Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar

This show was hilarious, although I am not quite sure that it needed to be a musical. None of the songs were particularily memorible nor did they drive the story or characters forward. They just seemed to be there for the sake of being there and I'd say the actor playing Pearl had the strongest voice while the others somewhat struggled to keep up with her. But overall it was funny experience, especially the long armed man. Very fringe.

This show was a great time. Just when I thought it was at its peak insanity, it breaks through the ceiling of silly and floored me with its finale.

Excellent performances all around, in particular Ethan Lang’s Cam. Every time he was on stage I perked up.

If you’re into goofy good times, you have to check this one out!

I absolutely loved Sam’s Clam and Oyster Bar at Fringe and I do not think I have laughed this hard for that long in ages. From the very first moments the show leaned into its own absurdity with gusto. Pirates lost at sea, a grandfather’s sudden death, and a clam and oyster bar that becomes the stage for all kinds of chaos.

The cast is wildly fun to watch, especially the long armed man who had everyone in tears from laughter. The comedy is ridiculous in the best way, and the music, while hilarious, is also genuinely wonderful to listen to.

Somewhere between a nautical fever dream and a lewd campfire tale, this is a show that never stops throwing curveballs.

If you can snag tickets this one is absolutely worth the watch.

I saw Sam’s Clam on opening night and I have thought about it everyday since. The show had me laughing from beginning to end, and I was blown away by the talent on that stage! Every single performer was connected and passionate. The chemistry between everyone was palpable!! The comedic timing was Impeccable and the singing was phenomenal. Shout out to the cast and crew for all their hard work!

Seriously silly show! So many talented artists all in one place, the whole cast had a great relationship with the audience. The jokes landed (Yes, especially THAT one...) and the physical comedy made me tear up.

The story felt full and like it ended at the right time, the music was great to help move it along. The stage combat was killer...

Make sure you get there early to get good seats!

This show made me eat my words (with a side of clams).

I didn't love this troupe's production last year of their original hot dog eating contest show (despite having a synopsis that seemed tailored perfectly for me).

So when I saw this show, again with a title and a synopsis that seemed PERFECT for me, I dismissed it and didn't buy a ticket.

But then I caved –– and gave it a shot.

I don't usually audibly laugh in shows, but without exaggeration I was laughing most of this show. At some points, literal tears.

Without spoilers, I think the "long arms" bit is the funniest bit I can recall at ANY Fringe I've been to.

The show doesn't come close to taking itself seriously, but what really impressed me was that (with a couple notable exceptions) they never go for the low, "easy" joke. I was consistently surprised as the plot and scenes went in directions I never could have expected.

Unfortunately, and I say this as an absolute lover of musicals and musical comedy, I think the attempts to force a musical format might be holding this team back. Some songs felt a bit forgettable and their inclusion halted otherwise exceptionally funny and escalating bits.

(Some were bangers though, so maybe the music just needs a few more rounds of revision)

But with their showing this year, they've ensured that I'll be buying my tickets for any show they produce next year early.

I had the privilege of seeing their opening night show -- Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar is a perfect late-night fringe pick for you and ten of your most intoxicated friends (grab a drink at the Grindstone beforehand!). Though more concerned with getting laughs than with presenting a water-tight plot, the laughs are darn good laughs.

Raunchy. Campy. Silly.

Standout performance: Sam Daly is excellent as the mysterious clam salesman.

A fantastic follow-up to the indescribable experience that was last year's Soup and Hogan's 16th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. While not quite as original or cohesive as last year, this show is truly hilarious and packed full of jokes, goofs, and gags that will leave you laughing no matter what. Ali Foster-Balloun's physical comedy and timing is a major stand-out in this show, worthy of its own shout-out. The music has also taken a big step up since last year and the cast sings it extremely well.

They are somewhat limited by their venue. The large cast seems cramped on such a small stage, and the sightlines aren't great unless you're in the very center of the front row.

Top Bunk is steadily rising in terms of comedy and musical theatre in Edmonton, and I'm extremely excited to see how they evolve

So basically I'm allergic to going home before 10 during Fringe which is why I added this show. I thought the hot dog eating contest musical last year was fine and this was similar. Lots of creative, silly, campy gags. Fantastic vocals from the actor who played Pearl, and shockingly off-key vocals from the actor for Sam. I don't think that was a bit, because he was off-key even in earnest songs with other actors singing perfectly. Maybe he was sick.

I wish they were on a bigger stage because I genuinely feared for the ensemble's safety as they danced in such a cramped space. They truly have a joke every 3 seconds so at least something will hit for everyone in your group.

A Shucking Fantastic Show

This show is incredibly surreal in all the most satisfying ways. From near-Seussian rhymes to superb puns, Sam’s Clam and Oyster Bar by Ethan Lang and Sam Daly is most definitely a uniquely distinct show. Set in the not-so-quaint, landlocked town of Salmon Idaho, an inexperienced Sam Trout, played by Nico Maiorana, is tasked to carry on his family’s legacy of, well, clam and oyster sale after his grandfather’s death. Alongside Pearl-- played by Sarah Kyle-- the bartender of his family’s bar, Sam faces debt, slimy business men, and the looming threat of a sea god out for revenge all while still trying to come into his own as a clam-and-oyster salesman. I absolutely loved the dynamic Sam had with the rest of the cast, acting as a straight man in a world dictated by comedy. In addition to the stellar compositions by Sam Daly, this show truly showcases the kind of passion and talent that is so latent in our great city. If you’re looking for unending laughter and a completely new experience, I would highly recommend Sam’s Clam and Oyster Bar as the show to see.

What do you get when you mix genuinely incredible musical know-how with all the antics of the best SNL sketches? You get this wacky-ass show about clams, the dream of escaping a dead-end town, prophecy, and possible intimate relationships with seafood.

It's weird, and dumb, and funny. I loved seeing this cast give their all. And there is some inspired staging decisions and design.