Fringe 2016 Must-Sees
/The Vancouver Fringe is a wacky, radical, uncensored festival. The plays are selected via a lottery system, so each year there is an eclectic mix of performances—this year there’s outdoor theatre, absurdist plays, and one-person shows. Their mission is “theatre for everyone” (a self-acknowledged work in progress) that includes shows for all ages, an on-going commitment to making the theatre completely accessible.
These are the must-sees of this year's Fringe Festival. Don't miss 'em!
Nadeem Phillip stars in My Ocean.
Two years ago I saw a version of this show at the Brave New Playrites Festival and I was totally enthralled. At the end of the show the entire audience stood and gave a standing ovation, and not one of those easily given standing ovations that are common in Vancouver. A moment had settled on us and then we all stood. I know Singer-Wilson has revised the play and I’m excited to see what she has changed.
Where?
Studio 13 (off island)
1555 West 7th Avenue
When?
September 15th at 6:30 PM
September 16th at 9:00 PM
September 17th at 2:30 PM
Editor's note: check out Calvin Jay's interview with the brilliant Sasha Singer-Wilson on casting and the social climate surrounding environmental movements here.
Tim Motley in 2 Ruby Knockers, 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation
2 Ruby Knockers, 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation
This production is based on a Dashiell Hammett Story, so it’s good for those of us who sometimes narrate our commute to work as if we’re on the lookout for a femme fatale. The Edmonton Sun said it’s “the best private detective magician mentalist comedian you’ll ever see.”
Where?
The Waterfront Theatre
1412 Cartwright Street
When?
September 14th at 5:15
September 15th at 8:30
September 16th at 7:05
September 18th at 4:45
Windy Wynazz in Windy Wynazz: Rich and Famous.
It’s hailed as campy, sexy, and insane. There’s lipstick, wigs, and puppets. This show follows a woman trying to make it as a Broadway actress but who has to moonlight by doing children’s parties.
Where?
False Creek Gym (on Granville Island)
1318 Cartwright St
When?
September 15 at 6:00 PM
September 17 at 7:45 PM
September 18 at 3:30 PM
Sharon Mahoney's Fringe show visits the Vancouver festival this week.
The Lion, The Bitch and The Wardrobe
I saw “unapologetically feminist” in a review and I was sold. And then I read the description and I was doubly sold. Sharon Mahoney, used to rowdy crowds, takes on her own anxiety through “stand up, laugh out loud character comedy, and one violent puppet”.
Where?
Performance Works (on Granville Island)
1218 Cartwright Street
When?
September 14th 5:00 PM
September 16th 10:10 PM
September 18th 5:50 PM
The UK's Steve Larkin stars in Fat Sex.
This show opened the Vancouver Fringe and that makes sense. It’s a violently funny mix of spoken word and song satirizing women magazine’s obsessions with sex and fat. Rumor has it there are some “rousing sing-alongs”, too!
Where?
Revue Stage (on Granville Island)
1601 Johnston Street, V6H
When?
September 13th at 7:45 PM
September 14th at 5:00 PM
September 17th at 9:15 PM
September 18th at 5:15 PM
Way to go to our friends over at Fringe for putting on a tremendous festival this year! We're loving the programming and can't wait to catch more. Find more information about schedules and ticketing on their website here.
