Despite the strong vocal performances of its cast, Barely Even There suffers from cliché lyrics and dialogue, as well as too much melodrama. If some of the exchanges weren’t so on the nose, I may have been able to buy in.
JOSH’S REVIEW: Tinfoil Satellite @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Travel back to the 90s for some Mystery Science Theatre 3000 inspired fun. Three friends use their tinfoil satellite to steal their neighbour’s television signal and watch whatever is on. With some good riffing and interesting voluntary audience participation that impacts the show, Tinfoil Satellite is a relaxing and enjoyable time watching some so-bad-it’s-good movies. Should you see it?
JOSH’S REVIEW: Nhar Moves (Super Bad Moves) @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Nhar Moves certainly involves a lot of travel, but if feels too slow throughout. It’s cute, but not enough so to save it from feeling a bit tedious. However, Kauffman’s quiet protagonist will get the occasional  chuckle out of you.
JOSH’S REVIEW: Keeper @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Keeper is a bizarre and very unique look at how memories are formed and define a person. Emma Zabloski really immerses herself in the role and uses parts of her own life, both funny and tragic, for the piece. This isn’t for everyone, and the necessary audience participation may scare off some people, but I’d encourage you to go in with an open mind.Should you see it?
JOSH’S REVIEW: Assassinating Thomson @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Charming and quite thoughtful, Assassinating Thomson wasn’t quite what I was expecting it to be as it doesn’t talk too much about Tom Thomson. That’s not a bad thing though as Bruce Horak weaves a great yarn by combining his own life story with some of the mystery surrounding the famous Canadian painter.
JOSH’S REVIEW: Emissions: A Climate Change Comedy @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Loud, blunt, and completely unappealing, Emissions takes a largely immature and shallow look at a serious issue facing the world today. I’m all for stories having deeper meanings, but I don’t like feeling like my senses are being assaulted in the process.
JOSH’S REVIEW: Nebraska @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
While pretty enjoyable with some solid performances all around, Nebraska just didn’t wow me. There are also some cliche elements in the play, but there’s still enough here to give it a look. Should you see it?
JOSH’S REVIEW: The Tragicall Historie of Nick Wade (And Other Fuck Ups) @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
This show surprised me with how engaging it was. Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, this is a show worth checking out for its great performances, humour, and incredibly well-done story. Should you see it?
JOSH’S REVIEW: Innocent When You Dream @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 26, 2013 By
Innocent When You Dream left me wondering what the point of it all was. If I had to sum it all up in one word, tedious would be it.
JOSH’S REVIEW: Happiness™ @ Ottawa Fringe 2013
June 25, 2013 By
Happiness™ is wonderful experience. Hilarious with some surprising (in a good way) darker moments, this is one of the best plays showing at the Fringe, hands down. It’s also organized in a way that features some very enjoyable audience interaction. You need to get out and see this show, now!