Though a bit gimmicky, Tough Jews delivers a stark, gritty look at Toronto’s history
Tough Jews—a play by Michael Ross Albert presented by The Storefront Theatre—is an intriguing twist on both the typical story of early 20th century Jewish immigrants and the classic Prohibition-era gangster tale.
Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of April 3rd, 2017
Toronto stages are packed with a variety of unique and interesting shows this week. From musicals to married life dramas, there is something to suit all tastes. To help you in your decision-making is our editor Lin, highlighting her most anticipated shows in red text. Check them out below the cut:
Playing in Toronto, Kiss is a surprising, powerful show that could dive a bit deeper
Guillermo Calderón’s Kiss, presented by Theatre Smash and ARC and now playing at Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Street Theatre, is a show that goes from 0-60 at lightning speed. Audience members are initially treated to a chuckle-worthy melodrama featuring an intense love quadrangle, seemingly inexplicably set in Damascus.
But not all is as it appears to be, and the twists and turns of the play rapidly change it from soap opera to something much deeper. Kiss is a powerful show that will keep you thinking about it long after the actors have left the stage, but its deceptions and pointed commentary prove to be both its greatest strengths and its greatest weaknesses.
Canadian Stage presents Jack Charles’ powerful show in Toronto as part of Spotlight Australia
I had never hear of Jack Charles before seeing Canadian Stage Company’s production of Jack Charles V. the Crown. Now, I will never forget him. Charles is a 74-year old famous and infamous Australian Aboriginal actor. He is famous for his award-winning film and television career that has spanned over four decades. He is infamous for an almost equally lengthy career of thievery in support of a severe heroin addiction. Continue reading Review: Jack Charles V the Crown (Canadian Stage Company)→
Toronto’s Theatre Rusticle incorporates movement into Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town
Theatre Rusticle productions are sparse and anticipated by those in the know. They focus on physical theatre, and I was eager to review their production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, which is currently playing at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre until April 2nd.
I’m not a die-hard fan of Our Town, which is funny because I directed it in my last year of university. I was curious to see what Theatre Rusticle would do with it because I know it can be a divisive show. The first and second acts are purposefully slow, watching small town folk live their “dull” lives. But the third explains why those acts were important so poignantly that hopefully you’ll forgive the play so long as everything has been done reasonably well. And this production does it very, very well.Continue reading Review: Our Town (Theatre Rusticle)→
I had never hear of Jack Charles before seeing 
Toronto’s Theatre Rusticle incorporates movement into Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town