Author Archive
Biome (Random Acts of Dance)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By Adelina Fabiano
Using dance to explore ecological balance within our earth at a Toronto theatre
A commentary on the earth’s fragile nature, Biome, presented by Random Acts of Dance, uses choreography and improvisation to explore the natural process of the micro ecosystems beneath our feet working together to maintain balance and order on our planet.
The performance begins with an empty stage with blue light to create a sense of water and darkness. As a few more lights appear, we see two women standing downstage right and left. Our heads move simultaneously from each corner as each dancer creates a sudden sporadic movement with their head. Read the rest of this entry »
Recess (Keep It Movin’ Productions)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By Adelina Fabiano
A Brilliant and Inspiring Solo Production at the Toronto Fringe
For seven year old Sherita Johnson, growing up in the Bronx, with an absent father and an ill mother, life is not easy. It can be tumultuous and unpredictable. Unfortunately, going to school, a “home away from home,” isn’t any easier.
In Recess, a multi-media, high energy one-woman show, the phenomenally talented Una Aya Osato honestly portrays a group of marginalized 7 year old kids making their way through the New York inner city public school system. Una Aya Osato brilliantly plays every child including her self-involved school teacher Ms. White. My most memorable character was Henry- tough, vulnerable and amusing!
This is by far, a highlight of all Fringe shows I’ve seen. From her strong physicality to her distinctive voices, Una’s portrayal of each character is specific and detailed. She flawlessly transitions from role to role, depicting and contrasting each child with the truth, hope and integrity they possess. She gives her classmates, and all the children out there, an opportunity to be heard and not just seen. Read the rest of this entry »
Step (The Lavish Dance Company)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By Adelina Fabiano
Redefining the ancient tradition of Belly Dance at the Toronto Fringe
The Dark Side Studio presented Lavish Dance Company’s Step for the first time at the 2010 Toronto Fringe last night. Seductive and sensual from the start, I was left with wanting more by the end.
Audra Simmons, company founder and modern belly dance pioneer, choreographed the group numbers, while dance solos were choreographed by the dancers themselves. These dances included influences not only from belly dance, but from Flamenco, Hip Hop, Jazz, Classical and Lyrical type dance. Read the rest of this entry »
Psycho Bitch (P.K. Pin Up)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By: Adelina Fabiano
Honest and heartfelt performance at the Toronto Fringe
A topic we probably often read about in private, but not talked about openly, mental illness is the theme of Psycho Bitch, a one woman show, playing in the Solo Room at the Randolph Center for the Arts. It is about accepting oneself and accepting those close to you. Psycho Bitch, speaks to all of us, whether we admit it or not. Read the rest of this entry »
All or None (Handlar Productions)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By Adelina Fabiano
Wedding bliss comes to the 2010 Toronto Theatre Fringe
With only one month to go before I marry, I had a lot to relate to in my first Fringe show of the year. All or None (Handlar Productions), written and directed by Andrew Hanna and Kristoffer Pedlar, takes a look at the internal chaos festering inside the mind of a bride-to-be. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Kisageetin: A Cabaret
By Adelina Fabiano
Standing ovation for a powerful, poetic and passionate cabaret at a Toronto Theatre!
Bring together a sexy powerful voice, a sassy sax player and charming pianist and storyteller…and what do you get? Kisageetin: A Cabaret! With only one performance to go at the Canadian Stage Berkeley St theatre, this cabaret was worth running to (in spite of the G20 mayhem!). Playing in the intimate and characteristic space of one of the Berkeley theatres, this superb show deserves the accolades it is about to receive! Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Larger Than Life: The Musical-Ghost light Projects
By: Adelina Fabiano
Lively, light-hearted Musical livens up a little Toronto stage
Larger than life: The Musical, presented by Ghost Light Projects, at Factory Theatre proved to be as great as its title. Featuring songs like, “These Ain’t Mama’s Tits”, and “Fat Cow in a China Shop”, this show leaves you feeling ready to grab life by the horns. Read the rest of this entry »
Theatre Review: Stitch-An a cappella opera by Urbanvessel at the Theatre Center
By Adelina Fabiano
Original and organic operetta overpowers our senses
The repetitive and rhythmical sound of, “Chain stitch, lock stitch, whip stitch”, repeatedly played in my head as I left the theatre this evening. Urbanvessel’s production of Stitch, at the Theatre Centre provides us with a glimpse into the inner imaginings of the women who work tirelessly in sewing sweatshops.
Stitch, cleverly written by composer-librettist duo Juliet Palmer and Anna Chatterton, is an unexpected, profoundly powerful piece of fine art at its best. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Featuring Loretta-Factory Theatre
By Adelina Fabiano
Funny, frank and freeing, Featuring Loretta makes for a fun filled evening at Factory Theatre
I have always been a fan of George F. Walker . His characters, deeply troubled, and deeply frustrated, somehow speak to all of us. In Factory Theatre’s Featuring Loretta, Walker once again introduces us to a woman struggling to find freedom and security in the midst of mayhem.
Review: Waiting for the Parade-Soulpepper
By Adelina Fabiano
Waiting for the Parade comes marching onto the Toronto Theatre scene
I‘ve anticipated Soulpepper‘s Waiting for the Parade by John Murrell for the longest time. Having performed parts of this play myself back in high school, I felt a close kinship to the piece and couldn’t wait to see what Soulpepper Theatre Company was going to do with it. Waiting for the Parade was definitely worth the wait!