Fundy Fringe Festival might not be found on every street corner of Saint John during these trying times but, as they say, the show must go on. From August 17th to 22nd, 2020 you can catch this year’s somewhat reduced but significantly safer version of the Fundy Fringe Festival at the BMO Studio Theatre–or better yet, the comfort of your own home!
As might be expected during a year when personal space is at a maximum, Fundy Fringe Festival have made social-distancing easy for you by reducing their number of acts down to a breezy nine at a single venue. Rather than the usual analysis paralysis brought on by the overabundance of acts each year, our annual listical has been rendered somewhat superfluous and you may as well take in the whole thing.
On the other hand, they have also reduced the seating capacity of each show to approximately 34. It might be best to decide what you’d like to see immediately to avoid any Battle Royale-type situations. Forewarned is forearmed.
Now, we’re not all-seeing oracles and none of these recommendations are a guarantee of a good time, but if we had to bet on any of the Fundy Fringe Festival shows being the ones to see, these would be our top three. May the odds be ever in your favour.
Every Young Adult Novel Ever: The Musical
This show is one for all of those die-hard, proud or closeted, fans of young adult novels. Cramming every cliché of the genre they could think of into just one hour, Every Young Adult Novel Ever: The Musical promises laughs, heartbreak, drama and everything else you could ever want out of a YA story, wrapped up into one tight package.
Warning: probably contains references to pillow biting and sparkly vampires.
Like Butter In a Dog’s Mouth
Written about the consequences of indulging in our own dark sides, this production tells the tale of a man who goes out into the woods to find himself and winds up befriending a strange, feral dog. But when things don’t go quite as planned, and the forest reveals there is more to it than meets the eye, the dog’s friendship ends up being the man’s only hope for salvation. Brimming with mysterious and dark themes, Like Butter in a Dog’s Mouth has us asking questions we are eager to find the answers to.
Sarah/Frank
Formatted as a radio play, this show tells the untold story of a Canadian soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Providing its audience with a new viewpoint on an important piece of history, Sarah/Frank digs into how gender, identity and sexuality are challenged during wartime.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (506) 652-7582. For the full list of shows and more information on pricing, locations and times, visit the Fundy Fringe Festival website HERE.