Yearly Archives: 2017

Review: King Arthur’s Night (New World Theatre and Luminato)

A unique take on the Arthurian tale, on stage in Toronto as part of the Luminato Festival

New World Theatre’s production of King Arthur’s Night had its world premiere on Friday at the Berkeley Street Theatre as part of Luminato. The work was commissioned by Luminato and written by Niall McNeil and Marcus Youssef who play Arthur and Merlin respectively. McNeil is a 35-year-old playwright and actor living with Down syndrome. Youssef is the artistic director of New World Theatre. Together with director James Long and composer Veda Hille, they’ve created a wonderful and unique work. Continue reading Review: King Arthur’s Night (New World Theatre and Luminato) →

Review: Romeo and Juliet (Bard in the Park)

Bard in the Park tackles classic romance with wit and humour in Toronto’s Kew Gardens

Now in their 11th Season, Bard in the Park are community-based players that liven up Toronto’s Kew Gardens every summer with their performances. This year’s outing, Romeo and Juliet, is a well-rounded production with the courage to give the star-crossed lovers a little​ more life. While it is Shakespeare’s most famous romantic tragedy, Bard in the Park have staged a Romeo and Juliet that addresses the politics, comedy, and even hatred lurking within the antique text. It is a heartfelt performance, but with the cajones to veer into dark comedy. Shakespeare in the Park can often be harder than it looks. Continue reading Review: Romeo and Juliet (Bard in the Park) →

REVIEW: Double Bill featuring Work-In-Progress and Rafters (Dancemakers 2017 Minifest)

Double dance bill challenges expectations on the Toronto stage

This last Tuesday, I stepped out of my theatre comfort zone and attended Dancemakers’ double bill of Amanda Acorn’s untitled work-in-progress and Andrea Spaziani’s Rafters. Acorn’s work-in-progress is a collaborative dance piece featuring Robert Abubo, Lori Duncan, Bee Pallomina, and Ann Trépanier. Rafters explores the thoughts and voice of Andrea Spaziani with collaborators Alicia Grant and Julia Male. As a part of Dancemakers’ 2017 Minifest, these two pieces pushed the constructs of dance and movement.  Continue reading REVIEW: Double Bill featuring Work-In-Progress and Rafters (Dancemakers 2017 Minifest) →

Review: The Lady in Shoes From Hell (Shoe Fits Productions)

Everything works in The Lady in Shoes From Hell, now on the Toronto stage

Burke Campbell’s play, The Lady in Shoes From Hell, had its world premiere at Red Sandcastle Theatre on Tuesday evening.  It’s a very funny mystery/thriller, complete with car chases and flaming fireballs, set in Texas in the 1950s. I wasn’t sure it could work in such a small space, but it does. It works really well. Continue reading Review: The Lady in Shoes From Hell (Shoe Fits Productions) →