YEG FringeRecs

Pepperoni and Cheese is the kind of show that the Fringe is made for. An honest look at the immigrant experience from the perspective of a student's life in Canada, this play is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. You know a show is good when you wish it was about 30 minutes longer so it could really stretch its legs. Anyone who has ever struggled to fit in as they came of age will see themselves in this story, even though the tale is uniquely planted in newcomer life. Ambitious, heartfelt, and honest, this is a solid #yegfringerec. We can't wait to see what's next from @theatretahanan.

Our first #yegfringerec of the festival is PALOMA and JOY from WHIZGIGGLING Productions! This one is full of camp and sass but contains some real darkness brewing beneath the surface. Sparse set design typical of Fringe stages is more than made up for by strong costume design and superb direction as always from Trevor Schmidt. We enjoyed the strong ensemble cast, (featuring Cheryl Jameson as Paloma and Michelle Todd as Joy,) and found Kristin Johnston as Magda to be an absolute shining star. Add PALOMA and JOY to your Fringe list this festival. You won't regret it.

Welp, we're broken now. Hearts Left Open broke us. If you're looking for a show that is going to grab your heart and twist it for a solid 60 minutes, this one is for you. We don't remember the last time we sat in a darkened Fringe theatre with tears streaming down our face. This one hurts right down to your soul, but that's truly the sign of a gifted playwright (Lee-Anna Semenya). Be brave. Open your heart to this one. Grief is love overflowing, after all. Bring your tissues.