sci-fi

Jeff Leard is relatively new to the relatively long tradition of high-energy, fast-talking one-man Fringe shows. He's deservedly getting great reviews – lots of four or five stars and a “best of fest” award too.

This one, The Jupiter Rebellion: A Zach Zultana Adventure, opens in 2193, some 150 years in the future. Our hero, Zach Zultana, is a geominer out in space. His working conditions are not so good and after the Big Boss turns on him, things get much worse, for him and for his co-workers.

He's demoted to custodial staff but winds up being a force for...

Weird! Silly! Only at the Fringe are these high compliments. Add in a couple of hundred shadow puppets, an environmental message, a multiracial performance team and you've got Space Hippo.

The show was sold-out and the entire audience seemed to love it.  I'm a fan of Mind of a Snail local shadow puppet troupe and I'll bet they and their other fans love this show. Shadow-puppet-love was visceral and audible. Endorphins were just all over the place. Go and soak up the good cheer.

The creators and performers are Daniel Wishes and Seri Yanai and they are, well,...

From the moment you enter the theatre, the play has already begun. Two men, Shane Adamczak playing Frank and St John Cowcher playing Al , are already on the stage clearly establishing their characters before you even sit in your seat. Adamczak being the rigid somewhat nerdy janitor and Cowcher being the slovenly couch-potato, their characters are the perfect juxtaposition for a comedy.

The Ballad of Frank Allan really worked to engage all of your senses. As the duo begin to speak, their voices carry you through the heartwarming story with a rapid staccato nature that keeps you...