TIFF - Oscar Shorts

Live Action - an excellent selection of primarily foreign films, several set in strife torn countries. Really makes you think and value what we have.

Animation - quite a variety of style and tempo, but all very creative and touching.

Now we're looking forward to Oscar Night to find out which ones won !

Off Mirvish - Big Mouth

Intriguing history lesson of major conflicts and some Acts of God‎, this was an impressive amalgamation of some speeches from world leaders facing difficult times.

Soulpepper - Cowboy versus Samurai

Fun little show about escaping to a small mid-western town, where you don't really fit in. A classic romantic triangle, with an off beat theme. Highly recommended.

Theatre Paisse Muraille - Elle

Based on a true story, this incredible tale of one woman's endurance was awesomely portrayed by Severn Thompson. She really pulled us into the story.

Mirvish - Gaslight

An amazing performance by all leads created an intense and suspenseful show, effortlessly releasing the tension at points by a touch of humour. Our entire entourage of six strongly recommend this show.

Canstage - Hedda Gabbler

Narcissistic and without a conscience, a very convincing performance by Cara Ricketts as Hedda, was both compelling and repelling. ‎I felt myself wanting for the best, but dreading the worst. This feeling will stay with me for a while - bittersweet.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Heart of Steel: A Steel Plant Musical Comedy

Great tale about the women who took on the factory jobs when the men went off to war. Set in Cape Bretan, this charming musical featured East Coast dancing and music and a generally high level of revelry. What a great way to finish off the week!

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - A Man Walks into a Bar

Certainly tense at parts, not really funny, but definitely gives a sense of the imbalance of power in some male/female interactions.

TIFF - Top 10 Canadian Films: Closet Monster

Guy Madden described his film as 17 films within a film. They were sometimes built within a stacking doll, others nestled in a more irregular fashion. Featuring alternative adaptations to his favourite lost films, with every genre imaginable. It was not always easy to follow, but often intriguing and there was a sense of anticipation for the various endings to unfold. Probably needs a second viewing.

TIFF - Andy Warhol: Stars of the Silver Screen

Great collection of Warhol's photographs. Very interesting tidbits about his film, art, photographic work, obsession with celebrities - he embraced it all. A must see!

TIFF - Top 10 Canadian Films: Closet Monster

Awesome film and music, very sensitively following the coming of age of a young man, who is destined to  always be presented a difficult road - things will never come easy for him.

TSO - What Makes it Great: Mozart Symphony No 40 in G Minor

The audience was duly impressed with the conductor's skillful deconstruction of the piece in the first half - he is amazing! While I can't say I could pick out all of the things we learned while listening to the full piece in the second half, it was a pleasure to just relax and enjoy it. The Q and A afterwards was also informative and fun.

TIFF - Top 10 Canadian Films - Shorts 1

Five outstanding selections, one of which was shortlisted for an Oscar. It was a real treat to have the film makers available from three of the films for a Q and A afterwards. Strongly recommended.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Three Men in a Boar

Clever, funny, slapstick, it really grows on you.‎ All three actors are outstanding in their rapid repartee, physical humour and sharp comedic timing. They play off each other really well.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - From Judy to Bette

Showcasing the brassy dolls who paved the way for stronger female roles, these were not your typical ingenues. We were entertained by a brief history of Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Betty Hutton and Lucille Ball. Snippets from their large repertoire, including many favorites and several classics, were lovingly performed by Rebecca. She covered a lot in 30 min with her sweet voice.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Agamemnon

An intriguing interpretation of an old tale of sacrifice and revenge. The juxtaposition of ancient history with modern constructs is cleverly done. An outstanding cast who portrayed a dysfunctional family very, very well.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Blood Wild

What happens when a bag of money disappears. Watch trust and allegiances crumble as the gang tries to get to the truth. Warning - coarse language!

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Mockingbird

This play explored the themes, motifs and interpretations reflected in "To Kill a Mockingbird" to explore the grey area between right and wrong. While potentially dark, there was enough humour to lighten the load, but not the lingering conversations, as we continued to dissect the characters motivations and the right course of action well after the show. Thought-provoking and impactful.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Stuck

Charming improv with Natasha Boomer and a different guest each evening. The audience gets to throw out options for the theme and my "baseball mound" was it for tonight. This small, intimate environment made us feel like part of the show. While improv is not generally my favourite (I was experimenting tonight), there were enough chuckles to keep us happy.

T.O. Fringe - NSTF - Urban Myth

Awesome series of vignettes featuring raw and expressive street dancing, with amazing hand and footwork. Very talented and creative crews. Definitely a must see!

Cirque du Soleil - Toruk: The First Flight

This is the most creative staging I have ever seen. Overflowing with elaborate props, amazing techno video and nonstop tumblers, you barely notice the sparseness of Traditional circus acts. ‎A very fresh take for a cirque show, while still providing the high caliber entertainment we have come to expect from the company. Costumes and environment is very reminiscent of Avatar, as promised. Highly recommended.