APPLES! as told by an expert

I’m a little biased perhaps because August is such a sincere and kind person whom I like very much.

As far as this show goes, I’m not sure if I “get it” or I “don’t get it” - and I kinda don’t mind?

It feels charming, intimate in ways, but I am genuinely sort of left wondering “huh?” at the end. Maaaaybe that’s the point?

As audience, it feels rather like we flip between a conversation between friends and a Truman Show style “are we watching a Show or seeing a show?” kind of dynamic.

I can understand the critiques of the marketing. It reads more like “we’re about to see a show about someone sharing their special interest” but what we got is sort of societal critique on truth, lies, meets autobiographical content around personal experience, growing up… and more.

All in all, I had a good experience. The Apple from the Bible is an excellent addition, and I think this show has great potential with a little finessing in the way it’s marketed.

This was such a beautiful story. I loved how August took the audience on a journey not just through their love for apples, but also about events in their life.

As an actor and artist myself, some of the stories August told really resinated with me and my own journey in the arts.

Great story telling, hilarious jokes, and an apple cameo that had me smiling the whole time.

This was such a unique show! I laughed but it was also very thought provoking. I love a good comedy / drama mix, and this was it. Expect the unexpected!

A lovely work from August Van Meekeren that makes great use of their strengths as a performer and storyteller. Their interplay with Pasha Ebrahimi as The Apple from the Bible is lots of fun and gives a compelling core focus (pun intended) to this series of stories

Next I saw August Van Meekeren’s show Apples: As Told By An Expert. August Van Meekeren is really exploring a concept in this show instead of purely constructing a narrative or doing a stand up routine. They are playing with the concept of truth and fiction as it relates both to autobiographical storytelling and also standup. How much do performers take liberties with the truth from their lives and shape it, exaggerate it, change it all together, and at any point do they owe the audience a disclaimer? Van Meekeren is also touching on an underlying theme of at what point do you decide that your real life isn’t interesting enough, isn’t funny enough, that you need to dramatically change it in order to make it more palatable for an audience? And what effect does that have on someone’s own self esteem?

The challenge in Apples is that much of it is designed on purpose to be awkward, as we see Van Meekeren judging their own material as not being funny or sharp or insightful enough, especially for stand up, and pivoting instead to telling these three very engaging stories that also aren’t necessarily meant to be hilarious, but that have compelling narrative arcs, and are harrowing and disturbing at times, and none of which have anything to do with apples- which they are shamed for by a secondary character. If the audience is hooked into the conceit, there’s a great bait and switch moment near the end of the show that works well, and Van Meekeren has really accomplished, I think, what they set out to do- I just wonder if you don’t get the conceit of the piece it might be a little bit confusing. Click the link for full review!

The description for this show had me excited: "Do you have a favourite apple? Do you like apples? Do you appreciate your local food growers? Join Comedian and Apple Expert August Van Meekeren in this comedy show all about Nova Scotia’s Apples through childhood stories, jokes, and insights into the farmer-turned-actor life"

Note the "all about Nova Scotia's Apples" part. There was *maybe 8 minutes of apple related content, which is what I was there for and the rest had absolutely nothing to do with this description. Very disappointing as it could have gone in so many fun ways with different apple puns, other famous apples in pop culture in addition to the one that was shown. Gave it 1 star because I got to try a new apple at the end.

I greatly enjoyed the style of this show. The banter between August and the other character was fun to watch, and was a nice contrast to the personal moments August shared. Amazing storytelling, would definitely recommend.

I loved learning about apples and about August! Two great performers and some sweet stories - lies, truths, and apple facts abound! Check it out!

My favourite part of the show was when the person in front of me took out her phone to open up the review page and read the reviews of the show as he was actively performing.

She was probably asking herself what I was asking myself in this moment - isn’t this supposed to be a show about apples?

If you came to see a show about an expert talking about apples (as advertised) this may not be the show for you.

However, if you want to see a meta experimental art piece that will subvert your expectations you may love this.

I really enjoyed the moments when August was just honest and sincere with his stories , I just wish the whole show was like this.

Several charming, funny anecdotes interspersed with interesting apple trivia, told by a truly gifted performer. Intimate, touching, and surprising - this show will keep you guessing til the end.

August is a brilliant storyteller who brings their life experience into a really intimate and funny show. At the same time, they also explore the line between standup and a comedy show in a really interesting way that stays with you after the show. You also could get a free apple, which is a huge bonus!

I haven’t seen this show yet, but if I know August (and I sort of do), this show is probably great!

New iconic duo: August and the apple from the Bible. Both are incredibly funny and engaging the whole way through!!!