Miki Zwarich
The world we live in is complicated. Turning on the news or logging into social media accounts can be upsetting, anxiety-inducing, and deeply isolating. Countries Shaped Like Stars, playing at the Backstage Theatre until February 28, not only provides a welcome reprieve from the chaos happening all around us, but also infuses warmth into the city’s recent cold snap.
If only for an hour, let Gwendolyn Magnificent (Dayna Lea Hoffmann) and Bartholomew Spectacular (Michael Watt) bring you into their enchanting world: a time when countries were shaped like stars, dragon fruit grew in abundance, and two individuals from two different peninsulas found each other and fell in love. In true Fringe fashion, simple innovations transform an otherwise empty theater into a fantastical world: a string of lights hanging from the ceiling becomes twinkling stars, and wooden boxes transform into a bustling marketplace and the site of a budding romance. But don’t let the simplicity fool you - this show accomplishes a lot with very little.
The heart of this production comes from human connection that transcends the fourth wall. The audience sits in a circle around the stage and plays an integral part in creating theatre magic. No longer passive observers, we are invited to act like tweeting birds and wriggling fish popsicles (if you know, you know), participate in tin can phone calls, sing along to Batholomew’s playful tunes, and enjoy cookies delivered by clouds. This multi-sensory experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of forming communal connections with friends and fellow theatre lovers - in this country, unbridled silliness is not only permitted, but strongly encouraged.
Whether you’re starving for a dose of humanity in a world divided or looking for an escape to a far-off land where copywriters gleefully recite poetry and play mandolins, Countries Shaped Like Stars is sure to deliver.
This show is a love letter to anyone who has ever treated themselves to delicious craft beer and/or grilled cheese sandwiches while trying to impress their friends with their own version of a perfect game at Plaza Bowling Co.
Take a trip back in time to learn about Edmonton's storied bowling history, laugh at yourself for taking 5-pin bowling super seriously, and marvel at the fact that nobody has bowled a perfect game at Plaza since Jerry Stephenson way, way back in 1963.
If you love a good story, some satisfying belly laughs, a bowling alley-turned-Fringe venue, and excellent technical execution (AND two feature cocktails), don't sleep on this show!