There are still a few more days to catch shows at the 2024 Saskatoon Fringe Festival, so choose wisely!
If you’re having trouble making the choice yourself, here are all the five-star reviews from the PodSask team for this festival, in one convenient place. Maybe one of our top shows will be your go-to for the end of the week!
Chase Padgett: Grab Bag Cabaret
What we loved: All the way from Florida, Chase Padgett’s new Fringe offering is billed as a random running order of songs, stories and sketches that don’t fit in any of his other shows. It means Saskatoon audiences get something new with every performance and if his opening show is any indication, we are in for a memorable run of music, stories and moments that effortlessly move between funny and heartfelt.
Starting with a pre-recorded intro customized for the Saskatoon Fringe that garnered several laughs and moving into a rocking one version of a song about having No Regrets, Padgett quickly connected with the crowd. After his opening, the show content was determined by audience members who drew cards to select what story or song Padgett would do next.
Without revealing content, it’s safe to say Padgett is truly a word weaver with the ability to share stories through song and recollection, as though he’s old friend and you are just “catching up”.
What we didn’t love: There was a bit of an opening night technical gremlin with Padgett’s microphone. It led to some uneven sound in his final story, but Padgett powered through keeping his focus on the audience.
The verdict: Padgett has been a mainstay of both Winnipeg and Edmonton Fringe Festivals and Saskatoon audiences are fortunate that he has decided to add our city to his tour agenda. Great music. Great stories. Great fun – All wrapped up in this very entertaining grab bag.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Lorna Batycki
***
AWOL
What we loved: Two talented artists from the UK plus a story about two senior citizens who escape a care home to attend a metal festival – a recipe for a really good time!
This show is an absolute blast and fires on all cylinders with great comedy, genuine heart and some really delightful performances by the lovable duo. Rob Gee and Jon Paterson deliver a high-energy romp chock full of absurd hijinx, multi-role madness and some really charming moments that celebrate the nebulous enterprise of growing old.
The humour ranges from uncannily relatable to slapstick silly, and from wickedly witty to delightfully juvenile. It’s clear the pair are experienced in delivering a professional show – both on and off script – and showcase a wide range of vocal and physical skill to a very engaged audience.
What we didn’t love: For this reviewer .. it’s difficult to say. Any nitpicks one could make about the performance would ultimately go against the spirit of the show itself.
This is not a declaration of perfection by any means; however, any faults this show may have do get a reprieve for providing their audience with an enjoyable experience.
The verdict: A Fringe highlight to say the least. This show is a pleasant escape and a fun experience at the theatre. If you’re looking for pure entertainment and engaging storytelling, turn off your brain and check this one out!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Andrew Linsley
***
Survival of the Spookiest
What we loved: Pulling pop culture’s most notorious monsters (and a pillow) out of their own stories and smashing them together in a kitschy game show format, Survival of the Spookiest’s anachronistic mashup leaves plenty of room for hilarity and the performers provide it. Coming prepared to deliver fresh reimaginings of familiar characters, clever humor, and plenty of whimsy.
It’s not clear how much of the show is written and rehearsed and how much is improvised, but the seamless transitions between the two and the focussed nature of the game show’s competitive segments gave the performers plenty of room to show off their chops and their versions of these classic characters in a framework that kept the individual segment’s gimmicks from ever overstaying their welcome.
What we didn’t love: The show took a little while to get up to speed as it worked its way through some of the conventions of the TV format. While it excelled at replicating that format, a more concise introduction of the contestants would have allowed the show to quickly get to the moments where it really shined.
Verdict: On the back of its novel format, fun performances and quick pace, “Survival of the Spookiest” is light, funny and absolutely dripping with charm.
Wonder City Collective and Peach Pit Productions have come together with an excellent addition to this year’s Fringe lineup.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Zachary Knuttila
***
Rat Academy
What we loved: “Rat Academy” is an impressive display of talent that transcends the art of clowning and physical comedy with its unique premise and engaging style. The show has a brilliant energy that flirts with the edge of its asserted “All Ages” content.
Both performers had great chemistry – with each other and the audience – keeping the momentum and laughter at a consistent high for its run time. The costumes, make-up, props and set pieces really contribute to the aesthetic and add so much to the humour and shenanigans of the whole show. It makes the most of a beautifully absurd premise and confidently goes all out to deliver a fun ride.
What we didn’t love: The audience’s comfort may be tested where participation is concerned. The prospect of being “voluntold” to participate in an undisclosed bit on stage did put this introverted reviewer a tad on edge (granted, that is a calculated risk of live theatre). Admittedly, when two human-sized sentient rodents scoured the crowd for volunteers, the middle school pressure of being picked at random did make me sweat a little.
When the show begins, you may need a moment of adjustment to fully comprehend and accept the bizarre situation they are in.
That being said, one just needs to relax, buckle up and embrace the idea that this is a master class in the art of being a rat.
The verdict: There’s so much to enjoy in this ramshackle romp of rodent reverie. If you are receptive to the raspy rambunctious ramblings of rat rhetoric and can revel in the rickety rap of rationed ramparts of rational and random RATtitudes – check this show out, it’s pretty rad!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Andrew Linsley
***
El Diablo of the Cards
What we loved: Brazilian card connoisseur and clown Ewerton Martins has more than a few tricks up his sleeve as he delivers a magical set in “El Diablo of the Cards” at the Refinery.
The show begins as soon as you enter the theatre. Martins personally welcomes his guests taking a moment to interact and then invites a few “victims” to join him at his table. It’s an important welcome as he surrounds himself with those he can directly work his magic on. This sets the stage for a devilishly interactive hour of family friendly fun. The group who were part of his opening night performance were very supportive of Martins efforts, playing along with spontaneity, including a phone home moment with someone who unexpectedly became part of the show.
Martins is many things. First and foremost, as the show title suggests, he is a master at sleight of hand magic. Beyond the cards, he is a clown with a mischievous demeanor and a quick wit that was both humorous and engaging. Finally, he is a storyteller, weaving delightful anecdotes between his tricks and using words as cleverly as his cards.
What we didn’t love: If I have to nitpick, there was a running gag (literally) that I found to be a bit tiresome, but at the same time it’s part of his schtick and it works for the character.
The verdict: Card tricks can be repetitive and predictable but when done with a genuine love of performance and a storyteller’s heart, one can believe the magic is real. El Diablo of the Cards is a royal flush and a show all ages can look forward to.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Lorna Batycki
***
Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play)
What we loved: A strong script telling the story of two musically gifted siblings, the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn and his lesser known sister Fanny. “Songs Without Words” features Jennifer Vosters as both characters. Vosters is able to switch from sister to brother and back both periodically and within seconds. While the siblings do come off as two distinct characters, Vosters is also able to portray character similarities that makes the audience recognize them as brother and sister.
A simple and symmetrical set consisting of a piano bench and two music stands allows for physical blocking to differentiate between Felix and Fanny, and also poignantly represents their well-being.
Many relatable themes are explored in “Songs Without Words.” Felix and Fanny are both so emotionally entwined that they claim to share a soul, yet at the same time suffer from sibling rivalry and jealousy at the gifts the other has. In a time where upper class women are not meant to work outside of the home, Fanny wrangles with her obligation to raise her child and run her household while wanting to pursue her talent and passion. One sibling is constantly battling their fear of making a mistake in their search for glory, while the other battles with the loss of their creativity and identity in their inability to reach for more. This play is rich with familial, social, and personal conflict.
What we didn’t love: Honestly, no complaints from this reviewer.
Verdict: Entertaining. Poignant. Relatable. Heart-wrenching. Beautiful.
“Songs Without Words” is teeming with complex themes that are explored beautifully through the eyes of Felix and Fanny as they, two musicians who ought to have had similar lives, go down two different paths and fight their own demons for it.
Did I forget to mention the beautiful music as well?
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Heather Hataley
***
The Saskatoon Fringe Festival runs through August 10. Information for all shows, tickets, and the full festival program can be found at https://25thstreettheatre.org/fringe-shows/.
