Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many gimmicks ruin the play. Somewhere underneath the contrivances of The Winnipeg School of Happiness lies a touching story of a young woman seeking meaning, hope and connection after the death of her beloved grandfather, who was her mentor, protector and life coach.

Winnipeg actress Brigette DePape stars as a confused young soul on a personal journey in search of her true self by way of the elusive "Winnipeg School of Happiness," a mysterious institution recommended to her by her late grandfather.

The initial appeal of this coming-of-age story is quickly overshadowed by unnecessary and distracting devices that diminish rather than enhance the dialogue. Awkward audience participation interrupts the flow of the story, and an odd choice and use of props (including Fisher-Price toy phones, paper dolls, and a bed sheet meant to represent water) divert the audience's attention away from the play's central message.