I’ll start by saying that I am a huge fan of Martin Sherman’s Bent. I did not expect the Theatre Engine production of it, playing at the Abrams Studio Theatre, to live up to my expectations. But I was happily surprised; great performances, from a great script, made for a great evening of theatre.
Set in late 30’s Germany, it tells the story of a gay man’s journey from non-stop party in Berlin to his enduring the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau.
For some reason, even though I’m a theatre geek of long standing, have a more than passing interest in British comedy and would like to think of myself as having a certain hedonistic streak, I had never heard of Joe Orton before this week. This is a shame really, because in Soulpepper’s Loot, he really seems to hit all those things right on the button.
Theatre can move you, it can engage you; sometimes, you can even get dragged up onstage. And then there is a show like Out of the Box Productions‘ Sound in Silence, which literally feels like a full-body theatre experience.
My ticket for Scorched, now playing at Tarragon theatre, said “Scorched, 2nd remount”, which tells you something of the remarkable run this production has had; First produced in Montreal in 2005, the play’s english language premeire was at Tarragon in 2007, when it recieved two Dora awards, then brought back in 2008 before touring across the country and landing back in Toronto in time for me to see it last week.
If you’re looking for a fun night out then Tracey Erin Smith’s play Burning Bush playing at the Young Centre may be just the ticket. It includes several fun characters, a quick stripping lesson, and a quick lesson in Kabbalah. With so many options you’re bound to find something you like.
