Scamway 2025

The singing was fantastic, and the production quality overall was well beyond what you typically expect from a Fringe production! The premise was great - following two friends as they fall into very different scams that mirror each other in many ways was a great way to tell this story; it created some natural tension as they ran into the age-old problem of trying to recruit someone to an MLM when they've already got their own thing to try and recruit you into.

However, as much as I liked everything about the show, there was just something missing to propel it to "must-see" for me. Maybe it was something about the music that could have been polished - none of the songs were really catchy enough to get stuck in my head. Or maybe it was the lack of a revelation, no matter how minor. The story kind of happened and ended, but perhaps almost felt like it could have been a part 1 of 2 sort of thing?

Whatever was lacking for me aside, I think this is definitely worth checking out if the premise interests you and you've got some free time!

Funny, deep, moving. Loved it and the message about toxic positivity being pushed on women. Fantastic score, acting and writing. Go see!!

Great grasp of what they throw at you at MLM’s. Songs are clever and did a lot with a small space.

Firstly: as an Indigenous theatregoer, I can really appreciate when producers include a personalized (and thorough) land acknowledgement before their shows rather than using the weak recordings supplied by the festival. Props to Cathexis for giving us space and for including a well-considered acknowledgement that doesn’t dance around the issues that it is intended to address.

This company has found a niche satirical voice in their productions over the years, and their shows often comment on the dark societal forces that gleefully plaster an attractive veneer over the destructive hunger that sits in our cultural underbelly. If you are a fan of Cathexis Theatre’s colourful (and treacherous) musical worlds, Scamway will definitely serve you another satisfying adventure where a good-hearted, headstrong person get seduced by the worst of us.

Sensory-wise though, I admittedly experienced a few difficulties watching this show. I sat in the audience and was trying to discern what the voices in pre-show sound design were saying. The Playhouse is a very intimate venue, and with a nearly full house chatting away, I was frustrated that there were too many conversations happening that I couldn’t enjoy the nuances and content of that dialogue.

Also, because the stage is rather narrow, it is nearly impossible to light only a small section. Thus, scene changes felt fully lit and it was a little hairy when scenes started in the foreground before strike fully completed in the background. With an ADHD brain, I really struggled to focus my attention need the help of the director to draw my eye to what is important. A little more care with staging transitions might’ve helped that.

Really great show. Amazing talent from the whole cast - great choreography, songs, voices. Loved the whole thing, especially the chaos at the end!’ Go see it!

My cheeks still hurt it was so funny. They group was incredible, true chemistry, and an amazing performance.

Thoroughly enjoyed this creative and catchy musical. Great performances and overall quite funny (a dark humour at times). First Fringe show I've wanted to see again!

This is a fun show for a good laugh with friends. It was darker than I expected, especially the end which really revelled in the dark humour. Beyond just critiquing MLMs and cults, this show has a lot to say about toxic positivity and hustle culture as a whole. I do think this has too many songs, as I felt a few of them were not very well written with amateurish lyrics and didn't really need to be there, which dragged the show down a bit. At the same time, there were some bangers- my favourite being when two friends try to recruit one another to their respective scams. The opening number was also awesome. Editing down the songs would have allowed these stronger numbers to really shine, and elevate this script from good to great. That said, the group I went with all thoroughly enjoyed it and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Scamway was a high-energy production filled with standout performances and impressive technical skills. From the very first number, the show had a lot of different choreography, which was not only well-crafted but also perfectly in sync with both the music and the story of the play. The precision and creativity of the dance sequences kept the audience engaged and gave the production a polished, professional feel. One of the most striking elements of the show was its seamlessness. Quick costume changes, some of them happening right on stage, were pulled off effortlessly, adding to the sense of display without ever slowing down the pace. Scene transitions were equally smooth, helped by thoughtful lighting design that guided the audience’s focus and helped the story flow naturally from moment to moment. Among the cast, Julie Koebel, who played Nancy, gave a particularly memorable performance. Their powerful voice carried through the theater, and in their solos, they not only impressed with vocal strength but also conveyed deep emotion, capturing the heart of Nancy’s journey in every note. Koebel’s ability to pair vocal technique with emotional degree made their moments on stage especially moving. Chloe Brinco also stood out for her flexibility, taking on multiple roles throughout the show. Despite the challenge of switching characters, she consistently filled her performances with humor, ensuring the audience had moments of laughter woven into the more serious storylines. Her comedic timing provided a delightful balance to the production. Overall, Scamway was a dynamic performance that combined sharp choreography, fluid staging, and strong individual performances into a truly enjoyable theatrical experience.

Important message for the times we are in. The music was captivating. The stage performance was spot on with a mix of dialog and beautiful voices. A must see.

A show that highlights the positive mentality and underside beneath it that is pushed through multi level marketing scams. Some funny moments but also some songs that came out of nowhere and didn’t fit in my opinion. The acting was good with characters well developed. If you have had a family member get involved in an mlm (like me) then you might relate and also cringe at this show. If you have been a part of an mlm, go watch this to relive your trauma and also laugh at your past self while being proud of getting out of it!

Very entertaining and a strong message, loved it!

It was very fun, I want to cult-max with my friends now