![\"Things](\"https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/edmontonjournal/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/things-that-go-bump_304754177.jpg\" "\\"Things")
Things That Go Bump
3 stars (Out of 5)
Stage 19, Mill Creek Cafe, 9562 82 Ave.
In her quirky if not overly spooky theatrical seance and series of parlour tricks, Saskatchewan magician Lisa Krol hands you a piece of red string as you walk in, a small gift, getting your imagination going.
Summoning the spiritualist and mesmerism movements from the turn of the last century, Krol first up lays down some salt to keep out the nastier spirits as mournful canned piano plays, seeing who among us is most in touch with the spirit world with little tests, including a DIY pendulum using that string.
Bringing up various audience members with grace and kindness as she does tarot card tricks, she looks up at the corner, slightly hissing, “No! Not now!”
With confident sleight of hand and dare I say a lil science, she also asks us not to share our secrets together, which I’ll respect and guard the surprises, except to say she had a striking resemblance to photos of my younger grandmother, and couple other similar underground river coincidences had me smiling — maybe you’ll find your own ghosts here, too?
You’ll certainly think of Ghostbusters at one point.
Unlike Peter Venkmann, Krol plays it safe out of a sense of gentleness, I think, but I found myself missing the macabre of the gothic-horror theatre genius of The Coldhearts with their wailing song and sudden blackouts. No jump scares here, Krol promises early on.
Still, some great history shared inside a magic show, and she really makes people feel comfy up on stage … even the dead.