Evvvvening.

As promised, I shall be grouping shows I’ve seen into “would recommend,” “would not recommend,” and “try your luck.”

Looking back at my notes from 2023 Fringe, I saw a bunch of bangers back to back. I can’t say that’s been my experience thus far this time around. I commend the artists for being brave and sharing their art. With that being said, here are the first 5 shows I saw, in the order in which I saw them:

1. A Play We Just Wrote Just Now: Would recommend

My full review is up on Next Magazine (where I gave it 3/5 stars), but the general gist is it’s a 60-minute improv show with 2 drag performers. No two shows are the same, so some may be excellent, and some may be..less so. I feel like the premise alone will filter out disinterested patrons, but if this is your thing, go for it. Playing at Tarragon until July 12.

2. Hoody: Would not recommend

Not my thing. Playing at Tarragon until July 13.

3. Puzzles: Would not recommend

This play didn’t work for me, but the sets were more elaborate than most other Fringe shows, so that was exciting. Playing at Alumnae until July 12.

4. Galen’s Grocer: Try your luck

Started strong, petered out toward the end. At some points, it felt like a love letter to Luigi Mangione. Interesting premise, solid performances across the board…promising, but needs reworking. Their run is sold out, though, so ‘try your luck’ has a double meaning in this case. ˆPlaying at Soulpepper until July 12.

5. Almost Ever After: Try your luck

Sold out, as well. I also reviewed this one for Next Magazine (3/5 stars). TLDR: some great performances and ‘wow’ moments, more ‘polished’ than some other shows, needs refinement. ˆPlaying at Artists’ Play until July 13.