by Dana Lacey

The Second City’s “0% Down, 100% Screwed” opens with a chain gang of ex-Bay Streeters chipping imaginary bricks with imaginary picks. They sing under the watch of a shotgun-slinging guard, blaming their woes on the ultimate scapegoat: The Crisis. Ya know, The Crisis, the recession, the mediocre depression…whatever you want to call that vague and terrifying event the media keeps promising will steal our jobs and homes. It sets the tone for the rest of the evening, which is a mash-up of short scenes about politics, economics and that guy who always asks to see your gas bill (tip: he doesn’t work for your gas company.)
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by Sam Mooney

I went to see the Theatre Smash production Tijuana Cure prepared to enjoy it.  I had read the essay Oasis of Hope by Layne Coleman, online at Walrus Magazine, on which the script is based and enjoyed it.  Or, appreciated it.  Enjoy may not be the right word to use about an essay that describes a couple’s trip to Mexico seeking a miracle to cure cancer.

Continue reading Tijuana Cure – Theatre Smash →

By Alex Rayment

Two words: Bloody brilliant. There you have it folks, Blind Date by Harbourfront Worldstage is awesome. You are now free to ignore the rest of this review and go book your tickets. If you’ve checked and tickets were sold out – check again, they’re adding 45 more seats. But enough of the sales pitch, on to the events in question.

Continue reading Blind Date – Harbourfront Worldstage →

from the keyboard of: Alex Rayment

So in case you don’t know, I loves the improvs. When I heard that Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage was putting on an improv show, I had to check it out…but unfourtunately it hasn’t happened yet which is why I’m writing this preview.

You, oh readers of the interwebs, have won the glorious chance to be my date(s) to an improv show about someone else’s date and it will only cost you $25. Blind Date is about a woman, played by the brilliant Rebecca Northan, who gets stood up and is forced to turn to the audience to find someone brave and willing to fill the empty void at the table and in her heart.

In case I haven’t mentioned this, she and her randomly chosen audience member (maybe you) are making this up as they go along. I think it sounds like a blast and wouldn’t miss it for the world. The show has a limited run of five nights and opens Tuesday March 3rd, so if you’re as interested as I am – get on your horse and book some tickets.

– Show runs March 3-7 at the Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West)
– Doors are at 7pm, show at 8 pm.
– Tickets are $25 and can be bought online (www.harbourfrontcentre.com) or via phone -416 973 4000

by Megan Mooney

Sometimes things combine to make a really delightful experience.  In the case of the East Side Players production of David Auburn’s Proof, it was some wonderful direction from a first-time director, a great script, and some strong actors, to just name a few. 

I often have some trepidation when going to a ‘community theatre’.  Don’t get me wrong, I have worked with community theatre in the past, and am really glad they’re around, but lets face it, sometimes the shows at community theatres leave a bit to be desired.  That’s not the case with this show (and, given Dana’s experience with Tartuffe, I suspect it’s generally not the case with East Side Players).

Continue reading Proof – East Side Players →