Mirvish - Wicked

Wicked is right - funny, powerful and moving - my daughter and I loved the show. Definitely a crowd pleaser, judging by the repeated roars from the audience. Glinda is very well played as a delightfully self absorbed and self interested beauty while "The Wicked" is so wonderfully portrayed as tragic and seemingly evil - she is sadly misunderstood, a victim of fear and prejudice. Terrific performances all around !

CanStage - Helen Lawrence

Excellent show. Loved the film noir vibe and the enchanting film and stage duet. The story was riveting, with just the right amount of intrigue and deceit. A very strong cast. Lisa Ryder as Helen is a real babe. The house was packed so hopefully you can still get a ticket.

Scotiabank Women's Connection Event - Liane Davey

Lots of energy from Liane Davey, bestselling author of YOU FIRST: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done..  Through personal and entertaining stories, Liane shared some great hints and tips on how you can contribute towards making the teams you lead or participate in to be high performing. Check out her website changeyourteam.com or buy the book - I took away a few good ideas and actually implemented one less than 10 minutes after I got back to the office !

Factory Theatre - The Art of Building a Bunker

An intriguing look at one person's attempt to mask himself while undergoing sensitivity training. What anxieties underlie the fear and antagonism directed towards those who are different or challenge our beliefs. The actor's rapid fire delivery of multiple characters engaged in a healing circle was awesome. This play is opening Factory Theatre's season and is a very good reason to subscribe.

The Great Jewellery Heist

What a fun and entertaining way to raise money for a great cause. In it's fourth year, this ladies' luncheon in support of Brightpoint Active Healthcare was well attended. We were welcomed by Jeanne Beker and here was lots of lovely pieces on silent auction, featuring many local artists and including fine jewelry from Hillberg & Berk and Tiffany's. Some very special pieces attracted attention at the live auction. I’m told this event is sold out months in advance, so watch for it next year.

Buffer Festival 2014

Celebrating some of the most popular YouTubers and their channels/projects, we attended screenings for Mitchell Davis and Weezy Waiter. The YouTuber and his M.C./pal introduced each video clip in an interview format. While not well rehearsed, these exchanges were charming in their genuineness. The screenings were followed by "meet-up's", where the fans got an opportunity for a private chat and a photo. These generated lots of excitement.

Our final screening was the first episode of ‎Video Game High School 3, a series which will end after season 3 is complete. The series was made possible through funding by the fans. The producer called in for Q & A after the film and there were quite a few committed fans in the audience.

Buffer Festival ran for 3 days, supported by uTube, with screenings at the TIFF and Scotiabank Theatre. Our schedule was planned by my teen daughter and I was dragged along, as she hasn't yet found friends that share her passion. She was not disappointed and I quite enjoyed this window into her world.

Cirque de Soleil - Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities

What an amazing show! A new and refreshing cirque, loaded with terrific choreography throughout all the acts, some wonderful endearing moments  and fabulous costumes. The MC does the most incredible animal impressions. Book your ticket now!

TSO POPS - Best of the Beatles

Wonderful kick-off to the season. Great repertoire and awesome vocal ensemble from Finland - Rajaton. The first half was a wonderful rendition of the Sgt Pepper album and we were treated to the best of the number one hits in the second half. A great night out with my teenagers - we strongly recommend you subscribe to the rest of the season.

World Press Photo 14

These compelling images, ranging from environmental degradation to human suffering, and from grand landscapes to the celebration of the human spirit, will provoke a series of conversations. Warning - a few images are disturbing. You can find this free show at the street level of Brookfield Place.

CanStage - What Makes a Man

A departure from what we are used to - this was a Cabaret style show vs a play, barely musical theatre. However, the band was great and the four vocalists were all very strong, definitely commanding the room. Sort of made me feel like I needed to be sipping a glass of wine, though, to thoroughly enjoy the show.

Craft Ontario - Show at Wychwood Barns

Craft Ontario's inaugural show features gorgeous examples of fine jewelry, textiles, ceramics and more from established and emerging artists. Lots of irresistible pieces to appreciate and to take home. Also, a lovely venue to walk around and perfect way to spend a lovely fall afternoon.

Best of the Edinburgh Festival - Julie, Madly, Deeply

A lovely cabaret style show featuring the career highlights of Julie Andrews and treating us to all our favourites. Performed with many voices, expressing many personas, including Julie and those who most influenced her career, the talented two person cast demonstrated dexterity and a wonderful partnership. There are a few days left to catch the show - treat yourself for Thanksgiving!

Best of the Edinburgh Festival - The Boy with Tape on his Face

Clever, a little kooky, definitely entertaining. Loaded with sight gags and audience participation, this boy really charmed the audience and brought out the guffaws. Great show with friends or a date - bring a gang!

National Geographic Live - Steve Winter - On the Trail of the Big Cats

At least once in every show the photographer says " I was really scared in that moment". It never ceases to amaze me the lengths they will go to get that perfect shot. And what perfect shots we saw of the Big Cats - snow leopards, tigers and cougars. Awesome!

Blue Dot Tour

Entertaining and educational all in one evening. From song to poetry to impassioned speeches, featuring Stephen Lewis, the Bare Naked Ladies and Dr. Suzuki, the mood definitely reflected the urgency to keep our planet safe. We should all take up the cause in our communities, to increase pressure on the provinces, to entice our national government to enshrine environmental rights in the constitution. Not sure if the same entertainers are on all stops, but the Bare Naked Ladies definitely made the show in Toronto. When the Blue Dot Tour reaches your town, don't miss it! And take your kids.

CanStage - Kiss and Cry

I don't want to give away the charm of this piece, but it is a very clever construct, taking place on multiple stages and clearly delighting the audience. A love story of sorts, a life of loves actually. An interesting production worth experiencing.