Devanand Janki

Just saw an afternoon matinee of this odd little new play, and wow — definitely not for everyone… but I was completely drawn in. The writing is sharp, smart, and strangely addictive. Phoenix McLeod is an emerging talent to keep your eye on — really excellent work. And Madeline Podlubny as the lead? Absolutely charming and charismatic… the kind of actor you just want to root for (well, despite the whole serial killer thing). It’s the kind of play you want to turn away from, but you can’t stop watching — like all the horror shows it winks at. Creepy, funny, uncomfortable, and oddly moving all at once. A wonderful first outing for a new play. Can’t wait to see how it develops further. Also — huge congrats to designer Annika Schultz for creating: The most gruesome miniature dollhouse I’ve ever seen. Dressing “Doll” in the perfect balance of serial-killer chic. A Doll’s House (No Relation) is a bold and fascinating start — and I’m glad I caught it.

This afternoon I had the joy of seeing my old friend — and fellow Asian Broadway baby — Kiki Moritsugu at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. We’ve known each other for literally four decades, and to witness this next chapter of her artistry moved me more than I can say. As Asian kids growing up in the theatre, we were always on the outside looking in, fighting to claim space in an art form that didn’t always feel like ours. And yet here we are — still here, still standing, still telling our stories. A Woman Is… is funny, raw, tender, and deeply human. It is a piece of history and a love letter to the theatre itself. Kiki takes us through the highs and lows of a life onstage — the glamour and the heartbreak, the laughter and the trauma, the resilience and the joy. It’s part Gypsy, part Stage Door, part A Chorus Line, with shades of Terms of Endearment — but it is also entirely her. Classic and old-school, yet modern and grounded. A beautiful, honest performance, full of tradition and love. What shines most is her humour and her heart. She reminds us what it truly means to be an artist: once it’s in you, it never lets you go. The spotlight can break you, but it can also keep you alive. For me, as an artist of color, this show felt like legacy. Kiki’s story is uniquely her own, yet universal in every way. Every theatre lover should see it. Every artist will recognize themselves in it. And everyone will leave empowered by the reminder that our lives, our families, our art — all of it — is worth celebrating. Kiki, my friend, you are radiant. Thank you for this gift. 🎭 Go see A Woman Is…!

Alice by Heart
 - Satco’s (Scona Alumni Theatre Co.) recent summer production at the Edmonton Fringe? A complete dreamscape. Picture this: a London Underground bunker during the Blitz, a dusty old book, a teetering line between reality and fantasy—and you’ve barely scratched the surface. Directed by the ever-inventive Linette J. Smith, this show is no mean feat—and isn’t that just the point? It’s a high-wire act of imagination, physical storytelling, and emotional honesty. And somehow, SATCo. pulls it off with flying colors! They’ve taken material that isn’t the easiest to stage and transformed it into something quirky, funny, deeply moving, and entirely cohesive as an ensemble — even though each performer shines as an individual. I'm practically biased—I know this world. But as an objective observer (wink)—you must see it if you can find a ticket. The vocal harmony is next-level, thanks to an extraordinary musical director and a tiny band that packs a big punch. And the design? Pure imaginative brilliance on a limited budget. Little magical moments everywhere. “We're all mad here,” said the Cheshire Cat—but you’ll feel beautifully sane by the end. This one’s not just theatre; it’s a portal. “Curiouser and curiouser,” indeed.