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.

The Belle of Winnipeg: The Keystone Ensemble

by Ryan Oakley

belle of winnipeg

The Belle of Winnipeg, playing at the Winchester Street Theatre, fulfilled a long-time wish of mine: Actors were silent. Throughout the entire play, not a single actor said a single word.

This wasn’t done in the spirit of some German art-house, where they moped about the stage, sadly reflecting on the meaninglessness of life, but in the style of a silent movie. Set to live piano music and using film projection, the play tells the story of a bride in 1882 who, without prospects, runs away to Winnipeg and finds herself in a bordello. Those who have read enough history to know the likely fate of such a woman will be surprised to learn that hilarity, rather than horror, ensues.

Or is supposed to.

Continue reading The Belle of Winnipeg: The Keystone Ensemble

August: Osage County- Steppenwolf Theatre Company

by Lucy Allen

Estelle Parsons & Shannon Cochran in August: Osage County

 

There is a wealth of material available when it comes to shows about family dysfunction, and I’ve seen many through my life.  Wandering into the Canon Theatre tonight, my ever sceptic brain wondered whether  August: Osage County would live up to the hype that its Tony and Pulitzer Prize awards had given it.  The answer is yes, yes it does. Continue reading August: Osage County- Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Beneath the Banyan Tree – Theatre Direct Canada

By Crystal Wood

_MG_0366

Beneath the Banyan Tree, presented by Theatre Direct at Artscape Wychwood Barns, presented an interesting challenge for this reviewer.

I don’t have kids, I didn’t bring a little one with me, and I don’t usually find myself in the market for a piece of family theatre. So, would Beneath the Banyan Tree hold my attention for the full 60 minutes? Survey says: yes, it did. Continue reading Beneath the Banyan Tree – Theatre Direct Canada

Debbie Does Dallas the Musical and Hedwig and the Angry Inch by Ghostlight Projects

I promise you right now that it was not because I really thought that there was any chance of seeing hardcore sex on stage at the Theatre Centre that made me want to see Ghostlight Projects production’s of Debbie Does Dallas the Musical & Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  Honestly! My curiosity was piqued because I really didn’t have any idea how you could bring either of these shows to the stage successfully. Of course, Hedwig started as a stage production, but I didn’t know that at the time.

If you haven’t heard of Ghostlight Projects productions by the way, it’s because they’re brand new. Bringing to the stage versions of two cult movies, (one which features lots of sex, and the other lots of great music),  is an excellent way to introduce themselves to Toronto audiences and hopefully make a name for themselves.

Continue reading Debbie Does Dallas the Musical and Hedwig and the Angry Inch by Ghostlight Projects