With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s no surprise that “love” and “songs” feature prominently in more than one FRINGE WORLD Festival title. Love songs, after all, have a long and rich history, something Elysia touched on in her introduction. 

On the stage, the backdrop was a clever visual representation of a centuries-old musical score shaped like a love heart. She opened with the title song, familiar to many in the audience, though new to me. Paying close attention to the lyrics helped me follow the elaborate presentation of each song, described within a context of love or possibly a rollercoaster.

This was a multi-faceted production, with six musicians on stage. They included a bassist from overseas, and a woman on drums - a welcome presence to match the main presenter. Each musician had opportunities to shine, earning warm applause from an appreciative audience.

The ending included a clever reference to the option of leaving the stage, then coming back for one more song by popular demand. Instead, all that was skipped, and the last song was announced directly. 

The evening concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgement of the many virtues of the venue, from the dedication of staff to the variety of shows that are offered in a welcoming space.

Elysia is a performer audiences may well have encountered before, and one worth keeping an eye on.