"Gorgeous sounding harmonies sung by charismatic artists. This 'Almost Ever After' is almost there once the sound design becomes balanced between the singers and musicians."

Gotta hand it to Writer and Director of 'Almost Ever After' Andrew Seok. This talented artist continually challenges himself and his audience in telling new stories, most often with a Canadian focus.

Even though I have no background in musical training, I know a song is going to be good when I can feel my head keeping in time with the musical score. I found myself doing this many times (as did several others sitting around me) on this opening night production of 'Almost Ever After.'  If you get the chance, go to the Fringe Toronto website and type 'ALMOST EVER AFTER.' When the show link comes up, click the link to the song 'What Would I Be Without You?' I dare anyone not to have a smile on their face while listening to that song. Warning: it will become an earworm.  You'll want to hear it over and over.

Inspired by Seok's admiration for the interconnectedness of the films 'Love Actually' and 'New York, I Love You', 'Almost Ever After' follows five stories ranging from Love at first sight to second chances and unexpected encounters, all based on one thought – is this person the one for me? Set to Seok's original score, blending rock, pop, and soul music, and inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Adele, and Bruno Mars, 'Almost Ever After' captures the highs, lows, and in-between moments of gorgeous, youthful people who sing with charisma and charm.  There's a play on the meaning of 'Happily Ever After.'  Will these stories conclude in this manner?

That's the reason to see the show.

'Almost Ever After' is almost there… Almost.

I know it's opening night. However, Josue Cadena needs to balance his sound design levels so that the terrific-sounding eight musicians do not overpower these stellar singers and performers.  It became a tad frustrating when I couldn't hear the song lyrics. When there's dialogue, I was able to listen to what the characters say.

It's a two-level concert staging. Imogen Wilson's lighting design succinctly sets the mood for this concert presentation. Director Andrew Seok places the musicians on stage, right of the backup singers. The backup singers position themselves behind the principal storytellers, downstage, in front of microphones.  Seok directs with simplicity. That's fine because he knows he's cast strong actors who will tell these five stories with a committed focus on being genuine human beings. These performers reveal their humanness. Music Director Alex Toskov knows a thing or two about pulling at the heartstrings, as there are several moments when this occurs, one being the song featured on the Fringe Toronto show website: "What Would I Be Without You."

As Matt and Avery, Nathan Bois-McDonald and Julia Pulo become stuck in two separate elevators in the same building. Somehow, Matt and Avery connect through the intercom system while they wait for help to escape the elevator.  Bois-McDonald and Pulo are charmingly sweet. I was rooting for them to get together after their 'time' in the elevators. James Daly and Kelly Holiff are Jack and Olivia, a young couple who are anxiously awaiting the results of her test to see if 'Liv' is with bébé or not. Daly and Holiff caught me off guard in their on-stage work. They become believable in the moment, at least I found it that way. I wanted to go up on that stage and smack Jack and Olivia on the side of the head for their seemingly uncaring 'well, what if we are expecting or not."  Jack and Olivia, you're grown adults. Take responsibility for yourselves and for the new life you may have created. Don't set the responsibility on the other person.

Final Comments: In his programme note as writer, Andrew says this production is a love letter to all the romantic comedies that he loved growing up. Yes, please go and see 'Almost Ever After' for the care and commitment in telling the story through song.

Running time: approximately 90 minutes with no interval/intermission.

The production runs until July 13 at 388 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 207 (second floor).  For tickets: www.fringetoronto.com

ALMOST EVER AFTER A New Musical
Written and directed by Andrew Seok
Music Director: Alex Toskov
Lighting Design: Imogen Wilson
Sound Design: Josue Cadena
Assistant Director: Kelly Seo
Creative Consultants: M. Shane Aube and Mike Nadajewski
Producers: Andrew Seok and M. Shane Aube
Consulting Producer: Derrick Chua
Musicians: James Daly, Noel Di Tosto, Brad Park, Julia Pulo, Kieran Prouty, Neil Shankman, Andrew Seok, Alex Toskov

Singers/Performers: Daniela Bauer, Nathan Bois-McDonald, Rhoslynne Bugay, James Daly, Paige Foskett, Catherine Gava, Aaron Hastelow, Ronan Hayes, Kelly Holiff, Marisa McIntyre, Kate Megginson, Kevin Morris, Oliver Murphy, Davis Okey-Azunnah, Lee-Orr Orbach, Kieran Prouty, Julia Pulo, Elle Reimer, Jessica Rosalres, Alekzander Roslowski, Andre Seok, Kimberly Ann-Truong,