Four days into Fringe and I am having a marvelous time! I’ve had a great time meeting the performers and getting to meet some of my readers as well. Fringe is such a perfect time to connect, so if you see me out and about, please say hi! My partner and I did a full day of Fringing yesterday, here’s a little bit about what we saw:

Frankenstein(esque) – Silent Protagonist Theatre

What does it mean to create life? This hefty question, and more, is the subject of Frankenstein(esque). From the very beginning we know that this isn’t going to be your standard adaptation of Mary Shelley’s famous novel. Rather, it delves into the questions that novel is asking in unique and fascinating ways. A brilliant cast, along with their magnificent 6-foot puppet, take us on this funny and moving exploration of ourselves and our lives.

I have to start by talking about the puppet: it’s glorious. I love that it’s made from salvaged items; it then directly relates to Shelley’s monster while also showing the tenacity of the puppet’s creator. It’s lifelike face and moving ribcage and neck make it constantly look as if it’s going to be able to walk away on its own. And it can do some pretty nifty tricks with its limbs as well (I won’t say any more, you need to witness it for yourself).

The cast of actors/puppeteers comprised of Graeme Black Robinson, Steph Crothers, John Daniel, Michelle Gram, and Julian Murphy give incredible performances both on their own and while they’re puppeting their massive co-star. I loved how self-aware this production is, and the cast really leans into that element of their performance. Their chemistry is great, and I hope they’re having as much fun performing this show as we do watching it.

You simply have to see this emotional and beautiful production while it’s here for Fringe. For more information and tickets, visit: Frankenstein(esque) | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)

Amor de Cosmos: A Delusional Musical – Joe Clark Productions

Your history class likely never taught you about the Canadian Politician with the coolest name ever: Amor de Cosmos. But Amor de Cosmos: A Delusional Musical certainly will. A working class man from Nova Scotia travels the continent and later becomes British Columbia’s second Premier and an MP. Written by Richard Kelly Kemick and directed by Cody Porter, this one-man musical is a fascinating look at Canada’s history.

Anton Gillis-Adelman stars as Cosmos, while also playing the characters of several key influences in Cosmos’ life. He is astounding, sometimes doing whole musical numbers as multiple characters as well. His talent and charm are able to take center stage for this incredible work and he holds the audience throughout the performance seemingly effortlessly. Accompanying him with music (and the occasional prop) is Lindsey Walker who adds a sparkle all her own to the performance.  

The writing for this production is beautiful; the iambic pentameter is so instantly recognizable for me and I loved how they made current sayings sound as if they belonged in the 1800’s. It was fascinating to listen to and Gillis-Adelman performs it beautifully. Also the Daguerreotype photos they’ve collected for this production are stunning, and provide a concrete illustration of the times and people Cosmos lived in.

With a new song for each act and a riveting story, you’ll leave thinking “So that’s Amor, eh?”

For more information and tickets, visit: Amor De Cosmos: A Delusional Musical | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)

The Bad Mitzvah – Salt Theatre

Ever have one of those days which seems to just go from bad to worse? But what if that day was your Bat Mitzvah, supposedly one of the biggest days of your life? That’s what happens to poor Abigail in The Bad Mitzvah. Starring and written by Stephanie Zeit along with Brad Gira & Ahlam Hassan The Bad Mitzvah is a hilarious story about family, faith, and finding yourself.

Zeit gives a stand-out performance as Abigail. We feel every moment of anxiety Abigail’s experiencing, along with her youthful desire to just “get it right.” You truly get the feeling that this was written from a place of experience, to what degree I’m not sure, but every moment feels all too real to not have unfortunately happened to someone. The Bad Mitzvah is also an incredible coming of age story, not only in that she’s ready for her Bat Mitzvah, but also about her discovering more about her parents as humans as well as herself. Struggling to get her speech right and the often contradictory advice of the grown ups in her life clearly helps Abigail change her perspective about herself and her relationship to those around her.

This ensemble cast gives fantastic performances, bringing perfect comedic timing to this very funny show. I loved how they all cycled through this one room where the play it set; it gives it a farcical feel which again I think adds to the stranger-than-fiction vibe of the story. Everyone gets their moment to shine, and they certainly give those moments great zest and passion.

You certainly won’t want to miss The Bad Mitzvah at Fringe this year! For more information and tickets, visit: The Bad Mitzvah | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)