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Everything in New Orleans is a good idea

3 out of 5 stars

Stage 16, Sue Paterson Theater, 8406 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury

Renowned Fringe artist Bremner Fletcher returns to the Edmonton Fringe with a one-man show and shares his experiences falling in love with the music, culture and spirit of New Orleans.

At least that’s the tagline of his latest show, “Everything in New Orleans is a Good Idea,” which he has performed at numerous other Fringe events around the world. And I have to give Bremner a lot of credit: he’s a funny and exuberant performer who seems light on his feet despite his obvious life experience.

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His passion for the city comes through clearly in the parts of his story that actually take place there. He particularly highlighted the culturally diverse neighborhoods and how music became a great cross-cultural connector. He even ends the show with a drag performance in honor of some of his friends and other New Orleans artists.

However, what promises to be a musical and narrative journey highlighting what makes New Orleans great is more of a partial autobiography told against a movie screen that loops clips of people partying in the Big Easy. It often felt like Bremner wasn’t sure what story he wanted to tell, vacillating between his journey to self-acceptance and the various aspects of New Orleans that make it great. But I don’t think he ever manages to connect the two themes in a narratively satisfying way.

But I respect the real message of the show: life is short and precious, and you should write the songs that are close to your heart while you have the chance.

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