Review: CATS (Mirvish)

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Three performers from CATSCATS brings new choreography to the Princess of Wales in Toronto

This year, with a feature film adaptation on the horizon, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS has become the subject of renewed public interest. Or perhaps, considering the fact that the stage show has always been popular (it’s one of the longest-running musicals of all time on both Broadway and the West End, and has frequently been revived), maybe it’s more accurate to say that new audiences have been discovering CATS (which is now, coincidentally, playing until January at the Princess of Wales theatre).

The truth is that CATS has always been a strange, esoteric, oft-poetic but frequently abstract affair, and that the new film (with its infamous trailers) are likely only magnifying what theatre-goers have known for a long time: CATS is weird. CATS is often impossible to describe, especially to those resistant to musicals in the first place. But CATS, by the same token, has always commanded large audiences, and has a unique appeal that is as mysterious and mercurial as its subject matter. Continue reading Review: CATS (Mirvish) →

Review: Improv Showdown (Second City/Hotel X)

Photo of Nkasi Ogbonnah and Chelsea Larkin in Second City Improv Showdown by Steve BlackburnGames and improv feature in this family-oriented comedy show

Hotel X, the new luxury lodgings on Exhibition grounds, is hosting Second City’s family-oriented Improv Showdown during the month of December and early January as part of their holiday programming.

Kids, their parents, and other hotel guests who have booked a Family Fun Package are invited to watch two small teams of veteran Second City improvisers take on a variety of games in a quick 50-minute set. Members of the public can purchase tickets to the show too ($20 for adults, $15 for kids).

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Review: Buffoon (Tarragon Theatre)

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Buffoon is a profound, beautiful tragedy with a helping of laughs

Tarragon Theatre is presenting Buffoon, a new play by Anosh Irani, until December 15 – and you owe it to yourself to get a ticket.

It was captivating, emotionally taxing, and downright great.

This self-labelled tragicomedy did indeed offer up some laughs, but I was truly stunned by how its story leapt at every opportunity to take things to new, more depressing depth. The acting is incredible, and the piece stunningly dark. Continue reading Review: Buffoon (Tarragon Theatre) →

Toronto Playlistings for the Week of November 25, 2019

Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of November 25, 2019

I think that we’re all getting caught up in the pre-holiday season whirlwind!  The weeks are just starting to fly by and fill up with so many things to see and do.  Before getting too enveloped in the snowstorm of December events, this is a great week to catch some live theatre.  What better way to find a calm in the storm before the start of holiday madness than to find a comfy seat in a dark theatre and breath in the creative air?

The number of live performances this week is incredible, and it can just be so hard to choose what to see – so this week Samantha is going to help you out by telling you what shows are tickling her fancy. Check out her ‘red‘ flags to see what has hit her theatre ticket wish list!

Continue reading Toronto Playlistings for the Week of November 25, 2019 →

Review: The Wager (Theatre Gargantua)

Picture of François MacDonald, Olivia Croft, Teiya Kasahara, and Michael Gordon Spence in The Wager

Exploring grave subject matter, The Wager is topical and informative

Theatre Gargantua presents The Wager, now playing at Theatre Passe Muraille.  Combining vignettes, storytelling, movement, and original music, this show  presents a series of  meditations on the human capacity for belief.  The lessons provided by The Wager allow for deeper understanding of some of our most pressing current events.

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