The 2023 Saskatoon Fringe Festival is a chance to see cutting edge theatre and ignore what you think is a sure-fire bet for entertainment. Throw aside your cares and take in 10 days of “fly by the seat of your pants” theatre. There are choices for all ages and I can’t possibly cover it all so I’ve made a few picks to get you started. Happy Fringing!!!

FRINGE FACTS:

There are 18 live shows (Aug. 3 -12) to choose from happening at the Cosmopolitan Seniors’ Centre, The Refinery & The Broadway Theatre. Tickets are $13 – $16 or you can opt for a 10-show pass for $140.

The festival site is a full city block square with Dufferin Ave. and 11th St framing the fun in W.E. Graham Park (behind Victoria School)

Access to the outdoor festival site and activities is completely free. August 5th & 6th, the festival moves onto Broadway Ave. for a little nostalgia. There are three outdoor stages that will delight with buskers, musical performances and community activities. There is plenty of fun for the kids and interactive art projects that even the adults can dig into. There are also food trucks for a tasty treat in-between shows and a special Fringe beer created by High Key Brewing to wet your whistle in the beer gardens. There are also special community events running alongside the Fringe including the Fringe Fun Run (Aug. 6th) and the Thelma Pepper Art Walk (Aug. 12th).

The full schedule, ticket info and answers to all your questions can be found at THIS LINK.

NOW ON TO THE PLAYS… (there are sooo many, these are just a few suggestions)

 

PERFORMERS FROM AWAY

The Trombone Guys Story (Malmo, Sweden)

Cosmopolitan Seniors’ Centre     13+

If you were at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival last year, you’ll remember Elias Faingersh and his A Solo From The Pit. This new trombone tale was inspired by his time in our fair province in 2022. With a combination of musical performance and comedy in a story about fathers and sons, birth and death and coming to terms with the whole thing.

 

Bent Compass (Winsconsin, USA)

The Refinery  18+

In his one-man show, Neil Brookshire tells the story that’s very personal to him. 20 years ago he med a man at a Shakespeare festival who was about to become an army medic. The two stayed in touch during the medic’s tours in Iraq and after he was discharged and became a gym teacher. Based on true events, Bent Compass is a story about the affects of war and how you move on. The Hamilton Fringe called this show a must see.

 

The Barn Identity (Kentucky, USA)

The Refinery   13+

Erika MacDonald saw a movie once and it put her in the emergency room. This is a story about appreciating the small things, even if your current fascination is old barns. It’s a tale about finding inner strength when the world is against you and coming to terms with your own obsessions. This show took home Best Show at the 2023 Tampa Fringe.

 

LOCAL LOVE

The Cucamonga Lounge and Hotel (Saskatoon)

The Refinery   13+

Join the cast of Lumina Productions as they present a story about a small-town hotel in jeopardy. One of the owners has died and his wife is left with a decision; let the incompetent young man who’s been working there take over or does she risk the hotel’s future on a newcomer.

 

Commedia Dell’Farte (Saskatoon)

The Broadway Theatre     13+ (Mature Content)

You’re invited to a Masquerade Ball packed with crazy characters who are all stressed because the prince is coming. From the imaginations of Little Libertine Playhouse and Rook Takes Bishop theatre company comes a musical performance full of chaos and buffoonery. There is plenty of sexual innuendo so judge accordingly.

Mistress Revenge/Lady Virtue (Saskatoon)

The Refinery   18+

From the company that brought us The Unforgettables, comes a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus through the eyes of the dead. In this show we meet our characters in the afterlife as they examine issues of sex, violence, misogyny and misuse of power.

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Gingy Saves the Day (Saskatoon)

The Refinery  All Ages

Why not take the whole family to a puppet show? Gingy Saves the Day is a fun little tale about a badly behaved gingerbread man and his buddy Bear who are trying to do better. There will be singing, dancing and a ton of chances for the kids to interact with the puppets.

 

DomesitKATE (Saskatoon)

The Broadway Theatre   All Ages

Hot off gigs at the Calgary Stampede and in Linz, Austria, Saskatoon-born Kate Ryan is back just in time for a hometown Fringe. This is a story about following your passions and carving your own path… Even if it means running away with the circus. There will be comedy and tons of circus feats in this show.

 

Witch Hunt: The Musical (Saskatoon)

Cosmopolitan Seniors’ Centre

The Shadow Players bring you a comedy about two buddies on a witch hunt that puts their friendship in jeopardy. This performance has a huge cast and is filled with mystery, music and a chance for your family to sing along.