I am a sucker for talented young people, and I have a thing for folk music, so the awkwardly titled J-Tel Presents…Canadian Folk Songs Super-Hits Sound Explosion seemed like it would be right up my alley. I was not disappointed! This show is a clever satire of both infomercials and the “raise a perfect child” craze, and it showcases the dynamite talent of 22 young actors. These kids can sing, dance and act. While the dialogue is delivered with the gosh-darn “sincerity” of cheesy television hucksters, the musical numbers have the authentic charm of Singalong Jubilee. This show is full of hummable tunes and laugh-out-loud humour, and may prove to be one of my favourites at the fringe.
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This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2009.