The consumption of beer can make people sloppy and silly and so it is fitting that this show simulates that experience. Although this is an organized chaos. One minute the performers are running higgledipiggledly through the audience waving their arms in the air making silly noises, the next they are magically back on stage in time for the right lighting or sound cue, in the right spot with perfect timing on their next line. Yes, this show is VERY relaxed, very casual, taking itself not even a teeny tiny bit seriously, but at the same time the audience is always safe, we are always on track and, although they might not want us to feel that way, these performers do know exactly what they are doing. Part history lecture, part silly sketch comedy, part 6 year old's birthday party (except with alcohol), A Brief History of Beer by Wish Experience is exactly what is says on the can. The information is interesting, but handed out in tidbits, giving us a surface level overview of the big picture history of beer. I would have loved to have dived deeper into each time period, learned personal stories and more historical details, but then we'd be there for hours. There are other "beer shows" that focus on specific countries and time periods, so perhaps if I'm lucky they'll return to the Fringe with one of those. PS if you're a star trek fan as well as a beer fan, you'll enjoy this all the more. ~ reviewed by Danielle Benzon
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No Belles is a heart-warming and entertainingly education play. This show is expertly and passionately pulled off and deserves the great success it has received since its debut in 2014. I hope this show continues touring for the next 4 years, 40 even! I hope that one day the scientific community will give this theatre company more women in science to include in their show. The current version of the show features 8 scientists, each of whom is spotlighted in a separate episode of the show. Each episode follows a different format – including slam poetry/rap, skits, sock puppets, letters, and illustrations – such that each episode is presented in a manner as unique as the woman it spotlights. Sonja’s Favourite Bits: Hearing the actors relate to some of their favourite scientists, describing why/how much they care about these women – both as scientists and as people. Their passion for the content is infectious and makes me want to go out and learn more! No Belles by Portal Theatre is playing at the False Creek Gym 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Sonja Cvoric
Dear Reader/Listener, Wunderdog Theatre’s production of Dear Elizabeth is a touching portrayal of the 30-year pen-pal friendship between two poets – Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell. The script consists entirely of quotes from the letters exchanged between them. The rare moments when the two do meet in real life are very short and staged in silence. It made me wonder what was left unsaid in their relationship, in real life and in the curated selection of letters presented in the play. What was crystal clear though, was the admiration, support, and love these two had for one another. Alexis Kellum-Creer’s performance as Elizabeth and Anthony Santiago’s as Robert achieved a level of emotional eloquence and complexity that really brought these letters to life. Sincerely Yours, Sonja PS – Sonja’s musings in light of seeing this play:
~ reviewed by Sonja Cvoric
A remarkably quiet piece given the subject matter, Bonnie & Clyde by Adam Peck is, more than anything else, about human fallibility, the need to be loved, to be understood, and the struggle to make one's own way in life. Kennedy Sloane as Bonnie and Emmett Lee Stang as Clyde both give flawless and fully embodied performances, navigating the emotional undercurrents of alternating light banter and tense conversation with honesty and depth. With a minimal, but atmospheric set and soundtrack, I could feel the stifling heat and smell the dirty, dusty air of the pair's hideaway. This story is just a slice of time, at once dreamlike and shockingly mundane in the domestic details that make up any person's intimate hours. Because the piece is so quiet and human and messy and unresolved, it does require stamina to stay present for the full 80 minutes. With the ebb and flow of tension remaining taught without building to any small moments of release, I did find my attention wandering, but they always brought me back. I found this piece quite disturbing in the way it both charmed, delighted and troubled me. Director Larisse Campbell and these two talented actors have created a piece of subtle darkness doused in light. The rich undercurrents of which continue to visit my subconscious like a gently aching tooth. Bonnie & Clyde by The Ordinary Productions is playing at the VanCity Culture Lab 6 - 16 September as part of the Dramatic Works Series at the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Danielle Benzon Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Spinning You Home, written by Sally Stubbs, is performed as a stage reading for the Fringe festival. I thought Sarah Roa playing granddaughter Sarah and Simon Webb playing Grampa were both individually well-suited to their roles. However, I did not feel like their performances complemented each other very well. There were some moments in this piece when I felt the foley – which was excellent, not just excellent by comparison – was more engaging than the conversation between the two characters. I felt uneasy for most of this show about the level of conflict and contention between these two, and I just couldn’t fully understand their motivations for continuing to be around each other. I’m not sure if I felt this way because of the stage reading format, or the unfiltered script, or due to a general struggle to grasp the tone of the performance. I feel like this show had all the right ingredients for a compelling adventure tale – travel, history, storytelling (complete with believable sound effects), spooky ghostly elements, and difficult family members – but somehow did not come together in a way that I found significant or relatable. Spinning You Home by Spinners Collective is playing at Carousel Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Sonja Cvoric Click "read more" for the full video transcript.In a bare room in the RCMP offices somewhere in BC, Jimmy Miyoshi is interrogated, or is he manipulated, and are the police playing a game or being straight with him? Finally you can make up your own mind while learning a few new facts about the case. More than anything though, this is your chance to form more of an opinion of the Mr. Big undercover tactics that Canadian police still use when investigating crime. This production was exactly what I expected. At times funny, at time shocking and very informative of the justice system we live in. If our justice system interests you, then this will both entertain and leave you with more ammunition to love or hate it. Is Mr. Big unethical? You make up your own mind. Miyoshi: An RCMP Interrogation is playing at the Havana Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Melody Owen Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Canadian politics has never been so exciting as when the cast of Trudeaumania re-enacts Pierre Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeaumania is like Canada’s version of Hamilton for the States; the story of a man who greatly impacted Canada’s government and looked suave while doing it. Trudeaumania has everything a musical should have: great choreography complete with cheesy jazz-hands and a tap dance-off, three songs within the first ten minutes of the show, and great ear-catching music. The music explores several different styles including: tango, traditional, rap, rock’n’roll and the blues. The small but super energetic ensemble makes the show! Each member plays several different roles featuring their excellent vocal and facial expressions. Playing at the Firehall Arts Centre in Gastown this show is a must-see, and you might even want to go back for more! Trudeaumania by Walking Shadows is playing at the Firehall Arts Centre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Selene Dublanko Click "read more" for the full video transcript.
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