Author Archives: Liz Nicholls

Argue one for the team: Mass Debating, a Fringe review

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

Mass Debating (Stage 11, Varscona Theatre) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca What are the odds that the smart girls on the debating team from Our Blessed Bleeding Virgin of Perpetual Sorrow and Suffering will succeed in wresting the Heart of Jesus … Continue reading →

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Don’t drink the water: Accidental Beach: A Previously Improvised Musical, a Fringe revew

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

Accidental Beach: A Previously Improvised Musical (Stage 18, FOH PRO Stage) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca “On January 18, 2024,” says a solemn announcer, “Grindstone Theatre improvised the perfect musical. Viewer discretion is advised.” Here’s the thing: they wrote it all … Continue reading →

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How does change happen? WROL (without rule of law), a Fringe review

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

WROL (Without Rule of Law), Stage 1 (Westbury Theatre) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca The phrase that weaves its way, ominously, through WROL (Without Rule of Law), is “when the collapse occurs.” Not “if,” as you will note, but “when.” For … Continue reading →

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“Who we were and who we are”: Rob and Chris (Bobby + Tina), a beautiful and funny new musical. A Fringe review

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

Rob and Chris (Bobby + Tina) – a new musical By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca The couple we meet in this wonderful new musical adaptation of Collin Doyle’s hit play Let The Light of Day Through — by the playwright and … Continue reading →

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‘We listen. We engage. We share’. Fun with absurdity in Bright Lights, a Fringe review

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

Bright Lights (Stage 11, Varscona Theatre) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca A weekly support group for people who’ve had encounters with aliens operates under an earnest multi-limbed mantra: “this is a safe place. We’re here for you. We believe you. Your … Continue reading →

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An audacious juxtaposition of comedy and trauma: Stéphanie Morin-Robert: SOFT SPOT, a Fringe review

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

Stéphanie Morin-Robert: SOFT SPOT (Stage 17, Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca There is nothing timid or easily classifiable about this complex, boundary-testing comedy from the fearless, and very funny, Stéphanie Morin-Robert. The soft spot in question … Continue reading →

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SeaMAN: absurdism at sea, swimming for shore. A Fringe review

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

SeaMAN (Stage 1, ATB Westbury Theatre) By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca In this relentlessly nutty and scrambling show by 2 Sleepy Ratguys (Amica Hunter and Bruce Ryan Costella) we meet a salt-crusted, windburned, garrulous old sea captain — in two bodies. … Continue reading →

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Edmonton’s biggest opening night: the Fringe starts tonight

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca Tonight’s the night!  Edmonton’s biggest opening night. Do not be dismayed, or paralyzed, by the 216-show 38-venue dimensions of the 43rd annual incarnation of our big summer theatre bash. Gordon’s Big Bald Head, the stunningly expert … Continue reading →

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Find Your Fringe: further thoughts on what to see, from 12thnight

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca It’s the eve of the 43rd annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre festival. And you have 216 shows in 38 venues to choose from. Don’t be daunted, be pumped. Be curious as you dive into the Fringe multi-verse. … Continue reading →

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Play into musical: risk-takers at the Fringe. Rob and Chris (Bobby + Tina) – A New Musical

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Liz Nicholls

By Liz Nicholls, 12thnight.ca Whenever you wonder if the Fringe losing its experimental zest, along comes a project that embraces the original risk-taker’s proposition of the festival. A show that’s all about having a bright idea rather than a finished … Continue reading →

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