Mirvish - Backbeat

Perhaps it's from seeing Jersey Boys too many times (if that's possible), but this show was not was I was expecting. Looking forward to a retrospective style show, showcasing some of the Beatles greatest songs around a weak plot, as we followed them thru' the ages, I entered the theatre with only mild anticipation. This was not that show - it was so much better.

Backbeat is an exploration of the dynamics of differing friendships and passions and the stress imposed by a strong desire to succeed. It tells the tale of friendships born, torn asunder and balancing love with ambition. It fills in a hole in the Beatles history that many of us didn't know. It was a true storytelling experience, punctuated and enhanced by the music. Highly recommended.

Stay to the end so you don't miss the audience treat - serves those "jump out of their seats and run as soon as the curtain begins to close guys" right!

Soulpepper - Speed-the-Plow

It's not often that the announcement to turn off your cell phones by that lovely soft spoken lady over the intercom includes the instruction that this is a #*@!*ing Mamet show. Apparently profanity and acerbic comedic wit are characteristic of this playwright and there was plenty of this in the show. The three actors were incredible in their ability to deliver the fast paced, complicated and passionate dialogue. Sarah Wilson in particular was amazing in her mesmerizing fascination with the book she felt would make a good movie, so absolutely convincing and genuine. The script was very clever and kept you guessing to the very end as to what the ultimate outcome would be. Thoroughly enjoyable and its only 90 minutes long, so you should be able to squeeze this into your schedule.

Niagara Wine Tour

Can't think of a better way to spend a day with some old and dear friends and some new and interesting friends ......  

A little too early on Sunday morning, I was on the TTC at 9:00 am to meet a group of ladies for a wine-tasting day in the Niagara Region. My best friend put together an amazing itinerary of the top vineyards in the Niagara region, each with a special surprise. She also organized a limo for the day and we had the most charming and attentive driver, who took very good care of us and politely ignored the escalating wine-enhanced banter as the conversation inevitably turned to the shortfalls of the opposite sex.  

First stop was Flat Rock Cellars with a warm up of three tastings, followed by a full glass of the preferred wine. Our hostess made sure we started off well fortified with an excellent cheese plate to share on the patio overlooking the vineyard. Recommendation - don't forget your cooler - this was a really nice touch (particularly for those of us that don't do breakfast).  

Next stop, a full tour with tastings at Tawse Winery, the only organic, biodynamic, gravity-flow winery and a winner of numerous awards as best winery. An impressive facility, well worth the tour and not just because it was accompanied by tastings. Look for the chocolate samples, specifically formulated to go with wines - a nice change. The ladies did some shopping here.  

Pelham was a great stop - the tasting room is a lot of fun and lots on offer to try. Picked up a few ice wines only available at the winery and got some good tips on ice wine martinis, cocktails, etc.  

Got to Pizza in the Garden just in time to absorb the alcohol. Very creative pizzas, with wine pairings - who knew ! Nice leisurely lunch on the outdoor patio. Not enough umbrellas for all but we managed to chill here for a while.  

You really have to stop at Strewn for dessert. After a little sangria and ice wine sampling, we treated ourselves to a thick, creamy ice wine shake. Have to admit this was the highlight of the tour for me. Make absolutely sure that you stop here on your wine tour for a shake and take home some of the ice wines - some are impossible or hard to find at the LCBO. Don't be shy to ask for the recipe for the ice wine shake.

Not bad for one day - it started out looking like a pretty ambitious list of wineries on the tour but everyone had a wonderful day, with no unfortunate side effects (not for me anyway ......). Kudos to my friend for putting together such an amazing itinerary, finding an awesome driver and bringing together a great bunch of girls!

Cavalia - Odysseo

I have to admit that initially I was not interested in going to this show - I had seen the first one when it toured a few years ago and didn't think you could do much more with horses and expected this show would just be a repeat of the same moves, etc. But, after several friends raved about the show I finally broke down and bought tickets.

Odysseo is a lovely show - the horses are beautiful and one experiences the sensation that they are allowed to run free, the rhythm between the horse and rider is incredible to watch. Punctuated by rodeo tricks and horse show moves, there is a lot happening in this show. My daughter says I should be sure to mention the impeccable timing executed by the horse and riders. The combination of horse, rider and the circus act of ladies hanging from the ceiling from long drapes of cloth was very creative, putting a whole new "spin" on this act. A big feature of the show is the African dancers/athletes - amazing bodies (those awesome abs!) barely hint at the athletic prowess as they put on a display of jumps and airiel acrobatics, doing non stop flips across the stage. And what a magnificent stage - the wild west or an African Savannah - dirt hills and riders coming over the crest is impactful. The choreography and music, also wonderful. I could go on. Definitely deserves the multiple extensions and praise.
The ticket prices are a little steep, but it is a big production and the audience kept to a reasonable size so that all the seats are good - you should definitely consider it.

Fringe Festival - Help Yourself

Decided to take Mirvish's advice and book tickets for what their email ad said was "The best show of the Fringe". I didn't see any others, so can't say if this is true, but I am sure glad I saw this one. Help Yourself's main character is a psychologist of sorts who helps other people get over their guilt about doing things they shouldn't have. Not always honourable, his girlfriend isn't impressed with his profession and wants him to do something more respectable. Great show, great acting and, in case it makes it into the mainstream later, I don't want to give anything away other than to encourage you to run out and get tickets. I have to say - I didn't see it coming.