Of Shapes Transformed By Love is an evening adventure through a Toronto garden to explore the human heart

Of Shapes Transformed By Love, inspired by the Metamorphoses, explores the human heart through a skewed lens. In this universe, the line between the natural and human worlds disappears: lovers grow fur and devour one another; the sea, the sky, the hills and the birds become active players in human stories (or is it the other way ’round?); and when deep emotions–longing, loss, forgiveness, regret–become so all-consuming as to transcend our humanity, so, too, do we.

And from that description, you probably already know whether or not you’ll like this show: some will find it touching and deep, others will find it cloying and too thinkity-think for its own good.

Happily, I’m a bit of a sap.

Continue reading Review: Of Shapes Transformed By Love (Aim for the Tangent/NewBorn Theatre) →

Bingo! is a witty story of the camaraderie among old high school friends on stage at Toronto’s Factory Theatre

Daniel MacIvor‘s Bingo! opened on Thursday evening at Factory Theatre. I wanted to see it because I read that MacIvor wanted to write a play that his brother would love and Bingo! is that play. He wanted his brother to think that it was hilarious and to tell his buddies and their wives to go see it. I don’t know about his brother but it worked for my friend Elaine and I. We both enjoyed it. Continue reading Review: Bingo! (Factory Theatre) →

Canadian Stage presents the Toronto premiere of The Tempest Replica at the St Lawrence Centre

For just under a week, Canadian Stage brings the Toronto premiere of The Tempest Replica to the Bluma Appel Theatre. This magnificent deconstructed version of one of Shakespeare’s final plays is told through dance, mime, sound, projection, and a very creative use of costuming to bring the story to life. Marrying the two worlds of Shakespeare with contemporary dance, this production is something truly unique and unlike anything you’re likely to have seen before. And it’s only on for a very limited time. Continue reading Review: The Tempest Replica (Canadian Stage) →

The Lower Ossington Theatre presents the cult classic musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Toronto

What is there to say about Hedwig and the Angry Inch other than go see it? The Lower Ossington Theatre is currently mounting this great night of fun, and if you get a chance, if you can navigate Toronto traffic hassles, I suggest you check it out.

The play is part monologue, part rock concert and all fun. The subject matter, vibe and time in history are all reminiscent of a time when the east and west were divided. Think Berlin Wall and think early 70’s David Bowie and you have an idea of what Hedwig is all about.

Continue reading Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Maurice Galpern & The Lower Ossington Theatre) →

NextSteps presents Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s NeoIndigenA Santee Smith’s personal story in dance

NeoIndigenA is performer and choreographer Santee Smith’s first full length solo dance show presented at the Enwave theatre with Smith’s company Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. A live musical performance kicked off the show on opening night creating a lively atmosphere.

NeoIndigenA is Smith’s personal journey to find humanity, ancient ways of knowing, and spiritual evolution. She explores these concepts through their relation to the sacred portals between Skyworld, Earthworld, and Underworld. The three worlds are represented visually in distinct areas on the stage. Skyworld is illustrated partially through the lighting design; Earthworld is represented with bones across the stage; and Underworld is shown using a beautiful arch way in one corner of the stage.

Continue reading Review: NeoIndigenA – Mixed Works (Kaha:wi Dance Theatre / Harbourfront Centre NextSteps) →