Hi, friends. We’re back.

To recap, in Part 1, I discussed:

1. A Play We Just Wrote Just Now
2. Hoody
3. Puzzles
4. Galen’s Grocer
5. Almost Ever After
6. Ctrl Alt Delete: An Alphabetical Musical

Now, for the new ones:

7. Honey Never Spoils: Would not recommend

I wanted to love this one. I’m a big true crime podcast fan (or I was, until I had a baby, and then suddenly I’m much more sensitive about these kinds of things). I reviewed it for Next Magazine – there were some nice moments and good performances (shoutout to Jada Rifkin), but ultimately, it didn’t hit for me.

8. The Rhinoceros Collective: Would not recommend

This is a sketch comedy show by a bunch of up-and-coming artists. There were some laugh-out-loud moments and some big stage presence (and dance moves), and many creative concepts. It just feels like there’s a little more development to be done, but I appreciate the efforts. Comedy is subjective, though..

9. David Lynch’s Seinfeld: Would recommend

I loved this. It’s exactly what it sounds like – an episode of Seinfeld, as if it was directed by David Lynch. Read my full review for Next Magazine (please, I tried way too hard on this one).

10. Quiz Icarus: Try your luck

This is a heartfelt show about two people’s experiences on Jeopardy, combined with a bit of live trivia. It was a sweet story, but I would have loved more trivia.

11. Judge Mintz: Would recommend

Judge Mintz is an improv show featuring a rotating cast of what I gather to be big names in the Toronto comedy scene. Improv pros go head to head as defendants and plaintiffs in cases based on audience suggestions. It just so happened that my performance featured a number of cast members of David Lynch’s Seinfeld, so it was cool to see them flex a different muscle. Improv can be hit or miss, but this was a hit for me, and I didn’t want it to end.

12. Playground: Would recommend

Playground is an absolutely adorable children’s musical featuring the music of Jack Grunsky (my baby is a big fan). It was conceived by Grunsky and my friends Elly and Olivia Daniels, the latter of which is also the director and an actor in the show. Friendship aside, Playground is ready to tour as-is. The plot is cohesive, the choreography is polished, the acting is spot-on, the music is just perfect, and there are some excellent vocals (Misha Sharivker, I hear you). What was particularly impressive about the performance I saw is that there were 2 last-minute cast changes, and the team handled it like pros. I wish my son was old enough to see this show!

More coming soon.