Belinda Sutton
⭐☆☆☆☆
Unfortunately, NOSTOS was not for me.
The biggest issue was that I never felt there was a compelling plot (or any plot at all) to carry the audience through the performance. Instead, the production came across primarily as a vehicle for expressing the playwright's views on Iran's Islamic government. Regardless of where audience members stand on the issues, I found the show felt more like an extended lecture than a dramatic work, and I struggled to stay engaged.
I also found parts of the dialogue unnecessarily coarse and vulgar, which further detracted from the experience for me.
There were, however, a few elements I genuinely appreciated. The use of the shoes as props was striking and memorable. I interpreted them as representing the many lives lost under the Iranian regime, and they created one of the production's strongest visual images.
The other standout was the pair of dog characters. They brought much-needed life and originality to the show, and the performer portraying the male dog gave an especially remarkable performance. Their physicality and character work were exceptional and, for me, the highlight of the production.
Overall, though, I found NOSTOS disappointing. I was hoping for a compelling theatrical story but instead experienced a production that I felt prioritized its message over dramatic storytelling. Other people may connect with it more than I did, but it simply wasn't a show I enjoyed.
War Dog was one of the biggest surprises of my Toronto Fringe Festival.
To be honest, I wasn't particularly looking forward to seeing it. I added it to my schedule only because a friend thought we should see it. Based on the title, I assumed it would be about war. I couldn't have been more wrong — and I'm so glad I was.
Rather than focusing on combat, War Dog tells the deeply personal story of performer Mike D. Smith's life as the child of a military family. Growing up on army bases, he recounts the moves, the challenge of leaving friends behind, and the lasting impact those experiences had on him. He also shares stories of his life as an adult, including a period of brief homelessness until he got on his feet, and of the beloved dog that played such an important role in his childhood.
Mike D. Smith is a gifted storyteller. With warmth, honesty, humour and vulnerability, he draws the audience into his world and keeps us there from beginning to end. One moment you're laughing out loud; the next you're deeply moved by the emotion and sincerity of his stories.
I was completely unprepared for how much I would enjoy this show. It culminates in a hilarious and wonderfully uplifting ending that sends the audience out with smiles on their faces.
War Dog is heartfelt, funny and beautifully told. If you enjoy exceptional storytelling, don't miss this hidden gem. It is absolutely worth seeing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I Belong Here is absolutely SENSATIONAL!
Lily Librach delivers a mesmerizing performance that is, without question, the finest I've ever seen at the Toronto Fringe Festival, this year or any year previous. Her voice is extraordinary — rich, powerful, and filled with emotion. As she effortlessly moves through a wonderful selection of songs, interwoven with heartfelt stories from her own life, she creates an intimate and unforgettable theatrical experience.
Her repertoire includes Broadway favourites, including music from The Phantom of the Opera. I literally had goosebumps listening to her sing. Every note is beautifully delivered, and her stage presence completely captivates the audience.
This performance is far beyond what anyone expects from a Fringe production. It has the polish, artistry, professionalism and vocal excellence of a concert you would expect to experience at Massey Hall or Carnegie Hall. Lily Librach possesses the talent and charisma of a Broadway star.
Still only in her twenties, she has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. I have no doubt we'll be seeing her on much bigger stages in the years to come.
If you have the chance to see I Belong Here, don't miss it. It's an unforgettable experience of music and storytelling. I am hoping to find a spot in my busy Fringe schedule of almost 40 shows to see it again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CUSP is, so far, my #1 pick of the Toronto Fringe Festival!
I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, but I came away absolutely loving this production. The writing is intelligent and engaging, the staging is inventive and the performances are excellent. In fact, the overall quality is so good that I almost felt like I was watching a production that could have come from a great smaller theatre company like Crow's Theatre.
One of my favourite moments comes at the beginning. The characters introduce things about themselves while playing cards in a wonderfully original and creative sequence that immediately draws the audience into their world. It is unlike anything I've seen before and sets the tone for the rest of the play.
My only criticism is that I wanted more. At just about an hour, the Fringe format doesn't give the story enough room to fully expand its wings. The richness of the characters and their relationships deserves a longer script, and the ending arrives rather abruptly, leaving me wanting a more fully realized conclusion.
That said, this is a great piece of theatre with tremendous potential. I sincerely hope the creators continue to develop it beyond Fringe. With an expanded script and a more fulsome ending, I believe CUSP has all the ingredients to become a professional production.
Don't miss this one. It is thoughtful, beautifully crafted and well performed. For me, CUSP is a standout production at this year's Toronto Fringe Festival.