thought people would like. I have not seen most of them and your tastes may vary - BUT if you like the idea of the show and it's on this list, it's probably a good bet! I've added disclaimers where they were provided by the provider!

Rat Academy (which might be Sold Out but I heard a rumour it may play in the city after the Fringe)
Oddball Cabaret
Let's Not Turn on Each Other
Alison Wunderland
Heartstrings: An Improvised Theatre Experience
Brother Love's Good Time Gospel Hour (Only for those not easily offended)
Naked Mennonite
That's What She Sang
Bright Lights
Rob and Chris (Bobby and Tina)

Fringe 2024 - FIND YOUR FRINGE! Begins! Kicking it off with Regression (Cathexis Theatre) at the Playhouse!

It's time for the Fringe Festival - the Edmonton Theatre Community's most special time of year! I successfully purchased my Double Fringer Pass and after sorting through the 200+ offerings on hand in the Program I booked myself 20+ shows and waited anxiously for the kick-off last night!

The Theme this year is "Find Your Fringe!" and that is what I encourage all of you to do. With 200+ shows, you can literally construct a Fringe that is custom made for you. I personally like a mix of shows, but this year I am comedy heavy as I wanted choices to lift my spirit, but if you are into historical, drama, improv, clown, experimental, quirky, political, musical, drag, burlesque new works - you can design a Fringe that fits you like a glove!

I caught an 8 pm show last night - a new work and a musical called Regression by local company Cathexis Theatre. Cathexis has been producing new musicals at the Fringe for several years and this one explores the impact and inspiration of the past (particularly dead white men like Shakespeare, Van Gogh and Mozart) on what we create today. As a playwright, I connected to this struggle as I have often dreamed of writing something as significant as Shakespeare! The show occurs in Prior, a community obsessed with all things from the past, and three young artists (writer, musician, and painter played by Kara Adams, Pauline Miki, and Chrissie Palacios) must find inspiration from the afore-mentioned long-dead Shakespeare, Mozart and Van Gogh to create their work at the Annual Faire (or lose their funding!). I really enjoyed the music in the show. The three artists sound wonderful together and Kara Adams, whose story seems the most central, has a fantastic voice. The three 'saints of inspiration' (played by Colin Bluekens, Tom Blazejewicz, and Dave Froland) provide a lot of the humour to the show. I loved the line about Shakespeare (Bluekens) after he repeatedly demonstrated his misogyny, that he was "Progressive - for his time!" Other artistic struggles include wanting to be original, trying to escape repression and suffering perhaps too much for one's art. It was a fun show to start my Fringe!

What's Next? Today I will be seeing Bright Lights (Blarney Productions), ROB AND CHRIS (BOBBY+TINA)-A NEW MUSICAL (Plain Jane), and The Black Widow Gun Club (Whizzgiggling)! I think it will be a terrific afternoon!

IF YOU SEE ME ON THE GROUNDS - Tell me what you liked as I will once again be posting my "Word of Mouth" posts. I cannot get to every show so I have to rely on other people to tell me what's worth your Fringe dollars!

The Oculist's Holiday at Teatro Live: A Captivating Evening of Romance and Reflection!

If you're looking for a delightful evening at the theatre, look no further than The Oculist's Holiday presented at Teatro Live! This captivating play takes you on a journey with Marian Ogilvy, a Canadian textbook writer abroad in the early 1930s, as she navigates romance, self-reflection, and the complexities of human relationships.

Photos Marc J. Chalifoux Photography and Video

One of the highlights of the evening is Beth Graham's pitch-perfect portrayal of Marian Ogilvy. Graham effortlessly brings Marian to life, capturing her vulnerability and strength with precision. As Marian experiences both romance and trauma, we are drawn into her world and empathize with her journey. Oscar Derkx shines as Ted Fletcher, the charming love interest who sweeps Marian off her feet. Derkx's performance is captivating, and his chemistry with Graham is palpable. Together, they create a believable and heartfelt connection that keeps the audience engaged throughout the play.

The play also showcases the talents of Mathew Hulshof and Rachel Bowron. Hulshof portrays Charlie Hastings, a character who brings both joy and turmoil into Marian's life. Hulshof's ability to switch between these contrasting emotions is commendable, and he adds depth to the overall narrative. Bowron, is excellent as Laurette Hastings, Charlie's wife. Her portrayal is nuanced and layered, providing a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships. Bowron's range as an actress shines through, making her character a memorable part of the play.

Photos Marc J. Chalifoux Photography and Video

The show strikes a nice balance between humor and introspection. The play offers moments of laughter, thanks to its well-crafted comedic elements. However, it also delves into more traumatic events, exploring the aftermath of mistreatment and the self-doubt that follows. One particular moment stands out, as Marian reflects on her abrupt departure and questions her role in the events that unfolded. The writing and performance capture the subtle nuances of self-blame and self-doubt, resonating with anyone who has experienced similar situations.

As the story unfolds, we are transported to the small hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva run by Princess Volodevsky, played effortlessly by Cathy Derkach. Derkach's portrayal of the easy-going American ex-pat turned royal adds a touch of charm and humor to the production. Through her performance, we can vividly imagine the picturesque scenery surrounding the hotel, enhancing the overall experience.

The Oculist's Holiday at Teatro Live! is well-worth a night out for theatre enthusiasts and anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking experience. With stellar performances from the talented cast, a visually captivating setting, and a perfect blend of laughter and reflection, this play is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can purchase tickets for The Oculist's Holiday Here. It runs to June 16th at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets range from $37-$42. 

Tiny Beautiful Things at Shadow Theatre - Theatre for Your Soul!

 Tiny Beautiful Things at Shadow Theatre
Photo Credit: Marc J. Chalifoux Photography and Video

In Tiny Beautiful Things by Nia Vardalos (of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame), anonymous online columnist “Sugar” receives letters asking for advice, to which she responds with reflections on her own life which helps those seeking guidance (and the audience) with their own challenges. Michelle Todd is perfectly cast as Sugar (aka author Cheryl Strayed). Todd is warm and empathetic, and makes you believe that Sugar is in a good place now, but that there have been many terrible things in her life that she has overcome. The portrayal is honest, emotional when necessary, and layered with a gentle humour. The letter writers (played by the trio of Michael Peng, Brett Dahl and Sydney Williams) embody a wide variety of humans seeking advice for a wide variety of life challenges. Their portrayals are also honest and generous to each other and the audience. Peng is particularly moving as father in mourning. I was worried that a play based on letters back and forth would become a bit 'talking heads' but directors John Hudson and Lana Hughes have wisely created a world where Sugar interacts with her petitioners in conversation - they are welcome in her home (an adorable set designed by C.M. Zuby). It's dynamic and healing. 

 Tiny Beautiful Things at Shadow Theatre
Photo Credit: Marc J. Chalifoux Photography and Video

I mention that it felt a bit like therapy (in a good way) as the stories told by Sugar made me reflect on my own past and current emotional challenges. I am still thinking about some of these things several days later. With laughter, some tears, and some gentle introspection this show is one that will feed your soul. If you don't connect to all the stories, you are bound to relate to a few of them. 

Tiny Beautiful Things is presented by Shadow Theatre at the Varscona Theatre and runs until May 12th. Tickets are $25-$38 and there are Pay-What-You-Can nights. You can purchase tickets here.