The Winnipeg School of Happiness

Rating:

Company: Petit Pont Productions

Genre: Play - Storytelling

Venue: 22 MTYP - Richardson Hall

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Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many gimmicks ruin the play. Somewhere underneath the contrivances of The Winnipeg School of Happiness lies a touching story of a young woman seeking meaning, hope and connection after the death of her beloved grandfather, who was her mentor, protector and life coach.

• Winnipeg Fringe 2017: read our reviews

Winnipeg actress Brigette DePape stars as a confused young soul on a personal journey in search of her true self by way of theelusive "WinnipegSchool of Happiness," a mysterious institution recommended to her by her late grandfather.

Awkward audience participationinterrupts theflow ofthestory.- Sarah Broadfoot

The initial appeal of this coming-of-age story isquickly overshadowed by unnecessary and distracting devices that diminish rather than enhance the dialogue. Awkward audience participation interrupts the flow of the story, and an odd choice and use of props (including Fisher-Price toy phones, paper dolls, and a bed sheet meant to represent water) divert the audience's attention away from the play's central message.