Soulpepper - Yellow Rabbit

Hmmm. Not an original story and not really well executed, but there were some interesting twists. The "husband and wife" played well off each other.

Theatre Passe Muraille - The Runner

lntense and rivetting, Gordon Rand really draws you into the story. The staging was incredibly creative, from amplifying anxiety to signifying moments of calm to feelings of isolation and more - surprising how effective it was. An experience not to be missed.

Canstage - Every Brilliant Thing

A poignant and touching story about hope and wonder. A desire to help someone dear becomes a magnificent project. The interesting use of the audience to deliver some of the messages was lost sometimes though, as they did not project, but I think we got through gist.

Crowsnest Theatre - What I Call Her

A powerful play about female abuse survivors, how the experience shapes them, and the impact of the reaction from others to their accusations. A strong and talented cast that drew us deeply into the emotions and the horror.

Tarragon - The Message

This complex show, by a very high calibre assemble, generated a lot of discussion on the way home. We didn't get all of it but we certainly agreed with how technology is contributing to a decline in thinking, as It has facilitated a culture where speed of knowledge transfer and quick decision making is prized.

Mirvish - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy and Charlie (Henry for our show) were outstanding, as were the oompah loompahs - so creative. The sets were not as elaborate as we are used to for Mirvish, with the elevator being the biggest disappointment. However, the score and the choreography was fantastic.

Crowsnest Theatre - Middletown

A suberbly presented picture of anytown, anywhere, with "normal" people. While benign lives and stories it nonetheless generated a level of tension around expectations from what might be coming up. The scene changes were very clever and the astronaut segment was particularly clever and beautiful.

National Geographic Live! - Terry Virts: Nassau Astronaut - View From Above

A fascinating speaker, Terry had lots of awesome stories, pictures and thoughtful commentary about planet Earth. His comparison of the mundane vs the sublime was captivating and the perspective space gave him on what's important was heartfelt.

Museum of Illusions

Wow, what a lot of fun! Quite a number of Illusions and very hands on. Lots of opportunities for group activities and pictures, you definitely want to go with a friend. Clever concept, very well executed and fun for all ages.

Tarragon - Theory

While it lost me at points in the intellectual discussion (felt a little like being in an English Literature class, where the deep meaning of the work always seems to elude me and to be a little pretentious), it made the idealism believable. The play generated discussion around the pressure to conform to students' expectations and taking risks in the classroom, and kept us on edge as the thriller stalker tension ratcheted up, something we are all more aware of in this internet facilitated anonymous age. Stellar performance.

Factory - We Keep Coming Back

A docudrama of the making of a film about a Jewish young man going to Poland to explore the roots of his family and to attempt to reconcile the negative feelings he had towards Poland based on the stories passed down from his grandparents, Aushwitz survivors. He travelled with his mother, in the hopes of strengthening his relationship with her. It raises the question of how trauma is passed down through generations.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Will You Be My Friend

A multi-talented, engaging and outstanding performer, Janice addresses the issue of white privilege in a thought providing manner. You should give yourself the opportunity to experience this show.

Mirvish - Forever Tango

Dashing men, gorgeous women, senuous costumes, awesome choreography performed in stilettos, highly skilled lightening quick dancing, athletic lifts, fabulous music - coming together for a wonderful experience. I can't think of a better way to while away an afternoon. 

Nightwood - Now You See Her

Very well acted, with interesting choreography and musical accompaniment. The series of stories, depicting how women disappear, was intriguing. Although I didn't get all of the stories, it definitely generated conversation after the show.

Mirvish - Friends: The Musical Parody.

A cute, if not as hilarious as we expected, parody of the popular television series. It followed the broad storyline perfectly and touched on most of our favourite episodes. Rachel was really well cast, Monica was a fabulous dancer with great comedic timing and Chandler was awesome in his many other roles, most notably as Janice.