Review: Barrymore (Barrymore Entertainment Limited)

By Sam Mooney

Christopher Plummer in Barrymore

Christopher Plummer is magnificent in Barrymore. It’s playing at the Elgin (Yonge and Queen) until March 9th.  You owe it to yourself to see it.

It’s like seeing the portfolio of a great painter.

This is a master of his craft demonstrating his art and making it look effortless. Plummer is the draw.  As my play pal Wayne said “they’re selling this as Plummer, his name is above the title”.  And so it should be.  The play itself  is thin, in some parts almost a collection of one-liners, but it doesn’t matter.  Plummer is so charming, so engaging, so talented that the material is secondary.

The show was much funnier than I expected.  Really very funny.  And who knew that Christopher Plummer could sing and dance!

It really was a magical performance.  I am so glad I got to see it.

One thing that I really noticed was the age of the audience.  Old. (It’s ok, I’m old, I can say that.) Not many people under 30 and a lot of people over 60.  Understandable given Plummer’s age (82); we dream of being that vital when we are his age.

This isn’t just a show for old people. Bring your children, your young friends.  If you’re under 40 and tend to go to the big musicals and steer away from plays then this is a play for you.  It’s light and funny and you’ll get to see a living legend work. Go see Barrymore. You won’t regret it.

Details:

– Barrymore is playing until March 9th, 2011 at the Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge Street)
– Show times are evenings at 8pm – no performances on Thursdays or Sundays
– Tickets prices range from $55 to $155
– Tickets are available in person at the box office (189 Yonge Street), by phone – 416-872-5555 – or online

Photo credit: Cylla von Tiedemann

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