There are a few steps to take before you enter the world of Hollow Mountain, by Rock Bottom Movement, now playing at Collective Space. First, you have to find the theatre, located in the warrenlike maze of the 221 Sterling Road complex. Luckily, a volunteer with a giant pink sign is there to guide you. Next, you must don equally pink booties over your shoes to enter the cramped and cozy space.

Once you’re inside, there’s still more pink: a suggestively-ridged, translucent tarp stretches mountainously from the ceiling, blasted with heavy fog. A troubadour (Nick Dolan) sings a mix of entertaining, abstractly-connected, “rejected” songs in French and English, with lyrics like “Never have I ever eaten pee-filled snow/Never have I ever been on time for the show.” In this vaguely womb-like space, bizarre wonders of dance (choreographed and directed by Alyssa Martin) and song (music by Sydney Herauf) unfold.

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Now a hotly anticipated annual event in Toronto, The Musical Stage Company‘s musical tribute sits squarely at the intersection of theatrical production and concert, improving both. This year’s iteration, Uncovered: Stevie Wonder & Prince, celebrating the music of both artists, was an absolute delight. Continue reading Review: Uncovered: Stevie Wonder and Prince (Musical Stage Company) →

But That’s Another Story is a “gimmick-free focus on genuine human connection”

After only three performances, a new storytelling series is packing them in at the Free Times Cafe. It’s called But That’s Another Story and it gives space to a wide cross-section of genres, including fables, comic essays, and more contemporary works. Its producer-hosts, Briane Nasimok and Christel Bartelse, are two well-established voices in the Canadian performing arts. Nasimok is a Canadian Comedy Award winner who appeared in classic 1980s films like Gas and The Funny Farm. Bartelse is a Canadian Comedy Award nominee known for her internationally-acclaimed one-woman shows.

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The loss of one’s parents is probably the most dreaded, expected life event for most people. I do not really like to talk about it for fear the Grim Reaper will suddenly jump up and snatch them as though summoned. Dead Parent Society is about finding healing through humor in this intimate, grief-themed sketch comedy show. Continue reading Review: Dead Parents Society (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) →