Review: Stuff Happens (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts)

Stuff Happens, playing at the Randolph Academy, brings the political aftermath of 9/11 to the Toronto stage

STUFF teaser 1On September 11, 2001 two of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers toppled. And on that fateful day, the world was forever changed. Many of us can vividly recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that very moment, but what of the politicians who were charged with leading their nations in the aftermath of that tragedy?

Stuff Happens, presented by the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, examines the political aftermath of 9/11 through the eyes of its key influencers.

A poignant and intensely paced work of theatre, this production masterfully knits together fact and speculation in order to create a narrative that hypothetically exams the backroom goings-on in America, Britain and France.

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Review: Muse (Little Black Afro Theatre Company)

Muse, at Sterling Studio Theatre in Toronto, is a series of monologues inspired by art and creation

Muse is playing for a limited time at Sterling Studio Theatre and it is comprised of thirteen discrete monologues linked by a common thread: art and the artist’s muse. The monologues are short, all less than five minutes. Some are from the perspective of the muse, telling us why they like or don’t like being the artist’s inspiration. Some are from the perspective of the artist, who describes with neurotic zeal the agony and the ecstasy of their craft. There are moments of tenderness, dread, terror and humour. Continue reading Review: Muse (Little Black Afro Theatre Company)

Review: Slings and Errors

Improvised Shakespeare, with audience input, took Toronto’s Second City stage in Slings and Errors

Slings & Errors

Slings and Errors (playing the Second City) is improvised Shakespeare — an idea with some pedigree, but which hasn’t yet reached a wide audience. And this company, drawn from all over the place — Second City improvisers, stand-up comedians, Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch artists — make a game attempt to bring it home.

There are laughs. In fact, there are lots and lots and lots of spill-your-drink laughs. But while this cast is talented and this concept is promising, I found that opening night had a few format kinks holding the project back.

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Cheap Theatre for the Week of April 1, 2014

Greetings! And welcome back to your weekly scheduled theatre on a budget listing. This week there is plenty, and I mean plenty of theatre to be had for that under $20 mark, so much so that I shall happily direct you over to our weekly theatre listings to browse through. “But hey,” you say “what about your top picks?” Fret not, dear reader. Since there’s so much wallet friendly theatre happening currently, this week we’re highlighting theatre that is free! Yes, you heard correct and no this is not an April Fool’s prank. Read under the cut for our choice selects for free theatre. That’s right, it won’t cost you a penny! (Although most companies will accept a donation to a fine charity.) Happy watching!

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