0z
2025 Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Aug. 22, 2025, 1:07 a.m.

Oz is one of those shows you wished you loved more, it is by no means a bad show and I had a good time, but I would have enjoyed it more as a street performance. Jordan is a very talented magician and I spent a lot of the show trying to figure out how the magic works but I think it might just be magic!

Once the show actually starts, there is a clear through line of trying to find a brain, heart, and courage (as per the wizard of oz, with no affiliation to the movie of course, wink wink nod nod). This creates a nice narrative arc. The show does not mention that it includes audience participation, but it could not work without the help of audience members. However, they, at times, did not appear interested in participating. I wore Bose quiet comfort noise canceling headphones and used a tangle. I will mention that Jordan sells a couple of things at the end of the show by donation and that the proceeds go to organizations that help suicidal children in the places he visits. Which I really appreciate, however the brief mention of suicide at the end of a magic show that felt geared to children/families felt a bit jarring so just beware, (but keep up the good work). The show did also end about 15ish minutes early, but that's better than late. All in all I enjoyed my time, but I don’t need to see it again.