Orchestra Toronto - Canada!

A lovely tribute to Canada's 150th birthday. In particular, we loved the composition by Elizabeth Raum. This orchestra may be a lot far out, but are worth making the trip to the Toronto Centre for the Arts.

CanStage - Spotlight Australia: Endings

With a few glimmers of interest in song and light, mostly the slow conversations did not reach me. This show was definitely not to my taste.

Tarragon - Midsummer

Highly enjoyable musical presenting a great story about two people with a penchant for making bad choices. Their paths criss cross with unusual and unforseen consequences. This two person cast does a stellar job of playing multiple roles. Strongly recommended.

Classic Albums Live - Elton John's Greatest Hits

Perfect execution of the greatest hits album, judging by the audience reaction. Some in the crowd were reliving their youth, helped by liquid encouragement no doubt, as they screamed and shouted and danced at their seats - a little over the top...

Factory Theatre - Little Pretty and the Exceptional

Moving, intense, dramatic, emotional - this was a very impactful play, with a stellar cast. The story rang true and we felt the pain. Strongly recommended.

Mirvish - Strictly Ballroom

A fabulous song and dance show with a stellar cast, lovely costumes and engaging love story. The choreography was amazing, as were the dancers. The leads had great chemistry and there were lots of gems throughout.

Nightwood - Century Song

Although a little too esoteric for my tastes (I didn't really get it), soprano Neema Bickersteth has a wonderful voice and impressive physicality. She put on a passionate and engrossing performance, punctuated and enhanced by creative video vignets. A charming if somewhat aimless voyage through time.

Ossington - Little Shop of Horrors

Campy and hilarious, with a charming revolving stage, we were entertained by a very exhuberant plant. Outstanding performances all around. Hugh Ritchie as Seymour was elastic and Jessica Harbor gave us a lovely embattled femme. Joey Graff showed tremendous versatility in several roles, in particular, a deliciously devious dentist.

Sheridan Theatre - How to Succeed in Business

Singing, dancing, acting, incredible choreography and costumes. Our expectations were well exceeded - we will be looking out for this graduating class, a very talented triple threat. A number of outstanding performers, with a stellar performance by the lead, will tell you all you need to know to succeed in your career.

TSO What Makes It Great - An American in Paris

Always fascinating, Rob Kapilow did not disappoint us today with his deconstruction of this piece, made even more interesting by contrasting the jazz segments by playing them with and without the jazz notes. I even think I was able to pick out some of the musical layers in the playing of the piece in the second half.

TSO POPS - Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Absolutely amazing show. Wonderful selection of songs, terrific choir (Amabile choirs) and awesome vocalists - Ryan Silverman was incredible. Reineke's passion and enthusuaism is infectious - he really knows how to put on a show.

Sheraton Theatre - Senza Luce

A charming original musical, with a whimsical premise, that addresses an age old theme of change and the disruptor in a new and refreshing way. Highly recommended.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Sound of the Beast

A multi talented performer and story teller, with an incredible ability to express a range of emotions. Her story of racial tension was thought provoking and clearly hits close to home.

CISMF

This music festival at Roy Thomson Hall, featuring the best music students from the independent school system, is a sold out affair, a great draw for family and friends. The calibre of the choirs, stage bands, concert bands and jazz band is impressive.

Canstage - 887

Fantastic autobiographical journey featuring and performed by Robert Lepage. Fantastic staging and Robert is a great storyteller. Absolutely not to be missed.

Queen's U: Agnus Etherington Art Centre - North Baffin Drawings

I managed to catch the show on North Baffin Drawings before it closed and it was worth squeezing into my right schedule. A very pleasant way to experience the lifestyle.

CanStage - Spotlight Australia: Jack Charles v. The Crown

Excellent show. A timely and relevant story about aboriginal struggles, Charles is a wonderful story teller and charming person. Backed by a fantastic band, we loved the show.

Soulpepper - Crawlspace

Delivered with self deprecating humour, this is an excellent show for someone who is contemplating buying a house, with many words of warning. Existing homeowners will laugh at the trials and may even be reminded of a few of their own.

Canstage - Kiss

A different experience, to be sure. Not wanting to give anything away, this play clearly depicts the impact of cultural references while also delving into personal connections.