Riana Layug
Plan V, More Like “I Plan To See It Again”
I would definitely be attending all of the next Plan V meetings because I could safely say that I was a whole different person before seeing this show. I laughed so hard, felt a wave of revolutionary energy, and felt sad at some point.
Eleanor O’Brien wowed the crowd with her amazing use of accents and impersonations (not to spoil anything, but she played more than one character, and I couldn’t tell until after!). Plan V is a very interesting and bizarre way of executing theatre as it talks about prominent issues that surround sexual-related discourse and empowering men and women while still being hilarious, as it is set in 2035 (when fascism has taken over the world) as a top secret seminar meeting.
Definitely, I could say that this show is truly Fringe-coded. If you want to be part of a revolution, definitely rush to see this show as it is showing at venue 34: The Faculty Events Centre until August 24th. “Pussy power activate!”
Crying: Did I Laugh Too Hard or Did It Hit Too Close To Home?
Inherently Disordered is on a whole other level of stand-up comedy because I did not know what I was crying about; was it because I laughed too hard or because the entire show was hitting too close to home?
With a bunch of mindblowing vocal and physical impersonations, Aldrick Dugarte gave life to different characters that became a part of his journey about faith, catholicism, being an immigrant, politics, and being a member of the LGBT community. Now, before you think that this is a heavy and emotional show, it is not! Dugarte tackles prominent world issues while applying wit and humor, which is an incredible way of delivering important issues to the audience without making it seem too heavy. Moreover, the entire show was visually pleasing as they made smart and engaging technical choices that could not have been done in a better way!
If you’re looking for a stand-up comedy that feels like a warm bowl of chicken soup, this will be your perfect fix as it tackles relevant and crucial issues about the world while also being filled with hilarity. This show runs until August 23rd over et venue 7: Chianti Yardbird Suite.
Ten Points: Edmonton’s Very Own Game Show
If the actors’ secret task was to make everyone laugh during the entire show, then I would give them 10 points each because they had me gasping for air the entire time!
Upon entering the venue, I did not know what to expect, which is why I was surprised when I figured out that it was a game show-like setup. The actors who played the contestants were really hilarious as they exhibited a great execution of physical comedy and a variety of facial expressions throughout the entire show that you would commonly see in TV game shows. It is also very notable how both the hosts and contestants were convicted and consistent with the game show theme—I almost believed that I was an audience member in a game show! Bravo!
Edmontask is indeed hilarious and, in a way, participative as it lets the audience feel as though they are an audience in a game show. If you would like to feel nervous and be a part of a hilarious game show, Edmontask is definitely a great match for you as it runs until August 23rd at venue 15: Auditorium at Campus Saint-Jean.
Waves of Life
The only actual sin one can ever have is probably not seeing this performance as soon as they can.
As I entered the venue, I did not know what to expect from the performance, as it was different from all the other shows I had seen thus far. In full honesty, I could say that I had goosebumps throughout C.E. Hoffman’s performance because of her careful and unbelievable articulation of feelings that are difficult to navigate and areas that are difficult to venture into. Indeed, I can say that this show has hit close to home as it tackles significant life obstacles.
If you wish to see a performance that is realistic and Lady Bird-coded, this show is your best match. Come see it as it runs until August 24th at venue 7: Chianti Yardbird Suite
Order In The Court…of Hilarity
If I have to join a cult in order to see this show again, I would!
Walking into the venue, having no clue about what the show would be about, I was shocked because of how hilarious, informative, and entertaining this show was. It was like watching a parody or a reimagined version of Pemberton Billing’s trial that happened way back. An applause to the actors for their consistent use of accent and amazing diction throughout the entire play. Moreover, it is also commendable that they had the audience participate in “boo” -ing and cheering during the right moments—I felt like I was at the actual trial!
As someone who has never been to a trial before, this play has definitely given me the feel of watching one in real life. If you’re ready to “boo,” cheer, and clap, definitely come and see this show as it runs until August 24th at Venue 21: The Sanctuary Stage.
Big Stupid Bladder Leakage
Warning: seeing this show made me experience a side effect, a sore bladder, all because I was laughing so hard throughout the entire duration of it!
With an improv box, eight actors who are laughing machines, and a vibrant crowd, an improv game of “Old Scene, New Scene” commenced. It is tremendously mind-blowing how the entire cast managed to start a scene that made the audience feel like they were on laughing gas whenever the audience says “new scene,” and then pick up where they left off effortlessly and swiftly as the audience yells “old scene.” Truly, that stage was filled with quick-witted comedians and a sharp pianist—they managed to create 17 knee-slapping scenes with appropriate background music in 60 minutes! Bravo!
If you want to see a show that seems like if Friends and SNL had a baby, then definitely see this one, although I am going to warn you again, if you want to see a show that would make your bladder hurt from laughing, surely grab your tickets for this one, as it is showing until August 23rd at venue 5: Acacia Hall.
Smoking and Loving Craic
Two things: I absolutely loved this performance and had some of the best craic!
This show was not just a rollercoaster ride, but an entire amusement park experience. Sitting on a step stool, Carlyn Rhamey narrated tales from her solo-travel journey to Ireland, Scotland, and other places where she found connection, friendship, and love. Rhamey transported everyone as she spectacularly painted a picture of the moments from her travels that had a sentimental meaning to her. The performance features the challenges she encountered while travelling alone, as well as how it helped her achieve enlightenment about the storms in her life that she weathered.
Undoubtedly, this performance deserves to be seen by many, as it not only contains comedic attributes but also insights about life. Come watch it as soon as you can, as it runs until August 23rd at venue 3: Nordic Studio Theatre.
Quick, Speedy, Swift—Amazing!
If I were to calculate the speed at which this play amazed me, the answer would be faster than you can say “speed.”
With creative props, intrinsically detailed set and costume, and colorful character dynamics, the Denton Dayco Radio Hour Players wowed everyone as they executed a re-imagined version of Keanu Reeves’s hit movie. The play was packed with twists and turns as the radio company encountered adversities such as a series of drafted voice actors! It was truly a ride for both the audience and the actors as they made good use of physical comedy that is almost toon-styled. Moreover, I could conclude that the twist at the end is truly empowering despite having the entire show loaded with jokes and zingers.
If you are wondering how Keanu Reeves’s popular movie was in a different universe, then you should definitely see this play! It runs until August 24th at venue 27: Sugar Swing Ballroom.
Kill Scripts, Marry Improv
F*cking gut-busting, marriage material, and killer performance!
With an improv box, prompts thrown by the audience, and secret objectives, a hilarious and smooth-flowing show started!
Had I entered the venue without prior knowledge about improv, I would think that it was a sitcom filming happening. The actors landed all of their quick witted humor and comedic physicality with absolute precision—they were all so brilliant, it seemed like they were telepathically connected! It’s insanely hard to believe that they were not following a script at all and that they were running the show from merely the audience’s suggestions.
If you want to see a funnier version of Seinfeld or whatever your favorite sitcom is, this show would fit like a glove as it runs at venue 15: Auditorium at Campus Saint-Jean until August 24th!
60 Minutes: Dreams and Calories Burned Andrew warned not to review this show, but I’m doing it anyway because it is certainly a new wave of stand-up comedy! At the mere amount of 13 dollars and the extra fees that the production “has no control of” (exact words), a lucky audience member had her dreams fulfilled alongside living her entire life in the span of not even 60 minutes! Although it was not my wish that was fulfilled that night, I’m sure I just burned more calories than anyone could ever hope to because thanks to how quick-witted and hilarious Andrew Iwanyk is as and because of the very participative, vibrant, and comedic crowd (seriously, everyone in that room are comedians)—I felt like I was an audience at a TV show. If you want to fulfill your dreams by being a millionaire comedian, see Elton John perform, feel like you’re at a funnier and more interactive version of SNL, and channel your inner villain laugh, this show is a perfect fit for you as it runs at venue 34: The Faculty Events Centre until August 21st!