It was another fabulous day at the Fringe Festival! I had three shows at three venues in the city’s east end, and ran into plenty of friends both old and new. I thoroughly enjoyed all three shows, and I’m hoping you have your tickets for them, because two of the three are already sold out!

Lulu – The Walking Griot

Lulu loves listening to her Grandma tell her stories, but who will be left to tell the stories once Grandma is gone? Sashoya Simpson’s Lulu, directed by d’bi.young anitafrika, takes its heroine on a journey to the Folk Realm and back again, all to try and save the beings who live there and Lulu’s Grandma. Bursting with life and colour, Lulu is an inspiring tale of resilience and legacy through storytelling.

When you enter the Tank House Theatre, you’re immediately immersed in a world of carnival and wonder. A stilt performer begins the show, dancing high above our heads and waving to the newcomers. The set design of colourful strips of fabric give an ethereal and vibrant background for the story to take place. Amelia Mielke-O’Grady’s set design and Candice Dixon’s costume design work in tandem to create the stunning visuals of Lulu. Anansi’s costume is of particular note, with its many legs and ancient feel making this trickster storyteller feel timeless.

At the performance I attended, there were several generations of audience members packing the theatre: everyone from the littlest theatre goers (including a whole class of school kids), to teens, to adults and even some grandparents, and everyone was clapping along and having a great time. Considering Lulu is about the passing on of stories from one generation to the next, to have such a diverse audience is the perfect embodiment of that message.

Najla Nubyanluv, Sashoya Simpson, Leilani Ragobeer, KayGeni, Kabrena Robinson, Tasha Gray, Danielle Grant, Collette “Coco” Murray, and Pixel Heller shine in Lulu. To have a 12 year old on stage must have been so inspiring for the young theatre-goers in the audience! You can feel their passion radiating as they all perform, singing and dancing their way into our hearts.

Lulu | Toronto Fringe Festival

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Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl – Rebecca Perry Productions

*Please read the following in your best David Attenborough voice

Deep in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl must do what she can to survive. Working at a cafe, which she lives on top of, the Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl, affectionately known as Joanie, must navigate all manner of social interaction to make it through the day. We watch as Joanie chats with regulars, fends off unwanted attention from former partners, and finds a potential new mate all from behind the counter of the coffee shop. Performing her own anthropological studies of her customers, we observe the Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl adopting their various personas to regale others with anecdotes. 

*You can probably lose the voice now. Or not, you do you!

Fringe legend Rebecca Perry is reviving Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl in honour of its 10th anniversary. Keeping the original setting but with a few new changes, this heartwarming story about a young anthropology grad who just wants to work with Jane Goodall is just as delightful today as it was for audiences of Fringes past. It’s easy to see how Perry’s run is already sold out; with immense talent, a great story, and vocals on top of it all, Perry is a powerhouse.

I loved the sweet love story that’s at the centre of Confessions; from his first punny gift, Marco was a keeper in my eyes! There’s part of me which desperately wants a sequel, maybe two…one where we get to see her work with Jane Goodall, and one exploring her life with Marco. You only want the best for sweet Joanie, as her bubbly personality and positive outlook on things is more of what we need in the universe right now.

Combining coffee-centric and Canadian classic songs and artful storytelling, you’ll definitely want to get a rush ticket if you can for Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl. 

Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl | Toronto Fringe Festival

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Almost Ever After – Chaos & Light

What does falling in love look like? Meeting a friend and feeling something more? Writing them a song about their favourite things? Or maybe getting stuck in an elevator and only having each other to talk to? Andrew Seok’s Almost Ever After explores intertwining love stories through incredible songs and witty dialogue. Featuring some of Toronto’s most exciting musical theatre stars and staged concert style under beautiful twinkle lights, Almost Ever After proves that Seok’s musicals just get better and better every year.

I actively look forward to seeing what Andrew Seok is going to put into Fringe every year; ever since Man with the Golden Heart, I’ve been hooked. This year’s production exceeded my expectations. The powerful ballads left me with goosebumps all over and tears streaming down my face: a truly rare combination. There’s such intention and strength in Seok’s songs – they forward the plot while also giving the characters an outlet for their emotions, which for me is the hallmark of a great musical. Having not only a live band on stage this year (including a horn section comprised of some of the lead actors), but also a full ensemble singing backup vocals. The sheer scope of the project is impressive, particularly for a Fringe show! And the results make it the memorable performance it is. I truly hope that they recorded this cast: I immediately wanted to have the songs in my ears again!

With familiar names like Julia Pulo, Kimberly Ann-Truong, Marissa McIntyre, and Kelly Holliff along with Fringe faves like Rhoslynne Bugay and Davis Okey-Axunnah, Seok has assembled a stellar cast to join him in Almost Ever After. Everyone is so wildly talented and they put on such a heartwarming and moving show. Make sure you get what few tickets are left to experience this epic new musical for yourself!

Almost Ever After – A New Musical | Toronto Fringe Festival

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Thank you to my Patrons:

N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes, E. O’Brien

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, and Jada

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