Countries Shaped Like Stars

Fringe Theatre Arts Barns | The Backstage Theatre February 17 – 28, 2026
Part Storytelling, part concert, Counties Shaped Like Stars is a whimsical love story spun from everyday magic and the sounds of spoons, whirly-winds, and a mandolin. Gwendolyn Magnificent and Bartholomew Spectacular live on neighbouring peninsulas in a world where words grow on trees and anticipation hums in the air. Connected by string, sound, and the spaces in between, this is a love story that will leave you breathless. Born on the Fringe Festival circuit, Countries Shaped Like Stars is a shining example of how remarkable theatre can begin at Festivals like the Fringe. From 2009-2022, audiences fell in love with this magical story at various Festivals across Canada where Artists take bold chances and create extraordinary things. Winner of the Staff Choice Award at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival in 2013, and recipient of the Prix Rideau Award for Outstanding Fringe Production and Outstanding New Work, this story invites the audience into a dreamlike fable about love, longing, and the beauty of trying to stay connected, even when you are worlds apart. Age Rating: Parental Guidance (14+) – parental discretion advised This show contains: sudden sounds, surprising moments of appearing and disappearing, loud noise, strobe lights, and haze. Accessible Performance Information: Wed February 25: CART Captioned and Relaxed Performance Thu February 26: CART Captioned Performance CAST Dayna Lea Hoffmann – Gwendolyn Magnificent Michael Watt – Bartholomew Spectacular CREATIVE TEAM Created by: Emily Pearlman & Nicholas Di Gaetano Director: Murray Utas Assistant Director: Nicole Maloney Production Designer: Even Gilchrist Sound & Lighting Operator / Resident Technician – Jadera (Jadey) Capaldo
Tickets: https://tickets.fringetheatre.ca/event/601:6807/ Performance Schedule: Tue February 17 8pm – Preview #1 Wed February 18 8pm – Preview #2 Thu February 19 8pm – Preview #3 Fri February 20 8pm – Opening Performance Sat February 21 – 2pm Matinee & 8pm Performance Tue February 24 – 8pm Performance Wed February 25 – 8pm Captioned and Relaxed Performance Thu February 26 – 8pm Captioned Performance Fri February 27 – 8pm Performance Sat February 28 – 2pm Matinee & 8pm Closing Performance