Edmonton Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 2

52 Stories, Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist, Charlie’s Riot, Emo Majok: African Aussie, Multiple Neurosis, 'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery, The Divorced Dads, The Peter Pan Cometh, The Routine, Wit and Whimsy 

The festival is at the halfway point. The audience base in Edmonton is loyal, and they show up all day, every day for the 225+ shows at the fringe. The food trucks are plentiful and surprisingly fast. There are definitely some hometown favorites, but most patrons are willing to take chances on any show, making this festival a must for any fringe artist.

On with the reviews!

52 Stories

A tapestry of moving stories woven together through the lens of memory. Morris is a captivating storyteller, and I doubt anyone would have stopped him from telling all the stories from the deck. 

Bangs, Bobs & Banter: Confessions of a Hairstylist

A hilarious cacophony of characters. This is a show where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the pampering of your funny bones. Watching Rannelli don a wig and become a character is delightful. 

Charlie’s Riot

Charlie’s Riot reminds you of the importance of listening to other people’s stories. This feminist work takes an incredibly nuanced look at abortion. Beautifully directed, and the song at the end magnificently ties the story together.

Emo Majok: African Aussie

Hilarious! Emo knows how to work a crowd. The set was relaxed, making it easy to sit back and laugh. This Texan was happy to be the receiver of a few jokes. 

Multiple Neurosis

A touching confession of living with an invisible disease. Fekko’s soothing voice will comfort you as it pulls you into her story. 

'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery

Stunning puppetry. What Proulx is able to accomplish with 5 desk lamps and a puppet is breathtaking. Do not miss this show! 

The Divorced Dad's Guide to Slaying Vampires

A campy little tale celebrating the perseverance of dads. An amusing take on the vampire genre. Soon to be a local favorite. 

The Peter Pan Cometh

This show was even better the second time around. Outstanding acting, staging, design, and writing. The mash up of genres is nothing short of brilliant, and the brief show notes are all you need to track along. 

(I previously reviewed this show in Minnesota, and couldn’t miss it here in Edmonton. And that is saying something.)

The Routine

Stunning from beginning to end. I was instantly captivated by the story. Secunda’s facial expressions and precise movements made every single moment of the story clear—so well executed you forget how difficult the art form is. A whimsical story that leaves you filled with joy. 

Wit & Whimsy: An Improvised Regency Romance

A felicitous way to spend an hour, and a good bit of fun. These performers know the genre backwards and forwards, making the improvised show feel like a scripted play.