MONTREAL FRINGE WRAP UP. (OR “Dad, why can’t we Fringe all year? Because then we’d be dead son.”) (by Shane Adamczak)

Congrats guys. We made it. We did it. Another year. It’s done. It’s over. Goodbye. For now. Who’s tired?

Last night I spent some time with the Fringe Staff doing the final over-night shift in the park. It was a beautiful thing to see the various volunteers, staff and other Fringe Artists who would stop by to hang out into the early hours. To me, that event summed up this festival perfectly. The sense of family, community and support for each other in this Festival is unlike any other I’ve ever seen. Montreal Fringe knows how to party and it knows how to get the job done dammit! I love it.

I feel I should at least mention my show this week as that IS a big part of what I’m doing here in town. It’s been going quite well I must say. The audiences have been generous with laughter, forgiving of the sweatbox that is my venue and utterly delightful with their feedback (including a few slightly sexually orientated “BUZZ” forms at the fringe park*). The JUST FOR LAUGHS award nomination** was a nice surprise, especially to be in such amazing company. It ACTUALLY is just a thrill to be nominated. By the time this goes online my show will be over, BUT it will be in Toronto, Winnipeg and Edmonton, so tell your friends!

SHANE’S TWITTER REVIEWS
Here are just a few more shows I really dug this festival… I forget which of these are going to be at which future festivals, but if you can, I HIGHLY recommend seeing these:

TOUGH!
Kirsten Rasmussen is just a pocket-rocket of comedy, song and sweet acting chops. A joy to watch on stage. PLUS a live band (A dead band would’ve been rubbish).

ONE WEEK WITH THE SHAMAN
Darker than her previous work, but just as interesting. She has vulnerability and honesty onstage that really draws you into her (true) story of self discovery.

GADFLY
Well structured, superbly performed. I had little previous knowledge of the play’s subject matter yet was completely engaged throughout this entire performance.

THE UPSHOT
Three great short pieces. You get to see a chick have sex with a chair, several times. That was worth the price of admission alone.

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH
Beautiful original show. We performed in the style of “Silent Theatre”. 4 superb performers, great live soundtrack. They will be in Edmonton. See it.

BUTT KAPINSKI – PRIVATE EYE
Very funny, partially improvised piece about a private eye. Lots of audience interaction but Deanna Fleysher’s “BUTT” makes you feel at ease in her crazy noir world.

MY DAD’S DEATHS
Fellow Aussie Jon Bennet returns with another hilariously earnest show with storytelling, stand-up, poetry and even dance. Such a fan.

AL’S BEARD
Although the Fringe has let it grow widely, it has a certain charm and thickness that make you feel safe. Four stars.

THE FRINGE PARK HOTDOG GUY, PITARIFIQUE, COCORICO & THE BARSTAFF AT CABARET DU MILE END
Without these fine folk, I would be dead. Although I think I might have scurvy***.

This has been such an AMAZING fringe for me. The caliber of shows, the people, the bands, the atmosphere, the partying, OH THE PARTYING! Please can we do it again soon?

Peace.

-S.

P.S. Release the chickens!

*I have NO problem with this.

**Oh, Mum, I got an award nomination!

***I am less enthused about the scurvy, even though it is a cool pirate disease.