Toronto Fringe Review: Sweaty, Bloated, and Stressed

Dating makes Jill Goranson sweaty, bloated, and stressed. For many of us out there, it’s 100% relatable content.  

Goranson, with Bjorn Kriel on the keyboard, improvises songs about the absurdity of navigating dating apps which is, ultimately, a dehumanizing experience. And what romp through the existential online dating hellscape would be complete without a tour of the ways in which our bodies betray us at the most inopportune moments? 

Sadly, the show I saw had a very small audience, and no improv show fares well with that no matter how amazing the improviser. I got a great effort, but not a fair representation of what I expect Goranson’s capable of. That being said, Goranson and Kriel brought an admirable exuberance to the stage none the less, their easy chemistry is fun to watch. 

Goranson’s voice has an impressive range which she showcased in an amusing little ditty about pushing a tampon out while singing in a university jazz vocal performance jury. I expect with a bigger audience, more audience offerings and energy to feed off of, this would be more the norm than a gem in the performance I saw. 

If improvised musical comedy, dread around dating and bodily functions are your bag, put your butt in a seat, shout some suggestions to watch Goranson and Kriel run with it! 

Sweaty, Bloated, and Stressed is on now until July 16 at Toronto Fringe. Tickets and show times here.