Whether for reasons of love or austerity one would be hard-pressed to say, but the Canadian Opera Company‘s 2014 presentation of Madama Butterfly (a tragic Italian opera based on a French play about American colonialism in Japan – and the human costs of it) is an item-for-item reprise of the 2009 version – the same set, costumes, and lighting. Only the players are different, which in the case of Patricia Racette as Butterfly makes the 2014 audience very very lucky, and in the case of Stefano Secco as Pinkerton…not so much. Overall, I found it quite uneven – marvelous when it was good, and clunky when it wasn’t.
Birth, On Stage at Campbell House, is Clever and Chilling
By now, I’m sure you’ve probably been told by somebody, “You don’t know what you have until it’s actually gone.” But have you ever stopped to wonder how this principle would apply to those abstract things that can’t be quantifiably measured?
The COC presents their fundraising OperaNation gala on October 16 at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre
Kicking forward into the chill of the 21st Century is no easy feat for an opera company, even so fine and distinguished a one as the Canadian Opera Company. The twin plagues of the arts — engaging younger viewers into a lifetime of support and getting attendees to open their wallets in support — are often handled as separate problems. COC will feed two birds with one bag of seed again this year with its ever-fabulous OperaNation gala under the happy eye of COC Director Alexander Neef.
Last week’s Toronto Fringe Town Hall meeting may have been light on attendees but it was heavy on productive conversation, including remote contributions from friends via Twitter. Everyone in attendance was encouraged to raise questions and concerns and to share commentary as Kelly Straughan, the Executive Director, ran the show.
First up was a report on the success of the 2014 festival. Last year was a record breaker for Toronto Fringe: the highest selling festival in the organization’s history. No small feat. The Fringe Club was another success as evidenced by artist and audience feedback as well as bar sales $15,000 higher than expected.
We didn’t wait long before addressing the BIGGEST change: ticket sales. This past year, Fringe introduced a new ticketing policy where 100% of show tickets were made available for purchase in advance. In previous years, 50% of tickets were available in advance while 50% went on sale at the door starting one hour before show time. Continue reading Fringe Town Hall Meeting: Notes From The Underground→
Sometimes it can be inspirational to see shows about individuals, and their ability to overcome the obstacles put in front of them. Well, be prepared to be inspired! Even more inspirational is the fact that, as part of our Cheap Theatre listing this week, you can see any of the shows below for $25 or less! Check out the list below.
