“Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Toronto, ON

I just saw Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World with Duane Forrest, part of the Toronto Fringe Festival, at the Tarragon Theatre. 

Join Duane Forrest on an acoustic journey through the roots of reggae to the global influence of Bob Marley. Experience acoustic renditions of legendary reggae songs that have reshaped countless lives, including Duane’s own. Audience members are invited to sing along and get involved in this interactive musical experience.

It was soooooo good! Duane told stories of growing up in Scarborough, Bob Marley, Jamaican history and more. He sang reggae songs (and explained what they meant) and encouraged everyone to sing along (which we did). There was a lot of love in the audience … we gave him a standing ovation! Today was supposed the last show but it won the patron’s award so another show was added for tomorrow afternoon … you gotta go check it out! 

“Me and You and the Highland Coo”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

While volunteering for The Toronto Fringe Festival this afternoon at the TD Finance Studio at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, I got to see Me and You and the Highland Coo.

Gord and I were in Scotland in the fall of 2023 so it was fun to relive it! There was lots of amusing audience participation.

Buckle up because Jackie and Charlie have a plan: road trip across Scotland, find the perfect Highland coo, and definitely not think about their problems back home in Canada. With carpool karaoke, trivia and too many snacks, what could go wrong? All that’s missing, is you!

Starring an award-winning Montreal cast, ‘Me and You and the Highland Coo’ is a heartfelt and hilarious road trip adventure about hope, friendship and change, with a hint of magic.

“Acting Lessons”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

While volunteering for The Toronto Fringe Festival this afternoon at the TD Finance Studio at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, I got to see Acting Lessons. I met the actors and their team last evening on the Fringe patio so was looking forward to it. 

When Molly and Keegan meet at a callback, it’s practically love at first sight. Fast forward a few years, and the honeymoon phase has dwindled a bit. Trying to make ends meet as a couple of actors in the city is no easy feat! Molly is working overtime on a junior Shakespeare production and struggling to get auditions. Keegan is a part-time server and auditioning around the clock. With two different work ethics and approaches to the craft, tensions rise as Molly’s career takes a step back and Keegan’s propels forward …

It was really good. The range of emotions between the actors was very realistic, not surprising since they are partners in real life. They have one more show tomorrow, which is sold out. 

“Bitty-Bat and Friends”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I  saw Bitty-Bat and Friends, part of the The Toronto Fringe Festival at Soulpepper’s Tank House Theatre this afternoon.

Join Bitty-Bat as she charms and intimidates the audience deep into her world, only to be interrupted by a strange know-it-all voice interfering with her daily rituals. Each Bitty-Bat performance will feature a guest opening act, making every show an incredible night to remember!

I discovered Bitty-Bat at the Comedy is Art Festival at The Theatre Centre in October and thought she was a hoot … and she was again today. Just two shows left and you should go check it out!

“Everything You Do is a Balloon”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering for The Toronto Fringe Festival at the TD Finance Studio at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

I ushered Everything You Do is a Balloon (so got to watch it).

If a balloon pops in the middle of a birthday party and all the kids are in the bouncy castle, are you even a gay Jew? Through dance, music, twerking and complaining, this solo show explores the current culture of identity politics and our contentious relationship between individuality and belonging. Together we will contemplate, pontificate and flatulate on the many ways identity can unite us and isolate us.

“Frat Haus: Evicted”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering for The Toronto Fringe Festival at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

I ushered Frat Haus: Evicted (so got to watch it).

"You have been formally uninvited from the party of the century! Our Evil Landlord is kicking us out!"

The iconic Frat Haus is on the chopping block, set to be demolished and reborn as—ugh—luxury condos. But the Boyz aren’t going down without a fight. From Gambling to interpretive dance protests, they’re throwing everything (and everyone) at the wall to stop the wrecking ball.

Will they save their beloved home—or will they finally have to grow up?

“David Lynch's Seinfeld”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw the sold out performance of David Lynch’s Seinfeld, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse. 

An original episode of Seinfeld that descends into a Lynchian nightmare. Starring a cast of current & former members of the Second City, the Sketchersons, and the Bad Dog Theatre Company.

I didn’t get the Lynch references but the performers nailed the Seinfeld characters and were funny. 

“No Laughing Matter”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Sweet Action Theatre Company, Toronto, ON

I spent the evening volunteering at No Laughing Matter, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival. 

I got to sit in on it and it was funny, crazy and at times raunchy. I’ll never look at hot dog buns the same way again. They still have 6 shows left so check it out if you can. 

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD! 

It’s all led to this ... witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

“100% Wizard”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, ON

Gord and I attended 100% Wizard with Keith Brown, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival, this evening at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre. 

Award-winning family-friendly magic & storytelling. Chosen Toronto’s BEST magician ... & he’s not even from Toronto! 

2x Critic’s Choice Best Magic Show Orlando 2024, 2023 

2x Orlando Sentinel Best of Fest 2024, 2023 

BEST MAGIC SHOW - Winnipeg 2023 

Patron’s Pick Edmonton Fringe 2024

We’ve seen Keith a few times and he never ceases to amaze us! Go see him if you get a chance. There are still 10 shows left. 

"An Oak Tree", Luminato Festival, Toronto, ON

I volunteered this evening at the world premiere of An Oak Tree (United Kingdom) at the Jane Mallett Theatre (Front Street E), part of Luminato Festival ... my third and last shift.

When I say sleep, you’re free again … In celebration of the work’s 20th anniversary, Luminato presents Tim Crouch’s groundbreaking ‘An Oak Tree’, one of the most influential and hypnotic theatrical experiences of our time.

A father loses his daughter in a car accident. The driver of the car that killed her is a stage hypnotist. The two men meet for the first time when the father volunteers for the hypnotist’s act. What follows is an entrancing live performance where reality and suggestion blur – a bold and absurdly comic story of loss, transformation, and the power of the mind to reshape our world.

Each performance creates its own mesmerizing reality as Tim Crouch is joined on stage by a different guest artist, who will have neither seen nor read a word of the play they’re in – until they’re in it. Like being under hypnosis, no two shows are ever quite the same, even with identical lines, creating a uniquely rejuvenating experience each night.

"I Shot an Albatross", The Theatre Centre, Toronto, ON

I spent this evening volunteering at I Shot the Albatross at The Theatre Centre (Queen Street W/Dovercourt Road).

Cary Shields, star of Broadway’s ‘Rent’ shines as he recounts his journey from his mother’s couch to Broadway and back again. Born with both a remarkable gift and a curse in equal measure, Cary tells (and sings) his story with frank humour and honesty. The result is a raw, heart-felt show with a tour de force performance by Cary Shields supported by a full band. 

 A story of hope, realizing dreams, fighting despair, losing it all, starting over, and ultimately, finding one’s place of belonging in the world.

What an excellent show! Cary Shields has a wicked voice! His stories are humorous yet honest. Friday is sold out (as was tonight) and there are some tickets left for tomorrow’s show.