With mere hours left before the end of the 2012 Fringe season, it’s time to give some well-deserved kudos to acts that went out of their way to delight us. And luckily, there’s still time to check them out for yourselves…well, all except one, that is.
Zach Adams: A Complete History of Zach Adams – &&&.5
A Complete History… is exactly what it sounds like. We follow Zach from his humble beginnings cracking jokes at recess all the way to his shot at acting in England and back to his home town of Perth. Zach (Shane in real life) is hilarious. He’s a natural performer and a delight to watch on stage. The show flows fantastically well and draws you in right from the beginning. I did find myself wishing for more songs, but that was only due to the fact that Zach’s songs are so freekin funny! Gotta keep ‘em wanting more, eh Zach?
The Upshot – &&&&
The Upshot is three monologues by Flora Quintus, Sebastien Heins, and Nico Racicot. Essentially it’s three shows in one (not a bad deal). The first monologue (by Flora) describes in graphic detail the full arc of a somewhat dysfunctional relationship. It’s quite funny and at times rings just a bit too true. The second (by Sebastien) is a beautiful story of two brothers-turned-Hip Hop stars. Using dance, rhyme, movement and song, Sebastien weaves a vivid story that moves backwards and forwards through time. At times funny, and at times tragic, it grabs you and does not let go. The third monologue (by Nico) is an all too familiar Quebecois man spouting racism left and right at his multicultural backyard neighbors. Nico is hilarious and vulgar, and sadly all too familiar. Anyone who’s lived in Montreal for a decent amount of time has probably lived next to this man before, and laughed and winced at his offensive antics. This show is truly fantastic and not to be missed.
Peter & Chris and the Mystery of the Hungry Heart Motel – &&&&
Through circumstances well within their control, Peter & Chris end up stranded at the Hungry Heart Motel. The Motel is run by a self-proclaimed “murderist” who is not shy about revealing the fate of everyone staying at the hotel. Of course the dynamic duo don’t realize they are in danger until it is too late. Peter & Chris triumph once again with a total gut-buster. Full of slow motion fights, fast motion flashbacks, sound effects, dance routines, sing-a-longs, and a complete disregard for the 4rth wall (something these two are masters at toying with) this show will make you laugh so hard your face will hurt. These two have such a delightful sense of humor, that they even like to use it on themselves from time to time. A completely farcical look at the typical murder mystery with tons of extra surprises to keep you begging for more. A must-see.
My Exploding Family – &&&&
Shoshinz have done it again! This amazing troupe brought another beautiful and completely unique creation to Montreal, all the way from Japan. My Exploding Family is a story about a family coming of age together told without words or lyrics but with dance, movement, sound, and amazing costumes. Once again these amazing women create a dazzling and adorable world filled with oddities, songs, and wonder. Their props and costumes are unbelievable and continually transform and morph in and out of each other as the show goes on. Every time you think that there’s no way anything else could come out of nowhere, something else pops up. Seeing this show will warm your heart to the core. You will not see anything else at all like it at the Fringe.
My Exploding Family has concluded their run. To catch the other three shows, visit www.montrealfringe.ca for ticket and venue information.