Toronto Theatre Reviews

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.

Review: Where’s my Money? – Alley Co-op

Toronto troupe examines ghosts of relationships past at Pia Bouman Theatre

By Crystal Wood

There’s something comforting about watching the characters in John Patrick Shanley’s Where’s My Money?, playing at the Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement.

No matter who you are or what your experiences, you’re bound to have a few skeletons in your closet.  Or, in the case of Where’s My Money, ghosts.  Shanley’s play takes a look at how these ghosts of past relationships can hold us back in new relationships.  He presents a series of two-person scenes that seem disconnected at first glance, but are in fact revealed to be closely tied.  And while the script really hits you over the head with the ghost metaphor, it does so in an entertaining and powerful way.
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Review: Fucking Stephen Harper – Ten Foot Pole Productions

By Michelle Barker

A man’s memories of sexually assaulting the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada return to the stage after a successful run in the 2009 Toronto Fringe

Trust me when I say I do not need to explain the premise of this one-man show.  No hidden agenda here; Rob Salerno stands on stage with nothing but a stool beside him and a powerpoint presentation behind him.  Exactly as the title suggests, Salerno has stopped by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto on his “book tour” for his latest work, Fucking Stephen Harper, the story of how he sexually assaulted Prime Minister Stephen Harper while attempting to secure an interview.   Continue reading Review: Fucking Stephen Harper – Ten Foot Pole Productions

Review: La Sagouine – Pleiades Theatre, Toronto

La Sagouine at Berkley Street in English and then in French is a Canadian Cultural Treasure

By Sam Mooney

Maybe I shouldn’t say that La Sagouine – produced by Pleiades Theatre and playing at Berkeley Street Theatre – is a cultural treasure or a Canadian classic.  I don’t want anyone to think that it’s “serious” or “difficult” theatre.  On the contrary, it’s the most joyful play that I’ve seen in ages.

And funny, sad, insightful, endearing, acerbic, poetic, a bit profane, and above all, a truly enjoyable night at the theatre.

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Review: Featuring Loretta-Factory Theatre

By Adelina Fabiano

Funny, frank and freeing, Featuring Loretta makes for a fun filled evening at Factory Theatre

 

I have always been a fan of George F. Walker . His characters, deeply troubled, and deeply frustrated, somehow speak to all of us. In Factory Theatre’s Featuring Loretta, Walker once again introduces us to a woman struggling to find freedom and security in the midst of mayhem.

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Review: Rock of Ages – Mirvish

By Megan Mooney

Rock of Ages Rocks the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto   photo of Victor A. Young Josephine Rose Roberts Cody Scott Lancaster  by Joan Marcus

Rock of Ages is pure unadulterated fun.  It pokes fun at itself and standard conventions of musical theatre throughout.  There’s never a moment where it takes itself too seriously.

In fact, to drive that point home, in the latter part of the show the narrator  says that we don’t get everything we want in life, and that he “wanted to explore deep and challenging theatre” but instead he was in this.  The whole show is playful, delightful and a great deal of fun.

Now, it stands to reason that if you were around in the 80s and listening to popular music, you’re probably going to get the most out of this.  My show partner for the piece, Yves, said “It’s hard not to sing along if you’re a product of the 80s”  And he’s right.  I caught myself singing a lot.  My lesson of the night would appear to have been that I still remember the lyrics to the music from my teens, enough to sing along at least…

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