Brian Gashgarian
This is for everyone who sees a group of dudes doing short form improv in jerseys and puckers up: I understand, but these guys aren't THOSE guys.
An excellent troupe that really gives the delightful feeling of a bunch of dudes who've been friends for a long time playing games together, without falling into the trap of doing anything gross or mysoginistic.
An excellent short form troupe, would absolutely watch again!
This show is incredible in how it seemlessly transitions for storytelling to song to spoken word - nothing feels tacked on, everything in the show feels incredibly well thought out.
The story itself is deeply, deeply moving, and the musical underscore helps guide us on our journey with Rose-Ingrid. I cried at the end and I strongly suspect y'all will too - bring tissues and leave lighter!
If you've seen this show, you know it's a masterful performance that manages to impart infuriating information about the ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE shit that's happening to our world while still making you laugh and wrapping up with a hopeful ending.
My question to audiences everywhere, however: would you wear the face?
It's tricky to discuss the issues that Jon raises in a way that makes you laugh, makes you think, and feels cathartic for all the dudes who were trained to feel like their feelings were wrong - while still holding us accountable... But he manages to do all three.
Jon is a master.
GO SEE IT!
Onika is an amazing actor - the play is VERY dialogue heavy, but her natural charisma and the intention and emotion she puts into her performance is mesmerizing.
GO SEE IT
Holy shit what can I even say - this troupe is one of the funniest, tightest troupes at the Festival. It might've been the tightest improv I've ever seen.
I have seen some very technical improv in my life, but rarely have I seen a group perform at such a high level while totally preserving an obvious sense of fun and joy throughout the process.
GO SEE IT
I could say a million things that I like about this show - the poetry, pacing, and performance are all excellent - but was resonated with me was the portrayal of a strong but non toxic masculinity; a man who saw where he came from and learned from it, becoming better in the process.
GO SEE IT
There is so much information (often horrifying) in this show, it's mind boggling. We often chuckle about certain things being cult -y, and this show does a good job of showing the audience the connection with the Maga dumbasses without stating it point blank.
At this point, we all know maga is a cult and Commander Cheetoh is the leader - this show does a great job of explaining just how much worse things can (and unfortunately, likely will) get - while still keeping the asides light-hearted so you can still leave with a smile on your face!
The absolute perfect mix of stand-up, crowd work, and beautiful vulnerability. Kristen is so engaging and hilarious you can't take your eyes off stage for the entire hour - which flies by, wrapping up with a very very relatable monologue.
GO SEE IT
Ps: I'm not from the Edmonton Journal but... BRAVERY.
Another excellent show from Adam Bailey - seemless transitions from philosophy, personal anecdotes, and science all delivered with excellent charisma that keeps you engaged the whole time.
GO SEE IT