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.
A walking tour of the Bloor and Bathurst area as a Fringe show? I had absolutely no idea what to expect. A small group of us assembled at the entrance to the Fringe Tent this afternoon at 5.30 and were led down the alley to meet Evelyn Reese. And so began Evelyn Reese’s Walking Tour.
I didn’t count, I think there were about 15 of us – maybe 20. Brave souls, being a moveable audience.
We walked from Honest Ed’s to Future Bakery, crossed Bloor and walked back to Honest Ed’s. Evelyn stopped frequently to tell us tidbits about herself and her life in a really loud voice. People stared. And did double-takes. Some laughed, some looked bemused.
The difficulty in reviewing a dance show at the Fringe is that they are nearly always multi-piece performances. So much like watching sketch or improv, you’re bound to like some parts better than others. I found this to be the case with Eternal Eclipse, by local company Kinetic Elements.
The show uses the underlying theme of Roman gods and goddesses (although the program says Greek) to tie together ten contemporary dance pieces. For the most part, there is a good variety of distinction between the different deities (i.e. Mars is powerful, Venus is sultry). The show also makes good use of the dancers, incorporating solos, duos and full-cast routines, and making good use of the whole company.
A band that Canadians have never heard of hits the Toronto Fringe You’ve probably never heard of the band All Powers, but they’re really big in Germany. Ten Foot Pole Productions, known most recently for their production of Fucking Stephen Harper, has returned to the Toronto Fringe with another show to amuse, entertain, and potentially offend men and women of all ages.
At its heart, Big in Germany is a classic rags-to-riches, coming-of-age, coming out story with subplots about pornography thrown in. The play’s main characters, Alex and Bruce, set out to become international Rockstars in hopes of obtaining loads of cash, loads of women, and fame. Unfortunately for them, their music isn’t appreciated outside of their German-based fanbase.
Redefining the ancient tradition of Belly Dance at the Toronto Fringe
The Dark Side Studio presented Lavish Dance Company’s Stepfor the first time at the 2010 Toronto Fringe last night. Seductive and sensual from the start, I was left with wanting more by the end.
Audra Simmons, company founder and modern belly dance pioneer, choreographed the group numbers, while dance solos were choreographed by the dancers themselves. These dances included influences not only from belly dance, but from Flamenco, Hip Hop, Jazz, Classical and Lyrical type dance. Continue reading Step (The Lavish Dance Company)-2010 Toronto Fringe Review→
A simple heist turns into a tense and hilarious hostage situation in Toronto Fringe show
During the evening at the Fringe Club, you may notice a van suspiciously parked in the alleyway nearby, plastered with posters. You may also notice a clown exiting the vehicle and luring a small group of innocent bystanders into the van, only to have another clown rush up with a sack of money and drive away with the newfound hostages. There’s no need to worry. This is the set-up for the extremely entertaining The Getaway, one of the BYOV’s currently playing at the Toronto Fringe. Continue reading The Getaway (Dumigod)- 2010 Toronto Fringe Review→
A walking tour of the Bloor and Bathurst area as a Fringe show? I had absolutely no idea what to expect. A small group of us assembled at the entrance to the Fringe Tent this afternoon at 5.30 and were led down the alley to meet Evelyn Reese. And so began Evelyn Reese’s Walking Tour.
