The Walrus Talks: We Desire a Better Country

The last stop on the 13 province and territory tour featured several special speakers, either Order of Canada recipients or young leaders. Providing inspiring and thoughtful commentary on what each desires or wants to make a better  country, we are encouraged to do our part.

Musical Stage Company - Onegin

A complicated and poignant love story, this fantastic show featured great songs, a terrific onstage band, beautiful music, suspense and charming characters. A lovely and lively interpretation of a well known Russian poem.

Contact Photography Festival - Route #3

Today I headed to the Junction for a cluster of 10 exhibits in a neighbourhood full of shops to visit, cafes to refresh at or places to grab a snack. I enjoyed fascinating arctic landscapes and storms from a storm chaser and meteorologist, iconic Toronto landscapes and odd circus performers. 

Soulpepper - For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf

Relationships and the challenges of loving or wanting someone who has a different view of commitment can manifest in many ways. A very talented cast takes us through various scenarios, some very intense.

Gardiner Museum - Janet Macpherson: A Canadian Bestiary

Very fascinating show by Canadian ceramist Janet Macpherson, who was commissioned by the Gardener to do a 150th celebration of Canada. The intricate and thought provoking animal sculptures are beautiful and original. I particularly like the migration and the dual faced owl, although all the pieces are lovely! The show ends soon, so hurry as you won't want to miss it.

National Geographic Live! Rhinos, Rickshaws and Revolutions

Capturing the happy moments in the midst of conflict was poignant, but still difficult to absorb so Ami Vitale refocused her formidable skills on capturing wildlife around the world and the unique and touching stories they embody. Passionate and determined, this was an amazing presentation.

Contact Photography Festival - Route #2

A great day for a lovely walk. Starting at Ryerson with 8 exhibitions and installations (Suzy Lake generated some discussion, but my favs were the student exhibition and the Canadian Identitynexhibition). Next, over to Mackenzie House (charming additional benefit to tour his home), then Dundas and McCaul for 9 exhibitions in and around OCAD and the AGO and a great lunch on Baldwin. A short walk to Spadina and Richmond where 6 exhibitions can be found at 401 Richmond (quite enjoyed Peter Dusek's Ontario landscapes). Next we head to 80 Spadina with a number of options (great candid Justin Biedermeier photo), then east along King for a few outdoor installations. Definitely a very productive route!

Art of Time - Doghouse Roses: The Words and Music of Steve Earle

The performers truly engaged the audience. It never fails to amaze me the incredible talent we have in Canada. Bourashka creates an intimate ambiance, inviting the audience into the performance.

Contact Photography Festival - Route #1

With over 200 exhibitions it will be quite the challenge to fit in as many as we can. We start with the financial district: Brookfield Place, Scotiaplaza, First Canadian Place (National Pictures of the Year definitely worth the visit) then a short walk tomSt Lawrence Market and then finishing at the Distillery District where we take in four exhibitions (Abandoned Sentries was intriguing). Note maps and calendars are available at all locations and at the head office at 80 Spadina.

Soulpepper - Wildfire

Touching adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, very well performed by a cast of actors with Down Syndrome. Some humour, some tragedy, a love story and a very strong message.

Crow's Nest Theatre - Illusions

Funny, intriguing, exhilerating, surprising - these four are great storytellers, exuding a familiarity and camaradarie as if they are the characters in the story.

Canstage - Spotlight Australia: The Return

Impressive athlecism and the wonderful composition was a perfect compliment to the choreography. While more like a dance (not my favourite genre) the acrobatics brought a sense of awe to the performance.

Stars On Ice

I simply love this show - it makes me feel good throughout. Great music, amazing artistry of the skaters, awesome choreography and incredible energy and passion emanating from the ice. What's not to love!

Soulpepper - I'm Doing This for You

Quirky and quite odd for Soulpepper, we were nonetheless intrigued. Interactive and a little vaudevillian, Hayley McGee kept our attention and elicited a range of emotions from laughter to surprise to empathy, wondering if the story was going to end well. Expertly played, it's fun partying with McGee.