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FRINGE 2018: Short Reviews for Fringe-Packed Days
I was going to start off this article by saying that Montreal’s Fringe Fest can “be hectic at times,” until I realized I used those same exact words last year. I suppose that’s the case every year. The sheer amount of shows to see can be overwhelming, not to mention other events like the Tunes at the Fringe Park and the 13th Hour. Sometimes, you will be forced to make last-minute decisions, especially in the event where a show is sold out.
Here are some short reviews of shows I managed to catch in the span of one day.
[…]morph
Upon entering the theatre, I was handed a program with a David Lynch quote on the front. On the back, a note from the director recommending that audience members do not attempt to find a meaning in the absurdity of the piece. After seeing […]morph (pronounced ‘Ellipsis Morph’), I’m glad I didn’t waste any brain activity trying to pick apart what was presented to me. It’s hard to describe exactly what the play is about. It consists of five actors, whose behaviours switch between that of playful children and of frightened animals. Projections of light define the barriers and mood of each new sequence. There is no spoken word, except for a song at the end. Because of this, I was more aware of other sounds, like the footsteps and breathing of the actors. In less than 45 minutes, the show was over and normality was restored.
Betch-a-Sketch
I unfortunately missed Sketchfest this year, so I’ve been looking to get my sketch comedy fix for a while. Luckily, Pope Joan (and friends) got what I needed. The show offered a variety of bite-sized comedic bits; there were musical parodies of well-known hits, a dance number with plastic bags and short videos were projected during costume changes. Accompanied by musical interludes provided by Sacha Crow, the five women cast members raced about the stage, embodying characters like mustachioed lawyers, elderly feminist militants and a can return machine. The sketches took shots at easy targets such as organized religion and Canadian culture. Overall, a very fun show.
Don’t Read the Comments
I ended up at this show on impulse, having no idea what to expect. It was set up like a talk show, in which the host and panelists debated about consent and the “grey areas” of sexual assault. That doesn’t sound too entertaining, but the catch is that the characters were over-the-top clown versions of a pussy-hat wearing feminist, an over-performative male feminist vlogger and a female politician intent on maintaining the status quo. Together, they used common arguments for consent, stretching them to lengths of exaggeration and buffoonery. As the panelists fell over each other in attempts to make their opinion heard, the host would gage audience reactions. The mood took a sharp turn for the serious when director Sarah Segal-Lazar came on stage, wearing no clown makeup, and shared a personal experience where her consent was violated. The details were very specific and by end of the story, I felt sick to my stomach. I supposed the moral is that in the process of debating consent, we tend to make clowns of ourselves, yet the subject is not to be taken lightly.
Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman Queer Clown Sex-Ed Show
Performed by a real-life sex educator, Fiona Ross takes on the clown character of Beatrice. In the first five minutes, everything I had initially learned in sex-ed was lampooned in a juvenile puppet show. Beatrice then presents a revamped curriculum, with a better understanding of contraception, STI prevention and queer politics. Yet it was still explained in a humorous fashion, with mimed demonstrations and oddly shaped dildos. At the end of her lesson, Beatrice has an identity crisis when she realizes that is still only a “sexpert in training.” With the remaining time, Fiona removed her clown nose and answered audience questions about sex, which she collected on anonymous pieces of paper, stored in her homemade stuffed vulva. This was the sex education I wish I had in high school.
EXCLUSIVE: Dirt Cannon's "What Eats You" - PREMIERE on BVST
At long last, local Southern metalcore stalwarts Dirt Cannon are back with their 3rd full length, and BVST is extremely proud to bring you the premiere! Tune in on Wednesday, June 20th at 7PM to hear What Eats You for the first time ever. This is the record CJLO's metal director Andrew Wieler referenced when CJLO was profiled by Bandcamp, and now it's finally here!
Concert Review: La Luz @ L'Escogriffe, June 4th, 2018
Ever have one of those nights where you have two bands from two very different genres, play at the same time, at different venues? Well, imagine a concert where, on the same night and at one single venue, you could mosh to some garage punk AND sway and bop to some retro rock. Seems impossible? If this is your ideal Monday night, this past June 4th, L’Escogriffe put on a fantastic dual concert that satisfied musical flip-floppers like myself. Math punk rock band Gym Shorts from Rhode Island and retro doo-wop rock band La Luz from Seattle showcased some sick riffs and mellow ballads. More importantly, the night was full of talented and badass women.
You could see the hype and excitement outside of l’Escogriffe from a block away. People were flooding the entrance puffing away at cigarettes and joints, anxiously awaiting for the night to begin. The stench of sweat and beer mixed with the humidity set the atmosphere for the music that was to come. The sound of feedback called the audience to attention like the last school bell that lets out the anxious and impatient kids.
At the center of the stage was lead vocalist and guitarist Sarah Greenwall, whose intense eye contact seemed to communicate two things: I don’t give a f***, and I’m going to blow your eardrums. Their stage presence was hypnotic and they hadn’t even started yet. Once the music kicked off, the audience hypnotically started headbanging to the fast drums and intense riffs. They played songs from their most recent album WET WILLY from 2016 and their first album NO BACKSIES from 2014. Their old school rock and punk vibes felt a little like a modern-day The Runaways, but with more badass behavior. Most memorable lyrics: “Ding Dong Ditch, Your Mom’s A Bitch.”
Before Gym Shorts even took the stage, the atmosphere of L’Esco was hot and humid: just imagine how it was after an hour set of headbanging and moshing. Most people didn’t step out for fresh air or water, more people pressed in anxiously waiting for La Luz to take the stage. The dance floor was buzzing about the band, personal favorite songs, and expectations for the night. Very casually and nonchalantly, three of four of the members of La Luz walked onstage. Keyboardist Alice Sandahl was unfortunately back home with her family due to an emergency, but the audience came together to send good vibes to Alice. Despite her absence, La Luz put on an incredible performance, kicking things off with new content from their newly released album, Floating Features.
Lena Simon (bass), Marian Li Pino (drums), and Shana Cleveland (guitar/lead vocalist) worked beautifully together delivering mellow and California-esque tunes. They played crowd favorites like “Cicada” from Floating Features, and “Sure As Spring” and “Call Me in the Day” from the first album It’s Alive. They were at times delicate and relaxed, closing their eyes as if lost in their dreamy ballads and at times they were wild and indifferent women rock and rollers. In between songs they laughed and talked with the audience showing us their laid back west-coast coolness.
FRINGE 2018: What the Hell Happened to my Patio Furniture?!
What the Hell Happened to My Patio Furniture?! is improviser and storyteller Joshua Budman’s first Fringe show! After years of performing improv and volunteering at the festival, Budman created a hilarious and incredibly charming one-person show about the real life disappearance of his patio furniture from his 16th floor apartment.
Written and performed by Joshua Budman and directed by Jeff Gandell, is a magical and wildly inventive mystery. Budman’s excellent improv skills allow him to perfectly inhabit the bodies of several fun and strange characters. Armed with only a guitar and a wooden chair, Budman transforms Espace B into a fantastical version of Montreal. Budman is able to create so many beautiful, elaborate scenes with his amazing imagination. You’ll really feel like you’re standing on top of Budman’s apartment with him when he’s on stage!
What the Hell Happened to My Patio Furniture?! is surprisingly sweet and insightful. It is both an intense, furniture-themed crime adventure and a moving love story. Watching this heartwarming play will fill you with happiness, excitement and hope. You’ll be rooting for Budman as he steps out of his shell and starts opening up more and more throughout the show!
Budman is an outstanding performer and you can find watch him do improv at Montreal Improv and Théâtre Ste-Catherine on Sunday nights! Watching him perform is an absolute delight and an unforgettable experience!
What the Hell Happened to My Patio Furniture?! is a heart-warming furniture mystery of epic proportions! It ran until June 17th at the Montreal Improv Espace B located at 3713 Saint-Laurent, Montreal!
Patricia Petit Liang is part of CJLO’s Official Fringe Team covering the sights and sounds from the 2018 St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival. She also hosts Fatal Attraction every Wednesday day from 12 PM – 1 PM, only on 1690AM in Montreal and online at CJLO.com.
NEWS FOR MONDAY, JUNE 18TH 2018
Hosted by Patricia Petit Liang
Stories by Karl Knox and Patricia Petit Liang
Produced by Patricia Petit Liang
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LOCAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
Former Cree leader William Mianscum testified this week at public hearings held by the Viens Commission as part of the provincial inquiry investigating how Indigenous people are treated by public services in Quebec.
According to CBC News, the former chair of the Cree School Board and past chief of the James Bay community of Mistissini experienced racism while getting his lungs treated at a Quebec hospital in 2015.
A nurse at the Val-d'Or hospital told another nurse that she was "going to walk her dog" while accompanying him to the bathroom.
Mianscum also described how another Cree patient had been refused medical assistance throughout the night and passed away shortly the next day.
The inquiry is expected to end by November 30th.
INTERNATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
An organisation providing a "safe space" for the LGBTQ community and football fans of color was forced out of the World Cup in Russia last week.
According to BBC News, Diversity House was supposed to be open throughout the entire tournament.
Football Against Racism in Europe stated that the eviction was likely a politically motivated move and that the Russian government has a long history of forcing out rights groups on legalistic pretexts.
INTERNATIONAL
By Karl Knox
The 630 migrants who were rescued last week from the Mediterranean sea and refused permission to dock in Italy and Malta have arrived in Spain, where they have been welcomed with open arms and promises of health care.
According to BBC News, the rising tide of anti-immigration sentiment across Europe has exposed a continuing absence in EU policy when it comes to having a united, coherent, functioning plan to deal with short and long term irregular migration.
The Spanish police will take steps to identify and ensure the safety of each of the 630 refugees and then take them to police stations and initiate immigration procedures.
Concert Review: The Slyde
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 15TH 2018
Hosted by Jessica Barile
Stories by Patricia Petit Liang
Produced by Jessica Barile
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NATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
Ontario's Progressive Conservative party secured a majority government, ending 15 years of Liberal power in the province on Thursday.
According to CBC News, Doug Ford, a one-term Toronto city councilor and businessman, became the province's premier after he won his seat in Etobicoke North where many of the core supporters of late former mayor Rob Ford reside.
Ford became the leader of the party less than three months ago, winning the leadership race after former leader Patrick Brown resigned unexpectedly after being accused of sexual misconduct.
INTERNATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
More than 46 Ethiopian migrants crossing from Somalia to Yemen drowned when their boat capsized on Wednesday.
According to BBC News, 16 other people have gone missing after the vessel flipped over in the sea off Yemen's coast.
Yemen is currently in the midst of a devastating civil war and is facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
INTERNATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
Three people were killed and eight others were wounded in Turkey after election campaigning descended into violence.
According to BBC News, the clash took place in the town of Suruc, when an MP from the ruling right-wing party, Ibrahim Halil Yildiz, toured some shops.
Various sources disagree what caused the violence, but at least eight people were taken to the hospital and ten others were arrested.
FRINGE 2018: Slaying in Suburbia
Project AlienCat’s student-made Slaying in Suburbia: An Interactive Murder Mystery is an exciting, satirical drama you’ll never forget! Venture off into a sunny, early 2000’s family-friendly PTA barbeque to discover the darkest secrets of these suburban families. Slaying in Suburbia is unlike any Fringe show I’ve ever seen and it was so much fun to experience!
Written by Malika Pharand and directed by Alicia Magliocco, with music written and directed by Neusha Taherian and Jeff Tremblett, much of Slaying in Suburbia’s story takes place inside of your interactions with the cast members. During the show, there are several points where you can wander around the MainLine Theatre, interrogating the performers and possibly even interacting with the dead!
The actors are so talented at improvising and never break character in the face of adversity. Neusha Taherian remained in character perfectly while I nervously giggled in front of her because I was too anxious to speak! All of the performers are incredibly patient and thoughtful, and if you’re too shy to approach them they'll come say hello to you. I was initially nervous about the idea of participating in an interactive play, but Slaying of Suburbia is so much fun that you’ll find yourself bolting on stage to get to the bottom of the mystery! You can even collaborate with other audience members and make new friends.
Although all of the actors were outstanding, Anton Sebastian May stood out especially with his powerful, beautiful singing. Slaying in Suburbia isn’t entirely a musical, but there are excellent musical interludes you’ll thoroughly enjoy! Emery Rose Lee Orlando did an amazing job with the costume design and nailed early 2000’s fashion. One of my favorite things about the show was seeing the cast members sporting old, chunky cellphones that the hilarious Jonathan Klotz revealed were in actual working condition!
The entire team of Slaying in Suburbia did a marvelous job and they should be so proud of what they accomplished. They created such a fun theater piece and filled with sophisticated details and thrilling secrets for you to discover!
Slaying in Suburbia: An Interactive Murder Mystery is an innovative whodunnit you’ll absolutely adore! Catch it until June 16th at the MainLine Theatre located at 3997 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal!
Patricia Petit Liang is part of CJLO’s Official Fringe Team covering the sights and sounds from the 2018 St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival. She also hosts Fatal Attraction every Wednesday day from 12 PM – 1 PM, only on 1690AM in Montreal and online at CJLO.com.
Metal Review : Ritual Master, Nightbringers, and Momokai
FRINGE 2018: Apocalipsync: Humanity Is a Drag
The end has come! Society as we know it has fallen apart, due to infighting from the queer left, as Peaches Lepage explains in the opening exposition. Our last hope rests on three “I-Will-Survivors,” who all have different ideas on how to overcome their current predicament: Dot Dot Dot wholeheartedly believes in the power of sustainability and that society can be restored through composting, veganism and yoga. Anaconda LaSabrosa is a self-described anarchist and wishes to destroy any remnants of the old world. Uma Gahd, on the other hand, is not taking the apocalypse well and wants to return to the way things were, when she had six gazillion followers on Instagram. Peaches Lepage occasionally drops by to offer advice and to “advance the plot.”
Together, the three struggle to survive as they scavenge for food (and makeup), go to the bathroom, and attempt to build walls. And yet, there’s still a substantial amount of shade to be thrown around between them. Eventually, things devolve into a three-way battle over whose ideology will save humanity, or what’s left of it.
I’ve only seen a handful of drag shows in my time, but I have to say, this is by far the most creative scenario. The trio were able to create a whole universe using cardboard boxes and a disco ball. Each queen gets her time in the spotlight to lipsync a song appropriate to their situation. The costumes make do with whatever tattered rags remain in the apocalypse, particularly Peaches Lepage’s costume, made up of a traffic cone brassiere and T-Rex arms. The dialogue was witty and sharp, with a few meta-jokes thrown in for good measure, like Uma Gahd’s frustration with once again getting #2 Best Drag Queen in Cult MTL’s Best of Montreal. The cast was able to roll with the punches during a missed cue, a cellphone going off in the front row, or a heckling audience member. Truly, the House of Laureen has put together a one-of-a-kind experience and will have you leaving the Théâtre Ste-Catherine wishing that you too were a drag queen.
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