As the overture of Opera Atelier‘s 2017 production of Medea began, the image of the Golden Fleece emblazoned on a black backdrop belied the carnage about to descend. The orchestra’s performance of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s mood-setter for this classic Greek tale did not. From the first note, the overture was writhing with insatiable blood lust and ruthless precision. Continue reading Review: Medea (Opera Atelier)→
The Penelopiad tells the story of The Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective, on stage in Toronto
We think we know the story of Odysseus, whose journey home following the battle of Troy took him ten long years, but we do not. George Brown Theatre’s production of Margaret Atwood’s play The Penelopiad–an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus’s faithful wife–embraced the feminism and lyricism of this retelling of a truly timeless story. Continue reading Review: Penelopiad (George Brown Theatre)→
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)→
Radiant Vermin is a surprising, dark tale of real estate dreams, on stage in Toronto
I was a bit surprised when I arrived at what appeared to be a storefront in Kensington Market to see Precisely Peter Productions’ performance of Radiant Vermin by British playwright Philip Ridley. It transpired that the theatre space, Dirty Talk, is in the store’s basement, where we were welcomed warmly by director John Shooter offering cupcakes and fancy, fruity drinks.
“Magnificent” Wagnerian opera returns to the Toronto stage
Canadian Opera Company’s current production of Götterdämmerung, the final installment of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle, is a remount of their 2006 production. When I saw it 10 years ago, the modern reimagining of this epic legend, in which suited captains of industry stand in for Norse gods and demigods, did not grab me. I am not sure if it’s me or the times that have changed, but I was absolutely entranced by the current production. Continue reading Review: Götterdämmerung (Canadian Opera Company)→
The COC’s Magic Flute, on stage in Toronto, is “enchanting, spectacular, and fun”
At first I was confused by the action during the overture in the Canadian Opera Company’s current production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Die Zauberflöte does not typically involve a large household filled with servants and nobility. It is a fantastical romp wherein a young prince and a bird-man set about to rescue a young maiden from the clutches of the high priest of an Egyptian sun cult at the behest of the girl’s mother, the evil Queen of the Night. Continue reading Review: The Magic Flute (Canadian Opera Company)→
Tapestry Opera presents a timely tale of racial internment on stage in Toronto
Tapestry Opera’s production of Naomi’s Road at St. David’s Anglican Church is moving, and eerily timely. The opera is based on a book by Joy Kogawa and tells the story of a family torn apart by the internment of Japanese-Canadians during WWII from the perspective of the family’s youngest member, a little girl named Naomi. Written about ten years ago, the work was developed for children and has toured schools in British Columbia, to great critical acclaim. This is the first time the opera has been performed in Toronto. Continue reading Review: Naomi’s Road (Tapestry Opera)→
Medea is Toronto’s Opera Atelier at its finest
The Penelopiad tells the story of The Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective, on stage in Toronto
I had never hear of Jack Charles before seeing 
Radiant Vermin is a surprising, dark tale of real estate dreams, on stage in Toronto
Tapestry Opera’s showcase delights and thrills, on stage in Toronto
“Magnificent” Wagnerian opera returns to the Toronto stage
The COC’s Magic Flute, on stage in Toronto, is “enchanting, spectacular, and fun”
Tapestry Opera presents a timely tale of racial internment on stage in Toronto