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 - (G)Host/Gwendolyn Magnificent
Michael Watt – Host/Bartholomew Spectacular

CREATIVE TEAM

Created by – Emily Pearlman & Nicolas Di Gaetano
Director – Murray Utas
Assistant Director – Nicole Maloney
Stage Manager – Sarah Austin
Production Designer – Even Gilchrist
Sound Designer – Michael Watt
Sound & Lighting Operator/Resident Technician – Jadera (Jadey) Capaldo
Technical Director – Jaclyn Segal
Resident Technician – Liv Bunge
Accessibility Design – Brooke Leifso
CART Captioning Services – Katie Gallin 

Countries Shaped Like Stars – Participation & Accessibility Information

Thank you for attending a performance of Countries Shaped Like Stars! We’re so happy you’re here. Below, please find important participation and accessibility information. Questions? Please email boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca. We’re here to help make your Fringe experience awesome. 

General Notes: This performance contains live music, shifting lighting states, the occasional loud noise, and many instances of “theatre magic.” 

Audience Participation: Countries Shaped Like Stars contains audience interaction. At multiple points throughout the performance, audience will be asked by the actors to participate within your personal comfort. This may include hand gestures, sound effects, or answering a question. If you’d prefer not to participate, we have reserved “no participation” seats. Please connect with a member of our Box Office to request a “no participation” seat. 

Allergy Notification: This performance is a delight to the ears, the eyes, and at one point, the mouth! Some audience members will be offered a cookie that contains gluten, sugar, and eggs – please contact us with any allergies. 

Upcoming Accessible Performances: Join us Wednesday February 25 at 8pm for a Relaxed and CART Captioned performance or Thursday February 26 for a CART Captioned performance.

Communication Access Realtime (CART) captioning services provide real-time subtitles of dialogue and sound cues during live theatre performances, ensuring Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Audiences, as well as those who benefit from text-based access, can engage with the performance.

Relaxed Performances are specifically supported to be sensitive to patrons who might benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with a wide range of social, sensory, or educational needs. Lights and sound will be dampened. You are welcome to come and go as you need to. There are two elements we can’t change for the relaxed performance: a popping balloon and some overlapping dialogue when the actors talk.

• Storytelling
• $26.00 inc $4.00 fee
• 24-February 28, 2026
• 60 minutes
• 20:00, 14:00
• Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
• Backstage Theatre
• Parental Guidance
• 
  Show Contains: sudden sounds, surprising moments of appearing and disappearing, loud noise.