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.
Turandot is conversation-sparking opera, on stage in Toronto
With the blackface scandal fresh in everyone’s mind, it is a complex time for Canadian Opera Company to mount Turandot, Giacomo Puccini’s final, and most musically complex opera. Turandot’s story resets the bar for the complexities of the cultural appropriation discussion: it is an ancient Persian fairy tale, set in even more ancient China, which made the rounds through Europe in a variety of incarnations in the 18th and 19th centuries before becoming the basis for an Italian opera in the early 20th century. Since its premiere in 1926, one year after Puccini’s death, the performance tradition has relied upon the most hackneyed tropes of orientalism (think dragons and gongs) to tell a fantastical tale occurring in a make-believe “China.” Continue reading Review: Turandot (Canadian Opera Company)→
Soulpepper Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’ explosive classic on stage
One of Tennessee Williams‘ most celebrated works, A Streetcar Named Desire, is easily one of the most formidable plays of the 20th Century. Whether you’ve seen the stage production before or were introduced to the production by The Simpsons, there’s no denying how much elements from this play have been integrated into popular culture. Soulpepper Theatre now welcomes you to the sweltering heat of New Orleans, where tensions run high in Stella and Stanley’s dilapidated apartment.
Yes, I saw the movie, but that was years ago. It was also before the rituals: throwing toast, confetti, and rice; the water guns; the callbacks; and the audience costumes. I’m not a costume girl. No projectiles or water guns were allowed at this performance, but callbacks were encouraged, and there were lots of other people not wearing costumes. Great! I could relax and enjoy.
A story about the little known friendship between Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich
Few people can say they have a best friend as close to them as the friendship between legendary stars of the early 20th Century, Marlene Dietrich and Edith Piaf. Although not many knew about their intense friendship, letters and texts between the two revealed their lifelong connection that even began as romantic. Now, on stage at the CAA Theatre, Mirvish presents Piaf/Dietrich – A Legendary Affair, directed by Gordon Greenberg, a musical about their thriving friendship that helped elevate both into showbiz history.
Broken Branches creates space for a discussion about sibling abuse.
I think, sometimes, it is difficult to put the truth on-stage because the nature of entertainment confines it to like and dislike.
CreateTruth Productions’Broken Branches, in association with Workman Arts, playing at the Aki Studio bring the topic of sibling abuse to the forefront. But the heart of the story is buried under its need to speak honestly, and to not sugar-coat it’s complexities.
Turandot is conversation-sparking opera, on stage in Toronto
Soulpepper Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’ explosive classic on stage
Rocky Horror is a rollicking good time, complete with audience participation and inclusive casting
A story about the little known friendship between Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich