Orlando Fringe 2025

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Americans

Can't stand sitting productions

Genre: Comedy, LGBTQIA+, Solo Performance, Stand-Up

Venue: Savoy

Festival: Orlando Fringe

Low Down

Review

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Americans is a surprisingly heartfelt show. Often, my hesitation in recommending the “explainer” genre of fringe is that the shows often fail to become more than a Wikipedia entry. Why should an audience pay money to see something they can ask Siri to explain for them? I personally often avoid seeing them because of their repetitive nature. The worst thing performer Matti McLean could have done was simply list Eurovision fun facts.

McLean is a smart comedian, skilled in their craft, and imbues the show with more than just trivia. They’ve broken the code, like Nemo, to create a near-perfect explainer show. The show begins silly with songs and a quick explanation of what the contest is and how it works. The beating heart of the piece comes when McLean drops the explainer façade and transitions to a personal anecdote. This allows the show to transcend to poignant human theatre. It’s impossible to watch this piece without feeling good inside. It’s enjoyable, light entertainment like the contest itself. McLean is bringing us euphoria and is one to watch as he goes up-up-up-up-up in the fringe scene.

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Americans does what Eurovision tries to do: bring humans together. McLean is not afraid to be honest, vulnerable, and literally sing out in queer joy. Eurovision is McLean route to self-expression like it is for so many others. And frankly, it’s heart-warming and fun to watch. McLean has won the fringe war and it’s time to give up the fight. How could you ever refuse to see this? You’ll feel like you win when you lose your money and buy a ticket to see this show. Something Something. Waterloo. Matti McLean deserves 12s across the continent.

Published May 25, 2025 by Noah Pantano