Review (Kid+1): Odysseo (Cavalia)

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Cavalia’s “spectacular” equine fantasy show runs in Toronto until May 10th, 2015.

Cavalia’s Odysseo is all spectacle. It’s a giant expansive stage, and it needs to be—72 horses and 45 humans will perform on it over the course of the show. The humans include acrobats, aerialists on both silks and rings, a carousel that descends from the sky, and stunt riders.

In case that’s not enough for you, the landscape will change and ripple, go from spring to drought to icy winter, and show scenes from across the world. Near the end, rain actually floods the stage. For what it’s worth, the kid loved this show, and I have never, ever, seen him clap so enthusiastically.

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Review: Orpheus and Eurydice (Opera Atelier)

orpheus

Opera’s “over-the-top sense of whimsy” shines at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto!

In classical Greek mythology, the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of courage, self-doubt, loss and mortality. Opera Atelier’s 2015 production of the Hector Berlioz version of Christophe Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice offers a fresh and playful take on this timeless tragedy. Continue reading Review: Orpheus and Eurydice (Opera Atelier) →

Review: Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye: The Farewell Tour (Mirvish)

Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye - The Farewell Tour | Mirvish | Review

“Run, Jump, Loot and Pillage” to see Dame Edna in Toronto — while you can!

It’s 8:15 and Dame Edna is mowing down the crowd more effortlessly than even the burliest lumberjack chops down a tree.

Lovingly crowned ‘The Grande Dame of Drag’ by her many fans, this Mauve-haired maven lives up to her noble moniker – claiming her rightful place amongst the world’s comedic royalty with her signature sharp tongue and unapologetic repartee.

Dame Edna Everage, the most notable of Barry Humphries‘ onstage personas, performed to a packed house of eager spectators Thursday, on the opening night of her 10-day run at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre – the only Canadian stop on her farewell tour.

Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye: The Farewell Tour is the triumphant culmination of her career, spanning more than six decades.

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Review: Nongogo (Market Theatre and Canadian Stage)

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Pakamisa Zwelala and Masasa Mbangeni in Toronto production of Nongogo

Canadian Stage brings Apartheid-era play Nongogo to Toronto as part of its Spotlight South Africa Festival

Nongogo, which opened on Wednesday evening at the Berkeley Street Theatre, is part of Canadian Stage’s Spotlight South Africa Festival. It’s the first play I’ve ever seen where the audience is greeted by the aroma of simmering soup. I’d just had dinner and it still smelled inviting. Continue reading Review: Nongogo (Market Theatre and Canadian Stage) →