Category Archives: Reviews

Read along as we seek out the best of what the British Columbia coast (and beyond) has to offer.

08.31.16
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[Victoria Fringe Festival 2016] There’s Plenty of Bananas with Bushel and Peck

Bushel-Peck-ITCLOCATION:
Metro Studio Theatre
1411 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC

VENUE:
Fri Sept 2 – 5:00pm
Sat Sept 3 – 10:15pm
Sun Sept 4 – 5:45pm

For future shows, please visit stephaniemorinrobert.com for updates.

Bushel and Peck is definitely a Fringe Theatre original; there’s no easy way to classify what this show is largely about and it is a very experimental product. There’s absurdist comedy, dance choreography, experiments with light and pantomime. Neither dominates and there’s a great set piece involving a balloon. Other props used include blow dryers and a sheet of plywood. Just how it works shows how well two diverse talents — Alastair Knowles (James & Jamesy) and Stéphanie Morin-Robert (Blindside, For Body and Light) — are comfortable together on stage. Both are highly regarded Canadian performers. When considering they are in a relationship, just what this show reveals is how close they have become to observers — the audience. Each of them come from a specific type of arts, Stephanie in dance and Alastair from clown school.

Together, especially on stage, they have an undeniable chemistry that’s to be adored.

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08.31.16
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The Road to Germany at Rathskeller

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The Rathskeller Schnitzel House
1205 Quadra St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 386-9348

J: After eating our weight around Victoria and up and down this island, I’ve grown a little tired of the local restaurant scene. There are some good places, but in order to really get a large variety of restaurants, I would have to leave this city for greener pastures.

E: And before we see some old establishments completely disappear, I suggested that we visit the only one German Restaurant before it completely closes. The Times Colonist reported the news that this establishment will be closing, near the end of the year — and the faithful will be coming here to feast for perhaps one last time.

J: That is why I was eager to check out this Bavarian restaurant I forgotten. It has been in this city for over 40 years and this was my first time stepping onto the premises. But not Ed, he’s a veteran.

E: I’ve been here a few times, and generally enjoyed the food. This was before Two Hungry Blokes started, and while I did not think the food was exceptional, I had to see if anything has changed in the years that passed. There are a few Polish diners in town that I enjoy going to more. I was Hungary for something unique I don’t often find elsewhere. The last time I enjoyed a truly enjoyable German meal was in Leavenworth, Washington where I got Amadeus to “feed me.”

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08.31.16
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Part and Parcel Hits Home & Out of the Park!

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Part and Parcel
2656 Quadra Street
Quadra Village
Victoria, BC
(778) 406-0888

Quadra Street Village keeps on changing with the times and my pal, James Shaw, is being left behind. That is, he does not keep up with what’s happening here as much. I’m here a bit more often than he because this particular Fairway Market is the largest operation out of those I’ve been to (unlike others, and before Shelbourne got theirs built, they have a fully functional kitchen) and Epic Games is here. With Pokémon GO being all the rage, I have reason to be here more often. It’s a Clefairy paradise, and I was smitten with love for the newest eatery to set up shop here. On this special occasion, the Victoria Fringe Festival is taking place with The Roxy aka Blue Bridge Theatre as an official venue, and I knew I had to return to this particular establishment!

Part and Parcel is aptly named for daily specials that can easily be packed up for lunch later on or to eat on the go. I was greeted with a smile, since I was recognized as not being a regular, and the service was great even on a busy day. Their menu often changes, so like hunting Pokémon, what you find coming back does not necessarily have to be the same ol’ same ol’.

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08.31.16
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[Victoria Fringe Festival 2016] The Metaphors Behind The Lion, The Bitch and the Wardrobe

best_sharon_mahoney_program_1adqt31-1adqt35LOCATION:
The Roxy Theatre
2657 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC

SHOWTIMES:
Wed Aug 31 – 9:45pm
Sat Sep 3 – 5:30pm

Continues at the 2016 Vancouver Fringe Festival at Performance Works beginning Sept 9th, 2016

 

 

My buddy and fellow co-writer, James Shaw can benefit from seeing a rather inspirational self-help presentation, The Lion, The Bitch and the Wardrobe in the last few days of the 2016 Victoria Fringe Festival. He just needs to make the time, along with everything he tells me he likes to do but never does. I really do not know what’s holding him back. Well, I do, but do not believe he can stay like Ebenezer Scrooge forever.

I love the title of this show and have to note that it has nothing to do with the classic piece of literature by C.S. Lewis (some attendees might get drawn in by the title than play summary); this performance has everything to do with opening up and moving forward in life to do great stuff! Whether the problem lies with mental health issues or letting fear of getting ahead control you (symbolized by the lion), folks do not have to hide in a safety net (the wardrobe closet) forever.

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08.29.16
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[Victoria Fringe Festival 2016] Getting Onboard The Jupiter Rebellion: A Zach Zultana Adventure

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LOCATION:
Victoria Event Centre
1415 Broad Street
Victoria, BC

SHOWTIMES:
Mon Aug 29 – 10:30pm
Fri Sept 2 – 8:45pm
Sat Sept 3 – 4:45pm
Sun Sept 4 – 6:45pm

Jeff Leard is a very kinetic performer and in his latest Victoria Fringe Festival outing, The Jupiter Rebellion: A Zach Zultana Adventure, he’s the type of guy who can capture a room and keep everyone laughing for hours. Previous years had this entertainer do one-man children’s stories like Rumpelstiltskin and last year had the laugh-out-loud parody Sperm Wars. When performing unique works, he’s very much in his element. The way he leaps and bounds, switch characters at a drop of a hat and work out a sweat under those hot stage lights, is amazing. I’m sure this handsome performer will have many a female stare dreamily at him in any production he’s part of. He’s certainly an action and comic star (think Harrison Ford meets Robin Williams level) of the Fringe circuit.

With this latest sci-fi comedy show, he tries to get the girl, Alexandra. She, unfortunately, happens to be the wife of the CEO of the Saunders Mining Corporation and he does not take kindly to Zach’s antics. He was the captain of a starship once, but he got demoted along the way. Eventually, he’s tossed to the lowest of any kind of station, to be a miner at an asteroid. Eventually, there’s a rebellion when the workers learn of Zultana’s philandering ways and they believe he’s the type of union leader who will gladly stick it to the man! His bosses do not think highly of him, but he does have the support of Nikolai and Jack to help out.

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08.29.16
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[Victoria Fringe Festival 2016] Miss Atomic Vaudeville’s Sunday Funday? A Recap

AV-Sunday-Funday-1008x756Atomic Vaudeville’s (AV) Sunday Funday at the Victoria Fringe Festival is a highlight for many local veterans acquainted with the craziness that goes on. This event has been a staple for many years, and it’s a highlight for most long time Fringers. They advise this show is a must see! This event brings the talent pool from this organization along with some performers from this year’s show, to put on a fun-filled night that runs approximately 90 minutes, starting around 11pm. Doors open at 10:30. and last night, it was a full house at the Victoria Event Center.

From reinterpretations of 50 Shades of Grey ala Doctor Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham to World Wrestling Entertainment mash-ups (with Jeff Leard present), attendees will thrill to and cheer. Even the Birdman stripped down to his skivvies all in the name of trying to bring the house down. This show is a fundraiser to build a fund to keep the Victoria Fringe Festival going for years to come. The highlight is a Pink Floyd musical mash-up with the dancers providing a light show (using flashlights) set to music from “The Wall” and ending with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

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