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.
By Megan Mooney
Anita Majumdar has a reputation and track record to live up to. She’s a woman with a phenomenal amount of talent. Her most recent piece, Oy! Just Beat It! may not work as well for me as her earlier work, but there is still a lot to recommend this piece.
Continue reading Oy! Just Beat It! (Theatre Ji) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review
By Jenna Rocca
Kissing Swinburne was written by Mark Husiman and Claire Frances Muir (above) and also stars the real-life married couple as a love-lorn/naughty/bedridden/sadomasochistic same-sex Victorian couple. Directed by David Talbot and also stars Mary Krohnert, it follows the final, tortured years of Algernon Swinburne, a poet of questionable sanity, but definite appreciation of a good spanking.
By Ryan Kerr
Spencer Smith’s A Rush of Blood to the Head is a coming of age story set in Mississauga which incorporates moments of comedy, drama, and after-school-special-style teachables.
The story begins as the protagonist, Christopher, turns ten, with his younger brother, best friend, and mom by his side. Something about the blood-splattered set, exclusively red props, and ominous thunder-like music during each scene change indicated that something would eventually turn sour, and as a result I was apprehensive most of the play.
Continue reading A Rush of Blood to the Head (WatersEdgeProductions) – 2010 Fringe Review
By Mira Saraf
The Solo Room is one of smallest venues I have been too. Set up a little bit like a high school assembly room we shuffle in under whirring fans, to a room of chairs facing a stage bordered by black curtains.
The show is more akin to stand up comedy than theatre, but I am okay with that tonight. Toronto is melting its human population and the Solo Room has air conditioning. I am prepared to sit through most anything (and it’s a bonus if it’s good).
By Mira Saraf
The Factory Theatre on a hot day during Fringe is a refreshing change to the overbearing sun. As we settle into our seats, a man walks on stage. This is Steven Boleantu the sole performer in the show (with the exception of one female voice that comes later).
We hesitate, unsure if the show has actually begun or not as he adjusts the set and tinkers with props. But then the lights and music fade to black to signal the real beginning. When they come up again we are listening to a monologue of the Sea Captain who tells us his tale of how he came to be where he is.
Continue reading Tired Wave Stop – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review