It’s mid-July and that means it’s time for the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival! This year the festival runs from July 16-27. There are 25 venues and 145 shows to choose from, including local offerings and national and international productions.

To get in on the fun, pick up a Winnipeg Fringe Festival program from any liquor commission in the city, or download the PDF on the Fringe website:
winnipegfringe.com

I’ll be reviewing some shows this year for CJNU, so be sure to read the latest review here on the website.

Below is the review for “How to Play Guitar Poorly” at Venue 16 (PTE – Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage)

Check your program for dates and times.

WINNIPEG, MB — Chase Padgett had the audience by their heartstrings last night as he spoke his truths, played flawless guitar and sung his mostly original songs in a strong, sweet, tenor voice. Using what proved to be an ingenious device – a list of lessons to learn if you want to play guitar poorly – the Fringe veteran revealed himself to us in a deeply personal way.

He chronicled tales about his awkward childhood, his flawed, but significant relationship with his father (whose passion for Eric Clapton was the beginning of Chase’s love affair with the guitar), and his decision to drop computer programming and join Jazz Band – a decision that would change his life forever, “but never helped him pick up chicks”. Even the songs Chase wrote revealed epic accounts of the man inside, like “That’s My Silly Brain” and “Two Fathers”.

There’s no doubt about it. Chase is a pro. A consummate musician and storyteller. With a single phrase, or song lyric, he’s able to crack up an audience or bring them to tears. After he sung his final two songs, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Last night, the PTE stage was a refuge for my heart and soul simply because it delivered the unfiltered sounds of Chase Padgett. I will visit again.

Robbi Goltsman-Ferris
CJNU Radio