Review: Encounter, Fringe 2025

“Encounter: A Space Cabaret” is an otherworldly sci-fi musical comedy written and performed by the multi-talented Zena Wood.

This quirky show at the Legends venue takes the audience on a journey with “Space Weather Girl,” a charming TV personality who broadcasts the utterly unimportant, yet strangely compelling, news of space weather. What begins as a whimsical, harmless broadcast quickly spirals into an intergalactic adventure, complete with a mysterious signal, a historical “mating program,” and a whole lot of laughs. It’s an hour of pure, unadulterated fun that manages to be both lighthearted and surprisingly profound.

The Venue and Vibe

The Legends venue, tucked away in the Cowgate, proves to be a darling of the Fringe. With a large stage and a dedicated area separating it from the audience, it creates an intimate yet professional setting that Zena Wood and her co-star Brandon M. Weber use to their full advantage. This space becomes the perfect backdrop for the show’s blend of live TV studio, cabaret, and sci-fi narrative. The atmosphere is immediately engaging, with the audience given literal tin foil hats to wear, which sets the tone for a playful and interactive experience from the get-go. I spent half of ‘Encounter’ wearing a literal tin foil hat. It’s a lot of fun, is a testament to the show’s ability to create a sense of shared, silly enjoyment.

Beyond the Puns and Ducks

While the show is undeniably a comedy, full of puns, quirky facts, and even ducks, it cleverly weaves in some more serious themes. Through the lens of an alien encounter, “Encounter” explores what it means to be human and the universal yearning for connection in a world that often feels disconnected. Zena Wood’s character, Space Weather Girl, is a relatable millennial trash fire trying to find her place and happiness. The show touches on the challenges of dating, the state of the world, and the search for meaning, but never in a preachy way. The serious points are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing a surprising amount of catharsis amidst the laughter. “It’s not all lasers and aliens, it’s about understanding what truly makes us human,” is a soundbyte that sums up the production’s unexpected depth.

Overall

“Encounter: A Space Cabaret” is a delightful, inventive, and genuinely entertaining show. It’s a stellar example of how to blend different genres – sci-fi, musical, and comedy – into a cohesive and memorable experience. The performance is sharp, the songs are catchy, and the story, while gloriously silly, has a surprising amount of heart. This is a show that not only makes you laugh but also leaves you with a warm feeling of having witnessed something truly unique. I’m really glad I invested a Fringe-fought-over hour of my day into it. It’s a recommended watch for anyone looking for a fun, creative, and slightly bizarre Fringe experience.