Jesus, Mary, and Jo

The premise was really intriguing and I was definitely entertained throughout the show but it felt like maybe it needed a few more drafts to pull the story together. The actors were definitely giving it their all!

After being incredibly blown away by Old Man Sallow Who Lives on Crypt Rock last year, I knew this show made up of a similar cast/creative team would also be a show that I couldn't miss, and I was absolutely correct.

This production weaves comedy into absolutely devastating topics without ever detracting form the seriousness and depth of them, which is incredibly difficult to do. In particular, attempts at combining comedy with religious trauma can often come across as niche and overly specific to a particular religious group, but an incredible job has been done to keep the story accessible to audiences of all experiences while still throwing in specific references that are caught by those of us in the audience recovering from religion.

I would normally shout out particular standout performers, but each performer in this show holds their own in both comedic and dramatic moments, and additionally worked flawlessly together as an ensemble when needed.

My one critique would be that the ending, similarly to Old Man Sallow, feels like it needs a little bit of work. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, possibly that it needs to end a little bit earlier, but I think one more look at what the audience needs and what they don't need at the end of this play would just kick it up one extra notch.

Do NOT miss this show. You will not regret it.

This show was so SMART. The transitions were smart, the dialogue was smart, the writing was SO SMART. Not only was it smart, it was funny, and sometimes serious and heartbreaking. Every actor was superb, shoutout to Tori for delivering some of the most emotional and touching monologues of the century BEAUTIFULLY. Hands down my favourite show of the fringe so far. Well done

I loved this. Interesting premise and difficult themes that could have been very heavy, but the humour and the energy of the cast was a wonderful contrast. Very well done and exceeded my expectations.

this is my third year of seeing liam witte scripts at fringe and he continues to impress.

I think primadonna still remains my favourite, but this was a great showing. I thought it would be more comedic than it was, but the drama was well done and integrated well.

the acting was very strong, especially from the lead actress. whole ensemble was very good. lighting enhanced the show as well.

good show! worth seeing.

Come onnnnnnnnn two bangers in a row! I’ve talked everyone’s ear off about how much I adored Old Man Sallow last year for everything from the script to the acting to the stagecraft. I still think about that show all the time and would’ve been happy to see it again had they brought it back this year. Instead, they’ve come out with a new work that was easily a new favourite of the festival for me.

Firstly, the performances of the cast were phenomenal. There must be another sterling nomination incoming for this incredible cast. Whoever does the casting for this theatre company is killing it because they are finding outstanding young talent in this city. I was of course impressed by the two leads, who were able to nail hilarious and tragic scenes by turn. Another standout for me was the actor playing John/DJ/Wolf Blitzer who blew me away with clowning-level physical comedy and the tenderest romance scenes I’ve seen at Fringe in a long time.

Pacing was impressive. I was kind of shocked at how much they were able to fit into their 60 minute runtime. I was engaged from beginning to end because they never let a silence go too long or a scene feel repetitive.

The story was totally unpredictable in a good way. Sometimes the melodrama of the plot points and reveals stacking up was giving telenovela. They also did the thing I hate where someone narrates where characters end up, and I felt that was unnecessary given what we saw on stage. But that’s a small gripe in the face of what was overall a very impressive show.

Stagecraft was awesome. Not as prop/set heavy as Old Man Sallow, but it didn’t hurt for that. I actually prefer sparse props used creatively rather than a full setup. Creative use of a wheeled wooden frame as doorway/window/barrier. Multiple uses of pews in unusual ways. Loved the lighting and music especially on scenes with Jo and John and the comedic musical number was bombastic and completely delightful. Some of the transitions were rough visually, but others were great and all were speedy which I appreciate.

I also loved what they did with the virgin Mary character. The parallels were paralleling!!! Mary in the window, Mary as the mirror, Mary as a ghost haunting the play. UGH!! THE METAPHORS.

After two Fringes, this creative team is officially a must-see for whatever they choose to bring in the future.

this show goes from a comedic satire on modern day religion into a dramatic examination on our own morality and how we choose to apply it in our interactions with others. this show does not hesitate to put our characters in difficult situations; a teenage pregnancy, a degenerate uncle, a mourning son. we are subjected to the headspace’s of all of our characters whilst these events are in place. Jesus, Mary, and Jo dosen’t just make us feel sympathy for them; it forces us to see ourselves and reevaluate our own moral code, and how we change it when it’s more comfortable.

This was so well rehearsed and thought out. Incredible unique concept I really enjoyed this! It was funny and emotional!

Before a single word of dialogue is spoken, Jesus, Mary, and Jo captures the audience's attention by laying the foundation for the play's themes from the very beginning. As "Plastic Jesus" is sung by Mary while holding Jo in her arms, the audience is immediately introduced to the complex relationship between faith, motherhood, and the influence one person may have over another. As the story progresses, the small cast production continues to build on these themes through its dialogue and performances. What first appears to be a seemingly simple story about a mother trying to protect her daughter quickly becomes much more complicated as the audience learns more about the family's secrets that begin to come to light - but you will have to watch the show to discover them for yourself! Mary's influence over Jo becomes especially clear when she says, " I will move heaven to be a family again,". Her words reveal how deeply her fear of judgment by the people of the church shapes the choices she makes for her family. At the heart of the play is the changing relationship between Mary and Jo that becomes increasingly strained as the story unfolds. The actors bring a genuine sense of emotion to their characters, making the tension between them feel believable. When watching the show, the audience could feel the relationship being pulled apart by the secrets being unfolded with each second. The twists kept the audience on their toes, with several moments earning some gasps from the crowd. Mary's attempts to protect her idea of family, though rooted in love, start to affect Jo in many complicated ways, something both actors portray very authentically. At the same time, the play balances its more serious moments with humour, especially through Jo's boyfriend's attempt to build a career in modern Christian music, including his unexpected rap performance during the family's gathering to reveal their new miracle to the town. Overall, I would definitely recommend Jesus, Mary, and Jo to anyone looking for a play that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ending the play with "Plastic Jesus" just as it began creates a satisfying sense of closure and brings the story back to where it started, even though so much has changed in everyone's lives, especially Jo's.

The tagline for this one alone sold me on getting a ticket - I normally stay away from shows that have any religious undertones (serious or satirical), as that subject is just not my cup of tea, but the premise on this one convinced me to take a chance, and isn't that what the spirit of Fringe is all about?

All in all, this was quite enjoyable - hilarious bits (the rap break in the middle was the best, you'll know it when you see it, haha) mixed with some more serious parts (and some singing!), and there were a few plot twists I did not expect. All of the characters were well executed, with the actors playing Jo, her boyfriend (I forget his name!) and Mary the particular standouts for me. Some of the set transitions were a little clunky, but that didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the show.