Rea Francesca Pallay
Spooky, Gay, and Unforgettable
Spooky or gay? Bruce Ryan Costella offers BOTH! Through a combination of scary stories, improvisation, songs, and standup, “Bruce Ryan Costella: Spooky & Gay-ER” is a show that will stay with the audience, even after the curtain falls.
With a small stage, simple lights, and simple sound effects, Bruce Ryan Costella uses it to his advantage. Throughout the show, he uses desk lights at certain angles and intensities for each segment. For example, when telling a horror story, he holds a small light beneath his chin, heightening the eerie atmosphere. He adds to this effect with his stage presence, embodying the exact emotion of the scene, even when narrating from a third-person perspective. Adding on to how incredible a performer he is, he also caters to what his audience could be interested in, making funny references to artists like Edgar Allen Poe. Toward the end, he makes the performance more personal, deepening the connection with the audience, yet still finishes off on a powerful and memorable note.
The utilization of simple technical elements and powerful performance makes for a captivating experience that pulls the audience. Bruce Ryan Costella’s show is a gift to remember for a lifetime.
Poking fun at our current world today, the Sketchy Broads offer a variety of comedic sketches. Directed by Nikki Hulowski, join these five funny women for a show filled with fun!
The set was simple, consisting of three to four wooden boxes. These women utilized their imagination and used these boxes for a variety of their sketches. Their transitions were equally as simple, utilizing overhead blue lights and a variety of eccentric music to indicate a scene change. Despite how simple their set and tech may be, these women brought the life and fun to the show, using their expressiveness and miming to their fullest potential.
The set was simple, consisting of just three to four wooden boxes. These women creatively turned these boxes to serve multiple purposes throughout their sketches, rearranging them and using them as needed. Scene transitions were equally simple, with overhead blue lighting and a mix of quirky music that indicated to the audience that the scene was changing. Even though the set and the technical elements were simple, the women filled the show with their endless energy and talent, expressing themselves to the fullest and miming like there’s no tomorrow.
These five hilarious women are evidence that a show just needs a small set and a big personality.
Led by the talented Hilary Henderson and Michelle Forrester, Pink Chicken Comedy offers a show of stand-up comedy that is created for women, by women. Their sharp wit, spontaneous interactions with the audience, and hilarious on-the-spot improvisations create an engaging atmosphere. The duo’s ability to read the room and engage directly makes each performance unique, making sure that no two shows are ever the same. This vibrant, inclusive show offers a sense of community and countless moments of laughter, making it a night to remember for anyone that is looking for an unapologetic comedy.
The Showdown Under the Spotlight
Presented by Carla Cerceau and Chris without the Hat, witness the “Hoop & Hat: Vaudeville Showdown”! A comedic circus featuring juggling, jokes for kids, and some aerial acrobatics, this show promises laughter and family-friendly fun that will keep audiences of all ages entertained from start to finish.
Carla Cerceau and Chris without the Hat introduce the show, both excited to hold the iconic vintage sign of “Hoop & Hat.” To decide who gets to hold the sign up, the duo hold a Vaudeville Showdown featuring a series of entertaining acts. In the end, it’s up to the audience to decide who comes out on top.
Chris without the Hat is dedicated to his role from start to finish. The audience immediately gets the vintage vibe right as they walk in through the door, as they are immediately greeted by Chris without the Hat. His Trans-Atlantic accent and eccentric persona set the tone for a fun show. Carla Cerceau shines on as a skilled aerial acrobat with many talents with the whip. Her mix of talents showcase her versatility in the area of circus acts. This duo together share talent and a clear devotion to make a memorable experience for the audience.
While the show delivers plenty of laughs, the humour occasionally feels a bit overplayed, and the music sometimes drowns out the performances. The mix of vintage style with modern pop-culture references creates a curious contrast that might feel a bit inconsistent. Improved audio balance, with speakers placed toward the back and less front-stage music, would enhance the experience. Despite these minor issues, the overall show remains highly enjoyable.
A Night of Talent
This La Rondine proves that behind every enchanting swallow is an equally enchanting crew. This light opera, written by Giacomo Puccini, directed by Amanda Testini, and presented by the Good Mess Opera Theatre, is brought to life with thoughtful direction and a passionate musical team. Their incredible musicality turns this bittersweet romance into an intimate, captivating experience that highlights the charm and subtle drama of the story.
The story follows a Parisian courtesan, named Magda, who longs for true love. Under the identity of a regular girl named Paulette, she meets Rugerro, and they fall deeply in love. Of course, it’s not that easy to drop a life that has been built, and it comes to haunt Magda. This beautifully written story shows how complicated love can be and the difficult choices that come with it.
From the live music by music director Spencer Kryzanowski and Aemelia Moser to the extraordinary voices of Cassandra Amorim and Elias Theocharidis, this light opera is brought to life to deliver a heart-wrenching story to the audience. Aemelia Moser, also known as Yvette, showcases her beautiful talents through voice and violin. Cassandra Amorim and Elias Theocharidis truly encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions of their characters and present an undeniable yet amazing stage presence and chemistry together. Sawyer Craig and Jeremy Scinocca, as Lisette and Prunier, bring the audience comedic relief after scene after scene of tension. Each and every cast member brought something to the table, and they delivered it with beauty, grace, and irrefutable talent.
A Standing Ovation
Take a step forward into the “2 Magic Rubies, 1 Private Eye: A Dirk and Darrow Investigation,” an interactive comedic show with a splash of magic. Join Tim Motley as his junior investigators as he solves the mystery of a bank heist!
The story of this bank heist takes place back in 1932 with Detective Dirk Darrow. Loosely inspired by the classic noir tale called “The Maltese Falcon,” Darrow attempts the crack the case but by bit using clues, interrogations, and going through a maze of deception. Using his charm, wit, and incredible improvisation, Tim Motley truly brings this character to life.
Although there were minimal stage props and pretty much a one-man show, Tim Motley really brought it all with his puns and never forgot to take a step back for his dark humour. It definitely felt like it was 1932 since he kept using the Atlantic accent. The smallest technical choices enhanced the experience of the show. Whenever the audience was called upon, the audience lights would go up and red backlights would fade in. If the focus was meant to be on stage, then there would be a simple spotlight with blue backlights. The magic of the show would seem a little bit more real with Motley simply snapping his fingers as a cue to switch the lights. Overall, the experience was enjoyable and memorable for years to come.
It’s truly no surprise that the investigation concluded with a standing ovation with the audience, as Tim Motley really brought this story to life.
Step right up for Ringmaster Gamble Christopolis Suitcase Circus! This 45-minute interactive improv show, created by Christopher Gamble and Deanna Fleysher, invites everyone to join, young or old (or ancient)!
The story begins with Ringmaster Gamble giving a grand introduction to a fantastical circus, but is forced to close early when they decide to quit. To his surprise, the audience still pushes him to go on with the show alone! But is he truly alone? Ringmaster Gamble Christopolis gathers the audience to build his new circus: the Suitcase Circus!
From start to finish, Ringmaster Gamble sets a welcoming and playful tone, fullying embodying a character filled with fun and grandeur. He interacts with everyone and makes sure they feel comfortable enough to participate, allowing for a perfect interactive experience! Even though there were awkward moments here and there, he quickly improvised to turn the situation amusing again. The entirety of the show gives everyone a meaningful role in the circus, ensuring that people of all ages feel involved and welcomed.
All Aboard SHIPSHOW!
All aboard to watch “SHIPSHOW!” written and acted out by John Ullyatt and Dave Clarke! With fish puns and naughty jokes to fill up your ship, join them in song and dance as they go over the story of the Flying Dutchman.
“SHIPSHOW!” tells the tale of Captain Willie and Seaman Simon, cursed over 350 years ago to immortality. As a result, they’ve been travelling all seven seas to search for the cure… A woman who loves the captain enough to end her life to break the curse.
From start to finish, Captain Willie and Seaman Simon made the audience feel welcome and comfortable. Before the beginning of the show, Captain Willie greeted everyone in character with a warm welcome. With the addition of Seaman Simon and his endless fish puns, the two became the iconic duo of serious boss and comedic relief employee. Not only was the duo consistently funny, but their singing voices blended wonderfully. The audience couldn’t help but clap along to the song.
Although given a small stage, the two made do with what they were given. Captain Willie wore a very obvious captain costume, while Seaman Simon wore an equally obvious seaman costume. Their immense stage presence was contrasted with their use of tiny props, enhancing the comedic delivery of their lines. Their miming was clear and consistent, believable enough to the point that it could make someone question whether or not there was actually a bowl or a steering wheel in the first place.
In the endless sea of live entertainment and comedy, “SHIPSHOW!” sails ahead! Don’t let this be the fish that got away, and witness them live!
Above and Beyond!
From takeoff to landing, “Airborn(e)” is a flight that shouldn’t be missed! A comedic show written, directed, and presented by Karam Daoud and her co-star, Jacques Leger, is a show to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
“Airborn(e)” follows the story of two best friends, Jay and Kay, as they board their first flight to travel the world. Meanwhile, a criminal mastermind on the loose finds themself in the unfortunate situation of boarding the same flight as them. As the duo finds themselves in situations that test the true power of their friendship, they learn bravery and what their dreams truly are.
The set, light, and costumes can be described as minimalistic. However, the limitedness of the set didn’t take away from the play itself, as Karam Daoud and Jacques Leger truly carried the show from start to finish. The set consisted of white folding chairs that were easy to rearrange for a scene change. The light switched from a wicked green to a soft white wash light. Costume pieces were taken on and off, exchanged and replaced easily and effortlessly. Daoud and Leger distinguished themselves effortlessly and clearly, even with minimal costume changes. However minimalistic and simplistic their set and costumes may be, it didn’t take away from their performance.
With jokes at every corner, both for the young and the old audience, Daoud and Leger performed immaculately. Their exaggerated movements, their comedic timing, and their improvisation enhanced the experience of the show immensely. Of course, they aren’t the only funny ones in the show. Sarah Lamoureux’s voiceovers for the airport and airplane added more fun to the story with jokes to be remembered for a long time.
A sky-high story for family fun, make sure you catch your flight with “Airborn(e)”!
Strathcona Alumni Playing By Heart
Strathcona High School’s Alumni make an impactful comeback with their stellar performance of “Alice by Heart”! From their unique and harmonizing voices to their simplistic yet strategic set, the Strathcona Alumni played all their roles with heart.
Written by Steven Sater, Jessie Nelson, and Duncan Sheik, “Alice by Heart” is a touching story that takes place in the tunnels of London during World War II. It follows the story of Alice and her friend Alfred, who is suffering from tuberculosis. As Alice blends and blurs the line between her fantasy and her reality, “Alice by Heart” becomes a story of the difficulty of facing grief during difficult times.
From the opening statement to the finale, the Strathcona Alumni demonstrated their dedication to excellence. Actors like Emmy Whitehead, who portrays Alice, showcase their talent by presenting Alice as a naive and imaginative girl with hopes taller than herself. Patrick Lynn, as Alfred, balanced Alice as someone with patience and acceptance. Of course, the rest of the cast did not go unnoticed, as they enhanced the experience of their performance with their stage presence and musical harmony.
The technical aspects of the show are details that no one can forget. The audience can clearly distinguish between Alice’s fantasy and reality, as the lights go from the cool colors of purple and blue to a white wash light. It highlights the creativity and imagination that Alice presents throughout the show, as well as the severe and harsh reality she has to face. Additionally, the set is simplistic to start with, as there aren’t many cues as to where the characters are in certain scenes. Of course, each scene is well-thought-out and choreographed with actors filling the negative space, making audience members even forget that there was negative space to begin with.
To finally wrap it up, “Alice by Heart,” presented by the Strathcona Alumni, is a show to see and a show always to remember. From directing to tech to acting, everyone in the production team had a part to play, and they played it with all of their hearts.