Winnipeg Fringe Festival 2011

Exerpts of Reviews from Winnipeg Fringe

Stripes: The Mystery Circus
Posted by Kelly Stifora, CBC Review Crew, Aug 2011
Details
Company Name: Stripes: The Mystery Circus
Origin: Vancouver, BC
Venue: 2 - MTC Up the Alley

"Despite its title, Stripes: The Mystery Circus is more retro-cabaret act than big top confection. It's a compelling piece of fringe theatre, but not one that I would recommend for children.

Pollyhymnia, whose name means many songs, auditions for us, the circus administration, by demonstrating her ability to fill each in a roster of three ring roles. As she embodies the two-headed woman, the strong lady, etc. we are treated to a glimpse into her past in the form of Weill-esque songs sung operatically by Sarah Hayward.

The character that emerges owes as much to Gloria Steinem as she does to Mary Poppins. Pollyhymnia is torn between her fierce independence and her overwhelming desire to be loved and accepted. She's played many roles in her life, and if she gets into the circus, maybe she can have them all.

Hayward's performance is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking…"
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" …Hayward’s onstage energy and the play’s message of self-discovery and celebration help this musical end on a high note."
— Lindsey Wiebe - Winnipeg Free Press 2011

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Hanging out at Fringe Central MTC with fellow Fringe performers John Grady (Fear Factor: Canine Edition) and Una Aya Osato (Recess), both based in New York. Second to last photo I'm standing with Tara Travis from Houdini's Last Escape.