Friday, 27 February 2015

Art of Time Ensemble - Magic and Loss: A Tribute to Lou Reed

Amazing musicians and arrangements of Lou Reed songs. Obviously many audience favourites, judging from the enthusiastic response, closing with an awesome rendition of The Wild Side. All the performers were great - it would be unfair to single any one out.

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Mirvish - Robin Hood

My daughter saw this show the first time on Christmas Eve and couldn't wait to go again. She enjoyed it just as much this time, eagerly anticipating the best parts, and wanting to see it yet again! It was campy and fun, charming and athletic, with really creative staging. A wonderful family night out or date night.

Saturday, 21 February 2015

Soulpepper - Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Based on a real life event in Italy in 1969, this play was a brilliant farce of police work gone awry. Updated for Toronto and current events, there were many parallels and comic moments that you weren't sure you should really be laughing
at. Filled with racial stereotyping, off color mayoral
references, its a real shame if you missed this. The last show was today, but we can hope that Soulpepper brings it back in the near future.

Wednesday, 18 February 2015

TSO POPS - From Bach to Bluegrass

We thoroughly enjoyed the "Time for Three" classically  trained string trio, who had a lot of fun mashing classical music with some rousing country and pop music. These guys were absolutely awesome and are extremely talented, making the instruments do some incredible things.

Thursday, 12 February 2015

Factory Theatre - Twisted

A very raw interpretation of Oliver Twist. This type of story has been told many times and unfortunately this version was not fresh. The gallant, but ultimately futile attempt to save someone who was not really interested in saving themselves only started to move us towards the end. Thank goodness the performers were outstanding. 

Sunday, 8 February 2015

CanStage - The Other Place

Tamsin Kelsey is awesome in her portrayal of a woman,used to commanding the room as a respected researcher, coming to grips with descent into early dementia. We grieve with her as she suffers anew from old unpleasant memories, re-establishing their grip. And in some way we also identify with her suffering husband, desperately wanting his wife back, although he is selfish in his behaviour. Very powerful performance - we strongly recommend it.

Friday, 6 February 2015

ROM - Friday Night Live: Carnival

A lovely night out at the ROM with food, drinks and entertainment. While we weren't really free to explore the ROM with our wine, there were sufficient galleries where this was permitted to enjoy the experience. The food vendors had scrumptious offers, bars were set up everywhere and the calypso, salsa, etc. music enhanced the festive feel. If you decide to attend one of these events I recommend you head up a level for your purchase of food/drink tickets, particularly upon arrival, as there are no line-ups there. Going with a group of friends seemed to be the norm.

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Ossington Theatre - Spring Awakening

Fitting just about every coming of age experience one might expect in a play about young adults, this could be a little overwhelming. However, the score, comedic moments and sensitivity carry us through. Enjoy some amazing dance numbers and powerful voices. Judging from the audience at our performance, also a big crowd pleaser.