what the hell was that!?
From a Canada’s Got Talent semi-finalist comes a dark and absurd musical cabaret that spirals from beauty into chaos. Funny, unsettling, and impossible to predict, this theatrical fever dream explores music, ego, love, spirit, and capitalism with cheeky humour and a touch of madness.
At the end of the show I left repeating the title over in my head, "What the hell was that?" I am not sure I have an answer but I am not sure that matters. This is a very over the top frantic comedy and not my usual style of show but somehow it still worked and I had a most enjoyable hour when I just sat back and let it the experience happen (this is not a bad thing, I feel the same way about Shakespeare). The musical talent was extraordinary, and the commentary on AI in music silly and funny and tragic all at the same time, I will watch for these folks future endeavors and be sure to see them.
A Concert That Makes You Question Music Itself
Is music storytelling, poetry, art, something in between? “what the hell was that?!”, a sonic spectacle by Laren Steppler, will have you questioning and redefining what music means to you. There is so much talent outpouring in this show; from Steppler’s operatic vocal range, to Yvonne Boon and Aaron Addorsissio’s wonderful instrumental performances. Additionally, our lead’s unusual charisma is enchanting, with their awkward pauses and cartoonishly goofy antics bringing smiles to their audience.
The program, at least the first half, is a compelling amalgamation of vastly different genres and includes some original songs! From a call-and-response blues ballad about avocado, to a bizarre german song, there’s truly a variety for everyone. Once the show shifted into its anti-AI satirical commentary, everything came into place. The way the message about AI is presented feels intentionally on-the-nose and powerfully stern; pushing forth the need for genuinity, and originality in music. All in all, this show might leave you wondering “what the hell was that?!” as you walk out to a bizarre cover of a Beatles song that won’t be spoiled, but you’ll have a better understanding for why AI must be stopped in the music industry. It’s simply an engaging, wild ride through music’s most crucial purpose: expression.Silly, chaotic and a little bit naughty. With the help of Aaron and Yvonne, Laren Steppler Tenor takes the audience on a thought-provoking musical journey. If you like music, this show is for you, and if you don’t like music, this show is definitely for you! Hold on tight, or you might miss what the hell that was…
Title checks out. This was my second very weird show of the day. After a while of awkwardly funny but fairly conventional bits, it went off the rails into reflections on music and AI. The three performers in this show are very talented musicians. Feels somewhat long because of the repetition of the bits. But great if you love to see talented people sing and play instruments.
So, fun fact, I've already seen this show. But there were some changes from when i saw it last. It's very silly, fun, and audience participation is encouraged throughout multiple spots. It's a good use of your hour
A cacophony of chaos, in the best way possible. Laren and his beautiful accompanists (Aaron and Yvonne) take music to a new level, and try to define what, exactly, IS music...What The Hell Was That? You'll never forget the pink dress, or the Avocado. And you will remember the questions posed as you are taken on a musical journey of discovery. What The Hell Was That has matured over the years, and will still leave you laughing out loud, scratching your head, and perhaps even thinking somewhat deeply about what society considers artistic musical presentation to be, especially into the future. Definitely 5*. (From a proud father)
This is hard to answer the question what the hell was that. It was a wild ride, and the perfect end of a very long fringe day. We laughed so hard through the show. Laren Yvonne and Aaron are all beautiful musicians, which is highlighted throughout Laren's antics. It explores different music styles, some beautiful, some not so much, but begs the question, what is music?
what the hell was that? features a talented musical cast with Laren's powerful vocals, Yvonne's fantastic piano, and Aaron's steady percussion as a foundation of the show. Coupled with fun theatrics, the bizarre and strange, and chaos - lots of chaos - with metaphors, what the hell was that certainly lives up to it's name and more.
If you're looking for a crazy good and confusing time, what the hell was that is the show for you!
Highly recommended! 5/5