"It’s Brilliant" -Lisa Lambert
“That was the most hilarious play I’ve ever seen in my life!” - a 5 year old kid
“I went 5 times.” - A patron with good taste
“It was hard to tell if the play took place in a school Gymnasium or a Circus. - Vue Weekly
“Come watch 4 stars give a 5 star performance! - Jason Hardwick
“A drink helps.” & “You can sip a drink as you ponder what the hell is going on onstage.”
- Alan Kellogg, local theatre blogger/drink enthusiast
THE HAUS OF MERK
CHET
---- andrew brostrom ----
Let's get things straight, Chet doesn't "get" theatre. He’s here for the paycheck. Joke’s on him.
SPIKE TAIPE
---- sammy lowe ----
Started performing years ago, when he got up on stage at a Ted Talk to adjust a microphone cable.
EVELYN EINHORN
---- kristina hunszinger ----
The love child of beloved German death metal ukulele ist Bartholomäus "der Scharfrichter" Einhorn and controversial former circus icon "Boogerz the Clown."
ELLIOT
MOUTHCOCK
---- jake tkaczyk ----
Once opened for Cher – a company dedicated to sharing all things.
EMMAH BILMOTT
---- emma wilmott ----
Studies microbiology. Dabbles in The Arts to stay relevant.
JAYDEN
REMBACHER
---- josh travnik ----
Has successfully avoided too much instruction that may “dim his star.”
MERK
---- rebecca merkley ----
If an Enigma had a love child with Kathy Bates.
MERK DU SOLEIL
Headliner "Merk," along with her Sideshow Boobs, have to complete a death defying stunt by the end of the night. Will they succeed? This one-lady circus spectacular with no circus and more than one lady features some of the most talented stupidity you'll ever see!
Merk deux Soleil
A one-lady circus spectacular sequel to the ‘critically acclaimed’ one-lady circus spectacular, Merk du Soleil. Featuring new Sideshow Boob ‘Elliot’, a visceral dance piece and “actually attractive” actors who can sing, dance and play their own instruments. Sold out at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival.
Merk the Halls: a Holiday Soleil
A one hour Christmas spectacular with no Christmas, and more than one hour. Will “Merk” find the true meaning of Christmas? Come find out!
Sold Out their World Premiere at The Sewing Machine Factory in 2019!
"I still remember sitting in the fanciful tent with the free opening night drinks, and the complimentary popcorn, waiting with anticipation for Curios to begin when it came through town. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen, and yet my heart doesn’t shatter and my soul isn’t crushed knowing that I’m missing more Cirque du Soleil shows.
However, as I sit here on Vancouver Island knowing that exactly 1235 kilometers away, Merk and her Sideshow Boobs are taking the stage, I am inconsolable with grief.
I was lucky enough to see the show last year, and I have to say that it was possibly the hardest I have laughed at a Fringe show in 10+ years I have been attending the Fringe Festival (and I didn’t need a drink, Kellogg). The stunts were imaginative, the bits were priceless, and the music was imperfectly perfect! The story, which I can only assume is a continuation this year, is heart warming and makes me feel feelings of happiness as well as more happiness.
I have been closely following the sequel at this year's Fringe via social media, and it looks bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. Merk (Rebecca Merkley who I would almost literally give my left arm to be in a show with) is back with her usual flair and panache running a tight ship as her returning Sideshow Boob (the incomparable and multi-talented Josh Travnik) and Noob Boob (the brilliant actor and all around handsome hottie, Jake Tkaczyk), set the stage while all being held together by the Stage Manager (there are no words to describe her brilliance Emma Wilmott). Social Media shows me perfectly executed characters, photograph angles, and some wonderful Instagram takeovers that really gave me insight on what it means to be a Boob. It’s lovely to see these "actually attractive" people do something on social media as well as on stage.
And now some things for promotion: this show is by far a glowingly positive poster worthy quote.
Watch the 4 stars on stage give a 5 star show."
- Jason Hardwick
CAST
&
CREW
Merk du Soleil
Rebecca Merkley
Kristina Hunszinger
Josh Travnik
Andrew Brostrom
Merk Deux Soleil
Rebecca Merkley
Emma Wilmott
Josh Travnik
Jake Tkaczyk
Andrew Brostrom
Merk the Halls: a Holiday Soleil
Rebecca Merkley
Kristina Hunszinger
Josh Travnik
Sammy Lowe
Andrew Brostrom