Anandita Shah

Michael Gougis’ The Syllabus was the ultimate guide to surviving the next eight weeks in his class. It was hilarious, witty, and dark, and had the room erupt in laughter more times than we could count.

Underneath the jokes, the show was a sharp, dystopian social commentary on stereotypes, the patriarchy, and the bleak learning environment that’s faced by students in our modern world.

As a one-man show, the second the performance began, Gougis had an immediately powerful stage presence, enrapturing the audience. His nuanced acting and simple set and slideshow placed the crowd instantly in a school setting, where he used stark imagery to set the scene on the issues faced by today’s youth.

More physicality and movement around the stage would have made the show more engaging, as well as more precise comedic timing, particularly in the first half. Despite this, the performance confidently tore down the “same tired stereotypes we’re used to” and redefined them simply as a way to profit off of the marginalized groups.

By the end of the show, the audience felt the weight of the systemic barriers and could clearly picture the true societal issues. The performance felt humorous and entertaining, yet forced us to realize the impacts of these issues, and how they’ve become integrated into social norms. The Syllabus was truly a lesson in refusing acceptance and complacency in the face of destructive societal conventions, and how to go about reconciling them.

If we all visit the hospital at least once in our lifetimes, why don’t we care more about them?

Greg’s Anatomy was a satirical but sharp criticism of public and private healthcare, and illuminated the systemic dangers and neglect prevalent in our current healthcare system.

The performers made the best of an unconventional space, often working it into witty comments and scenes. They committed to their characters fully, and used hilarious jokes and slapstick comedy to heighten the storylines. The casting was phenomenal as each performer truly embodied their characters. Additionally, the ridiculous physicality of the Doctor drew the audience in further, keeping them engaged for the entire show.

The timing of each joke could have been more intentional, and added music would have elevated the emotional impact of each scene. At times, the dialogue felt scripted and forced; however, the performers advanced the plot effectively, guiding the scenes to the next naturally. They were well-prepared and dedicated to their parts.

The performers did an excellent job of dramatizing different aspects of the healthcare system to make a point. They explored the controversies and forced the audience to understand the realities of our society, and the lack of attention that the growing healthcare crisis is receiving.

The show provided stark examples and clear action items on how to demand better healthcare that were impossible to ignore. It provided the unvarnished truth and painted the issues in a clear and understandable light. It also taught the audience a lesson of awareness, and empowered us to make the change we wanted to see.

“Both my Gods were laid to rest.”

White As Snow paints a poignant picture of the realities of racial injustices and the retention of hope among life’s worst obstacles, It was a visceral and poetic memoir that highlighted Rose-Ingrid Benjamin’s life navigating the struggle to find a true sense of identity amidst harsh social stigma.

The show was hilarious with sharp comedic timing, and each scene was complemented with entrancing live piano music. The lighting also added depth to each scene by guiding the audience’s emotional responses. The storytelling was unique and powerful, providing a relatable plotline that resonated with the audience.

In addition, each prop on stage served a purpose, and the simple set held emotional weight, effectively placing the audience in a specific setting. At times, the story was difficult to follow due to the fast pacing and unclear articulation; however, the songs and images on the screen provided the necessary resources to follow along.

The depth and passion within the vocals were awe-inspiring. As well, the use of various languages to emphasize the aspects of Benjamin’s identity drew the audience deep into the drama of each scene, and left us emotionally vulnerable at each twist in the story.

The show broke down the systemic barriers and societal stigmatization against pursuing one’s own individuality, yet taught the audience the importance of finding it. It was unapologetic and left a weight on my chest that stayed with me long after the show had concluded.

Well Behaved Women-Part 4 was a lesson in awareness. It was uncomfortable and visceral and taught the audience about the realities that women face every day in our modern society in a way that we could truly understand.

The show was divided into several hilarious and dramatic skits of everyday life, it showcased the little injustices and transgressions against women that have become a natural aspect of our world. The performance was compelling and extremely well prepared.

The jokes were contemporary and witty, and delivered with excellent comedic timing by the performers. Additionally, each actor’s dedication to their character and their ability to have an impactful stage presence drew the audience into the drama of each scene. The lighting also added a beautiful effect as it guided the audience’s emotional response.

However, the sounds were often delayed or did not match the scene, and the performers’ expressions felt recited and unnatural. They also sporadically broke character, which diverted the audience’s attention from the scene. Despite this, the character dynamics were powerful and clear, effectively constructing each scene successfully.

Although the show was funny and satirical, it cut deep and truly demonstrated the destructive realities for women in our world. By exploring the nature of the patriarchy, the performance painted a stark narrative of the truth in a way that was easy to understand.

At the end of the performance, the room fell silent. The show had sent shivers up our spines and brought tears to our eyes as we finally understood the damage the patriarchy has had, and the danger of docility in the face of this injustice.

Well Behaved Women-Part 4 demonstrated that these issues are prevalent every single day, but the solidarity and connection that we have against these struggles means that we are not, and never will be, alone in this fight.

An epic journey of dragons and snakes and the undead, An Electrified Bard’s Tale was witty and ridiculous, while simultaneously highlighting what true leadership means.

It followed three unlikely companions through their misadventures on a quest for gold, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Throughout the performance, each character had distinct personalities, motives, and backstories. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable as the power of friendship and trust in each other drove the plot forward. The character dynamics seemed natural and comfortable. As the show progressed, each character learned about the importance of putting the group ahead of themselves.

Additionally, the sound effects and dramatic lighting kept the audience engaged at all times during the show. They built suspense, demonstrated shifts in scenes, and indicated the passage of time. The live music played by the performers also added incredible depth and excitement to the scenes, with the music often acting as hilarious interruptions. The vocals and lead guitar were particularly outstanding, and along with the clever lyrics, created songs that were stuck in the audience’s minds long after the quest had concluded.

Although at times the storyline was hard to follow, each performer’s commitment to their character, as well as the costumes and props which instantly created a setting for the audience to follow, kept the audience grounded in each setting.

It was a passionate and exhilarating performance that combined stellar comedic timing with catchy rock tunes, offered a compelling portrayal of effective leadership, and left the audience longing for more.

The best conversations happen at teatime!

Three Ladies was a personal and exciting show in which three women discussed topics suggested by the audience ranging from mother in laws to the mechanics of needlepoint.

Over tea, the conversation highlighted the intuitive connection that the three women had and truly embodied the entire experience of womanhood. The women frequently broke off from their tea-chat for a wild improvised skit that had the whole room in stitches. Each scene pulled the audience into a completely different world as the highly developed and unique characters interacted naturally. The comedic timing and live piano accompaniment added depth to every joke and left the audience wanting more.

Yet there was more than just comedy evident on the stage. Behind the jokes, Three Ladies delved into the patriarchal injustices prevalent in society and explored the struggles and oppression continuously faced by women.

Listening in on their conversations felt very intimate, almost as if the audience had been let in on a private moment. And each character was so well developed that the scenes felt realistic and spoke the truth in a way that we could understand.

As the show went on, the three women shared their personal experiences and taught the importance of learning from each other. I felt compelled to join in the conversation and offer my own insights. They criticized and ridiculed the common female stereotypes and left the audience feeling empowered and understood. A particularly heartwrenching scene was when one of the characters went on a monologue illuminating society’s unfair perceptions and expectations of women. The words resonated and rippled through the room in a powerful wave of emotion and relatability.

The show was insightful and bittersweet, yet ridiculously funny. It explored the individual stories that each woman had to tell, and highlighted their connection as they depended on each other for support.

When emotions become too overwhelming for words, you express them through dance.

It’s Just You and Me told a vulnerable story of loss and pain and reinvention of identity despite the obstacles. It seemed like each dancer had their own unique story to tell, and their performances were raw and intimate; watching the show felt like discovering what it means to truly be human.

The dancers’ commitment to the piece was clear with fluid and powerful movements void of hesitation. Each dancer established a formidable physical presence on the stage, and their precise expressions and powerful formations told an insightful story. The dance was mesmerizing and visceral, making it near impossible to peel your eyes away from it.

A fierce journey of pain and the pathway to self-acceptance and growth was further developed by the design and color choices of costumes and lights, which often created a deep emotional setting for each dance.

The strong bond the dancers had was also clear in their interactions with each other. They moved in perfect unison, trusting and speaking to each other without words; they seemed like one singular organism.

Breathtaking duets, solos, and group choreography brought tears to our eyes as each emotional shift and struggle throughout the dance was a recognizable feeling for every person in that room. The choreography corresponded perfectly with the music as each swell and crescendo brought more intensity to the movements as the dancers formed one cohesive image.

It was both exhausting and exhilarating to watch, and felt like a rediscovery of my own identity.

The show was an absolute must watch, and it was a privilege to see such beauty and passion in a world where pain and sorrow often fill most of our moments.

Battle of the Genres: An Improvised Mashup was a lesson in the art of just having fun. It was a radical and exciting production which kept the audience engaged as the performers built compelling improvised scenes.

The show began with a request to the audience for a genre for each performer to embody. The characters-in-genre then fought to make sure their genre was the most prevalent out of them all. Each actor had to rapidly and spontaneously create characters based on their genre and give them emotions, motives and complex backstories. The show was hilarious and each performer gave their all as they fought to dominate each scene.

Upon my genre suggestion, two performers created a perfect rendition of a Wes Anderson film, with improvised dialogue, mannerisms, and character flaws that were very synonymous with his style! Their dedication to the suggested genres made the audience feel validated and excited to see their genre in action.

However, the performers could have physically embodied and committed to their scenes more, as each break in character disrupted the audience’s attention. They often laughed at their own jokes and visibly acknowledged mistakes. Additionally, in order to move the plot even further into absurdity, the performers could have built upon each other’s ideas more intentionally. Although the chemistry between the characters felt forced and the plotlines of each story felt scattered, it was compensated for by the actors’ dedication to their characters and ability to just have fun on stage.

Some scenes and jokes were also inaccessible to younger audience members, and an appeal to a wider range of audience would have allowed for a more attentive and excited crowd.

In improv, no two shows can possibly be the same, and Battle of the Genres is no exception. The twists and puns and random breaking out into song were entirely unique to that night and despite its hiccups, is entirely too funny to not see at least once.

“Sweet wounded Jesus!” Through powerful vocals and grounding live music, the emotion and tension emanating from the stage practically shook the ground beneath the audience. The performance heartwrenchingly demonstrated the corruptive effects of societal judgement and expectations and revealed that there may not be a true villain to any story, that there’s only another complex character deemed “different” and ostracised.

Bat Boy: The Musical, written by Brian Flemming and Keythe Farley and directed by Linette J. Smith, follows the journey of a half-bat half-boy outcast as he learns to fit into the pious and constrictive world of Hope Falls, West Virginia. In Hope Falls, he attempts to appeal to the townsfolk by explaining his true identity; however, their predetermined ideologies of his monstrous character bleed into his heart, eventually pushing the performance to a heartbreaking end.

The lighting acted as an anchor by indicating the emotional shifts and continuously connected the audience with the passionate drama of each scene. The accents, costumes, and the physical and emotional presence of every character on the stage pulled the audience into Bat Boy’s world and held it there, transfixed. In particular, the vocals and dance choreography of Jordan Melnyk as Meredith Parker elegantly portrayed the character’s complex arc and communicated to the audience that there is more than one side to Meredith’s story.

Finally, the witty lyrics paired with live music set the scene flawlessly.The insightful characterization, dance choreography, and intentional stage positioning of each character and prop illuminated the sense of chaos when trust in humanity in the face of the status quo begins to falter. A final twist shattered the hearts of every audience member and asked an important question: if society can turn innocence into a monster, who is the real villain of the story?