Teens make their pledge to aid Toronto class divisions in Promises to a Divided City playing at The Theatre Centre
Promises to a Divided City is an interactive experience where teenagers engage the audience in thinking about geographic and class divisions in Toronto. You also get to explore the new Theatre Centre in the former Carnegie Library building at Queen and Lisgar; hear some of the history behind Andrew Carnegie, the American industrialist multimillionaire who gave Toronto the money to build this (and other) libraries; and you even get a free book. Continue reading Review: Promises To A Divided City (Mammalian Diving Reflex/Theatre Centre)→
The Blue Show at Toronto’s InspiraTO Festival delivers a variety of mini plays to tug at your emotional strings
It has often been said that variety is the spice of life. And with an eclectic selection of 25 10-minute plays to enjoy, the InspiraTO Festival is sure to have something on the docket for every taste. From short absurdist comedies to heart-breaking slice-of-life snippets, the plays run the full gamut of emotions – all centred on this year’s theme of crossing dimensions.
The plays are grouped into four main shows: the Red Show, the Blue Show, the Orange Show and the White Show. Each show runs for approximately 70 minutes and features works from established authors and both internationally recognized and up-and-coming playwrights.
I had the privilege to attend and review the opening night performance of this year’s Blue Show.
A Summer Marriage on Queen West: Unit 102 and Sterling Theatre to Merge
This summer, two of Toronto’s west-end indie theatre companies are joining forces. This is great news for artists and audiences alike. Sterling Theatre Company and Unit 102 Acting Company will share a roof at the corner of Queen and Dufferin, and the venue will be renamed and announced at their upcoming inaugural event, scheduled for mid-August.
When I sat down with them to discuss the merger, I expected the core members of Unit 102 and Sterling to be energetic and enthusiastic. What I didn’t expect was the immense trust and admiration these artists have for one another. Each is fiercely dedicated to their craft and, as members of a creative team, they are steadfast in their support of one another. Continue reading Summer Marriage: Sterling and Unit 102→
Politics and scandal collide in The Parliamentarians playing at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto
In The Parliamentarians (at The Red Sandcastle Theatre), Ruben Holloway has just been elected Prime Minister and has arranged for a special rendez-vous with a favourite callgirl. The penthouse of the Chateau Laurier, a bottle of outstanding wine, an intriguing young woman–and a phone that will not stop ringing. When his chief-of-staff and the Leader of the Opposition join him in the suite, things begin to unravel in classic farce style.
The beloved 80s film receives a much anticipated stage revival at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto
If you’re considering Flashdance: The Musical currently playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, you’re probably a fan of the 80s film. I am. I get warm fuzzies just thinking about it—one of a dozen feel good movies from that decade (like Footloose and Dirty Dancing) that wanted to be musicals.
Now, Flashdance gets to be one! It has exploded out of its quiet, restrained shell to drench you in dazzling set pieces. I can’t help but frame this as a comparison to the film. I think you should know (especially if you’re very attached to the aesthetic of the movie) that this is a very different creature. Continue reading Review: Flashdance (Mirvish)→
If you’re considering