Aliya Kanani: Drink, Pray, Love (Redesigned)

August 21st, 2025

Where the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks do I even START. I don’t even know how this artist managed to pull it off, but she tackled everything from weird butt stuff (please don’t ask me-okay, maybe ask me a little bit😳) to world peace. ☮️

Aliya took those gross things we don’t want to talk about, the things we pretend, and had us gently confront it in the mirror. I think some of us needed alcohol to get through that, so sipping margaritas at the Spotlight Cabaret helped. 🤩 I didn’t drink that night, but she stole someone’s beverage and claimed she discovered it to illustrate the impact of Colonialism. 👏🏼 #ShotsFired

She made me laugh my head off, and gave a clear, no holds barred exposé of how we have all moved through the world without a hint of obnoxious preachiness.

I was chosen as an object lesson.-W/ chart paper, markers, it was a whole entire thing and I was THERE for it. She pointed out that although our economic status, gender, sexual preference, orientation and age were the same/similar, the world typically only notes our differences —our ethnicities and faith backgrounds. I found that to be more comforting than one could possibly know. I feel very isolated from others right now, and she reminded me that we are all connected.

I understand I’m waffling here, but this show really got me thinking. All the best Fringe shows do.

Especially the bravery of doing a one-person show. That is NOT an easy thing to do. It’s an extremely intimate experience to be so vulnerable with your audience, because you don’t know how they are going to respond. Comedians are magic-makers, and no one is going to convince me otherwise.

To quote Disney: “I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob.”

UnclenchYourself IfYouKnowYouKnow

Aliya Kanani: Drink, Pray, Love – A Stand-Up Journey That Misses the Mark Aliya Kanani’s stand-up show, Drink, Pray, Love, takes audiences through her personal experiences at an ashram in India, exploring themes of meditation, fasting, yoga, and Ayurvedic healing. Delivered with a mischievous charm and an engaging stage presence, Kanani has a knack for storytelling. However, the material itself struggled to land. While the premise held promise, the show lacked the punchlines and memorable moments that define truly great comedy. Attempts to explore deeper themes—such as what connects and divides us—shifted the tone toward the serious, leaving little room for laughter. The balance between introspection and humour felt uneven, and the audience’s need for levity went largely unmet. In the end, Drink, Pray, Love may resonate with those seeking reflection more than comedy. If you're looking for a night of hearty laughs, you might want to consider other options.

If you're looking for a show that's a comedy AND a heartfelt therapy session than look no further; Aliya Kanani's "Drink, Pray, Love ( Redesigned) has got you covered. This isn't just any stand-up routine; it’s a journey through the complexities of modern life with a flare of adult humor!

Although the show is non-stop laughs, there is depth. Aliya seamlessly weaves life lessons through her show that urg us to look beyond society's noise and to focus on the thread that binds us together.

So if you are in the need of a night to ponder on what binds and divides us but also leaves you giggling. Grab a drink, lean back and let Aliya take you on a rollercoaster of her own personal stories that'll leave you smiling even after the last punchline.