Wayne Leung (1981-2019)
Wayne was the Managing Editor of Mooney on Theatre from 2012 - 2019 and will be sorely missed. His death from an apparent heart attack was a loss not just to Mooney on Theatre, but also to the Toronto Theatre Community at large. You can read our publisher Megan Mooney's tribute to him here here.
Wayne was a writer, editor and corporate communications professional who was thrilled to be a part of the Mooney on Theatre team. Wayne loved theatre ever since his aunt brought him to a production of Les Misérables at the tender age of ten . . . despite the fact that, at that age, the show’s plot was practically indiscernible and the battle scenes scared the bejeezus out of him. Wayne’s current list of likes ran the gamut from opera, ballet and Shakespeare to Broadway musicals, circus and Fringe theatre. Outside of the theatre Wayne’s interests included travel, technology and food.
Mirvish presents the return of Disney’s hit Broadway musical The Lion King in Toronto
The Lion King, currently playing a return engagement in Toronto at Mirvish’s Princess of Wales Theatre, begins with what has become one of the most iconic opening numbers on Broadway; The Circle of Life. The lone figure of Rafiki the Baboon incants the famous opening chant from the film; “Nan ts’ngonya ma bakithi baba,” a bright yellow crepe-paper sun slowly rises as performers in a seemingly endless array of full-body animal costumes parade down the aisles of the theatre. It’s a transportive, jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring piece of stagecraft.
The show is not what you would typically expect when you think of Disney; it is so much more than a glorified theme park revue of a popular animated movie. Continue reading Review: The Lion King (Mirvish)→
The Company Theatre presents Allan Hawco in Amy Herzog’s play Belleville at Toronto’s Berkeley Street Theatre
I’ve always been perplexed by people who marry in their early twenties. When you’re young, naïve, insecure and haven’t spent enough time figuring out who you really are or what you really want, isn’t it sort of an inadvisable time to get hitched? Belleville, produced by Company Theatre and Canadian Stage, is a new play by American playwright Amy Herzog which looks at the repercussions of settling down before finding yourself. Continue reading Review: Belleville (The Company Theatre/Canadian Stage)→
Studio 180 presents the Canadian premiere of Cock a new play by Mike Bartlett Toronto’s Theatre Centre
Studio 180 Theatre is known for producing thought-provoking works with social and political significance. Following their recent productions Clybourne Park which touches on race and neighbourhood gentrification, and The Normal Heart which traces the early politics of the AIDS crisis, the company is presenting the Canadian premiere of Cock, a new play by prolific British playwright Mike Bartlett that takes on bisexuality. Continue reading Review: Cock (Studio 180 Theatre)→
Alanna Mitchell’s Sea Sick opens at The Theatre Centre’s new home in Toronto.
Last night saw the unveiling of Toronto’s newest live theatre venue. When you first step into the Theatre Centre’s new home at 1115 Queen Street West in the former Carnegie Library you can’t help but be impressed. Following a $6.2 million renovation the building has been transformed into a beautiful collection of multi-purpose spaces that can transform from rehearsal hall to exhibition space to auditorium. The entire space feels airy, contemporary and vibrant and is sure to be a major asset to the neighbourhood. Continue reading Review: Sea Sick (The Theatre Centre)→
