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.
Ladies and gentlemen, in no way is this your average production of Richard III. It’s more violent, more complex, and compact for your convenience.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with this particular history play, here’s a quick rundown: Richard III picks up after King Henry VI part III after the wars of the roses and continues the story of the struggle for power between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. Richard Gloucester, the misshapen and maniacal brother of the reigning King Edward, lays plots to take the throne by any means necessary. Filled with seduction, murder, wit, and clever asides, Richard is known as one of Shakespeare’s most ruthless villains. Continue reading Review: Richard III (Hart House Theatre)→
I feel like the only person alive who missed the “Closer” phenomenon over 10 years ago when it first took London, then NYC, then the Silver Screen by storm. Scene study students have monologues from this hit in their audition binders, and apparently everyone and their dog have seen it produced multiple times already. I guess I can finally say I’ve seen what all the fuss is about myself!
Banana Shpeel “a-peels” to audience at Toronto’s Canon Theatre
By Crystal Wood
I’ve seen a few Cirque du Soleil shows in my time, so I thought I knew what I was in for when I went to see Banana Shpeel at the Canon Theatre. But my expectations were turned as upside-down as one of their trapeze acts.
Banana Shpeel has none of the motorcycle-on-a-tightrope death-defying acts that you might recognize from its other shows. There are, however, still plenty of Cirque du Soleil’s trademark contortionist acts that make my spine hurt just to watch.
Through the Leaves is currently playing at the perfect location: Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre. I attended the play with Vishnu, a “local”. He informed me that the area is somewhat affectionately referred to as “The Annex Slums”. The play is the story about a female butcher and her relationship with an old-school “man’s man”.
Ladies and gentlemen, in no way is this your average production of Richard III. It’s more violent, more complex, and compact for your convenience.
