Local News
Jewish performers at the Fringe Festival

Introduction: As has been our custom over the years, we present previews of various Fringe shows that feature Jewish performers (or writers) – some from Winnipeg, some from other cities. This year’s Fringe Festival begins July 19 and runs through July 30. (We apologize if we may have missed someone – but if we have, it’s not too late to contact us and we’ll get a blurb up for you on our website.)

A One Human Being, Potentially Comedic Performance of….
LES MIS
A parody musical written & performed by Alli Perlov
Alli Perlov has been a theatre kid her entire life. Her experiences include training at Manitoba Theatre for Young People, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg, and a brief career in film and television in her teens.
For the past 12 years, Perlov has been a performing arts teacher in Winnipeg, teaching courses in musical theatre, improv and drama to students from Grades 6 to 12. In an effort to continue practicing what she teaches, Alli Perlov has mounted two one-person Fringe plays starting in 2017 and brings her third to this year’s festival with her show
Venue # 8: The Rachel Browne Theatre
“Perlov’s tongue-in-cheek parody is also steeped in a palpable sweetness that would melt even the most hardened revolutionary’s heart – 4 ½ Stars” Winnipeg Free Press, 2018
Some teachers take the summer off to recharge, while others mount a one-person Fringe festival show. In a revamped version of her successful 2018 sell out production “A One Human Being Potentially Comedic Performance of Les Miserables”, local performing arts teacher Alli Perlov aims to leave the audience in stitches as she performs 30 characters from the iconic musical based off the Victor Hugo novel.
In a musical parody full of charm and can-do spirit, Perlov tackles the task of making “try-hard” a compliment. Condensing the score to 52 minutes, and weaved with narrative, critiques and silly puns, everyone in the theatre is guaranteed a good time and a load of laughs.

Everything is Super Wow: Lots of Jewish
content!! created by Ira Cooper,
son of Winnipeger Gayle Myers
Come see a foot-fuelled, slapstick tragedy about bikepacking, dreaming big and giving up in your 30s. Follow Super Wow along a kinetic journey filled with new music, peppy puppets and awkwardly captivating dance breaks. Nominated for Outstanding Clown Show (Montreal) “I was entranced by Ira’s performance” – Sarah Deshaies, CKUT Radio “A great clown should be funny, courageous, vulnerable, and have a voice that needs to be heard. Super Wow formerly Mr. Coffeehead is all of that and more.“ – Bob Frazer
Spec Theatre
Venue #20 – The Studio at Théâtre Cercle Molière St Boniface

Teaching Shakespeare
Since debuting at the 1999 Montreal Fringe Festival, Teaching Shakespeare has had over 150 performances across Canada, and two theatrical runs in New York City.
This “formidably delightful” (Off-Off Broadway Review) parody of a college Shakespeare class and portrait of a frustrated actor turned frustrated professor last seen in Winnipeg in 2014, is returning to the 2023 Winnipeg Fringe Festival. However, the multiple award-winning monologue now has new material as the inept teacher has aged and is a senior citizen. Dr. Keir is still desperate to achieve his professional goals but now time is definitely running out!
Teaching Shakespeare received the “Overall Excellence Award – Solo” at the New York Fringe Festival in 2000, heldover at the Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton fringe festivals, selected for Centaur Theatre’s Wildside Festival, Victoria’s Uno Festival, London, Ontario’s Oh Solo Mio Festival, selected “Best in Fest” at the Orlando Fringe Festival, and televised nationally in Canada on BRAVO!
“I remember Teaching Shakespeare as one of the most enjoyable Fringe productions of the last decade. Actor/academic Keir Cutler gave us Dr. Keir, a self-styled Shakespeare expert giving a university class. It was the class from hell. Keir pulled off the amazing feat of feeding you some fascinating minutiae about Shakespeare while leaving you laughing at the awesome ineptitude of the teacher.” – Colin MacLean, Edmonton Sun.
Montrealer Keir Cutler has been called “a masterful entertainer,” (Winnipeg Free Press) “a marvel to watch,” (Toronto Sun) and “a phenomenal performer!” (winnipegonstage.com). Venue #10 -Planetarium Auditorium 190 Rupert Ave. – (theatre on lower level).

Melanie Gall – in 3 separate shows!
1- The American Songbook Experience
Move over, Frank Sinatra! Melanie Gall presents the story of the American Songbook – from the songwriters of Tin Pan Alley to the stages of Broadway and the Hollywood musicals of the 1930s and 1940s – with hits by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and other superstars of popular song. Featuring a dozen hits, including On the Sunny Side of the Street, I’m in the Mood for Love, Moon River and Stardust.Melanie Gall is the award-winning performer of Fringe sellout hits Ingenue, Piaf and Brel (5 STARS – Winnipeg Free Press) and Toast to Prohibition (5 STARS – Edmonton Journal). Her historic music shows have been performed in over 30 countries, as well as off-Broadway in New York and at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
2- Ingenue
Melanie Gall’s award-winning musical is back! Chosen as one of the top Fringe shows worldwide and mounted off-Broadway at SoHo Playhouse in 2019. Judy is an icon, loved as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. But in the 1930s, Deanna, “Winnipeg’s Sweetheart”, was the bigger star. While Judy struggled for success, Deanna became the idol of millions. Ingénue tells the true tale of the lifelong friendship – and rivalry – of these teen idols of Old Hollywood. “Gall is astonishing” – Metro Arts, 5 STARS Adelaide Advertiser, 4.5 STARS Winnipeg Free Press
3- Opera Mouse
Tilly Mouse lives under an opera house and she just loves to sing! But whenever anybody sees her, they scream and run away. With determination, imagination and help from her friends, Tilly proves that even a mouse can be a star! Featuring songs and arias from several operas, including Gianni Schicchi, Carmen and The Magic Flute. Opera Mouse has been performed in venues all around the world, ranging from a theatre in Canada and an orphanage in Morocco to a school in Sudan and a shopping mall in Algeria. “Best kids show” – CBC Manitoba

Adam Schwartz
Adam writes: “I have 2 shows this year. Neurohilarity which features the 5 funniest neurodivergent comedians in Winnipeg. Carole Cunningham, (The Debaters) Scott Koropas,(Yuk Yuks) Danielle Kayhara, (Winnipeg Comedy Fest) Quinn and Kane Greene (Winnipeg comedy fest) and Adam Schwartz with guest appearances by Jewish comedians Dan Goldberg and Willlw Rosenberg.
“I also have my solo show How I Met My First Neurodivergent Friend. A storytelling show about how growing up Adam kept his distance from people who were different because he thought it would make it harder to fit in. One day Adam woke up 36-years-old alone and lonely so he created his own community (Neurohilarity). “

OBSESSION: The Elizabeth Smart Musical
Robbi Goltsman-Ferris is the writer/producer of a show premiering at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival this year. Called “OBSESSION: The Elizabeth Smart Musical,” this moving production reveals the tragedies and triumphs of a female writer ahead of her time. It features Phil Corrin as the musical director, and Kelly Robinson and Kyra Krassnigg as two members of a remarkably talented and seasoned cast of six, including professional performers Brittany Hunter and Reid McTavish and director/choreographer Laura Kolisnyk.
The show features eight performances at Venue 4, the Center Culturel Franco-Manitobain (CCFM) on 340 Provencher Blvd, which offers FREE PARKING!!
Local News
New Israeli restaurant opens in River Heights

By BERNIE BELLAN (July 6, 2025) It’s been a long time since our community has been able to welcome the opening of a restaurant that specializes in Israeli food.
That void is now going to be filled with the opening of The Green Falafel, at 1833 Grant (corner of Centennial – next to the Subway).

The restaurant is the fulfillment of a dream long held by the husband and wife team of Ariel and Eden Maudi, who have been living in Winnipeg the past 11 years.
Ariel, who was born in Israel and grew up in Beer Sheva, says that he worked in telecommunications in Ramat Gan for several years. He adds though that he had always dreamed of owning his own falafel stand in Israel, but life was difficult there and he decided to come to Canada as a tourist to see whether there were any opportunities here for him, Eden and their two young children.
Eden, who was born in Russia and moved to Israel with her family in 1996, stayed behind with the two kids, who were both pre-schoolers, while Ariel tested the waters in Canada first.
Ariel says he came to Canada as a tourist in 2013. His first stop was in Toronto, where he acquired his 1st class driver’s license. At the end of 2013 he moved to Winnipeg where he began working as a truck driver. Soon he found himself employed as a successful sales person at Vickar Nissan where, he says, he once achieved the status as the top car sales person in Canada. After working at Vickar Nissan for a number of years, Ariel began working as an installer for Bell MTS.
Meanwhile, Eden began working at a Walmart, later at the Costco on Regent.
But, when the opportunity to move into a space that had been previously occupied by another restaurant, but which had closed, became available, Ariel and Eden decided to open their own Israeli restaurant in an area that hadn’t seen Israeli food served since the controversial closure of Bermax Café in 2019.
The Maudis say that they will be serving a variety of Israeli dishes – all vegetarian, and that they will be fully kosher.
The “green” in Green Falafel, by the way, Ariel Maudi explains, comes from the cilantro and parsley that are added to the chickpeas. In addition, their pitas will be coming from Israel and will be baked fresh daily.
The Green Falafel will be open from 10-8 daily. Delivery will be available through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Call 204-557-7837 for information.
Local News
Previews of shows with Jewish performers at this year’s Fringe Festival July 16-27

For show dates and venues go to winnipegfringe.com
By BERNIE BELLAN As has been our custom for many years now we try to find shows that have either Jewish performers or themes that would have particular appeal for Jewish audiences. Many of the Jewish performers at this year’s festival have been here before, but several are new. In no particular order here are blurbs about the shows we’ve found that fit the criteria I’ve just described. (By they way, if we’ve omitted a show that should be included in our list there’s plenty of time to get added to this post. Just drop me a line at jewishp@mymts.net.)

You’ve Been Served: A One-Woman Show About Divorce, Cults, and Coming of Age at Midlife
Noemi Zeigler
You are hereby summoned… to laugh, cry, and maybe belt out a Streisand number in solidarity. You’ve Been Served is a raw and riotous solo comedy by writer-performer Noemi Zeigler. It all begins when Noemi is served divorce papers on top of a garbage bin lid while taking out the trash—an undignified start to a full-blown midlife unraveling.
At 50, still clinging to her dream of becoming a singer, she falls under the spell of a music producer slash self-help guru, joins a spiritual cult, and, instead of landing a record deal, she lands in jail. Behind bars, with help from her long-buried inner child, she begins to reclaim her voice and her power. Turns out, dreams really do come true—just not the way she expected.
The show features vividly drawn characters—including a manipulative cult leader, a toxic ex-husband, and a jail guard named Roach who shares Noemi’s obsession with the fashion of Charlie’s Angels (the ‘70s TV version, of course.)
With salsa dancing, twerking, and a belting rendition of Don’t Rain on My Parade, Zeigler dives into abandonment, reinvention, and self-rescue. As she confronts perimenopause, she discovers it’s not the end—it’s the new puberty. The show touches on grief, sexuality, and spiritual confusion, but Noemi’s childlike optimism asks: What if your breakdown is actually your breakthrough?

You’re good for nothing… I’ll milk the cow myself
Written & Performed by Natacha Ruck
France, 1981: The first socialist president is about to be elected and young Natacha is ready to implement her own political platform. But first, she has to take down the schoolyard bully,emasculate the rules of French grammar and make off with grandmother’s chocolate.
If you think you know the limits of Jewish mothers, evil grandmothers and transcontinental lovers, meet Natacha Ruck’s family. This true tale of three generations of women, facing three world wars, is equal parts hilarious, shocking and zany.

A One Human Being, Potentially Comedic Performance of Beauty and the Beast NEW WORK!
Written & Performed by Alli Perlov
Be our guest! Local high school drama teacher Alli Perlov is back for a tale as old as time. Can she sing? Not really. Can she act? That’s debatable. Will you laugh? Oh… probably.
Perlov plays dozens of characters, some human, some animal, and many objects, in a comedic exploration of Beauty and the Beast.
In an homage to this brilliant musical adventure, through witty commentary and unstoppable energy, Perlov aims to entertain an audience that isn’t forced to be there like her students.

Hockey Sticks and Beaver Pie
Written & Performed by Melanie Gall
Take a trip around Manitoba. From the 30,000 ft. St. Adolphe snow maze to the Narcisse snake dens! After all, where else holds both the title of Slurpee Capital of the World and the Guinness Record for the most people simultaneously howling like wolves?
Deanna Durbin, Terry Jacks and Burton Cummings are among the many homegrown stars, and Hockey Sticks features their music along with original songs and the stories that make this province unique.
Starring Melanie Gall from past shows Piaf & Brel, Ingenue and Toast to Prohibition

Nerohilarity Exposed
Produced by Adam Schwartz
We all sometimes feel exposed, whether that’s as a fraud or a pretender.
The performers of the award-winning Neurohilarity show, Danielle Kayahara (Laugh Out Loud CBC), Carole Cunningham (Yuk Yuks, The Debaters), Adam Schwartz (Winnipeg Fringe) and Rollin Penner (Yuk Yuks, CBC, Rumors, Winnipeg Comedy Festival), apply a comedic spin to the experiences that make us feel insecure, stripping away the emotional weight with nittygritty jokes and stories that will have you laughing uproariously.
Brilliantly awkward.

A Lesbian in the Kitchen
Willow Rosenberg
Professional lesbian Willow Rosenberg takes you on a journey through the centuries, superstitions and tablespoons of her lifelong passion for baking in this spiritual successor to 2024’s Jenny Award-nominated A Lesbian in a Bear Store.
Whether you have a favourite spatula, bake once or twice a year, or live in constant fear of being told to “just fold it in”, this one-woman show about family, joy, tradition (but make it gay),
Judaism, comfort, home (but make it gayer*), love, chemistry and magic is for you!
*Who’re we kidding, it’s all gay!

Eleanor’s Story: An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany
Written & Performed by Ingrid Garner
(Ed. note: Although Ingrid Garner isn’t Jewish, we thought the theme of this show might have a special appeal for Jewish readers.)
Based on Eleanor Ramrath Garner’s best-selling memoir, this 16x internationally award-winning adaptation – performed by her granddaughter, Ingrid Garner – details Eleanor’s youth as an American caught in Second World War Berlin.
Punctuated with humour and accompanied by cinematic sound and video, Garner embodies her ancestors in this coming-of-age odyssey, delivering an account of war that is more relevant than ever.

Reviewing The Free Press 2
Benji Rothman
The Winnipeg Free Press has run amok, reviewing each and every Fringe show over the past two decades without consequence or recourse. Now, it’s their turn… again.
In this refurbished work that debuted at last year’s Winnipeg Fringe, Benji Rothman once again takes the Winnipeg Free Press to task. In this (mostly) new, (hopefully) hilarious 45-minute show, Rothman dives deep into their past and exposes their faulty journalism, imbalanced reporting and, of course, embarrassing typos.
Local News
Jewish performers at this year’s Winnipeg Folk Festival July 10-13

The Black Sea Station
Long ago, there were the klezmorim, itinerant musicians who roamed the back streets of Eastern Europe, playing at parties for meals and a few coins. The sound they honed then was a visceral exploration of life’s joy, and its loss; they could whip audiences into a frenzy of dancing, or bring them to tears with the mournful wail of a clarinet. Today, Winnipeg’s own The Black Sea Station is carrying on this tradition. Featuring Daniel Koulack (bass), Victor Schultz (violin) and Myron Schultz (clarinet) — cofounders of seminal local klezmer act Finjan — along with Moldovan accordion wizard Nikolai Prisacar and multi-instrumentalist Ben Mink, the quintet transports listeners to a time and place long past. Through a mix of original songs rooted in history, and traditional tunes spun up with modern zest, they whirl through the exuberant klezmer sounds of their Eastern European heritage, tending the old ways with deep love and respect.
The Black Sea Station will be performing Sunday, July 13, at 1:00 pm in Snowberry Field.

Romi Mayes
Romi Mayes has taken some hard knocks in her life, but she’s never faded away. For more than 25 years, Manitoba’s first lady of blues-rock has been a lynchpin of the Canadian roots scene. She earned that position the old-fashioned way, through her gritty, passionately emotive music. With her sizzling guitars and full-throated rasp, the Juno-nominated performer howls and purrs through razor-edged lyrics, rocking out wherever she can find a stage. She’s long been one of the hardest-working musicians on the circuit, keeping a busy slate of gigs and mentoring up-and-coming artists to get a foothold on the trails she blazed. Now, after a nine-year hiatus from the studio, Mayes has put her scintillating sound back on record with her long-awaited seventh album, Small Victories — a return that leaves no doubt, no matter the ups and downs, Mayes is here to stay.
Romi will be performing Friday, July 11, at 1:00 pm in Burr Oak.

Leonard Podolak (with Matt Gordon)
Ireland’s Matt Gordon is a fiddler and singer, whose fleet-footed clogging and thigh-slapping hambone has taken stages by storm since the 1980s. Leonard Podolak is a virtuosic master of the clawhammer banjo, who for decades has whipped up some of Manitoba’s wildest roots parties with his band, The Duhks. Put those talents together, and they can promise you this much: we’re all gonna have a real good time. Longtime friends and musical collaborators, Gordon and Podolak deliver an exhilarating trip through old-time Appalachian music. Their performances seamlessly blend intricate instrumental lines with heartfelt singing and dazzling dance. They’ve teamed up on a few records over the years, including 2020’s bigband extravaganza Power Wagon: Live At Shanley’s. But the best way to experience this duo’s toe-tapping, hand-clapping chemistry is to see it live.
Podolak and Gordon will be performing A concert with a side of clogging Sunday, July 13, at 3:00 pm in Folk School.