CULTURE GECKO
Can’t Help Falling In Love is a Contemporary, Magical Musical Shakespearean Mix tape That Aims to Inspire
By Ezekiel McAdams
August 5 2025
Live Fully Productions returns to Fringe with a contemporary ode and homage to Shakespeare’s works with Can’t Help Falling in Love.. With Shakespeare
This is one of two productions this year that are part of the Fringe Festival’s BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) being held at the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site at their Raynor Whiteside Financial Group Community Stage.
The production stars Max Cory as Arden, and Sadie Gryba as Mary with Lex Barry, Siyam Hassan, Catherine Hui, Loren Krowchuk, Cam Leverick, Laura Negraeff, Paulina Salisbury and Adrianne Tanjusay as the Kings Players
It is written by L.M. Chalmers with Lorna Batycki acting as both director and Music Director.
The production’s plot is two teenagers are hanging out with Arden trying to finish his Shakespeare assignment using musical comparisons to strengthen his argument with Mary being there for moral support while hiding her feelings towards him.
Through the use of magic the Kings Players from various Shakespeare works come to help guide and assist Arden Musical numbers of popular contemporary songs permeate and infuse the production with a magnetic, infectious familiar soundtrack that adds different layers to how to interpret Shakespeare’s works.
Chalmers infuses the script with a playful, modern sensibility that dissects Shakespeare and fits it to mold a contemporary understanding that aims to educate without feeling stifling.
Batycki does a wonderful job allowing the production to feel breezy and light, allowing each actor to bring a different personality and mood all while anchored by the musical numbers which are perfect segues for the next scene.
Cory plays Arden with a mixture of confidence and unenthusiastic about his assignment and motivation. Cory is able to play the perfect straight man to the energetic and personable trope of characters that take centre stage.
Gryba plays Mary with bubbly ambition sprinkled in optimism yet frustration that she doesn’t seem to articulate her feelings towards Arden.
Hassan carries a swagger and ambition that radiates confidence. His character is able to alternate between affability and arrogance.
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Tanjusay brings a mysterious, mercurial presence throughout that adds a layer to the multiple personalities and different energies in the Kings Player group.
Krowchuck emits a silent radiance filling in the moments of silence with positive introspection and old soul quality.
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Hui brings a quiet stoic introspective nature to her character. Hui allows the other King Players to be prominent while still feeling integral to the ensemble.
Barry has a likeable charisma adding levity throughout. Barry’s facial and physical expressions are animated and allow depth.
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Salisbury is a beacon of energy hanging above from the pure jubilation and optimistic outlook she brings to her character.
Negraeff beams as a boisterous energy that shines throughout the production whether it is her facial expression or comic timing.
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And finally, Leverick carries an earnest presence throughout the show and makes impression with limited dialogue.
Can’t Help Falling in Love… With Shakespeare is a wonderful introduction to those unfamiliar or bored with Shakespeare’s collection. The pop music, the self awareness and magic that glistens throughout is an unforgettable experience.
Can’t Help Falling in Love… With Shakespeare from Live Fully Productions is running at the Shakespeare on Saskatchewan site in the Raynor Whiteside Financial Group Community Stage from July 31-August 9th 2025 at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Tickets can be purchased online here, the box office or the venue itself.