This is the last weekend of the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Don't be shy. Go on that binge and check out some of this year's offerings.
2108 Fringe Reviews 1-2015
This is the last weekend of the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Don't be shy. Go on that binge and check out some of this year's offerings.
A New Brain
Plain Jane Theatre Company
Venue 38 Auditorium at Campus Saint-Jean
8406 Rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 St.)
4 Stars
The verdict is a big encore for A New Brain, director Kate Ryan's latest venture at the Fringe.
The 90-minute musical is tuneful and chipper, and based on composer/lyricist William Finn's own life-and-death medical experience.
Struggling composer Gordon Schwinn is hit with a shock. He collapses and is rushed to the hospital. After receiving an MRI, Gordon is diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation.
He must undergo immediate surgery to his brain. Without the surgery he may lose the use of his faculties or die. Gordon's big fear is that he will die young without having made his mark in the world.
Brain is chalk full of sparkling gems, character-driven songs, novelty numbers and powerful, emotionally driven ballads.
Most of the characters are not fully developed, however Ryan has assembled a cast of pros who enrich every role including the smaller parts.
Jocelyn Ahlf as the wise homeless woman is a soulful powerhouse especially in Change, a song that's perfect for her robust voice. Andrew MacDonald-Smith grabs the limelight whenever he's on stage as the precocious Mr. Bungee, and Cathy Derkach as Gordon's mother sings The Music Plays On, a heart-wrenching ballad that relives every mother's fears for her child.
But the weight of the show falls on Gordon's shoulders, and actor Garrett Ross delves into every aspect of his character as a quirky, sensitive and weird kind of guy. It's not easy playing most of the show in a hospital gown, and you can't help love, empathize and be charmed by this sweet goofball.
Ultimately, A New Brain is a grateful thank-you for second chances and reminds us we all have special gifts.
– Anna Borowiecki
Edmonton Comedy Festival
Varscona Hotel: Thomas Bennett Room
8208 106 St.
3 stars
The Edmonton Comedy Festival came to the Fringe to do a preview for its big event, taking place Oct. 7 to 10, 2015. The line-ups changed nightly, helping to showcase a variety of talent they have scheduled to perform in October. A combination of seven comedians and a hypnotist preformed over the course of the Fringe.
On Friday Aug. 14, the show was opened by Lars Callieou and headlined by Mike Dambra. Callieou is a local Alberta guy, who had intimate knowledge of the Edmonton area that made him a great addition to the show. He was easily able engage with the audience and add his own personal anecdotes to stories involving the Edmonton region, to the delight of the audience. Much of his show focused around his recent breakup with his girlfriend, and the content was driven by his curiosity with long-term marriages and what makes them tick.
Mike Dambra, from Rochester, N.Y., followed Callieou. He immediately opened with jokes about an almost completely empty venue, and very small stage. As he progressed it was clear that most of his show would involve interactions with the audience, and he did not have much prepared material. Despite the fact that his show was mostly off the cuff, he did get some great laughs. His inappropriate and crass jokes left some people laughing with tears streaming down their faces. There were a few lulls when the audience didn't give him enough material to work with, but overall he delivered laughs to the unjustly small audience that came out.
– Jennifer Henderson
Bridget Ryan's In Your Element
Rabbit in the Yard Production
Venue 29 Cook County Saloon
8010 Gateway Blvd.
4 Stars
“It's going to be a throw down, a showdown and I can't slow down,” shouted Bridget Ryan at the beginning of her one-hour cabaret-style show.
And like the never-ending Energizer bunny, Ryan, accompanied by keyboardist Bryce Kulak, pumped up the volume reprising a string of retro hits from the '80s.
Taking place in Cook County Saloon's barn-style edifice with plank-like tables, bar stools and a flashing disco ball, her well-oiled act of lively music was structured along the five Chinese elements – wood, fire, water, earth and metal.
Using witty and at times sassy descriptions, she paralleled her songs to a person's temperament born under the sign.
Example: “Wood is ruled by love. Wood is about action and getting action.” That was part of the patter and she chose several romantic tunes matching her themes – tunes such as Lionel Ritchie's Endless Love and Stevie Wonder's I Just Called to Say I Love You.
We were introduced to fire as the “shit-disturber” and water is “very organic, the plant based lover, the vegetarian and the friend that dabbles in medicinals.” Earth is more “cautious and concerned for everyone” whereas metal likes to feel super-connected and thrives on pressure.
To highlight each of the elements' different personalities, Ryan selected a medley of hits ranging from Iron Maiden's Run to the Hills and Enya's Sail Away to Madonna's Express Yourself and Styx's Mr. Roboto.
One particular segment in wood drew a roar of laughter as a film of fornicating mammals and reptiles popped up behind Ryan singing Sister Sledge's We Are Family.
“Bryce and I never get to see it, but we all watch it through your faces,” said a laughing Ryan.
The show was too short, but with Ryan's robust voice and cheeky presence it's a for-sure night of fun.
– Anna Borowiecki
