Reviews of productions based in Toronto – theatre includes traditional definitions of theatre, as well as dance, opera, comedy, performance art, spoken word performances, and more. Productions may be in-person, or remote productions streamed online on the Internet.
Having not been born in the 60’s, it can be hard for me to follow a conversation between two hippies (not that I get caught in that situation often). But after watching Les Coquettes presentThe Long, Hot Summer: A ’60s Cabaret, I was taken back to those rebellious days. With some sensuous displays of free love, lava lamp styled lighting and an abundance of peace gestures (I’m not kidding here) this show really captured the essence of a decade, great music and all.
Though I was unable to make it to Toronto Youth Theatre’s production of Urinetown, I was very pleased to be able to make it to their production of The Rocky Horror Show last night.
Despite the threat of rain, leashless dogs running wild and the ever-present complications of a city strike, Driftwood Theatre persevered. They have pushed through all of these obstacles to perform a production of King Lear, currently playing in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Smile (presented this week by Randolph Academy) has all the elements of a good musical – impressive music, a good story, and meaty roles for triple threat performers. So why hasn’t this show by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Ashman stood the test of time, like Phantom or West Side Story have?
I’m going to guess it’s the references to Gorbachev and Terri Garr. This show is pure 80’s, complete with rotary phones and Aqua Net hair. So maybe we had to wait for the 80’s to be retro cool again before dusting this dated musical off? In any case, I liked the show; it was toe-tapping and funny (and in some places, kind of sad.)
We apologise for the late nature of this review of Just for Laughs: Britcom Gala with John Cleese. The author wishes it to be known that he has just been sacked. The review has been completed in an entirely different style at great expense and at the last minute.
