Samantha is both a writer and a fan of the arts and has been able to find numerous ways to pair the two. Aside from being an editor here at Mooney on Theatre, she's a photojournalist for Been Here Done That, a travel, dining and tourism blog that focuses on Toronto and abroad and previously for Lithium Magazine, which got her writing and shooting about everything from Dave Matthews Band to Fan Expo. She's passionate about music, theatre, photography, writing, and celebrating sexuality -- not necessarily in that order. She drinks tea more than coffee, prefer ciders over beers, and sings karaoke way too loudly. You can follow her on various social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Canadian Stage returns with Measure for Measure in Shakespeare in High Park for Toronto audiences
Canadian Stage returns to the beautiful outdoor ampitheatre in High Park for another summer of Shakespeare in High Park. This year, the two selections from the Bard are Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing. A bit of a departure this year as Canadian Stage has opted to do a comedy and a, well, dramedy in Measure for Measure, directed by Severn Thompson. With witty shenanigans in a rather grim situation, mixing both period and modern costumes, this show is a fun experience under the stars.
Frank Trotz was inspired to create Failed, playing at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival, based on interactions he had while walking his dog in the local park. Saying hi to the regulars, he got to know a man named Stephen Briones who started telling him about his life, the life of a former junkie. At the time of their conversations, Briones was a year into his sobriety staying at CAMH. Taking the story of Briones and giving him the voice of five actors, this is his journey into redemption.
Scientology. It’s a very hot topic subject these days – science fiction in the form of a religion. Is it a cult? Do they take all your money and work their members to the bone? Do they worship aliens from outer space? Is there a special place for Hollywood A-Listers at the top of their food chain?
Leah Remini has recently become very vocal about this organization’s highly destructive practices and beliefs and now former Scientologist Cathy Schenkelberg is doing the same in her one-woman show. Playing at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival, Squeeze My Cans, directed by Shirley Anderson, will make you laugh and reveal further truths that Scientologists don’t want you to know.
Luminato presents dance by Chinese choreographer Yang Yiping for Toronto audiences
Rite of Spring, playing this weekend at the MacMillan Theatre as part of the Luminato Festival, is a sumptuous dance experience that is a feast for the senses. For her first Canadian presentation, dancer and choreographer Yang Liping brings this stunning piece set to the score of the same title by Igor Stravinsky to Toronto audiences.
Mirvish presents the return of Disney’s hit Broadway musical The Lion King to Toronto
Making its triumphant return to Toronto at the Princess of Wales stage is the Disney musical The Lion King. Just like the animated film, the stage production directed by Julie Taymor features the same iconic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice along with all the characters we’ve all grown up with. This production is a true spectacle; a feast for the senses. Whether you grew up with the film or you’re introducing the stage show to a new generation, you will fall in love again the moment Rafiki sings “Nants Ingonyama”.
Canadian Stage returns with Measure for Measure in Shakespeare in High Park for Toronto audiences
Luminato presents dance by Chinese choreographer Yang Yiping for Toronto audiences
Mirvish presents the return of Disney’s hit Broadway musical The Lion King to Toronto