Sara Dumitru
NaturElles’ Super Secret Slumber Party
If you’re looking for the super secret slumber party hosted by the 10 year old founders Flora and Fawna for teaming building, it’s in Fawna’s backyard.
Flora and Fawna Face Their Fears is a production where two best friends Flora and Fawna get a new secretary Fern Gumley whom neither like very much. Together the three of them face their fears, tell ghost stories and learn each other's secrets. While Flora and Fawna’s friendship gets challenged.
This production is hilarious, from the commentaries on current events and occasional break of the fourth wall definitely the cherry on top. From the fights and chaos that ensued at the end it was heartwarming and sweet. The performers were spectacular playing their part each with passion and that preteen attitude that you either love or hate. The lights, the costumes, the props, the sounds like the crickets and the dog barking, so many things brought the story to life and enhanced the experience.
It overall is a fantastic show and one highly recommended. It brought comedy, preteen drama, and a heartwarming ending, what terrific way to end off a show if you got the evening to spare and you’re in the mood to laugh come to Flora and Fawna super secret slumber party, a.k.a. Flora and Fawna face their fears.
The One Man Show Bringing You Oz: Senior Edition
The Wizard of One is an incredible one man show where The Wizard of Oz is now in a nursing home. Neil brings something fresh to the table by spinning the old classic into something unique that still respects the original. We also gotta give some snaps to the creator of the playwright, Amos Altman.
For a theatre production with so many characters, Neil played each character without any need of costumes ( except the clothes on his back, a nod to Dorothy’s outfit which I loved personally) he gave clear and distinct portrayals that never made you second guess which character he’s playing, his transitions were completely seamless and clearly he gave each character special love while crafting them. Without any use of props and only the back curtain as a backdrop, Neil used lighting very cleverly, one of the main easy to spot uses for it was creating an elevator. Speakers using background music was a nice touch really bringing the piece to life. All these in mind results in an incredibly high level of storytelling and performing solo.
The production was beyond incredible and was thrilling to watch, it kept everyone engaged and easy to tell Neil loves the classic tale and is passionate about bringing a story to life. If he decides to do some spins on other classics you’ll find me front row and center eager to watch!
A Retelling Like NO OTHER!
If you’re looking for a story with some history and music in the mix, welcome to Keir Cutler's Joan of Arc Reawakening, the history teacher you wished you had but unfortunately don’t. However he may not be in a classroom but he’s on a stage with a story to share, none other than Joan of Arc. Cutler’s knack of story telling made the story intriguing while also entertaining, giving the emotional story of Joan of Arc and painting vivid pictures involved in provoking your thoughts with different perspectives while also making you laugh. As for music, he has a musical accomplice Carson Sautner bringing more to the experience. Whether young or old, everyone should hear the story of Joan of Arc as her story is short but also remarkable leaving so many impacted by her actions, having Cutler teach you her story is a bonus. Non doubtly you should be leaving his show feeling entertainment and a preacher of Joan of Arc’s story, just kidding but you’ll know more than you did before about the teenager who fulfilled her destiny even if it was cut short.
Fitting In, Standing Out
Punjabi Wabi Sabi is a hilarious stand up autobiographical comedy of what it's like to be a first-gen Canadian Muslim teenager in the 80s. Follow Awan in her one woman show as she talks about her story that includes racism, identity, and trauma that mashes together into part theatre and part stand up. Awan’s show is unexpected and fun as she has a knack for storytelling, a perfect Friday night entertainment. Although some jokes don’t land the same as for those who grew up in the 80s compared to those who didn’t, there’s still some jokes for everyone. Overall Awan’s Punjabi Wabi Sabi is a delightful show about fighting to be yourself in a world that wants you to blend in and a great evening entertainment.
Who’s Drunk?
Coming back for its fourth year at Fringe is no other than Shot in the Dark! A hilarious improv show where you guess which of the performers had one too many drinks! This show is an absolute gem, nothing prepares you from doubling over from laughter every single second of the show and your face hurting afterward. There’s never a dull movement with such an engaged vibrant crowd and incredible cast matching the same energy.
If you’ve got an hour to spare and in the mood for something hysterical, come to Shot in the Dark. I for one will definitely be going back.
A Totally Tubular Dude, Bodacious Storytelling, and Retro Music: The Show of Tor
Tor Lukasik-Foss’s New Wave Your Behaviour is a fun yet heartfelt story of uncovering himself through music. He takes you back to the beginning where he rediscovered New Wave and through the events struggling at his job, therapy sessions, car rides making you feel like you were there also while including New Wave dance and voice lessons, performing with a synthesizer and drum machine. His storytelling is engaging, keeping you engrossed in the story while also bopping your head to the awesome beats. For those on their own self discovery; want nostalgia growing up in the 1980s where New Wave was everywhere; or just wanna relax and hear a story, New Wave Your Behaviour has something for everyone to enjoy. Did I mention the tiny concerts and grand finale?
The Witch MADE ME Do It
The Witch of Edmonton is a captivating production blending history and the art of modern storytelling with the setting of the story being Jacobean Whyte Ave, Old Strathcona arch. Performers gave such raw emotion especially during the intense emotional scenes ( suicide warning on that one and also murder) and with the story being about choices, blame and those who suffer because of it.
The show is great and clearly the cast and crew worked hard to bring this show to life, though be aware this show is purely tension and hard choices not much humor to ease the intensity of the show. If you want to watch a production that is eye opening and emotionally intense this would be your cup of tea.
The Tragedy of Macbeth Comes Alive in Opera
The opera production of Macbeth offers a compelling and fresh interpretation of the timeless tragedy. With a strong musical score directed by Don Ross and Andrew Creaghan, capturing the intensity of Macbeth’s ambition and the devastating consequences that follow.
The performers of the New Era Group effectively combine incredible singing and a talented orchestra creating a spectacular performance. The musical themes complement the narrative’s tension and heightens key movements of betrayal, power and finally downfall.
The production overall delivers a memorial experience and is a great choice for those exploring the idea of how classic stories can be transformed through musical innovation. If you appreciate a well-executed adaptation that respects the original but also brings new energy, this opera is worth seeing.
Curtains, Cannons, and Chaos
If you’re in the need for a theatrical experience that blends uproarious laughter with a touch of historical chaos then this show is exactly your cup of tea. Imagine this: two talented actors skillfully weaving together a tale of time that takes you back to New York City in 1849 where theatregoers were so passionate that they would literally kill for a good show.
As soon as the lights began to dim, right away struck chaos! Right off the bat this duo had the audience doubling over from laughter with their antics and comedic timing. They tackled the tension of a moment with witty quips and captivating storytelling that kept the audience engaged, while dropping off a few jokes that remind us how ridiculous history can be. The engagement with the audience was another thing, almost like when a magician asks for a volunteer, the audience was part of the performance.
Overall the show is captivating and hilariously chaotic with a messy stage and heartfelt ending. If you’re in the mood for a touch of absurdity and a bit of a humorous history lesson then this should be on your watch list. Just keep your eyes peeled for any rogue sheep!
If you're looking for a show that's a comedy AND a heartfelt therapy session than look no further; Aliya Kanani's "Drink, Pray, Love ( Redesigned) has got you covered. This isn't just any stand-up routine; it’s a journey through the complexities of modern life with a flare of adult humor!
Although the show is non-stop laughs, there is depth. Aliya seamlessly weaves life lessons through her show that urg us to look beyond society's noise and to focus on the thread that binds us together.
So if you are in the need of a night to ponder on what binds and divides us but also leaves you giggling. Grab a drink, lean back and let Aliya take you on a rollercoaster of her own personal stories that'll leave you smiling even after the last punchline.