Weirdo is pretty much what the name is and so much more, it is magic, a weird magician and a weird time. Robbie T. wins you over with his weirdness and quirks, and overall funny story of his magic skills, growing up and social situations. The fanfare of glitter and quick pause to make sure you got the joke or trick is a great add to keep your audience laughing and wanting more. Robbie T. interacts with audience members, getting them to get out of their seats and embrace their weirdness, while also messing the audience feel safer with his weirdness, letting you know that if your up on stage with him, nothing can go wrong and if it does, comedy! Weirdo by Robbie T Subiaco is playing at Performance Works 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Michelle Williams Click "read more" for the full video transcript.
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Written and in part performed by Jeff Hoffman. The story of 50 Fun Things is a musical romantic comedy that explores life from both positive and pessimistic angles. Opening with a scene about the current state of their relationship, characters: Kelcie and Seth present to you scenes of the beginnings of their relationship and their quest to find 50 fun things to do. This show is definitely a tear-jerker but it is also just so darn cute that you can’t help but smile. Filled with musical recordings and accompanied by live singing and ukulele, 50 Fun Things will take you on an emotional journey that you will appreciate. And you may even feel better about life after seeing this show. 50 Fun Things by Maniac Productions is playing at the Cultch Historic Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Selene Dublanko Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Die Hard: the Musical-ish is another tight show from the people who previously brought the Hunger Games Musical Trilogy to the Fringe in years passed. One of the cleverest aspects of this production is that they acknowledge at the outset that it’s rather ridiculous to be mounting a production of Die Hard on the kind of shoestring budget and barebones theatre space of Fringe. They deal with this by seemingly having writer, director, and producer, Mark Vandenberg talk to the audience directly, breaking the 4th wall, and basically explaining that they don’t have the budget to properly mount Die Hard: the Musical, explaining their hopes and ambitions for the show, and asking the audience for money to make these dreams come true. The show is punctuated by these very funny explanations of what they ‘would do’ if they had the budget. This show is overall well-written and well-performed. It embraces it’s absurdity and has a lot of fun. The songs are overall strong, except for the first and last numbers, which are the weakest, and could easily be cut or parred down. They cleverly used hits from the 1980’s, with changed lyrics, so that thematically, as well as substantively, it held together. Although sparse, the costumes and props were well-used. Even though most of the actors and actresses played multiple roles, it was always clear where we were and who was who (except in the opening number, which was confusing). I especially enjoyed the trio who played the 4 German terrorists, who really embraced the absurdity of the show and provided thorough laughs. While I thoroughly enjoyed this show, I found the beginning to be somewhat unclear, and seemed to require knowledge of the source material. Similarly, I found the multiple epilogues of the ending to drag an otherwise tight show. Mr. Vandenberg may want to consider transitioning at the hilarious “I guess that means everything’s okay now” line right into the ensemble number “We’re Not Kidding”. Overall, a delightful show, even for those who dislike musicals. You won’t be able to keep yourself from being swept up by the charm and hilarity of this ensemble. Die Hard: the Musical-ish by District 13 Presents is playing at Studio 1398 on Granville Island 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Vanessa Marshall Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Overall, The ADHD Project was highlighted by Carlyn Rhamey’s wonderful storytelling and ability to be present with the audience. She shared reactions with audience members, and addressed unexpected moments/technical difficulties with grace and humour. Rhamey reminds us that ADHD is not only a medical diagnosis or disability, but that it is personal - a world in and of itself. The areas which could have been improved upon or better addressed - an acknowledgement of the privilege that comes with having access to resources such as special education, personalized attention, parental support, and even a diagnosis in the first place, as well as an acknowledgement that there can be a variety of experiences of ADHD. Although there are common symptoms and signs, there are also many different ways that ADHD can present itself in children and adults, men and women, and people from different backgrounds. All in all, a wonderful show and an important topic addressed by a neuro-diverse team of talented and endearing artists. The ADHD Project by Squirrel Suit Productions is at the False Creek Gym on Granville Island, 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Madisen Steele Click "read more" for the full video transcription. |
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