Reviews of theatre, dance, opera, comedy and festivals. Performances can be in-person or streamed remotely on the web for social-distancing.
By Crystal Wood
Here’s the thing about mix tapes. They’re supposed to convey something about the mixer to the recipient, aka the “mixee.” That message could be “I love you,” it could be “I think we should break up,” or it could be “I’m trying to make you cooler by expanding your musical horizons.”
Continue reading Fringe Review: How to Make a Mix Tape – Alias Dance Project
By Crystal Wood
Who loves birthday parties? Me, I love birthday parties! And I loved Dancing in my Unbirthday Suit by Inertia Productions, which is 30 minutes of colourful balloons, wrapping paper and party dresses.
And loot bags for the audience. Whee!
Continue reading Fringe Review: Dancing in my Unbirthday Suit – Inertia Productions
By Crystal Wood
Shadowcasting is cool!
Wait, what is shadowcasting, you say? I didn’t know either before I went to see David Lynch’s Blue Velvet at the Bloor Cinema last night. Wait, cult movies at the Fringe? I know, it just keeps getting better!
Essentially, shadowcasting is when actors stand in front of a movie screen and re-enact what’s being projected behind them, with a healthy dose of improv, silly props and live music. The performers behind The Silver Stage are all young and energetic. At last night’s show, I especially enjoyed Emily Armstrong playing Laura Dern playing Sally and Ryan G. Hinds playing “various roles.” (Hmm, describing actors playing actors playing various characters, is that right?) I also enjoyed Carmen Elle, who doubled as Dean Stockwell’s Ben and accompanying guitar/vocals.
Continue reading Fringe Review: Blue Velvet – The Silver Stage
By Crystal Wood
There’s a line in Pen Pals where one of the main characters tells the story of going to see a play that made time slow down to what he referred to as “church time.”
Pen Pals felt a little like church time to me.
Continue reading Fringe Review: Pen Pals – Atomic Johnson Productions
By Megan Mooney
Birdtown and Swanville’s 36 Little Plays About Hopeless Girls is a delight. It’s got a good helping of the surreal, so if you want everything wrapped in a bow this likely won’t be for you.
However, if you like your humour a bit esoteric and your dancing a bit silly then this is the show for you. I really liked it a lot. I loved the props made out of flat cut out cardboard. I loved the over the top feel. I loved the interludes between scenes. So, I guess basically, I loved it.
Continue reading Fringe Review: 36 Little Plays About Hopeless Girls – Birdtown and Swanville