Countries Shaped Like Stars
Created by Emily Pearlman & Nicolas Di Gaetano
February 17 - 28,
2026
Backstage Theatre
Part Storytelling, part concert, Countries 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.
Accessible Performance Information:
Wed February 25: CART Captioned and Relaxed Performance
Thu February
26: CART Captioned Performance
Approximate Run Time: 60 minutes (no intermission)
CAST
Dayna Lea Hoffmann - Gwendolyn Magnificent
Michael Watt – Bartholomew
Spectacular
CREATIVE TEAM
Created by - Emily Pearlman & Nicolas Di Gaetano
Director –
Murray Utas
Assistant Director – Nicole Maloney
Production
Designer - Even Gilchrist
Sound & Lighting Operator / Resident
Technician - Jadera (Jadey) Capaldo
Whether you’ve got a certified theatre lover on your holiday wish list, or you’re looking for a unique gift they’ll never forget, Fringe is here to help you bring in the festive cheer.
Get a special deal for that special someone (or treat yourself!) while quantities last!
Three sparkling shows are featured in our Festive Fringe Deals:
Shoes That Fit (January 30, 2026) - Take a peek into the drag dressing room while well seasoned queen, Claudia Hartout, shares stories, costumes, and life lessons to help you “channel your inner queen.”
Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story (February 14, 2026) - At once a hilarious examination of enduring relationships and a nostalgic photo album that shows us the lives led by the titular couple.
Countries Shaped Like Stars (February 17 – 28, 2026) - Part storytelling, part concert, this whimsical love story is spun from everyday magic and the sounds of spoons, whirly-winds, and a mandolin.
Please note, VIP Tickets for Shoes that Fit are not part of Festive Fringe Deals.
2-Ticket Stocking Stuffer
Buy two (2) tickets using the 2-Ticket Stocking Stuffer option below to receive:
- $5.00 off your tickets (just $47 instead of $52 for a pair!);
- One (1) entry to win special mystery merch from Fringe*.
To redeem, select the "2-Ticket Stocking Stuffer" option below to add the tickets to your basket. You must purchase in groups of two (2) to receive the discount. Available while quantities last.
6-Ticket Variety Pack
Buy two (2) tickets to each of these three shows:
Shoes That Fit (Jan 30), Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story (Feb 14), and Countries Shaped Like Stars (Feb 17 – 28, 2026) to receive:
- $30.00 off your tickets ($126 instead of $156 for all 6 tickets!);
- Five (5) entries to win special mystery merch from Fringe*.
To redeem, add two (2) Full Price tickets for each event (note: please select a specific date and time for Countries Shaped Like Stars) to your basket. The deal will automatically apply once all 6 tickets are in your basket. Available while quantities last.
*Please note, entries to win special mystery merch will only be an eligible part of Festive Fringe Deals until December 15, 2025 at 12PM MST. After this date, winners will be randomly selected and have up until December 19 at 5PM MST to pick up their winnings from the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns.
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Storytelling
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$26.00 inc $4.00 fee -
17-February 28, 2026 -
60 minutes -
Fringe Theatre Arts Barns -
Backstage Theatre -
14A -
Show Contains: sudden sounds, surprising moments of appearing and disappearing, loud noise, strobe lights, and haze.
