TIFF - VR Pop-up #1

This virtual reality series of experiences was awesome. My daughter and I chose different experiences and it was fun to reflect and compare. The VR is so convincing, you truly feel as if you are looking around a room, moving along a pathway or about to be hit, without that 3D movie feel. Have a close look at the description in the website before you go - it would be helpful to have a better sense of which realities you want to experience, as there is only enough time to do about half in the two hour time slot.

Mirvish - A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder

An entertaining romp through murder as one by one the eccentric heirs are eliminated. Great choreography and song, comedic timing and creative sets propel this farce along wonderfully. An audience favourite.

ROM - Tattoos: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art.

Fascinating and intriguing show. Some tattoos are incredibly elegant and detailed, but others really leave you wondering just what the "wearer" thought was appealing. I couldn't help imagining the pain some of these must have inflicted .....

Luminato - James Plays - James III: The True Mirror

For the third time today, we are at the Hearn Theatre. The final episode of the James Plays opens with a lively song and dance routine. An interesting study of the narcissistic James III was fascinating and well presented.

Luminato - James Plays - James II - Day of the Innocents

Resuming after the death of James I when James II is just six years old we quickly progress through the manipulation of the young king essentially held captive by the family who wields power through his guardianship. The story largely deals with the changing relationship between him and his close childhood friend and lacks the exciting period drama we loved in the first show. Further up in the balcony seats for this performance we also found the acoustics a bit rougher requiring focused concentration on the dialogue.

Luminato - The James Plays - James I: The Key Will Keep the Lock

Outstanding beginning to the trilogy, this first play begins with the release of the first James from prison in England as an attempt to achieve peace between England and Scotland. Feeling very authentic, the ambiance of the Heart Theatre adds to the grit of the time period. Excellent acting, choreography and singing.

Soulpepper - Incident at Vichy

Very dramatic and compelling. You could feel the tension rise as each man was called. Clearly an audience favourite, there was lots of chatter on the way out.

Mirvish - Grace

What a blast - the energy from the stage was incredible. This guy really studied his role - it felt like the real thing, even some audience members got caught up in the excitement, rushing to the stage. A lot of fun, even if you are not an "original" Elvis Presley fan.