Fringe Fest 2024: pre-festival reviews

Know Your Fringe ahead of time. I review the Edmonton Fringe Festival shows I’ve already seen.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (actually). Edmonton’s 43rd Annual Fringe Festival is one week away away and tickets are on sale today. Over 200 shows are scheduled; I’m going to see about 60.

I’m taking two weeks holiday, fringing my heart out, and I’m still barely going to see a quarter of what’s out there. Most people can only make time for a handful of shows, so picking something fun and unique is of vital importance. I’m here to help with that.

I will review everything I see. You can expect me to file my copy every day at around midnight or later.

But first! Below are my thoughts on the shows I have already seen and are running again, including some shows I will return to but won’t review (you’ll see why). These shows are in order of how much I like them. I hope this helps you plan what to see.

Reviewing past shows

What the Hell was That!?

“Laren Steppler may be a genius, and you must see his show.” That’s how I opened my review of What the Hell was That!? in 2023, and I stand by every word. “Whatever ‘it’ is, this is it.” Laren is one helluvan opera tenor with the wit, irony, and charisma to match. His show is at once explosive, introspective, and highly entertaining. What the Hell was That!? just had a great run at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and I can’t wait to see it again.

Method Prix

Serious fringe-goers probably don’t need to be told, but clowning around isn’t just red noses and big shoes. In Method Prix, clowning around means snobbishly sexual drag kings make an arthouse film based on a certain directorial vision and a method… a Method Prix, if you will. I laughed my ass off the whole time. See Method Prix if you’re not a prude.

Larry

Gear down, big rig! I’ve seen Larry twice, actually, because it’s so good. The titular protagonist is just an ordinary blue collar dude who likes dad-rock and hot chicks, but what happens when he’s thunderstruck by an epiphany? In a word, it’s a femininomenon! You could join me as one of the lucky few invited onstage to headbang with Larry, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Big Business

Big Business deserved a bigger venue last year, but my heart tells me that a larger audience would ruin a necessary intimacy. Lee Boyes is in charge of the company and you’re invited to interview for one of many positions. Together, several audience members join the staff and create synergy. This show is a really good time—and don’t worry, your participation is entirely voluntary.

ParaNorma P.I.

Thank the gods (my friend Chelsea Butler and her recommendation) that I saw ParaNorma P.I. last year. Do yourself a favour and join ParaNorma’s class on ghost hunting, no matter the AfterMorningNoon.

Forest of Truth

This one is personal, so I will reprint my previous review in it’s entirety:

Liane Faulder from the Edmonton Journal wrote a joyless, ok-boomer-tier review for Forest of Truth, and it pains me to think of how much she cost Osaka Japan’s Theatre Group GUMBO at [2023’s] festival. Would it kill the mainstream media to send reviewers who understand and appreciate the spirit of Fringe? Not just theatre, but Fringe? That’s what this show is: the fringiest of the fringe. Every fault Faulder found with Forest of Truth within me found delight. In fact, I was one of the gleeful audience members “who were dragooned into participating in embarrassing, sexualized skits”—an afflicted victim Faulders apparently “felt for.” Anyone who missed Forest of Truth missed a crazy good time.

Brother Love’s Good Time Gospel Hour

Hitting holy bumps. You in? I’m in. I loved this show. From the Fringe website: “You're invited to grab a tambourine as they sing and preach about the sexiness of Jesus, the spiritual power of narcotics, and the importance of Christian porn.”

Rat Academy

Dayna Lea Hoffmann and Katie Yoner share lessons on how to be a rat, including stealing, hiding, fighting, avoiding traps, sniffing for cheese, and surviving traumatic flashbacks from that one time you died for a few minutes in a laboratory. See these rats before border patrol kicks them out of Alberta.

Cabaret of Murder

In 2023, I wrote: “Cabaret of Murder may end up as an underrated gem this year, so see it before it blows up.” Well, it did not stay hidden for long and slayed Edmonton’s 42 Fringe Festival with sellout crowds. A true crime addiction is by no means necessary to enjoy Cabaret of Murder.

AWOL

Two seniors escape their continuing care home and stumble into a metal music festival. AWOL delivers on its premise with clever writing and eccentric performances, including jokes that will delight elders and those familiar with the hard rock scene. I remember appreciating the story and feeling thoroughly entertained, but never really laughing out loud, if you appreciate the difference.

For Science

For Science is a highly entertaining “absurd investigation of instant gratification and celebration of the scientific method.” The team in lab coats perform loads of experiments, some indistinguishable from magic. Maybe that’s the point. I’d strongly recommend bringing the kids to this one.

The Heterosexuals

What do the queers really think about the straights? I can’t remember, honestly. I saw Johnnie Walker’s (yes) show a couple of Fringes ago and it was pretty good. I want to say a lot of it was a predictable tale of growing up gay, but there were quite a few novel and entertaining twists. Definitely worth your time if you love to laugh at the heteros’ expense (I do).

Sad Girl Songs

Billed as a comedy show and subtitled ‘when #yesand becomes #metoo,’ I’m somewhat inclined to agree with the Orlando Weekly’s review: “Hilarious yet harrowing.” Gwen Coburn is a good comedian and storyteller, but you should know that her show’s subject matter turns quite dark and blunt once the ice is broken.

I Lost on Jeopardy

See this show if you’re really interested in what it’s like to be a contestant on Jeopardy. George Buri seems like a cool dude and tells his story well enough, but I must be honest and recommend spending your precious Fringe hours elsewhere.

Always a good time

The following four shows are always a good time and every performance is different. These are great picks if you’re looking for good fun, especially late at night. I won’t review them when I see them because of their randomness and rewatchability.

Late Night Cabaret

This is like Saturday Night Live but at the Fringe. They feature original skits as well as acts from various shows to help with exposure. There’s even an intermission for you to get up and grab more beer.

11 O’clock Number

The Number is an improvised musical comedy based on suggestions from the audience. They weave a story and sing songs all based on what you yell at them. It’s pretty cool. You deserve to see this and the performers deserve to see you during their year-round productions outside the Fringe, as well.

Vavianna Vardot’s Famous Sex Party

Vardot’s (Amber Nash, Archer’s Pam Poovey) sexy cabaret lives up to the name. No, seriously, it’s hosted by Pam Poovey. If it’s a late night and I’m looking for one last fix, I’m seeing this over Late Night Cabaret. Sorry, it’s just that good. Live it up at the party!

Dungeons and Shakespeare

Last year, Dungeon Master Shelby Bond ushered my audience through an epic tale of Mercutios and monsters, including the deadly Mosquito of Tommy Banks Way. This is a game of D&D played out with audience members doing their best beastly and bardish impressions. Skeptical? Give it a shot.

Most anticipated bonus round

Accidental Beach

The funny people who perform the 11 O’clock Number and produced Jason Kenney’s Hot Boy Summer are behind this formerly improvised, very-Edmonton musical. I’m looking forward to finally seeing it.

Escape from Edmonton

Another Edmonton themed production. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Escape since missing it last year, and this time ‘round it promises more puppets, snake tattoos, fight scenes, and dance offs. LFG

Inescapable & Truth

From Escape to Inescapable (these transitions do be hittin’), I am grouping Inescapable and Truth together because they are both created by Martin Dockery, who is one of my favourite modern playwrights. Last year’s The Long Night of the American Dream and 2022’s The Stakeout were standouts in storytelling, and I expect no different here.

Satan Does a Cabaret

Lucifer himself visits Edmonton Fringe after (presumably) getting his ass kicked in Georgia. This production is from the same folks who created Jesus Teaches us Things and Scooby-Doosical, both of which I loved. Touch me, Satan, put your lips on mine; could go to Hell, but we’ll prob’ly be fine.