{"data":{"id":"585c8e79-b976-4f9f-afbc-2b83b5b9c205","originKind":"SYNDICATED","title":"Fringe Review: Boys' Club shows promise","summary":"Boys’ Club\n\n2.5 stars (Out of 5)\n\nStage 4, Walterdale Theatre, 10322 83 Ave.\n\nIt does take a certain level of courage to perform a rap show at 11:15 p.m. on a Friday to a crowd of about 24 people in which the median age is somewhere north of 50.\n\nI’ll also say that given today’s polarized age, it also takes a certain chutzpah for this rap show to be full of compositions that in certain circles might come off as “corny.”\n\nHowever, credit must be given to Alick Mac for looking to make a positive statement in the world.\n\nMac’s show Boys’ Club is a collection of his songs detailing issues around masculinity, and what it means to be a man, countering the manosphere, and reaching for self-actualization, among other topics that are prevalent across social media these days.\n\nMac’s show alternates between songs and storytelling — or at least giving the audience the background behind the songs and how certain authors have helped him come to a realization about himself or things he’s learned about himself along the way. Perhaps over time, these interludes could be built into a stronger theatrical narrative. Or perhaps it was opening night jitters.\n\nAs a rapper, Mac has an understated flow, though there were times when his cadence seemed to blend from one song to the next. But there were moments where his songwriting was particularly striking, including one that detailed the way young men opt not to open up to friends, often until it’s too late.\n\nAre these important issues that should be talked about? Sure. Is the Fringe going to get him the audience who may benefit from hearing these songs? That’s hard to say. But if you’re looking for something with a positive message, this may be the performer for you.\n\nRelated Fringe Review: The Game of Bluff deals a winning hand\n\nFringe review: Darrin Hagen does it again with the delightful Go West, Young Man\n\nBookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.\n\nYou can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.","url":"https://edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/edmonton-fringe-review-boys-club","imageUrl":"https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/edmontonjournal/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/boys-club_304752615.jpg","publishedAt":"2026-08-17T18:51:57.000Z","sourceLabel":"Edmonton Journal Music","tags":["Entertainment","Local Arts","Theatre"],"authorName":"Dave Breakenridge","contentHtml":"\"Alick

Boys’ Club

2.5 stars (Out of 5)

Stage 4, Walterdale Theatre, 10322 83 Ave.

It does take a certain level of courage to perform a rap show at 11:15 p.m. on a Friday to a crowd of about 24 people in which the median age is somewhere north of 50.

I’ll also say that given today’s polarized age, it also takes a certain chutzpah for this rap show to be full of compositions that in certain circles might come off as “corny.”

However, credit must be given to Alick Mac for looking to make a positive statement in the world.

Mac’s show Boys’ Club is a collection of his songs detailing issues around masculinity, and what it means to be a man, countering the manosphere, and reaching for self-actualization, among other topics that are prevalent across social media these days.

Mac’s show alternates between songs and storytelling — or at least giving the audience the background behind the songs and how certain authors have helped him come to a realization about himself or things he’s learned about himself along the way. Perhaps over time, these interludes could be built into a stronger theatrical narrative. Or perhaps it was opening night jitters.

As a rapper, Mac has an understated flow, though there were times when his cadence seemed to blend from one song to the next. But there were moments where his songwriting was particularly striking, including one that detailed the way young men opt not to open up to friends, often until it’s too late.

Are these important issues that should be talked about? Sure. Is the Fringe going to get him the audience who may benefit from hearing these songs? That’s hard to say. But if you’re looking for something with a positive message, this may be the performer for you.

Related

Bookmark our website and support our journalism:Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.

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