Nightwood Theatre - Stockholm

Wow ! What a powerful play. It starts out harmoniously and a little bit syrupy, making you wonder where this is going. A little bit of discord starts to seep in, a hint of what is to come. The discord begins to escalate and you begin to figure out what is going on, but not quite getting it until a climatic moment arrives, completely unexpected. It was explosive, felt unscripted and was incredibly bold. It left you feeling shaken and you then shared in the forgiving that followed as the tensions de-escalated. My friend and I discussed the play all the way home and it continues to haunt me. In particular, we wondered how many people we knew who suffer in silence in this manner.


The show is only running to the end of this week so you will have to move fast if you want to see it, which I think you should !

Mirvish - War Horse

What an amazing show ! We (my kids and I) absolutely loved the show. The horse puppets were incredible and the emotion and behaviours they exhibited felt very real. The play did a great job of capturing the flawed, yet still endearing characters, and demonstrated the good and the bad on both sides of the war - definitely true to the spirit of the book. The staging was great and the audio visual really enhanced the experience of vast space and activity. I absolutely recommend you see this show and definitely bring your kids. If they are old enough for the movie, they are old enough for this show and its a great introduction to live theatre if it is their first show.

Mirvish - Bring It On

Lots of moms and daughters in the audience. If you're a fan of Glee or Disney High School Musical shows, you would probably enjoy this show. The voices were great and strong, but the music became a little repetitive after a while. So unfortunately did the dancing - there are only so many ways you can build a cheerleader tower. The dancers were very strong though and did some amazing flips and jumps. A fun show, but I wasn't clamouring to bring my daughter after I saw it.

Yorktown Family Services - Tribute dinner

Learned about an amazing organization last night that supports women and children escaping abusive homes and running breakfast programs to ensure kids get a great running start for their day. I joined a Scotiabank table for the dinner honoring Don Tapscott and Ana Lopes. Several entertaining speeches by industry leaders. A great group of ladies (and one man)at the Scotiabank table. I strongly recommend you consider supporting Yorktown Family Services.

Soulpepper - You Can't Take it With You

What a great ensemble cast. A little bit hokey - sort of like the Fred Astaire type of singing TV movie reruns I used to watch on my mother's lap (its actually set in that time frame), but good, clean fun and non stop laughs, with a few tears thrown in for good measure. Absolutely a great show to enjoy with new and old friends. The family is quirky and loveable and you just want to hang out at their place. I certainly knew and envied a family like that when I was growing up - perhaps you did too.....

CanStage - The Game of Love and Chance

This play is an enjoyable romp of mistaken identity with great physical comedy, reminiscent of "I Love Lucy". The actors are all stellar in this production.

TSO Light Classics

Thoroughly enjoyed the Gershwin theme at the concert on Sat. eve. The Adagio for Strings was absolutely dreamy - must get that for my iPod. I wish I had the time to see more concerts - a truly amazing orchestra !

Fundraiser - Montcrest Gala at the Ritz

Had a fabulous time at the Montcrest Gala (fundraiser for my daughter's school). Food was great, ballroom was perfect, service was awesome. Definitely a great location for a fundraiser. The organizers did a fantastic job ! Managed to scoop an autographed poster of the Hunger Games for a very happy young lady ! Steven Ranger did a great job generating good returns on the live auction !

TSO POPS

Saw the TSO POPS last night, performing our favourite theme songs from Science Fiction TV shows and movies. Some great nostaglic pieces and, of course, Star Wars. George Takei was there to do the voice over for Star Trek TV theme. Also some great vocals from Kristen Plumley and the ESA chorus. And we always enjoy the entertaining Jack Everly.