Fringe Buzz and Go

Picks for the Montreal Fringe festival

Montreal Fringe Festival Posters. Photo Rachel LEvine Montreal Fringe Festival Posters. Photo Rachel Levine

The annual Montreal Fringe Festival that takes over Parc d’Amerique and brings with it music and mayhem is one of the spring highlights. Theatre and performance in both languages by artists ranging from ACTRA pros to every day folk who were awarded a slot in the annual lottery, guarantee an eclectic but enthusiastic mix. While the best way to Fringe is to go for multiple shows (tickets HERE), as one never knows quite what a show will be until the lights go down (and sometimes not even then). In order to help you pick some proven winners, here are some we have high hopes for.

Eye Candy

Several years ago Stephanie Morin-Robert did a stint at the Mainline as an artist in residence. She charmed us with her personality and creativity. by combining dance, puppetry, storytelling, and physical comedy together in her works. A Fringe veteran of many many years, she worked with Ingrid Hansen (SNAFU Dance Theatre) and Jon Bennet (Pretending Things are a Cock) to bring us this story of her pregnancy and labour. If your’e a fan of her work, she’s also performing Blindside as well. Eye Candy is at Venue 10, La Chapelle (3700 St. Dominique) on June 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16. Tickets HERE.

Didn’t Hurt

If you’re like me, you’ll pick a piece based on who directs it or who stars in it. This one is directed by TJ Dawe, who has been involved in a number of majorly good Fringe productions, Just for Laughs, and oh so many good things in theatre. This not very heavily explained show by Rodney Decroo is about a tough upbringing and healing. Not sure beyond that, but Dawe’s name is usually a good sign. Didn’t Hurt is at Montreal Impro (3697 St Laurent) on June 6, 8, 11, 12, 15 and 16. Tickets HERE.

Make It a Musical

From the world of improv, a team of musical improvisers promise to re-create your favorite movie with Broadway-style singing and dance numbers. This caught my eye in particular because of the involvement of local graphic artist, Megas Fitzgerald, who joins the team as a designer. Catch this one at Theatre Impro Montreal (3697 St Laurent) on June 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, and 16. Tickets HERE.

Multiple Organism

Mind of a Snail PuppetCo. takes small objects and brings them to life in creative and unexpected ways. This surrealist comedy is about having a body. Jessica Gabriel and Chloe Ziner produce unusual, artsy work that will surprise and perhaps even hit some profound insights. Check this one at LaChapelle (3700 St Dominique) on June 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, and 15. Tickets HERE.

Zack Adams Love Songs for Future Girl

Has it really been ten years since this show began? It’s amazing that Fringe shows can have such long lives, but this one does. Love, heartbreak, and loving again, perhaps, are universal themes. Yes, there’s singing and songs. You may even sing along. Check this one out at Petit Campus (57 Prince Arthur E) on June 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, and 16. Tickets here.

Fairy Fails

Meander is familiar from House of Laureen (also check their show MX. Queerdo MTL HERE). This show is all about a fairy who can’t fly. What to expect? Funny. Weird. Sexy. Yes. all of the above. Fairy Fails is at Theatre Impro Montreal (3697 St Laurent) on June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 16. Get your tickets HERE.

The Trophy Hunt

A play that needs to be found. Legit. Trina Davies’s new play has been performed all across the country in different places. It’s not entirely clear what to find, but head out to the Info Booth in Parc d’Ameriques starting June 4 at 7 pm sharp and try to find out what this weird show is all about. Details about this show are HERE.

About Rachel Levine

Rachel Levine is the big cheese around here. Contact: Website | More Posts