PRIMADONNA
2025 Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Aug. 18, 2025, 7:46 a.m.
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Mind Blown

Fame, Obsession, and Disappearance - Sydney Boisvert

Primadonna is a gripping suspense thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. Expertly written by Liam Witte, the story delves into the dangerous allure of celebrity culture, revolving around the mystery of a vanished pop star and the desperate search to uncover her truth. The tension is heightened not only by the clever writing but also by the powerful performances and seamless technical design.

The story was brilliantly complex, taking the audience through layers of deception, obsession, and shifting loyalties. Just when it seemed like the truth was within reach, another twist would send the narrative in a new direction. The script maintained high stakes and sharp suspense, constantly prompting the audience to question who could be trusted and what was real. It was the kind of story that remained unpredictable, making the final moments even more powerful.

The cast brought remarkable depth to their roles. Kate Boswell delivered a stunning transformation, shifting from innocent and unaware to meticulous and chilling, leaving the audience deeply unsettled. Avery Nault balanced power and comedy, providing sharp moments of levity while maintaining an edge of suspense. Mariana Perri was unforgettable as the overlooked younger sister, tugging at the heartstrings and grounding the story with emotional depth.

The atmosphere was enhanced by fantastic lighting and sound cues, which intensified both the drama and the unease, immersing us in the world of Daisy Donna’s disappearance. The sound design in particular, done by Abby Witte, underscored moments of tension, making every twist land with even greater impact .Every moment felt intentional and precise, drawing the audience deeper into a spiral of obsession and paranoia.

This parasocial thriller is more than just entertainment; it serves as an incisive reflection on the costs of fame, devotion, and the narratives we create about public figures. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a twisty suspense filled with emotion, sharp performances, and an unsettling truth.