This unique take on the Chekhov classic is “polished” and “nuanced”, on stage in Toronto

Stupid Fucking Bird, produced The Bird Collective and playing at a pop up theatre at 270 King Street West, bills itself as “sort of adapted from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov.” Given that description and the title of the play itself, I expected a broad goofball comedy. Instead, Stupid Fucking Bird is faithful to the heart of the original, but modernized and meta-theatrical. Continue reading Review: Stupid Fucking Bird (The Bird Collective) →

His Girl Friday, currently being presented by Bygone Theatre at Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum, is a screwball comedy set in the 1930’s.

On its website, Bygone Theatre says its mandate is to “produce theatre written or set in the early 20^th century, focusing on historical aspects in design and incorporating a classic cinema aesthetic.” His Girl Friday definitely fits this mandate. It’s a trip back in time, and had some moments that were surprisingly resonant today. Continue reading Review: His Girl Friday (Bygone Theatre) →

Cirque Éloize brings a unique blend of circus and dance to the Toronto stage with Cirkopolis

Cirque Éloize is the other theatrical circus troupe from Quebec. A younger cousin to the juggernaut Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize is known for creating more intimate shows staged in proscenium theatres. What Éloize may lack in scale and technical complexity they more than make up for in artistry. Evident in their show Cirkopolis, now being presented in Toronto by the Sony Centre and Canadian Stage, they bring a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that surpasses that of their bigger, more famous peer. Continue reading Review: Cirque Éloize – Cirkopolis (Sony Centre for the Performing Arts/Canadian Stage) →

The LOT’s Mary Poppins has some magical moments amidst amazing music

We are all familiar with PL Travers’ no nonsense British Nanny Mary Poppins, whether we encountered her in the original books or were a fan of the 1964 Disney classic starring Julie Andrews.

Now an Olivier and Tony Award nominated musical adaptation, with music by Richard and Robert Sherman, Stiles, and Drewe—and a book by Julian Fellowes—brings even more colour to the lives of the Banks family at the Lower Ossington Theatre.

Continue reading Review: Mary Poppins (Lower Ossington Theatre) →