One of a Kind Show and Sale - Christmas 2015

With the largest collection of artisans in one place, at the perfect time of the year, you should not have trouble taking care of most of your Christmas list here with some lovely and unique gifts, across all price ranges. Unfortunately, many of us get carried away buying for ourselves with all this temptation. Fashions, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, glass, sculpture, paintings, etc. - there is something for everyone's taste and budget. Tickets savings can be had online, but time is running out as the show finishes soon.

Knightwood - Nirbhaya

The impact of the brutal attack on a young woman and her companion on a bus in New Delhi galvanized a nation.‎ Sharing some very powerful and difficult stories about the hardships women face in India, we were left with a deep sense of sadness that permeated for many days. A very moving and sensitive play that is important to experience.

Mirvish - Dirty Dancing

While no one can recreate the magic of Patrick Swayzey and Jennifer Grey, these two gave it their all. The dancing was amazing, the old fashioned ambiance of the resort charmed us, the drama was authentic and the audience roared at the end.‎ While the dialogue was a little stilted at parts, it was more than made up for by keeping true to the story and the beautiful vocals - Jennlee Shallow and Doug Carpenter (just wish we got to hear more from Doug - he was awesome). If you're a fan of the movie, this show won't let you down.

Off Mirvish - Seminar

Impressive performances, particularly from Tom McCamus, who creates a perfectly unlikable but compelling character. Neurosis abound, impressive dialogue interspersed with laughs and even a little salacious behavior. We really enjoyed this show.

CanStage - Domesticated

Very well done, for an unpleasant topic. Featuring Paul Gross, the acting is amazing and felt like a genuine portrayal of the impact of a scandal each of the injured parties. I didn't quite catch the parallel between the male/female dynamic in the natural world to events in the play as it unfolded - I want to see it again and pay more attention to the species commentary, as this was very insightful.

ROM - Pompeii, Wildlife Photography

Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano is a fascinating show. The accompanying commentary was compelling and to the point. Lots of incredible artifacts, from the beautiful copper statues and other incredible artifacts and fresco's preserved by the volcanic ash to the haunting plaster casts of some of the thousands who lost their lives. Really brings home the power of nature.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit was jam packed with awesome nature photographs, wonderfully capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

TSO - James Bond: The Music

Fantastic show! Hard to beat the iconic music of James Bond. Both Ron Bohmer and Capathia Jenkins more than met our expectations, in particular, it doesn't get much better than Capathia - so sweet! The conductor and orchestra were clearly into the music and definitely an audience favourite. Introducing a few other spy-fi themes from other classic films in the same genre in the second half was a great idea. Contributing to the ambiance, we had the treat of sharing our row with a trio of Bond fans handsomely decked out in tuxes and evening dress.‎ 

Factory Theatre - Banana Boys

A very interesting male perspective that I can't say ‎I have experienced before. Surprising sensitivity interspersed with racial strife and relationship disappointments. While I didn't always get some of the asides, the clever use of cell phones and outstanding acting across the board made for a wonderful experience that kept us talking long after the show ended.

National Geographic Live! - Ocean Wild: The Light Beneath the Seas

Great show, featuring various fascinating underwater creatures and habitats, closing with a fabulous section on dolphins - they're smarter than you think! An avid conservationist, underwater photographer Brian Skerry's passion clearly came across and it is heartening to have such a compelling advocate fighting for marine life.

AGO - J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free; Camera Atomica; Liz Magor

Squeaking in before the end of a show is always a mistake, as the crowds swell, but it was nonetheless worth the visit.  

I started with the J.W. Turner show and loved the breathtaking landscapes, ranging from ethereal to romantic. Next came Camera Atomica, with its disturbingly beautiful photos, depicting the magnitude of nuclear power and the devastation it can wrought. Lastly, I stopped it to view Liz Magor's clothing and artifacts in a box, with numerous boxes filled with branded clothing and found items stitched together to tell a story - it was an enjoyable exercise to ponder each box and attempt to decipher it's meaning. All in all, an excellent visit to the AGO today.

TSO Exposed: What Makes It Great - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2

Just love this series. Really enjoyed hearing all about the history and structure of the piece and the style of the particular composer. The little asides on personality quirks are also amusing. And then there is the full performance of the piece in the second act - awesome!

Ossington - Legally Blonde

Great casting and creative tweaking of the story line created a perfect stage version of one of my daughter's ‎favourite films. Lots of fun, great dance numbers and non-stop laughs really hit the mark.

Acting Up Stage Company - Uncovered: Simon and Garfunkel

Fans of Simon and Garfunkel would not be disappointed with this show. The arrangements were well done, with only a few significant departures from the sounds we love. Awesome voices and interesting relationship tidbits provided a very enjoyable evening. Our group of 7 will all thrilled with the show.

Mirvish - Sherlock Holmes

Playing to a packed house, we were clearly surrounded by Sherlock Holmes fans young and old. ‎A campy version, with the requisite villains and lady in distress, this rather unique Sherlock joyfully sleuths his way through a diabolical murder, too bad he couldn't deliver his lines consistently. Lady Irene seemed to be lost on stage much of the time. Watson finally warmed up in the second half. The only stand-out was the debonair Moriarty.