Fringe Festival is ending again for another year. For those who missed it here’s a quick wrap-up.

Running from July 2 to July 13, Fringe tickled Toronto’s funny bone, made others cry and some sing along. With tons of original acts to choose from one found it hard to pick.

Improv, like “Scratch”, which I saw Thursday night was a good example of young comics trying to make it big. Arlen Konopaki and Kevin Gillese have traveled the world to bring audiences theatre that is wacky, absurd, but always funny. (Comedy Bar at 945B Bloor St. W, www.scratchimprov.com)

More comedy like “The Exploding Breakfast” by Ingle Knight (Factory Studio Theatre) and “My Autopsy” an autobiograpical dark piece (Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace) are sure to please those looking for a good laugh.

Dance and music are sometimes overlooked, but to get your fill check out “Take it Back” at the George Ignatieff Theatre. Also, check out “Follow Your Bliss” a three-woman show about the pitfalls and pressures of finding your way.

It was a great year, but don’t worry, if you missed it don’t forget that it all happens again in 2009.

Improvisational comedy is usually the most hilarious and nerve-racking way to see comedy. If it is good it is really really good, but if not, then expect to feel not only bored but even a bit embarrassed for the cast members. Luckily, “About an Hour”, does not disappoint. The show, running at the Fringe Club (Tranzac, 292 Brunswick Ave.) Wednesday July 2 – Saturday July 12 at 8 pm nightly, takes an audience suggestion and runs with it, well, for about an hour.

Directed by Lisa Merchant a three-time Canadian Comedy Award winner and featuring Jim Annan (Second City), Jan Caruana (Show Stopping Number, best of the Fringe 2007), Rob Baker (Second City Touring Company) and Alex Hatz (Bad Dog Theatre), the show is not only hilarious, but smart and tight. The night I was there, Tuesday July 7th, the director and a former cast member, Kerry Griffin, filled in. The show, concerning cacti and gnomes (but it changes every night), left me and my fellow audience members in stitches.

Definitely check out these quick thinking, sassy, and laughter-inducing comics!

Editor’s Note: This post was caught in the “pending review” state for a while. Apologies for publishing it a tad late! Well, better late than never.

The annual Fringe Festival that each year takes over the city’s theatres, churches, pubs, and outdoor spaces is back.

Running from July 2-13th in Toronto, the Fringe Festival, is your chance to see wild, hilarious, dramatic, and always interesting shows. The festival features comedy, dramas, musicals and dance all in different venues and for all sorts of audiences.

If you’re into comedy (and really who isn’t?) check out “Giants Without Footprints” about members of an eccentric family and their wicked and crazy ways. And don’t forget about the improv. It’s really one of the best ways to see hilarious un-scripted comedy at it’s best.

For the kids (or those young at heart) Fringe has great family friendly shows. “The Three Magic Wishes”, “Kalvin the Great!” and “Cinderlad” are sure to make you laugh and learn.

Musicals abound at the festival. For those in the mood for some show tunes and rhythm; Fringe has what you’re looking for. “Hockey the Musical” keeps it interesting by looking into the scandals and relationships in Canada’s favourite game. While, “At The End: A Good Book Musical” explores the end of the world (always an interesting topic!).

For dates and venue information check out fringetoronto.com. And keep reading BlogUT for some reviews coming soon.

Get out and Fringe!!

The Rage (Myspace Link), a funky store in Kensington Market featuring vintage and hand-made pieces from local designers, is holding a short film contest. The contest revolves around the idea of fighting the “villains profit, industry, and conformity”. Showcase how your “Rage Superhero” would fight the greed and banality of the current fashion industry in two minutes or less. Deadline is Monday July 7th, so act quickly! Ten finalists will be announced on July 10th and will have their films shown at the store’s party on July 13th. Send your name and file (avi, jpeg or move) to info@ragetoronto.ca. And keep reading BlogUT for coverage of the party and the winning films!