Christel Bartelse has woken up inside a board game. A disembodied voice directs her how to play — choose a card, open a box, wear a costume. You can’t leave ‘til you’re done. The play’s moniker, CHAOTICA, is a perfect description for the chaos that ensues once the stage lights go up. We experience Bartelse’s life in hilarious little snippets — here she’s tap-dancing as she waits tables, there she’s performing a sultry piano ballad about self-mutilation, then she’s imagining her life had she followed her parents’ wishes and become a lawyer instead of a performance artist (I, for one, am thankful she didn’t). Continue reading CHAOTICA (Dutch Girl Productions) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review →

There is no frustration quite so pure as a town hall meeting. Fuelled by each others’ anger, regular folk let their true prejudice shine through, and even the most civil conversationalists succumb to turd-hurling.

Now, imagine the crowd that gathers after a breaking news broadcast interrupts their regularly-scheduled programming. It’s the war of the worlds, and earth isn’t battle ready. On the air: sounds of screaming, then radio silence. The room ignites, townsfolk panic and quickly turn on each other. But don’t worry, the mayor has a solution; human sacrifice. Preferably female, definitely virgin. Any volunteers? Continue reading Breaking News (Triangle Pi Productions) St. Vladimir Theatre 2011 Toronto Fringe Review →

Imagine a world where Goombas are smushed and green pipes can take you wherever your pixelated heart desires. A world where you can finish your opponent with a bicycle kick or a well-placed fireball. A world where the Princess is always in another castle. Welcome to Video Games: The Musical.

You don’t have to love video games to love this show, but it definitely helps.

Continue reading Video-games: The Musical (Izak Anger Productions) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review →