Hi Everyone,

I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to make it to any more shows this Fringe, so this is probably it for me.

13. Iris (says goodbye): Would recommend*

This show is a ‘would recommend’ from me, with the caveat that it’s very much a work-in-progress, albeit a polished one. Overall: I commend the team for trying something big. The music is gorgeous, the performances are strong, and I love the creativity.

Iris (says goodbye) is about a recently deceased woman named Iris who finds herself in an airport terminal with other spirits. People have to wait here until their names are spoken for the last time. (I suppose Madonna will be stuck there forever, then. Sucks for Madonna). Iris, for some unclear reason, has been given the opportunity to return to Earth, and she’ll get to choose which new life she’ll lead, from a list of pre-selected options. What follows is a series of vignettes where Iris watches hypothetical versions of herself die in different scenarios, each represented by a stand-alone musical numbers. (Not entirely sure why we’re only seeing death scenes, but ok). The gimmick is that there are 20 different scenarios that can be presented at any one performance, and audience members select which 8(?) or so will be seen. It’s like a choose your own adventure Christmas Carol. You have to come back to catch ’em all.

I have some issues with:

1. The story-telling methodology: the musical numbers don’t connect to one another, nor do they build upon each other in a way that progresses the plot;
2. The choice to use 4 different actors to portray Iris: they’re all great, but why?
3. The show’s use of death as a justified punishment for bad behaviour: in chatting with a friend who saw a different performance, it seems my selection of scenes presented a skewed villain-edit of Iris. 7/8 of the death scenarios seemed slightly comedic and justified, a la Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. I don’t like the implication that “Bad” people deserve to die.
4. The show’s inconsistent position on free will: pick a lane, any lane; and
5. SPOILER!! The ending: are we brushing over the fact that the show paints choosing to not live as the brave choice?

The bones are there to make something special, and the performances are strong. I’m on board for this one.

14. Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl: Would recommend

Queen of Fringe Rebecca Perry is absolutely delightful in this piece she has perfected over the past 10 years. It was my first time seeing her one-woman show about an aspiring anthropologist-turned-barista, and I had a great time. Perry is so likeable, her voice is beautiful, and she commands your attention.

15. Fish Tales – Reel Stories, Reel Magic

Want to know a great way to make sure you don’t have to participate in a magic show? Make sure the magician was a guidance counsellor at your high school, so he’ll avoid picking you so as to not admit he’s forgotten your name. I commend Mr. Fishbaum for following his passions and for putting together a sweet, heartfelt magic show.