It’s hard to believe that we’re in the home stretch of the Toronto Fringe Festival for another year! I’ve seen so many incredible shows, and yet it’s only a fraction of what’s being put on. I’m happy with the number of shows I’ve seen this year; today I passed the 30 mark for my festival total! And we’re not done yet, folks, there’s plenty more on the way!

The Camp Campy Campfire Show – Stories by Dan

There’s nothing like the smell of a campfire, sitting around singing songs and telling stories, and eating your own weight in smores! If all of these things are your favourite too, you need to go to The Camp Campy Campfire Show! Part of the Toronto Fringe’s KidsFest offerings, you and your little campers will have a great time at The Camp Campy Campfire Show.

Our three camp counsellors, Dan, Giovanni, and Meg, along with Honkie the camp director, show us around Camp Campy as we gather the supplies we need to make a campfire so we can have “songs and stories and so much smores!” They ask for help from their little campers at each location until they have everything they need for an epic campfire. Everyone gets a turn to help at one of the three locations on the map, and everyone has fun! With jokes for all ages, this is the definition of family fun!

On a practical note, I have to say how impressive this production is. Mégane Degousée, Dan Boyer, and Gianni Sallese give the most high-energy performances I think I’ve ever seen. The fact that everyone is included at each stage of the journey is impressive, as they come out into the audience for interactive moments as well as the ones with the little campers on stage. They’ve created a fair, inclusive, and most importantly FUN environment to tell their story. Our goal is clear and they make all of the props recognizable for the little ones (with the occasional joke thrown in for the adults). I felt extra-super-duper special when they gave me the coolest sign reading “Reviewer” at the performance; definitely scored some Cool Aunt points with that!

I was so grateful to get to have my nephew and sister-in-law join me for the performance; seeing it through a child’s eyes makes it all the more fun. My nephew joined in, laughed along, and had a great time. This is truly entertainment for the entire family, so grab your little campers and check out The Camp Campy Campfire Show while you can! For more information and tickets, visit: The Camp Campy Campfire Show | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)

Mail Ordered – Shanice Stanislaus

Anyone want to buy Lila? Only $100,000.00 USD! A bargain for such a beauty! Mail Ordered is a highly interactive, highly funny story about a young woman who is trying to save her family by having someone buy her hand in marriage. Sweet, fun, and full of surprises, Mail Ordered should be on your Fringe List this year!

Shanice Stanislaus travelled all the way from Singapore to bring Mail Ordered to Canadian Fringe Festivals this year. Stanislaus shines in her performance, giving Lila a healthy dose of sweetness and sass. As she tells us more and more about Lila’s predicament, I felt more and more attached to her, wanting what was best for someone so earnest and caring. Her attitude mixed with her innocent misunderstandings of Canadian culture make for a hilarious hour of comedy.

I won’t say much more, there’s so much potential for spoilers and the surprises are so much fun, but I will say that you definitely want to check out Mail Ordered at the Fringe. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a husband for yourself while you’re there? For more information and tickets, visit: Mail Ordered | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)

Corporate Finch – Port Albert Productions

Something strange is going down in the sleepy town of St. Jacobs, Ontario. Two teens break into an abandoned factory, but their history catches up to them in unique and unexpected ways. Written and directed by Taylor Marie Graham, Corporate Finch is a twisty thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Rainbow Kester and Matthew Ivanoff star in this shocking story about two friends who have had a falling out but reunite at a party. Once they’re on their own in the warehouse, however, we find out more about this history, their struggles, and their grudges against one another. The plot thickens with every new piece of information and by the end, it’s hard to know whose side you’re on.

Kester and Ivanoff give stunning performances in Corporate Finch, each one delivering these complex characters with a grace beyond their years. Kester’s direct addresses to the audience are haunting, her tone and calmness given the situation are wonderfully unnerving. Ivanoff gives an innocence and helplessness to his character that we don’t question until the final moments of the play. They both provide intricately nuanced performances which make this a show you simply have to see.

Honestly, if I had the time I would happily see this show again so that I could sit right up front and watch their performances more closely; not that you’re very far away from the action in the TPM Backspace, but they were so entrancing and engaging, I’d love to experience it again. You absolutely should too! For more information and tickets, visit: Corporate Finch | Toronto Fringe Festival (fringetoronto.com)