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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Oh Winnipeg! A Surprising Musical Memoir
Our Rating: 
Despite the title, this heartfelt memoir’s arc — boy born in the ’50s tries living the rock ’n’ roll dream, only to realize stardom eludes him and real life awaits — isn’t particularly surprising.
What is surprising is how compelling Vancouverite John Pippus makes this familiar baby boomer trope. With a shock of silver hair that makes him look like Nick Lowe, the musician/actor ably plays the characters who shaped his early life, backed by illustrative slides and accompanied by his musical performances of songs of the day, or his own quite lovely folky tunes, on acoustic guitar. The revelatory moment when he learns how to play blues harmonica is quite electrifying.
The woman next to me said, “You’re probably too young to really appreciate this,” but Pippus’s passion makes everyone feel the lightning bolt that rock music was to a teen in the ’60s, when CKY-AM blasted out of turquoise transistor radios.
— Jill Wilson
From the official Fringe Festival guide:
The journey of a Winnipeg-born musician stumbling after the rock star fantasy. Traversing strip joints, nude beaches and the Trans Canada Highway, young Pippus seeks fame and fortune. For anyone who ever dared to dream.
PICK OF THE 2009 VANCOUVER FRINGE!!!
“Loved it” - CBC Radio
“Charming and touching tale... Don’t miss this great little play” - 4 1/2 STARS, Monday Magazine
www.johnpippus.com
Warnings: Language,
RECOMMENDED:
Mature Audience
60 min
PTE — Colin Jackson Studio, to Saturday
Tickets: $10
Discount Tickets: for 2 for 1 on opening night
Under 14 not admitted.
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