With something like 57 shows on at the Ottawa Fringe Fest this year, some of us not-so-knowledgeable theatre goers might need a bit of help in knowing what to attend. This past weekend I turned to fringe-insiders (and staff members) Patrick Gautier and Catriona Leger to get some of their picks on can’t-miss Fringe favourites. Here’s the *very* official list (in no particular order):
Best play based on a true story: This is a recording
This play is based on 24 hours of recorded interviews that the actors then distilled down into a one hour play. I chatted with one of the guys who worked on it at the Fringe wine and cheese this weekend and the entire process sounded fascinating. If you are sticking to a 100 mile theatre diet – this play is also 100% local.
Most Curious One Woman Show: Grandpa Sol and Grandma Rosie
This play has one woman, six life-size puppets and giant talking teeth. It’s also from Australia. Enough said!
Most Curious One Man Show: The Accident
This is the fourth time in Ottawa for this Australian actor. The play was described as a “dancomedy” or a hybrid of dance and comedy. Two of our favourite things!
Best Slapstick Comedy: Catgut String Violin
A slapstick comedy meets silent movie from Albacurkey New Mexico. The Fringe insiders also point out that this play features some of the most likable folks at the festival.
Shameless Self Promotion: Country Shaped Like Stars and Inclement Weather
These two projects – each directed by one of our Fringe insiders – were both referred to as “experiments.” They use the same actors and the same space. Inclement Weather is about a guy waiting for a train that never comes. Country Shaped Like Stars is the story of the courtship of Gwendolyn Magnificent and Bartholomew Spectacular.
If you’ve seen any of these shows or have other recommendations to make, please leave us a comment!
For more on the Fringe you can check out their website or follow them on Twitter. You also might want to check out our good friend Jessica’s blog – where she is telling tales of her obvious Fringe addiction.
Very good list and thanks for the nod. Several folks from my platoon just saw the Tue 9pm showing of Spiral Dive. Great show, great actors, and Spiral Dive also features some of the most likable folks on the fringe.
Oh, also: Albuquerque. But I like your spelling too!
Ahem, I do not have an addiction.
A mild obsession, maybe. I mean, I do like to get my Fringe fix: 3 or 4 shows a day… sometimes 7… but only if I’m really craving. You know those days when you get up and you just can’t do anything else until you’ve had a hit of the Fringe? You people understand me, right? Right…?