All posts by George Perry

George has always been passionate about theatre, but didn’t know it. As a young boy he was mesmerized by professional wrestling. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was an early role model. Shortly thereafter, the explosive histrionics of Pete Townshend would supersede this Canadian icon. George’s attention later turned to American theatre. Jello Biafra became a seminal influence. The “Do It Yourself” ethic was firmly embraced by Perry, and he ventured into the vast repetoire of artists like Paul Westerberg and Steve Albini. As a young adult, he was re-introduced to the works of Townshend. His then girlfriend, Michelle, was hugely impressed by the theatrical production of The Who’s “Tommy”. He meandered through factories, schools, border towns and Michigan for a very long time afterwards. He eventually landed in Toronto. All these influences were brought together in one kettle when George discovered Mooney on Theatre. He understands and personifies that theatre is indeed for everyone. To further this end goal, he contributes.

Charlie’s Having a Baby! (Promise Productions) 2012 Toronto Fringe Review

Ruth Goodwin and Patricia McPherson in Charlie's Having A Baby!Charlie’s Having a Baby! is currently onstage at Annex Theatre as part of Toronto Fringe Festival. A building connected to a former church is the perfect venue for this play.

Charlie’s Having a Baby! is the story of two struggling roommates. Charlie (Patricia McPherson) is hard working. Toula (Ruth Goodwin) dreams of fame and fortune but has questionable work ethics.

When word is received from Nana (Deon Denton) that she has cancer, Charlie and Toula enter a world of deceit and theft. They scheme to convince Nana that Charlie is married and pregnant.

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Brainiac Five Presents: An Eclectic Aggregation of Erudition and Information 2012 Toronto Fringe Review

photo of Brainiac Five by Justine Cargo

Brainiac Five is a collective of improvisers that formed barely two months ago. Their show, An Eclectic Aggregation of Erudition and Information, is part of Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Extra Space.

Brainiac Five is five wonderful characters. Watching them reminded me of Andy Kaufman. Are the characters more real or are the people who created them? The line between the two is blurred. The audience was involved and even insulted playfully at times, another thing Kaufman used to do.

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Like A Dog (Your Good Friends) 2012 Toronto Fringe Review

Andy Trithardt, Peter C Wylde and Jennetta Lamb in Like A Dog

Like A Dog is anything but a dog of a play. Your Good Friends let the dog out at Robert Gill Theatre as part of Toronto Fringe Festival. It’s also the first time the legendary Peter C. Wylde has performed in almost a decade.

I would describe Like A Dog as a cross between the old television program The Twilight Zone and a William S. Burroughs novel. It is a mixture of many different genres including drama, psychological thriller, science fiction, suspense, and horror. It is thought-provoking, a gigantic “what if?” Writer and director Matthew Gorman has created something special.

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Viva! (Izak Anger Productions) 2012 Toronto Fringe Review

Two women were engaged in a verbal tug of war as I approached Robert Gill Theatre. They wanted to walk on the shaded side of the street. I wanted to see Viva! a show playing as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. There are some timeless, universal traits we all share.

Some really cool music was playing as we entered the theatre. It was kind of a fusion of funk and jazz. On stage, Matt (Lee J Poichuk) was asleep on a sofa. I’m not sure if that form of slothful inactivity is universal, but I’ve been guilty of it from time to time.

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Review: True Rock (Queen’s Players Toronto)

The Cast of True Rock

Queen’s Players Toronto rock your socks off with True Rock, the kind of theatre party you don’t want to miss out on.

Seeing True Rock at Tranzac was one of the best times I’ve had in recent memory. However, “seeing” isn’t an appropriate word. A Queen’s Players Toronto show needs to be experienced live to be understood.

True Rock is a play, but it is more like an event. Queen’s Players Toronto creates experiences that are part sketch-comedy, part rock-concert and part keg party. It’s like a three-ring circus for cool, educated adults.

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