The latest play from The Empty Room explores young suburban life in Toronto
Suburbs often get a bad rep as the place fun forgot. When you’re young, cash-strapped and don’t own a car, there’s not a lot of fun to be had – especially compared to life in the big city. Following the tale of four young boys, Boys from the Burbs (The Empty Room) shows us that not all is as it seems behind the cookie-cutter picket fences and seemingly dull façade of a suburban town. Continue reading Review: Boys from the Burbs (The Empty Room)→
Robin Hood is full of slapstick humour, playing at the Papermill Theatre in Toronto
Robin Hood by Amicus Productions is currently playing at the Papermill Theatre. I have seen the tale of Robin Hood done in various ways. I’ve seen action versions of the story, comedies, and even an animated version with a dashing fox. I was excited to see a brand new twist on the man who steals from the rich and gives to the poor.
This Robin Hood, written by Don Nigro and directed by Chris Coculuzzi, began with two young minstrels standing in front of the curtain.Their song transported us to the Sherwood Forest. The tone was sad, as if Robin Hood was a tragic hero from long ago, and they were the bards who kept his legend going. I was surprised to see once the actors on stage started speaking that the tone wasn’t serious at all. The play had immediately switched into a comedy. Continue reading Review: Robin Hood (Amicus Productions)→
Late Company is a show “full of emotion” that will “take you on a journey” on stage in Toronto
When I chose to review Jordan Tannahill’s Late Company at The Theatre Centre, I was interested to see how it compared to Herman Koch’s novel The Dinner as both share the same premise. Two couples –- one a political family –- sit down to discuss their teenage sons and the horror that boys that age can reap.
On stage at the Factory Theatre, Bombay Black makes its return to Toronto
I’m feeling divided when it comes to Bombay Black, on stage at the Factory Theatre. On one hand, there is so much going on with the entire performance that is visually stunning — the dialogue, the movement, the lighting and music. It’s the most creative use of a bare stage that I’ve seen in a while. On the other hand, I feel disconnected from it. It’s not gelling with me in a way that I want to shout it to the rafters which is what great theatre does for me. So I’m torn.
Jacob Two-Two is holiday theatre perfect for audiences young and old, on stage in Toronto
Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang is an absolute knock-out, packed full of theatrical goodies to please all ages. The Young People’s Theatre could not have found a better crown jewel for their 50th season, and parents who want to steer clear of the usual Disney-on-Ice holiday treacle should run straight to YPT’s busy box office; just get to Front and Berkeley, then walk in the direction of the extremely busy cash registers.
