In My Room

The more plays you see in Edmonton, the more you start to recognize certain performers and seek out their work. Eli and Rain greatly impressed me with their performance last year in Victor and Victoria’s Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things, so I was keen to see this play, my first time experiencing their playwriting.

The great strength of this show is in its performances. Eli and Rain show off their comedy range, slipping physical jokes into the spaces between lines. So many delightful little gags and bits in here, along with charming prop usage.

I was also happy to see live accompaniment. It not only brought the musical numbers to life, but added comedic value with the pianist getting to do her own bits. There was a rather heavy-handed, thesis statement moment in the show that was made less grating by the pianist’s music and comedic support.

The pace slowed down in the second half with some of the musical numbers feeling a bit sleepy. However, the final song was a heartwarming choice sung beautifully by Rain in particular.

I almost wanted this show to be longer, if only to explore the message a bit more in depth. It felt a bit skimmed over because so much time had been spent introducing us to these characters. I ageeed with the general theme, but it didn’t get mined enough to resonate with me.

Under the duvet, away from the big bad world there's a microphone: an eccentric charmer of a little musical by two of this town's hottest young triple-threats.... read the 12thnight review

It’s a cold, hard world out there, with calamities aplenty, so you’d be forgiven for not wanting to get out of bed.

Would you be so wrapped up in all of this that you’d refuse to leave for three weeks?

This is where we find the heroes of In My Room, playing at The Grindstone. Eli Yaschuk and Rain Matkin play Eli and Rain, respectively (conveniently). Rain is Eli’s personal assistant and is trying to lift his spirits on his three week-iversary of being so beaten down by the ills of the world that he can’t get out of bed. Not even the chance to meet a couple of Fringe celebrities will do it.

A cute show from a cute pair. See it! Here's my full review.

https://lucyhainesca.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/fringe-review-in-my-room/

nothing not to love here!

The only audience participation that I am happy to be a part of. The intimacy of this show is rare and it creates such a wonderful atmosphere for a deeply funny, entertaining, and heartfelt production. Also, incredible singing and piano playing! Bravo to all!

Perfect show to see at midnight! I didn't stop laughing for the first 30 minutes!! Cozy and charming, FUNNY, with great music. Rain + Eli are both so talented, funny, and engaging, and Elaine adds a lot as pianist extraordinaire. Loved! 🥰🥰

What a beautiful show! I laughed and teared up, and had a wonderful time. Rain and Eli have fantastic chemistry, and Elaine was hilarious and a beast on piano

A Room I Never Wanted To Leave

In My Room is a comedic musical that follows a day in the life of Eli Yaschuk, who has been confined by choice to his bed for three weeks. He is accompanied by his personal assistant Rain Matkin, and first aid certified pianist, Elaine Dunbar, who are determined to convince Eli to leave his room. This incredible show included special theatrical elements such as a singing sock puppet, two dancing nuns, and a personalized scrapbook.

Matkin and Yaschuk provided original, quirky characters that were very easy to fall in love with. Their amazing chemistry throughout their acting and singing did not go unnoticed. They provided beautifully choreographed musical numbers, amazing scrapbooks, and hilarious jokes. Even when they weren’t talking or singing, the two were always putting on a show with their movements, and facial expressions. The musical stylings of Yaschuk and Matkin were accompanied by talented Dunbar. Dunbar not only played the piano skillfully, but also provided meaningful facial acting, although she did not have many lines you could always tell what her character was thinking, and how much passion she had for what she was doing.

The trio worked together to create an interactive theatre experience by breaking the fourth wall, and letting the audience be a part of the wonderful life of Eli. The audience was able to participate in the three week anniversary party, and understand just what Matkin gets to experience as Yaschuk’s personal assistant.

In My Room was a surprisingly sentimental show that provided the audience with lots of laughs. If you love musicals, comedy, and close acting dynamics this is the show for you. The three did an astounding performance, their campy show is one of the best performances I have seen at the Fringe.