Over the top fun. this production included eveything but the kitchen sink - although the fridge and stove made it on stage! I particularly liked the McArthur Park scene - psychedelic to the max!
The basic story line works better in the movie, but this is certainly a spectacular evening of theatre. The audience loved it and gave a long and loud standing ovation, although I would not have.
Cast members were great dancers but some could use a little work on the singing. That may be a reflection of where we were sitting - under the balcony - so the sound seemed a little mushy.
The only cast member I recognised was C. David Johnson, in the role of Bob. I liked Will Swenson as Tick, Nick Adams as Felicia and Tony Sheldon as Bernadette.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Munsch Express
Aiden's third play. Produced and performed by the students of the George Brown School of Performing arts, it was fun but seeing Robert Munsch live would have been better.
Aiden liked the musical bits, but lost interest in the dramatic parts.
Aiden liked the musical bits, but lost interest in the dramatic parts.
Hamlet
This production of Hamlet was part of the National Theatre Live series - not as good as being there, but better than not seeing it at all.
This is the best live production of Hamlet that I have ever seen. Referred to in the reviews as Hamlet in a hoody, the modern dress production is more than just modern clothing. It is a completely modern feeliing production. Not once did I have the feeling I was watching a 400 year old play. Nicholas Hytner has done a brilliant job of bringing the production alive without losing anything in the text. He was so fortunate to have chosen Rory Kinnear as Hamlet - he gave an absolutely brilliant performance. Hamlet was a person, not a character or worse a caricature as he so often is. The rest of the cast were very strong especially Patrick Malahide as Claudius and David Calder as Polonius.
The staging was great, although it perhaps would have been better seen live, rather than through the camera. I particularly liked the way the sequence with the Players was handled - it actually added to the production rather than dragging it out as it so often can.
The more times I see this play, the more I see in it. This may be becuase it is so long it is hard to focus on everything all the time, but I do regularly notice new things in every production.
This is the best live production of Hamlet that I have ever seen. Referred to in the reviews as Hamlet in a hoody, the modern dress production is more than just modern clothing. It is a completely modern feeliing production. Not once did I have the feeling I was watching a 400 year old play. Nicholas Hytner has done a brilliant job of bringing the production alive without losing anything in the text. He was so fortunate to have chosen Rory Kinnear as Hamlet - he gave an absolutely brilliant performance. Hamlet was a person, not a character or worse a caricature as he so often is. The rest of the cast were very strong especially Patrick Malahide as Claudius and David Calder as Polonius.
The staging was great, although it perhaps would have been better seen live, rather than through the camera. I particularly liked the way the sequence with the Players was handled - it actually added to the production rather than dragging it out as it so often can.
The more times I see this play, the more I see in it. This may be becuase it is so long it is hard to focus on everything all the time, but I do regularly notice new things in every production.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Studies in Motion - the hauntings of Eadweard Muybridge
Fantastic! Canadian Stage is really coming up the ladder with this production. It was visually stunning, made amazing use of video and used the movement of people to great effect. So many more naked people than we expect to see on a Toronto stage, but so perfectly integrated that you forgot they were naked and focused entirely on the motion, exactly as Muybridge intended.
The performances were fine, but not outstanding. Not knowing the actors, it is hard to tell if this a result of direction to be somewhat stilted,(rather 19th century in feel) or whether the actors were feeling a bit self-conscious.
Electric Company theatre from Vancouver are certainly worth keeping an eye on, if this production is indicative of their abilities and talents.
The performances were fine, but not outstanding. Not knowing the actors, it is hard to tell if this a result of direction to be somewhat stilted,(rather 19th century in feel) or whether the actors were feeling a bit self-conscious.
Electric Company theatre from Vancouver are certainly worth keeping an eye on, if this production is indicative of their abilities and talents.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Bethune Imagined
Not one of our favorites this year. We would have stayed through the whole thing if it had been a no intermission event, but the thought of hanging around for 15 minutes to sit through more was just not appealing. It was Friday evening, I was tired and we went home.
So what was wrong? not the actors, who all seemed quite competent. The staging was interesting. But the dialogue just did not work. Everyone was making a speech, not having a conversation. Only George Bernard Shaw can get away with that (and even he can't always) because his characters are expressing a point of view on a political issue. These characters were talking to each other about quite intimate subjects like sex and relationships> Occasionally one (usually Bethune slid into a rant about some political issue, but not for long and not coherently enough to make a point.
YOu have to suspect that if another author had presented this to Ken Gass, he would have sent it back for a re-write, but since he wrote it, it slipped through.
So what was wrong? not the actors, who all seemed quite competent. The staging was interesting. But the dialogue just did not work. Everyone was making a speech, not having a conversation. Only George Bernard Shaw can get away with that (and even he can't always) because his characters are expressing a point of view on a political issue. These characters were talking to each other about quite intimate subjects like sex and relationships> Occasionally one (usually Bethune slid into a rant about some political issue, but not for long and not coherently enough to make a point.
YOu have to suspect that if another author had presented this to Ken Gass, he would have sent it back for a re-write, but since he wrote it, it slipped through.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wide Awake Hearts
Great staging, sound and lights. Great performances from all four actors - Maev Beaty, Raoul Bhaneja, Lesley Faulkner and Gord Rand.
But somehow the play just does not work. I enjoyed Gall's earlier play, Alias Godot, but this one did not grab me. It is a little slice of life with no real plot, but bounces back and forth between real life and theatre to the point where it becomes annoying, or worse, boring.
But somehow the play just does not work. I enjoyed Gall's earlier play, Alias Godot, but this one did not grab me. It is a little slice of life with no real plot, but bounces back and forth between real life and theatre to the point where it becomes annoying, or worse, boring.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Generally, I am happy to watch Seana McKenna in anything, but when she gets material like this, the result is outstanding.
Joan Didion's play about the year in which her husband and daughter died is beautiful - more of a narrative poem than a play. It is sad, but it is also funny. It is about death, and reactions to death, but it is also a wonderful portrait of a long marriage and a close family.
McKenna gave a beautifl performance - totally controlled, but completely believable. You leave the theatre wondering how she can put herself through that every day, but of course, the answer is talent.
Definitely worth a standing ovation.
Joan Didion's play about the year in which her husband and daughter died is beautiful - more of a narrative poem than a play. It is sad, but it is also funny. It is about death, and reactions to death, but it is also a wonderful portrait of a long marriage and a close family.
McKenna gave a beautifl performance - totally controlled, but completely believable. You leave the theatre wondering how she can put herself through that every day, but of course, the answer is talent.
Definitely worth a standing ovation.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Death of a Salesman
I have studied this play, but had never seen it performed, so I was curious to see it. I should probably have read it again before going, as I clearly had very little memory of the play at all.
The first scenes are difficult, as the characters are not particularly likeable, but as the story progresses, my interest increased. This is not just the story of Willie Loman, but the story of America, striving to succeed and desperate to be liked. As the story unfolded, I found myself cringing (when Howard fires Willy because he is too old, ignoring decades of loyal service) and sympathising with Willy as he comtemplates his life without a job. It reminded me of my father when he was in a similar situation. The characters are archtypes of America, even today. Willy Loman is all Americans who firmly believe that they too can succeed and get rich, if only things go right.
Great cast with Joseph Zeigler as Willy and Nancy Palk as Linda. Michael Hanrahn and William Webster as Charley and Uncle Ben were also strong. The rest were adequate but not memorable.
The audience gave the performance a standing ovation. I came close, but not quite, probably becuase the play is not as stirring as I need for the full ovation package.
The first scenes are difficult, as the characters are not particularly likeable, but as the story progresses, my interest increased. This is not just the story of Willie Loman, but the story of America, striving to succeed and desperate to be liked. As the story unfolded, I found myself cringing (when Howard fires Willy because he is too old, ignoring decades of loyal service) and sympathising with Willy as he comtemplates his life without a job. It reminded me of my father when he was in a similar situation. The characters are archtypes of America, even today. Willy Loman is all Americans who firmly believe that they too can succeed and get rich, if only things go right.
Great cast with Joseph Zeigler as Willy and Nancy Palk as Linda. Michael Hanrahn and William Webster as Charley and Uncle Ben were also strong. The rest were adequate but not memorable.
The audience gave the performance a standing ovation. I came close, but not quite, probably becuase the play is not as stirring as I need for the full ovation package.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Peter Pan
We waited to the very end to see this play so that Aiden could be as old as possible. At 3 and three quarters, he was barely there. But he did stay through the whole play and did not want to leave. He clapped for Tinkerbell and at the end and seemed to enjoy the experience, so it can be counted a success.
It did not live up to my memories of the Shaw production, which was Aiden's father's first experience of live theatre. Rob was a llittle older (5) and was riveted by the whole thing, in comparison to Aiden who squirmed and wiggled a lot. But I think Aiden had a point - I found parts of the production dragged and were not necessary. I would have cut the narrator entirely and picked up the pace.
The staging was quite good, amd I particularly loved the pirate ship. The fight scenes dragged, but Nana was fantastic.
The performances were all good of course - Sara Topham, Michael Theriault, Tom McCamus deliver regularly.
It did not live up to my memories of the Shaw production, which was Aiden's father's first experience of live theatre. Rob was a llittle older (5) and was riveted by the whole thing, in comparison to Aiden who squirmed and wiggled a lot. But I think Aiden had a point - I found parts of the production dragged and were not necessary. I would have cut the narrator entirely and picked up the pace.
The staging was quite good, amd I particularly loved the pirate ship. The fight scenes dragged, but Nana was fantastic.
The performances were all good of course - Sara Topham, Michael Theriault, Tom McCamus deliver regularly.
The Andersen Project
A Robert Lepage spectacle that has received tremendous reviews. I liked it and found it very impressive from a technical point of view, but the story was definitely secondary to the spectacle, so the evening dragged after we passed the 90 minute point. It lasted 120 minutes, so there was a problem.
One has to wonder what the Danes, who commissioned the piece thought about it. While it is generally about Hans Christian Andersen, and was commissioned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, it seems like a very Canadian play with references that may mean nothing to anyone else. The jokes about the French, however, are likely to resonate across Europe!
The material was performed by Yves Jacques, who played all of the characters brilliantly and moved amazingly quickly from one to the next.
It may be that the play was oversold by Lepage fans and was thereby doomed to disappoint.
One has to wonder what the Danes, who commissioned the piece thought about it. While it is generally about Hans Christian Andersen, and was commissioned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, it seems like a very Canadian play with references that may mean nothing to anyone else. The jokes about the French, however, are likely to resonate across Europe!
The material was performed by Yves Jacques, who played all of the characters brilliantly and moved amazingly quickly from one to the next.
It may be that the play was oversold by Lepage fans and was thereby doomed to disappoint.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The List
A Nightwood Production of a play originally written in French by Jennifer Tremblay.
Allegra Fulton plays The Woman, who is obessessed by her list making and convinced that she has contributed to the death of her friend by not doing the task on her list. It is a fascinating portrait of a woman wrapped up in her image of herself and her concern that life conform to her picture of the ideal. Things must be done correctly, whether they make sense or not. So faced with a woman who is relaxed with herself and happy with her life - a life that does not conform to the woman's ideas of proper behaviour, she is initially uncomfortable, then condescending and finally charmed. But she still clings to her ideas of the proper way to do things, misses doing one thing and now is devastated by guilt.
The play is hard to watch and fascinating at the same time. We have all had moments of guilt about thoughts we have had and things we have or haven't done.
But most of us are able to move on and forget. The Woman is stuck.
Allegra Fulton delivers an outstanding performance - she is just one character but in her we see her friend her husband, her children and the whole community around her.
Allegra Fulton plays The Woman, who is obessessed by her list making and convinced that she has contributed to the death of her friend by not doing the task on her list. It is a fascinating portrait of a woman wrapped up in her image of herself and her concern that life conform to her picture of the ideal. Things must be done correctly, whether they make sense or not. So faced with a woman who is relaxed with herself and happy with her life - a life that does not conform to the woman's ideas of proper behaviour, she is initially uncomfortable, then condescending and finally charmed. But she still clings to her ideas of the proper way to do things, misses doing one thing and now is devastated by guilt.
The play is hard to watch and fascinating at the same time. We have all had moments of guilt about thoughts we have had and things we have or haven't done.
But most of us are able to move on and forget. The Woman is stuck.
Allegra Fulton delivers an outstanding performance - she is just one character but in her we see her friend her husband, her children and the whole community around her.
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Disappearing Number
Another film from National theatre Live, this one was broadcast from the Theatre Royal in Plymouth and brought back memories of his childhood for Keith. We had never heard of Complicite or Simon McBurney before, but will certainly keep an eye on them now.
The play is the story of the beauty of mathematics revealed through the story of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (played by Shane Shambu) and his relationship with GH Hardy (David Annen) at Cambridge and the modern day love story of a math prof (Ruth Minnen played by Saskia Reeves) and a very modern futures trader named Al Cooper (Firdous Bamji).
It is a great story, told with terrific staging that uses video, sound, and movement to support and carry it forward. It never distracts from the story, but enhances it. the relationship between the past and the future that forms much of the mathematical discussion is demonstrated by lines of people, who seem to stretch forever. It is hard to believe that there were only eight actors in total.
Apparently this was the last performance - one hopes not vever, although that is how it sounded.
I went home and downloaded "A Mathematician's Apology" - the book in which GH Hardy tells the story of his friendship and work with Ramanujan.
The play is the story of the beauty of mathematics revealed through the story of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (played by Shane Shambu) and his relationship with GH Hardy (David Annen) at Cambridge and the modern day love story of a math prof (Ruth Minnen played by Saskia Reeves) and a very modern futures trader named Al Cooper (Firdous Bamji).
It is a great story, told with terrific staging that uses video, sound, and movement to support and carry it forward. It never distracts from the story, but enhances it. the relationship between the past and the future that forms much of the mathematical discussion is demonstrated by lines of people, who seem to stretch forever. It is hard to believe that there were only eight actors in total.
Apparently this was the last performance - one hopes not vever, although that is how it sounded.
I went home and downloaded "A Mathematician's Apology" - the book in which GH Hardy tells the story of his friendship and work with Ramanujan.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Aida
COC's production was best summed up as "Aida the cleaning lady". (Thanks Jill)
The singing was lovely, although I am not really someone who can tell. The staging was visually interesting in a stark, drab, Chinese communist way. The production kept my interest throughout. But it was definitely lacking in Egyptian flavour.
The biggest problem was that the "Triumphal March" (the only piece of Aida that I recognize, Philistine that I am! ) was barely a moment in the production. It is hard to have a triumphal march into an office building conference room!
I would certainly go to the opera again, but I would still rather spend my money on the theatre!
The singing was lovely, although I am not really someone who can tell. The staging was visually interesting in a stark, drab, Chinese communist way. The production kept my interest throughout. But it was definitely lacking in Egyptian flavour.
The biggest problem was that the "Triumphal March" (the only piece of Aida that I recognize, Philistine that I am! ) was barely a moment in the production. It is hard to have a triumphal march into an office building conference room!
I would certainly go to the opera again, but I would still rather spend my money on the theatre!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Billy Twinkle - Requiem for A Golden Boy
Ronnie Burkett has done it again. This is the third of his plays that I have seen and I have loved them all. The plot in this one seemed superficial, but really was not. It was a reflection on a life and therefore not really exciting, as most lives are not. But it was funny and sad and in total a great perfomrance. the puppest are amazing, but the performance is Burkett. wow.
Fernando Krapp wrote me this letter
Not exactly an enticing title for a play, but in the end it was worth watching. The subtitle is "an attempt at the truth" so I guess you have to consider it from that perspective. Does Fernando Krapp (Ashley Wright) tell the truth all the time? He says so, but does he even know the truth?
Does Julia ( Ngozi Paul) really want to know the truth?
It is clear that The Count (Ryan Hollyman) does not tell the truth and crumbles when forced to face it.
And the Father (Walter Borden) prefers not to know the truth, but generally will tell it when challenged.
So many persectives on the subject - none of which are clear at the time, but occur on reflection. This to me makes it a play worth watching - better than the usual Canadian stage choice. I will watch for other work by Tankred Dorst.
Great staging, lighting and costumes.
Does Julia ( Ngozi Paul) really want to know the truth?
It is clear that The Count (Ryan Hollyman) does not tell the truth and crumbles when forced to face it.
And the Father (Walter Borden) prefers not to know the truth, but generally will tell it when challenged.
So many persectives on the subject - none of which are clear at the time, but occur on reflection. This to me makes it a play worth watching - better than the usual Canadian stage choice. I will watch for other work by Tankred Dorst.
Great staging, lighting and costumes.
The Clockmaker
Stepehn Massicotte (who also wrote The Oxford Roof Climber's Rebellion)has created a strange world that keeps you in suspense right to the end. What is Hell? what is heaven? and how can you tell?
Damien Atkins was superb as Monsieur Pierre, as were Clare Calnan as Frieda and Christian Goutsis as Herr Mann, but it was Kevin Bundy who stole the show as Adolphus. Like so many men who abuse their women, he was charming, vulnerable, weak and nasty, all at once. The woman in front of me could hardly contain herself - every time he promised that things would be different, I know she wanted to sneer "that's what they all say".
A strange little play, unsettling and surprising but worth watching.
Damien Atkins was superb as Monsieur Pierre, as were Clare Calnan as Frieda and Christian Goutsis as Herr Mann, but it was Kevin Bundy who stole the show as Adolphus. Like so many men who abuse their women, he was charming, vulnerable, weak and nasty, all at once. The woman in front of me could hardly contain herself - every time he promised that things would be different, I know she wanted to sneer "that's what they all say".
A strange little play, unsettling and surprising but worth watching.
Kiss Me Kate
Loosely based on the Taming of the Shrew, this musical manages to insert a load of great somgs - many of which I had no idea were from this play - Another Opeing, Wunderbar, Brush up Your Shakespeare, It's too Darn Hot ... the list goes on.
As a musical, it was great. Dated but great.
Juan Chioran was excellent, althouogh I still always think of Dracula every time I see him.
As a musical, it was great. Dated but great.
Juan Chioran was excellent, althouogh I still always think of Dracula every time I see him.
Monday, September 27, 2010
King of Thieves
George F Walker took some charaters from Three Penny Opeara and went on from there. I my view, he did not go far enough. This is a midly amusing play, set in the 20's. It attempts to point out that it is not alwys easy to figure out who the real criminals are - th eones who claim to be criminals and shoot people, or the bankers who just steal?
It's a musical but for the life of me, I can't remember a single song or lyric.
Generally, another example of a good cast wasted on weak material. Sean Cullen, as Vinnie, the speakeasy owner was excellent and seemed comfortable in his part. Nora McLellan was also comfortable in her role (Myrna, Peachum's wife.)
Not a play I wold bother to see again.
It's a musical but for the life of me, I can't remember a single song or lyric.
Generally, another example of a good cast wasted on weak material. Sean Cullen, as Vinnie, the speakeasy owner was excellent and seemed comfortable in his part. Nora McLellan was also comfortable in her role (Myrna, Peachum's wife.)
Not a play I wold bother to see again.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Serious Money
Set in London in 1987, when greed was the theme of the day, this is a mystery, a social commentary and a musical all wrapped into one.
Apparently when it was first produced, traders used to come in groups to see it, not getting the point that their behaviour was disapproved.But Caryl Churchill certainly captured the frantic energy, noise and obsenity of the trading floor, now largely gone to computer.
This is a very high energy production with a high energy cast. Marla McLean as Scilla Todd is theonly cast member playing one part, probably because she is already inhabiting two worlds as a trader and an old money heiress.
Graeme Somerville delivers another great performance, firmly establishing himself as one of the Shaw stars. Ali Momen is another actor to watch.
Apparently when it was first produced, traders used to come in groups to see it, not getting the point that their behaviour was disapproved.But Caryl Churchill certainly captured the frantic energy, noise and obsenity of the trading floor, now largely gone to computer.
This is a very high energy production with a high energy cast. Marla McLean as Scilla Todd is theonly cast member playing one part, probably because she is already inhabiting two worlds as a trader and an old money heiress.
Graeme Somerville delivers another great performance, firmly establishing himself as one of the Shaw stars. Ali Momen is another actor to watch.
John Bull's Other Island
There is a good reason that this one does not get performed very often. Not that I did not enjoy the production or the cast. Strong performances and a strong productionmade it quite an enjoyable evening of theatre. But it is definitely Shaw at his very talkiest, and it does get tiresome by the end.
Benedict Campbell and Graeme Somerville were both excellent as Broadbent and Doyle respectively. Jim Mezon was also outstanding as Peter Keegan. The rest of the characters are largely caricatures, so the cast don't have a lot to work with.
Benedict Campbell and Graeme Somerville were both excellent as Broadbent and Doyle respectively. Jim Mezon was also outstanding as Peter Keegan. The rest of the characters are largely caricatures, so the cast don't have a lot to work with.
Age of Arousal
Five women and one man debate the need for women to be self-sufficient. A former suffragette ahs opened a typing school to teach women the skills they need to get a job that pays a reasonable wage so they do not have to depend on men, who are in short supply.
The play was first produced in 2007 and I saw it as a fundraiser for YWCA Elm Centre.
Playwright Linda Griffiths is flexible with time and place (I think the big imbalance between he sexes, demographically speaking, occurred after the first world war, while the play is set in 1885.) But no matter whether a woman can't have or doesn't want a husband, many of the issues are still current and relevant today. Women and men need to be able to look after themselves; soemtimes there is a price to pay, but usually, the benefit is greater.
Strong cast - Kelly Fox, Donna Belleville, Jenny Young, Sherry Flett, Zarrin Darnell-Martin and Gray Powell. Kelly drinks, Sherry swoons and flutters and Zarrin gets pregnant and dies. Gray does not get the girl.
The play was first produced in 2007 and I saw it as a fundraiser for YWCA Elm Centre.
Playwright Linda Griffiths is flexible with time and place (I think the big imbalance between he sexes, demographically speaking, occurred after the first world war, while the play is set in 1885.) But no matter whether a woman can't have or doesn't want a husband, many of the issues are still current and relevant today. Women and men need to be able to look after themselves; soemtimes there is a price to pay, but usually, the benefit is greater.
Strong cast - Kelly Fox, Donna Belleville, Jenny Young, Sherry Flett, Zarrin Darnell-Martin and Gray Powell. Kelly drinks, Sherry swoons and flutters and Zarrin gets pregnant and dies. Gray does not get the girl.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Doc
I had not considered the idea of a play as a portrait before, but this play is interesting not because of the plot, which is quite limited, but because it creates three dramatic portraits.
Doc, played by RH Thomson takes the lead. Driven to work by his desire to succeed, to make a difference, to help people, he ignores the needs of the people closest to him. He knows what his wife needs and cannot understand why she thinks she needs something else. The reflections of life as a wife in the mid twentieth century are painful to watch, but essentially not important. The real problem is his ego getting in the way of his actually listening to anyone who is not a patient. Thomson is always a pleasure to watch,even when he is ranting.
Bob, (Jane Spidell) is the second portrait. The alcoholic wife who takes to drink out of frustration, not because she can't work, but because she can't connect with her husband. Spidell was terrific in this role - never taking it over the top, but hovering on the edge of anguish.
Katie/Catherine is the least defined portrait of the three - probably because the role is split between the character at two ages. Hannah Gross was very good as the young Katie and Carmen Grant equally solid as Catherine. But the role is not as clear as Doc or Bob, largely because she does not act, she reacts to her parents. As a result we learn less about her and who she has become.
Derek Boyes was very good as Oscar, but the character is not well developed enough to be considered a protrait - just a sketch.
Doc, played by RH Thomson takes the lead. Driven to work by his desire to succeed, to make a difference, to help people, he ignores the needs of the people closest to him. He knows what his wife needs and cannot understand why she thinks she needs something else. The reflections of life as a wife in the mid twentieth century are painful to watch, but essentially not important. The real problem is his ego getting in the way of his actually listening to anyone who is not a patient. Thomson is always a pleasure to watch,even when he is ranting.
Bob, (Jane Spidell) is the second portrait. The alcoholic wife who takes to drink out of frustration, not because she can't work, but because she can't connect with her husband. Spidell was terrific in this role - never taking it over the top, but hovering on the edge of anguish.
Katie/Catherine is the least defined portrait of the three - probably because the role is split between the character at two ages. Hannah Gross was very good as the young Katie and Carmen Grant equally solid as Catherine. But the role is not as clear as Doc or Bob, largely because she does not act, she reacts to her parents. As a result we learn less about her and who she has become.
Derek Boyes was very good as Oscar, but the character is not well developed enough to be considered a protrait - just a sketch.
Monday, August 23, 2010
What the Butler Saw
Once again, I am left wondering why Soul Pepper continues to produce dated chestnuts like this one. They have a talented company who deserve to be better used. And a faithful audience who should get to see something funny when the play is designated a comedy.
This play may have been shocking and very funny in 1969, but it is so dated now that it is just silly. The only reason to do this play would be to update it and deal with relevant jokes. Even then, I am not convinced it would be worth the effort.
Despite the forgoing I did not hate the production. The cast was excellent and did manage to make me laugh.
This play may have been shocking and very funny in 1969, but it is so dated now that it is just silly. The only reason to do this play would be to update it and deal with relevant jokes. Even then, I am not convinced it would be worth the effort.
Despite the forgoing I did not hate the production. The cast was excellent and did manage to make me laugh.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Shakespeare at the Studio is a new experience - very intimate and fun.
This is a silly play, where the funniest performance was given by the dog, with good support from his master Robert Persichini (Launce) and his friend Bruce Dow (Speed.)
Dion Johnstone (Valentine) and Gareth Potter (Proteus) were delightful leading men, busy wooing Sophie Walker (Julia) and Claire Lautier (Silvia). The usual chaos ensues, but the lovers come together at the end.
A silly play that might have been funnier if it were not the last of eight plays in five days!
This is a silly play, where the funniest performance was given by the dog, with good support from his master Robert Persichini (Launce) and his friend Bruce Dow (Speed.)
Dion Johnstone (Valentine) and Gareth Potter (Proteus) were delightful leading men, busy wooing Sophie Walker (Julia) and Claire Lautier (Silvia). The usual chaos ensues, but the lovers come together at the end.
A silly play that might have been funnier if it were not the last of eight plays in five days!
The Tempest
Christopher Plummer's star power may be pulling them in, but the production as a whole is worth praise and the standing ovation it received at the end.
Des McAnuff used the special effects brillaintly in this production - not only using the stage, but the whole theatre to great effect. Everything came together into a wonderful production.
Plummer's Prospero was note perfect - the smallest gestures had meaning and made sense. His was a very human Prospero, but no less magical for that.
Trish Lundstrom and Gareth Potter were well matched as the young lovers. Julyana Soelisto was a marvellous Ariel - not a waif, but definitely a spirit. Dion Johnston was anguished as Caliban - it was hard to remember that this role can also be played for laughs.
But for laughs we had Bruce Dow and Geraint Wynn Davies as Trinculo and STephano. Both were hilarious and the comedy never got in the way of the story but added to it. McAnuff really seems to know how to direct the low parts.
Fantastic production - a sell out for the season.
Des McAnuff used the special effects brillaintly in this production - not only using the stage, but the whole theatre to great effect. Everything came together into a wonderful production.
Plummer's Prospero was note perfect - the smallest gestures had meaning and made sense. His was a very human Prospero, but no less magical for that.
Trish Lundstrom and Gareth Potter were well matched as the young lovers. Julyana Soelisto was a marvellous Ariel - not a waif, but definitely a spirit. Dion Johnston was anguished as Caliban - it was hard to remember that this role can also be played for laughs.
But for laughs we had Bruce Dow and Geraint Wynn Davies as Trinculo and STephano. Both were hilarious and the comedy never got in the way of the story but added to it. McAnuff really seems to know how to direct the low parts.
Fantastic production - a sell out for the season.
Do Not go Gentle
Geraint Wynn Davies and Dylan Thomas - an outstanding combination. Thomas as a poet competes with Thomas the drunk, and Wynn Davies makes both totally believable.
Funny and sad and beautiful. Just excellent.
Funny and sad and beautiful. Just excellent.
The Winter's Tale
A very spare and elegant interpretation of the play. Ben Carlson was great as Leontes - a difficult role to play since the jealousy is so irrational and appears so suddenly. Dan Chameroy was very good as his counterpart and friend Polixenes. Yann McIntosh was also excellent as Hermione, as was Cara Ricketts as Perdita. But the two comedians stole the show - Tom Rooney as Autolycus the thief and Mike Shara as Young Shepherd. Rooney even engaged the audience using his beggar bowl to get more laughs.
Sean McKenna as Paulina was of course outstanding. It is amazing to think that the last time we saw this play, Patricia Hamilton played this part for laughs, by lisping. McKenna's interpretation was very different - very serious, very much the advocate. I think it fits the play better.
Sean McKenna as Paulina was of course outstanding. It is amazing to think that the last time we saw this play, Patricia Hamilton played this part for laughs, by lisping. McKenna's interpretation was very different - very serious, very much the advocate. I think it fits the play better.
Dangerous Liaisons
Evil or just bored and amoral? Seana McKenna (La Marquise de Merteuil) and Tom McCamus (Le Vicomte de Valmont) were brilliant as the twosome competing to see who could cause the most trouble.
The two victims Sara Topham (Le Presidente de Tourvel) and Bethany Jillard (Cecile Volanges) had no chance in the face of the determined pair.
The bystanders - Martha Henry (MMe de Rosemonde), Yanna McIntosh (Mme de Volanges) and Michael Therriault (Le chevalier Danceny) are oblivious to the danger and to the results. Strong performances all around. Fabulous costumes and great use of the Festival stage.
The two victims Sara Topham (Le Presidente de Tourvel) and Bethany Jillard (Cecile Volanges) had no chance in the face of the determined pair.
The bystanders - Martha Henry (MMe de Rosemonde), Yanna McIntosh (Mme de Volanges) and Michael Therriault (Le chevalier Danceny) are oblivious to the danger and to the results. Strong performances all around. Fabulous costumes and great use of the Festival stage.
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
We saw this performed in the early 70's and remembered enjoying it. But once the music began, I realized that we must have bought the album and played it a lot! Unfortunatley it did not make the transition from album thrugh cassette to cd. Immediately after the show Keith downloaded the original sound track - interestngly the Stratford cast sounds better.
The cast was fantastic - even the understudy was fantastic. Brent Carver, Mike Nadajewski, Jewelle Blackman and Robin Hutton all have wonderful voices. My only complaint was that Robin Hutton is clearly not a French speaker, so her phrasing in Ne Me Quitte Pas was off.
Brilliantly staged with a new musical orchestration by Rick Fox, this productin was just wonderful. Stafford Arima is clearly a director to watch out for.
The cast was fantastic - even the understudy was fantastic. Brent Carver, Mike Nadajewski, Jewelle Blackman and Robin Hutton all have wonderful voices. My only complaint was that Robin Hutton is clearly not a French speaker, so her phrasing in Ne Me Quitte Pas was off.
Brilliantly staged with a new musical orchestration by Rick Fox, this productin was just wonderful. Stafford Arima is clearly a director to watch out for.
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again
A two person play is do dependent on great casting and this play had it in spades. Lucy Peacock as Nana and Tom Rooney as the Narrator were both perfect. Tom Rooney was the quiet observer who grows up during the play, but always remains close to Nana. He sees through her bluster to the love behind it and loves her for it.
Lucy Peacock plays the part as a larger than life figure - a womn who wants attention and loves to tell stories to get it. The pace and volume are fast and loud and intense to the point of exhaustion for her and the audience.
I saw this play performed in French a few years ago and do not remember Nana being so intense, but it certainly worked for Lucy Peacock. The energy did not prevent her from bringing things down in the moments of tenderness. When she puts her arms around her son, you almost have to cry.
Lucy Peacock plays the part as a larger than life figure - a womn who wants attention and loves to tell stories to get it. The pace and volume are fast and loud and intense to the point of exhaustion for her and the audience.
I saw this play performed in French a few years ago and do not remember Nana being so intense, but it certainly worked for Lucy Peacock. The energy did not prevent her from bringing things down in the moments of tenderness. When she puts her arms around her son, you almost have to cry.
As You Like It
I don't like this play and didn't particularly like this production. The surreal theme was visually interesting, but I could not find the point of it.
A number of performances stood out - Brent Carver as a very melancholy Jaques; Ben Carlson as Touichstone and Lucy Peacock as Audrey. The lead roles were competently performed but did not capture me enough to remember who played them.
I liked the music and the way it was integrated into the production.
At the seminar Lucy Peacock confided that there was something we should know about Audrey "I have a dog - a Saint Bernard!" It did explain everything.
Des McAnuff directed this production and it was certainly full of his touches and liking for the spectacular, but it did not work for me.
A number of performances stood out - Brent Carver as a very melancholy Jaques; Ben Carlson as Touichstone and Lucy Peacock as Audrey. The lead roles were competently performed but did not capture me enough to remember who played them.
I liked the music and the way it was integrated into the production.
At the seminar Lucy Peacock confided that there was something we should know about Audrey "I have a dog - a Saint Bernard!" It did explain everything.
Des McAnuff directed this production and it was certainly full of his touches and liking for the spectacular, but it did not work for me.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Jitters
David French wrote this in 1979 and it is just as funny today. It is very definitely a Canadian comedy, and one wonders if anyone outside of Canada would really appreciate it. Certainly the basic theme of stage fright, ego and human relationships woule resonate everywhere, but I must admit to finding the asides about Canadian culture, bureaucracy and our well known inferiority complex to be some of the funniest lines in the play. Are they funnier now than in 1979, I wonder, since they are not nearly as true as they used to be?
Oliver Dennis gave an outstanding performance as Phil, with strong competition from Diane D'aquila,(Jessica) Kevin Bundy (George) and C. David Johnson (Patrick) but my favourite was Jordan Pettle as Nick. Mike Ross is a promising new comer.
Oliver Dennis gave an outstanding performance as Phil, with strong competition from Diane D'aquila,(Jessica) Kevin Bundy (George) and C. David Johnson (Patrick) but my favourite was Jordan Pettle as Nick. Mike Ross is a promising new comer.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Fairy Tale Ending
Aiden's first theatrical experience was a great success. This musical, voted best of the Fringe (for kids) was a fun production starring Megan Tuck and produced Toronto Youth theatre.
The Doctor's Dilemma
Morris Panych and Ken MacDonald are a formidable duo when it comes to directing and designing. I particularly loved the sets of this play - stark, elegant and witty.
This is one of Shaw's better plays and the issue is as relevant now as ever before. Who lives and who dies, in a time of scarce resources?
Patrick Galligan was appealing as the doctor who falls in love with the patient's wife (Krista Colosimo.) The patient Louis Dubedat was played by Jonathan gould who hit all the right notes as the charming, amoral scoundrel, who happens to be a genius, too.
The other doctors were all excellent - Michael Ball, Ric Reid, Thom Marriott and Jonathan Widdifield.
This is one of Shaw's better plays and the issue is as relevant now as ever before. Who lives and who dies, in a time of scarce resources?
Patrick Galligan was appealing as the doctor who falls in love with the patient's wife (Krista Colosimo.) The patient Louis Dubedat was played by Jonathan gould who hit all the right notes as the charming, amoral scoundrel, who happens to be a genius, too.
The other doctors were all excellent - Michael Ball, Ric Reid, Thom Marriott and Jonathan Widdifield.
An Ideal Husband
This is at least the second time we've seen this play at Shaw, and have seen the movie at least twice as well, so there are no surprises in the plot. The success depends entirely on the cast and the production.
I enjoyed the play, but was certainly not overwhelmed by it. I found the wife, played by Catherine McGregor, to be too cool to be appealing or to engage my sympathy. Idealism is one thing, but it can be played with a little more passion.
The rest of the cast were excellent, in particular Wendy Thatcher as Lady Markby, Steven Sutcliffe as Viscount Goring and Lorne Kennedy as as Lord Caversham. Moya O'Connell was delightfully evil as Mrs Cheveley.
I enjoyed the play, but was certainly not overwhelmed by it. I found the wife, played by Catherine McGregor, to be too cool to be appealing or to engage my sympathy. Idealism is one thing, but it can be played with a little more passion.
The rest of the cast were excellent, in particular Wendy Thatcher as Lady Markby, Steven Sutcliffe as Viscount Goring and Lorne Kennedy as as Lord Caversham. Moya O'Connell was delightfully evil as Mrs Cheveley.
Half an Hour
J. M. Barrie wrote this play and true to the title, it has a running time of half an hour.
Diana Donnelly was great as the wife who plans to run away with her lover, only to have her daring plan overthrown when he is run over by a bus! What can she do but go home again and hope she can get safely inside before her husband finds out she has gone.
Peter Krantz, Gord Rand and Michael Ball round out the rest of the cast, managing to make their characters real, even in such a short time.
Fun and suspenseful all at once.
Diana Donnelly was great as the wife who plans to run away with her lover, only to have her daring plan overthrown when he is run over by a bus! What can she do but go home again and hope she can get safely inside before her husband finds out she has gone.
Peter Krantz, Gord Rand and Michael Ball round out the rest of the cast, managing to make their characters real, even in such a short time.
Fun and suspenseful all at once.
Harvey
I am a big fan of Peter Krantz and had no doubt that he would be an excellent Elwood P. Dowd. He was. Not only was he delightful as Elwood, he made Harvey seem so real you could practically see him.
Shaw did their usual excellent job with this play. Great cast, excellent scenry and great overall production. Who cares if it is a silly slight play? It was a very enjoyable evening at the theatre.
Shaw did their usual excellent job with this play. Great cast, excellent scenry and great overall production. Who cares if it is a silly slight play? It was a very enjoyable evening at the theatre.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Evita
There was really only one thing I did not like about this production - in the first act everyone seemed to be screaming rather than singing- a great pity since the music is great. Maybe it was a problem with the mikes because it did not happen in the second act.
The audience loved it and gave a standing ovation - I would not go that far. Great performances by Chilina Kennedy (Evita) and Josh Young (Che). Juan Chioran was fine as Peron, but it is actually quite a small part.
I love the music in this show and am always happy when I can leave a musical singing.
The director Gary Griffin also directed the acclaimed West Side Story last year, which we did not see.
The audience loved it and gave a standing ovation - I would not go that far. Great performances by Chilina Kennedy (Evita) and Josh Young (Che). Juan Chioran was fine as Peron, but it is actually quite a small part.
I love the music in this show and am always happy when I can leave a musical singing.
The director Gary Griffin also directed the acclaimed West Side Story last year, which we did not see.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
London Assurance
Another televised production from the National Theatre in London. A very frivolous play, but great fun and well worth watching. Sometimes it is nice to see a set of unfamiliar actors, although several of this cast are quite familiar faces from British television. And Michele Terry, who played Grace is familiar from the National Theatre production of All's Well That Ends Well, last fall.
Spectacular performances from Simon Russell Beale as Sir Harcourt Courtly (Brian Bedford's role in the Stratford production) amd Fiona Shaw as Lady Gay Spanker (Seana McKenna). richard Briers was charming as Adolphus Spanker and Matt Cross was a terrific Richard Dazzle.
Spectacular performances from Simon Russell Beale as Sir Harcourt Courtly (Brian Bedford's role in the Stratford production) amd Fiona Shaw as Lady Gay Spanker (Seana McKenna). richard Briers was charming as Adolphus Spanker and Matt Cross was a terrific Richard Dazzle.
Monday, June 28, 2010
One Touch of Venus
Ultimately a forgettable musical, although the promise of music by Kurt Weill and lyrics by Ogden Nash had me hoping for more.
the cast was great, the staging was great, but ultimately the whole was not enough. Leaving the theatre, the phrase about the talking dog came to mind : "it was not what he said, but the fact that he talked at all!". Maybe this play is the evidence that the restrictions of the mandate are getting in the way. Then again, maybe it was seeing "The Women" the same day that was the problem - you can only take so much New Jersey squealing!
I did really enjoy the dance number Dr Crippen> In fact I liked it all - just not enough.
the cast was great, the staging was great, but ultimately the whole was not enough. Leaving the theatre, the phrase about the talking dog came to mind : "it was not what he said, but the fact that he talked at all!". Maybe this play is the evidence that the restrictions of the mandate are getting in the way. Then again, maybe it was seeing "The Women" the same day that was the problem - you can only take so much New Jersey squealing!
I did really enjoy the dance number Dr Crippen> In fact I liked it all - just not enough.
The Women
Our first production at the Shaw Festival this year, the Women is a very dated and very unflattering view of women in groups. Gossip and bitchiness are the theme; affairs and divorce the subject. I certainly don't treat my women friends this way, nor do we spend all our time gossiping about the women who are absent. But I have to admit, the play has a lot of great lines, many of which caused the man two rows in front of us to bellow with laughter.
Jackie Maxwell has brought together a great cast of women, as usual. The settings were spectacular and the costumes made me sigh for a more formal life style so I could have an excuse to wear those dresses!
It was a light comedy, but somehow did not srike quite the right note for me.
Jackie Maxwell has brought together a great cast of women, as usual. The settings were spectacular and the costumes made me sigh for a more formal life style so I could have an excuse to wear those dresses!
It was a light comedy, but somehow did not srike quite the right note for me.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Hommage
A slight play about an incident in which an artwork was destroyed and the artist sued for destruction of his copyright. He won, a judgement I do agree with.
The play was about this theme, but also about spending your life doing what is important to you.
Good cast and good peformances and a very effective set. But not really worth the trouble.
The play was about this theme, but also about spending your life doing what is important to you.
Good cast and good peformances and a very effective set. But not really worth the trouble.
The Infernal Comedy
Subtitle is confessions of a serial killer. I wanted to kill someone before it was over.
We went to see this because it was starring John Malkovich. Unfortunately that was not enough.
He spoke with a fake Austrian accent - in my view unnecessary because he was supposed to be dead. Two sporanos sang a series of death arias all by different classical composers, but somehow they all sounded alike. Italian but no surtitles, although you didn't really need a translation.
Totally boring - one of those times when you really wished for an intermission.
We went to see this because it was starring John Malkovich. Unfortunately that was not enough.
He spoke with a fake Austrian accent - in my view unnecessary because he was supposed to be dead. Two sporanos sang a series of death arias all by different classical composers, but somehow they all sounded alike. Italian but no surtitles, although you didn't really need a translation.
Totally boring - one of those times when you really wished for an intermission.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Tragedies Romaines
On a whim, after reading a rave review, we booked tickets to one of three performances, made a hotel reservation and hopped on the train to Montreal. After all, who would not jump at the chance to see all three of Shakespeare's Roman tragedies (Coriolanus, Julius Caesar and Anthony and Cleopatra) performed non stop. In Dutch with French and English Surtitles!
Thank heavens we jumped! A truly stunning performance that took six hours, and was just amazing. No long intermissions at all - but every time there was a set change, you got four minutes (sometimes five) to get up and change seats. There was a bar on the stage, selling drinks and snacks. There were also seats on the stage, so you could see the play from a very different perspective. We sat in seven different locations. The longest break was ten minutes in the middle of Anthony and Cleopatra.
The cast were of course completely unkown to us, but were uniformly excellent.
Toneelgroep Amsterdam is the company, and one that we will watch for again. Ivo Van Hove, the general director of TA, created the production.
Coriolanus is still one of the weakest of Shakespeare's plays, but the other two are among his strongest and more than compensated. It is just impossible to warm up to Corilanus ( I had nver thought of him as a Nazi, but this performance brought that to mind.) but the staging was great. It starts with his mother and wife are in an airport waiting lounge, expecting him to return from the wars. This enabled the bar on stage, the use of video and other technology all in context.
The use of video was innovative and very important to the production.
You had to be thre to really get the sense of this production, but everyone who was there loved it. There was at least a five minute standing ovation at the end, in which we whole heartely joined.
Thank heavens we jumped! A truly stunning performance that took six hours, and was just amazing. No long intermissions at all - but every time there was a set change, you got four minutes (sometimes five) to get up and change seats. There was a bar on the stage, selling drinks and snacks. There were also seats on the stage, so you could see the play from a very different perspective. We sat in seven different locations. The longest break was ten minutes in the middle of Anthony and Cleopatra.
The cast were of course completely unkown to us, but were uniformly excellent.
Toneelgroep Amsterdam is the company, and one that we will watch for again. Ivo Van Hove, the general director of TA, created the production.
Coriolanus is still one of the weakest of Shakespeare's plays, but the other two are among his strongest and more than compensated. It is just impossible to warm up to Corilanus ( I had nver thought of him as a Nazi, but this performance brought that to mind.) but the staging was great. It starts with his mother and wife are in an airport waiting lounge, expecting him to return from the wars. This enabled the bar on stage, the use of video and other technology all in context.
The use of video was innovative and very important to the production.
You had to be thre to really get the sense of this production, but everyone who was there loved it. There was at least a five minute standing ovation at the end, in which we whole heartely joined.
Faith Healer
An Irish play with the usual Irish angst. But a formidable cast of three managed to pull it off, keeping us riveted throughout. You could not do this play with any weak cast, but Stuart Hughes, as Frank, Brenda Robbins as Grace and Diego Matamoros as Teddy were all superb. Who would think of Diego Matomoros as a Cockney? Now I do.
A story of faith, love and disappointment. The same story is told from three perspectives; you end up knowing all and knowing nothing.
A story of faith, love and disappointment. The same story is told from three perspectives; you end up knowing all and knowing nothing.
The Chester Plays
The chance to see part of the cucle of medieval mystery plays known as The Chester plays was too good to pass up. After all, how often can you see three plays before 10:30 in the morning?
We started with "The Harrowing of Hell", then moved to "The Resurrection" and finally to "The Ascension". Staged on wagons on the grounds of Victoria University (U of T), the whole series took three days, involved 300 actors and many acting companies, most from universities across North America. The weather was beautiful and the diehard fans could settle in for the day and be entertained.
This format of production was more casual than the Lincoln mystery plays we saw a couple of summers ago, but still fascinating. It is easy to imagine how powerful these pays were in the days when this was the only entertainment (unless you counting a hanging or bear bating) available.
Definitely an acquired taste and one that might be developed after a few classes on the subject.
We started with "The Harrowing of Hell", then moved to "The Resurrection" and finally to "The Ascension". Staged on wagons on the grounds of Victoria University (U of T), the whole series took three days, involved 300 actors and many acting companies, most from universities across North America. The weather was beautiful and the diehard fans could settle in for the day and be entertained.
This format of production was more casual than the Lincoln mystery plays we saw a couple of summers ago, but still fascinating. It is easy to imagine how powerful these pays were in the days when this was the only entertainment (unless you counting a hanging or bear bating) available.
Definitely an acquired taste and one that might be developed after a few classes on the subject.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Frankenstein
It is hard to review this production without complaining about the seats in the theatre. Row H seats 10 and 11 at the St Lawrence Centre are impossible seats. The next row is pressing against your knees for the whole time - so uncomfortable it was hard to focus on the play.
Having said that, even making accommodation for grumpiness caused by pain, I thought there were many weaknesses in this play. It was more an opera than a play, but not a single memorable song came out of it. More like a sung dialogue. I did not like the use of narrators - I am quite capable of following the plot if it is acted, rather than just demonstrated. The use of narrators made the play longer than it should be.
So we left at the intermission.
Having said all that, I thought the play was a visual spectacle. The costumes, the lighting and the staging all combined to make it fascinating to watch for at least the first eighty minutes. We probably would have stayed for the second act if the seats were not so bad.
Having said that, even making accommodation for grumpiness caused by pain, I thought there were many weaknesses in this play. It was more an opera than a play, but not a single memorable song came out of it. More like a sung dialogue. I did not like the use of narrators - I am quite capable of following the plot if it is acted, rather than just demonstrated. The use of narrators made the play longer than it should be.
So we left at the intermission.
Having said all that, I thought the play was a visual spectacle. The costumes, the lighting and the staging all combined to make it fascinating to watch for at least the first eighty minutes. We probably would have stayed for the second act if the seats were not so bad.
Monday, May 3, 2010
If We Were Birds
A very powerful retelling of the story of Philomela. This is difficult to watch because you know the women's stories are real and they are still happening.
Tara Rosling is great as Philomela. She ages from young innocent girl to victim and venge taker over the course of the play, and never slips out of character.
Phillipa Domville as her sister Procne is also excellent.
David Fox as King Pandion, thier father,is the archtype of the men who don't want to see what is really going on and who justify their actions in the name of national security.
Geoff Pounsett as King Tereus gives an excellent performance as the man who commits unspeakable acts and then claims it wasn't really his fault, as his blood made him do it.
The chorus of slave women spoke for all women who have been raped, for whatever reason, but most importantly for women raped as an act of war.
Erin Shields is definitely a playwrite worth watching.
Tara Rosling is great as Philomela. She ages from young innocent girl to victim and venge taker over the course of the play, and never slips out of character.
Phillipa Domville as her sister Procne is also excellent.
David Fox as King Pandion, thier father,is the archtype of the men who don't want to see what is really going on and who justify their actions in the name of national security.
Geoff Pounsett as King Tereus gives an excellent performance as the man who commits unspeakable acts and then claims it wasn't really his fault, as his blood made him do it.
The chorus of slave women spoke for all women who have been raped, for whatever reason, but most importantly for women raped as an act of war.
Erin Shields is definitely a playwrite worth watching.
Monday, April 26, 2010
This is What Happens Next
Daniel MacIvor wrote and stars in the one man production. The start is a bit weak - entering late and blathering on about being cuaght in a line at Starbucks, but it is funny and gets the audience into the mood to laugh. It also permtis him to transition the various scenes, since he has already broken the third wall.
Another play about misfits and outsiders. (Strange how our theatre going seems to follow themes!)
MacIvor is great in all the roles he plays and brings the separate stories all togther into one very effectively. I loved him best as Warren, but Kevin was also a very believable character. It nevers ceases to amaze me how thoroughly actors can transform themselves into another character simply by changing posture and voice.
Lighting and sound were very effective.
Another play about misfits and outsiders. (Strange how our theatre going seems to follow themes!)
MacIvor is great in all the roles he plays and brings the separate stories all togther into one very effectively. I loved him best as Warren, but Kevin was also a very believable character. It nevers ceases to amaze me how thoroughly actors can transform themselves into another character simply by changing posture and voice.
Lighting and sound were very effective.
Trout Stanley
Strange name for a man or a play! I have been searching for words to describe this play and the closest I can come is surreal. The characters are likeable misfits, caught in an odd situation. And yet, there is something that makes them representative of everyone who has felt like an outsider at some point. The humour is broad - I especially love the idea of the stripper/scrabble champion. The cast was good and clearly into the spirit of the show. Katie Lawson as Sugar Duchame has an easier time connecting with the audience, as her part is more sympathetic. Jessica Huras as Grace Ducharme has to overcome the tough broad part to reveal that inside she is actually not as strong as Sugar. Derek Moran was a solid Trout Stanley.
If I were producing this play, I would cut it back to 90 minutes and do it in one act. There is enough repetition to permit this, without losing the spirit of the play and you would then avoid the awkward break for an intermission.
If I were producing this play, I would cut it back to 90 minutes and do it in one act. There is enough repetition to permit this, without losing the spirit of the play and you would then avoid the awkward break for an intermission.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Oh What A Lovely War
A musical about the First World War - odd concept but interesting. The first act was a bit weak, but the second was definitely worth staying for. It picked up the horror of the war, projecting the staggering losses above the stage, and noting the lack of result.
Great cast - most of whom were not familiar.
It was odd to hear some of the songs with their original war themed words, and remember them as the more light hearted versions sung by sororities and fraternities. Keith tells me many of the songs were even older than the first world war, but were music hall tunes with the words changed for the war. Evolution occurs in music as in everything.
Great cast - most of whom were not familiar.
It was odd to hear some of the songs with their original war themed words, and remember them as the more light hearted versions sung by sororities and fraternities. Keith tells me many of the songs were even older than the first world war, but were music hall tunes with the words changed for the war. Evolution occurs in music as in everything.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Art
What is Art? a small question, but dealt with seriously and cleverly in this play.
We looked forward to seeing it becuase of the great cast - Peter Donaldson, Evan Buliung and Colin Mochrie are all favorites and they did not disappoint.
Donaldson caught exactly the right note as the skeptic, Mochrie was calm and forebearing in spite of his enthusiasm for the painting and Buliung was brilliant as the neutral friend dealing with his own problems. His entrance monologue was so good that the audience could not refrain from an ovation that was well deserved.
I saw this play first in the original french and enjoyed it then, even though I knew I was missing many of the jokes since the dialogue was so fast. The translation is excellent, so good that you would swear the play must have been written in English.
We looked forward to seeing it becuase of the great cast - Peter Donaldson, Evan Buliung and Colin Mochrie are all favorites and they did not disappoint.
Donaldson caught exactly the right note as the skeptic, Mochrie was calm and forebearing in spite of his enthusiasm for the painting and Buliung was brilliant as the neutral friend dealing with his own problems. His entrance monologue was so good that the audience could not refrain from an ovation that was well deserved.
I saw this play first in the original french and enjoyed it then, even though I knew I was missing many of the jokes since the dialogue was so fast. The translation is excellent, so good that you would swear the play must have been written in English.
The Overwhelming
Set in Rwanda on the eve of the genocide, this play asks questions about what is true and what is a lie and how can you tell the difference. Does knowing someone intimately for several years years ago really mean that you know them now? David Storch as Jack Exley thinks he knows his friend and he is sure he knows the answers to all the hard questions about right and wrong. But reality intervenes and he finds out that America is not Africa and things are not as obvious as he wants them to be.
His wife Linda White-Keeler, played by Mariah Inger thinks she too is seeing the truth only to have a rude awakening when reality intrudes.
The other big question asked by the play is whether your principles are more important than your family? Do you save your family or friend when forced to choose?
A truly excellent cast with Hardy Linehan as the local CIA agent and Nigel Shawn Williams as the doctor friend and Sterlin Jarvis as Samuel Mizinga.
Play was written by J.T.Rogers and produced by Studio 180 Theatre, who also produced Stuff Happens.
His wife Linda White-Keeler, played by Mariah Inger thinks she too is seeing the truth only to have a rude awakening when reality intrudes.
The other big question asked by the play is whether your principles are more important than your family? Do you save your family or friend when forced to choose?
A truly excellent cast with Hardy Linehan as the local CIA agent and Nigel Shawn Williams as the doctor friend and Sterlin Jarvis as Samuel Mizinga.
Play was written by J.T.Rogers and produced by Studio 180 Theatre, who also produced Stuff Happens.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Communion
Daniel MacIvor has apparently described this play as a love letter to his therapist, and it certainly protrays the client therapist relationship vividly.
But the play is not really about that - it is about realizing that each of us lives for ourselves and we have to stand on our own. Leda feels guilty about having lived her own life, and not having been a good mother. Is she being punished by her daughter's conversion ot evangelical Christianity? Or is Ann just living the life she wants?
The mother daughter dynamic is fascinating and well portrayed by Caroline Gillis and Athena Lamarre. Lamarre has fabulous body language - she captures a teenager perfectly - the posture, the shuffeling, the foot scraping are all perfect.
Sarah Dodd as the therapist struggles not to tell the client what to do, when everyone in the audience is having the same urge. "See your daughter" is the message, and ultimately the right message.
Good play, good cast, well worth watching.
But the play is not really about that - it is about realizing that each of us lives for ourselves and we have to stand on our own. Leda feels guilty about having lived her own life, and not having been a good mother. Is she being punished by her daughter's conversion ot evangelical Christianity? Or is Ann just living the life she wants?
The mother daughter dynamic is fascinating and well portrayed by Caroline Gillis and Athena Lamarre. Lamarre has fabulous body language - she captures a teenager perfectly - the posture, the shuffeling, the foot scraping are all perfect.
Sarah Dodd as the therapist struggles not to tell the client what to do, when everyone in the audience is having the same urge. "See your daughter" is the message, and ultimately the right message.
Good play, good cast, well worth watching.
Blind Date
Cabaret style set up, with wine and free popcorn available suggest right away that this is not just another play.
And when Mimi appears wearing her clown nose, the suspicion is reinforced. Improv Artist Rebecca Northan then goes shopping for her blind date and the lucky soul is launched into a 90 performance that can and does go anywhere. Northan is clearly talented at finding someone who will be able to respond to her improvisation, without panicking, and generally have a good time.
The result is hilarious. Men and women react differently to this evening, so the laughs are quite often gender specific! But everyone has a great time.
It would be fun to see it again to see how a different partners changes the dynamic.
And when Mimi appears wearing her clown nose, the suspicion is reinforced. Improv Artist Rebecca Northan then goes shopping for her blind date and the lucky soul is launched into a 90 performance that can and does go anywhere. Northan is clearly talented at finding someone who will be able to respond to her improvisation, without panicking, and generally have a good time.
The result is hilarious. Men and women react differently to this evening, so the laughs are quite often gender specific! But everyone has a great time.
It would be fun to see it again to see how a different partners changes the dynamic.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hush
Rosa Laborde who wrote Leo, has done another thought provoking play. The critics did not like the structure and found it confusing, but I disagree. I thought it waas well structured - kept you wondering what exactly was happening, but paying attention. It then came together elegantly at the end.
Tara Rosling as Talia gave her usual great performance. She has such a fantastic voice and uses it so well. Graeme Somerville is another Shaw Festival regular that is a pleasure to watch. the frustrated lover and father all in one.
Someone to watch is Vivian Endicott-Douglas who gave a terrific performance as Lily. Just the right balance between the little girl and the about to be woman. The scene in which she demonstrates her new safety skills is hilarious.
We have probably seen Conrad Coates at Stratford, but did not notice him. Now we will be on the lookout for him.
Tara Rosling as Talia gave her usual great performance. She has such a fantastic voice and uses it so well. Graeme Somerville is another Shaw Festival regular that is a pleasure to watch. the frustrated lover and father all in one.
Someone to watch is Vivian Endicott-Douglas who gave a terrific performance as Lily. Just the right balance between the little girl and the about to be woman. The scene in which she demonstrates her new safety skills is hilarious.
We have probably seen Conrad Coates at Stratford, but did not notice him. Now we will be on the lookout for him.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Once and for all we're gonna tell you who we are so shut up and listen
Not your usual piece of theatre. But fascinating and funny, once you get caught up in the rythmn and begin to see what is happening.
As parents, we could really appreciate the adolescent form - the rapid mood swings, the constant trial, the miserable linguistic habits, the sense that no one understands and nothing will ever be right.
This is a co-production with a Belgian theatre group Ontroerend Goed and Kopergietery - not something we are likely to run across and one of the great benefits of Worldstage at Harbourfront.
As parents, we could really appreciate the adolescent form - the rapid mood swings, the constant trial, the miserable linguistic habits, the sense that no one understands and nothing will ever be right.
This is a co-production with a Belgian theatre group Ontroerend Goed and Kopergietery - not something we are likely to run across and one of the great benefits of Worldstage at Harbourfront.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Intimate Apparel
The Canadian Stage partnership with Obsidian and Nightwood is bringing some interesting plays to a wider audience than might normally see them, and judging by the audience reaction, it is well received.
Obsidian's production of Intimate Apparel, by Lynn Nottage, portrayed a time and place that few in the almost all white audience could relate to, but dealt with issues that everyone can relate to - relationships, friendships and money. Raven Dauda's brought Esther to life - a plain, hardworking woman, so eager for love that she marries a man she barely knows. The result is disastrous - she loses her money and her husband. But she still has friends. The friendship with Mr Marks (Alex Poch-Goldin) is brilliantly developed by both actors. You feel such pain for the two of them, who are so clearly inlove, and so incapable of acting on thier desires. But they remain friends. When Esther touches his back, you want to cheer, or cry - the gesture is so moving.
A really great evening of theatre. Good play, great cast and excellent staging.
Obsidian's production of Intimate Apparel, by Lynn Nottage, portrayed a time and place that few in the almost all white audience could relate to, but dealt with issues that everyone can relate to - relationships, friendships and money. Raven Dauda's brought Esther to life - a plain, hardworking woman, so eager for love that she marries a man she barely knows. The result is disastrous - she loses her money and her husband. But she still has friends. The friendship with Mr Marks (Alex Poch-Goldin) is brilliantly developed by both actors. You feel such pain for the two of them, who are so clearly inlove, and so incapable of acting on thier desires. But they remain friends. When Esther touches his back, you want to cheer, or cry - the gesture is so moving.
A really great evening of theatre. Good play, great cast and excellent staging.
Monday, February 8, 2010
And so it Goes
A new play by George F Walker at Factory Theater. Loss of family - one daughter lost to schizophrenia, son who just leaves, father has lost his job, and mother feels she is losing everything.
Great cast - Peter Donaldson (bald) and Susan Coyne are the parents; Jenny Young played the daughter and Jerry Franken played Kurt Vonnegut - who acts as confessor andadvisor to the parents. When you can't afford a shrink an imaginary friend who happens to be a dead author will have to do instead.
A hard to show to watch as a parent - the destruction that Schizophrenia can cause is devastating.
I found the structure - a lot of little scenes and the use of black outs between scenes meant that the story did not build as well as I think it could have. The tension kept being interrupted.
But overall, an interesting discussion of a difficult subject.
Great cast - Peter Donaldson (bald) and Susan Coyne are the parents; Jenny Young played the daughter and Jerry Franken played Kurt Vonnegut - who acts as confessor andadvisor to the parents. When you can't afford a shrink an imaginary friend who happens to be a dead author will have to do instead.
A hard to show to watch as a parent - the destruction that Schizophrenia can cause is devastating.
I found the structure - a lot of little scenes and the use of black outs between scenes meant that the story did not build as well as I think it could have. The tension kept being interrupted.
But overall, an interesting discussion of a difficult subject.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cloud 9
Another play by Carly chcurchill. We saw this in Melbourne a number of years ago and enjoyed it then. This time, the play was not as fresh and surprising (even though it was 20 years old then), but the cast was amazing.
Actually, we decided to go becuase of the cast, as so many are favourites from Shaw, Soulpepper and Stratford. And the performances were what held the play together. Anne Marie Macdonald played Eddie in the first act and Betty in the second half. As a blonde she was cmoppletely unrecognizable.
David Jansen was good as Clive, but fantastic as Cathy (the little girl).
Evan Buliungwas a great Betty and even better as Edward.
Ben Carlson loomed as Joshua and was tough and sexy as Gerry.
Megan Follows had a triple play, but was best as Lin.
Yanna MacIntosh seemed comfortable in both her roles,
Blair Williams still blends into the background.
The play is not likely to last forever, but the cast have long careers ahead.
Actually, we decided to go becuase of the cast, as so many are favourites from Shaw, Soulpepper and Stratford. And the performances were what held the play together. Anne Marie Macdonald played Eddie in the first act and Betty in the second half. As a blonde she was cmoppletely unrecognizable.
David Jansen was good as Clive, but fantastic as Cathy (the little girl).
Evan Buliungwas a great Betty and even better as Edward.
Ben Carlson loomed as Joshua and was tough and sexy as Gerry.
Megan Follows had a triple play, but was best as Lin.
Yanna MacIntosh seemed comfortable in both her roles,
Blair Williams still blends into the background.
The play is not likely to last forever, but the cast have long careers ahead.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Courageous
A very interesting play about the Canadian Charter ! Actually, it is about the issues that arise from the charter and the impacts it has been having on Canadian society. What are the limits of individual rights versus group rights? How tolerant are we really?
Two plays in one, but tied together cleverly.
I came to see Patrick Gallivan and Tom Rooney - two of my favorite actors and was not disappointed. But what a bonus to see Brandon McGibbon and Maurice Dean Wint!
Brandon McGibbon played the slacker perfectly - initially his language and mannerisms were annoying, but as he took control of the second act, he became such a real person. Dumb with a heart of gold!
Maurice Dean Wint played two very different roles and did them so well you had a hard time remembering it was the same actor.
Good lighting and staging. Strong cast overall. An afternoon of interesting discussion.
Two plays in one, but tied together cleverly.
I came to see Patrick Gallivan and Tom Rooney - two of my favorite actors and was not disappointed. But what a bonus to see Brandon McGibbon and Maurice Dean Wint!
Brandon McGibbon played the slacker perfectly - initially his language and mannerisms were annoying, but as he took control of the second act, he became such a real person. Dumb with a heart of gold!
Maurice Dean Wint played two very different roles and did them so well you had a hard time remembering it was the same actor.
Good lighting and staging. Strong cast overall. An afternoon of interesting discussion.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Civil Elegies
We ended the 2009 season with a Soulpepper production of this one man show. The poems of Dennis Lee are performed to a video backdrop of images. It is surprisingly effective.
Mike Ross who created the play, also performed and played the piano.
Hard to reconcile the author of Alligator Pie with the bleak outlook expressed inthis set of poems.
We enjoyed the performance, but were not unhappy to hear those lovely words as we entered the theatre "ninety minutes, no intermission".
Mike Ross who created the play, also performed and played the piano.
Hard to reconcile the author of Alligator Pie with the bleak outlook expressed inthis set of poems.
We enjoyed the performance, but were not unhappy to hear those lovely words as we entered the theatre "ninety minutes, no intermission".
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