ROM - Wildlife Photographer of the Year

This annual photo show never disappoints. The skill, the amazing shots and variety, including featuring young photographers, is engrossing. This show is not to be missed. And if you have a membership, you can see it as often as you like!

Mirvish - School of Rock

I'm not a big fan of musicals populated with a largely pre-teen cast and the music was not to my taste. However, the second half was much better and ended on a high note.

Off Mirvish - Reversible

Very athletic and wonderfully choreographed, 7 Fingers presents standard tricks in a fresh and creative fashion. We really enjoyed the show.

Capitol Theatre - King Arthur the Panto

The naughty version was definitely naughty. Filled with jokes and hijinks, this show is a big hit, thanks to the talented cast and upbeat music.

Soulpepper - A Christmas Carol

Our annual family favourite is wonderful. Regulars for many years, we still love this interpretation and are always interested in the slight changes in cast and presentation each year.

AGO - Anthropocene

Seeing the film first (now playing at the TIFF) really helped to set the context for many of the photos, beyond what reading the accompanying text could do. This frees you up to focus on absorbing in more detail the beauty and the horror of how we are transforming the earth.

Gallery 44 - Aurélie Pétrel: Where Space Becomes Form

The show was not what we were expecting. A little too modern and surreal for our tastes ....

TPM - A Very Leila Christmas

Fun and festive, Leila gave us a very interesting perspective of our Canadian holiday tradition. You have a few days left to catch this entertaining Christmas show.

Cirque de Soleil - Volta

A positively charming and, as always, very entertaining show with amazing tricks and superior athleticism, beautifuly brought together with great music and clever segues. The angels were lovely and added an ethereal ambiance to the performance.

TSO POPS - TSO Holiday POPS

Never disappointing, Reineke blew us away again with incredible arrangements of our favourite Christmas carols, the amazing ESA Choir, Matt Dusk and a really special carol: See, amid the Winter's Snow".

Sheridan Theatre - Phantom of the Opera

Absolutely incredible show. The cast was amazing with some outstanding vocalists, the choreography was awesome, the staging was so creative, the costumes were fantastic - everything pulled together to  make an awesome production. Definitely worth the trip from Toronto.

Mirvish - 6 Guitars

Talented and funny, Chase Padgett's one man show is not to be missed. A master at storytelling, music and improv he fluidly transforms into diverse and charming characters, providing great stories, hilarious audience interactions and amazing guitar playing. 

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.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 10: Homeward Bound

Our Hilton hotel provided direct access to a huge mall, where you could procure anything you wanted. Favourites include leather shoes and paprika from Spar, the local grocery store.

Don’t forget your VAT refund. In Budapest the line-up for stamping your documents was quite short and then, inside security there was a desk to receive a cash refund in Euros or a postage free box to mail your forms for a credit card refund. Pretty simple and quick.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day9: Szentendre and Hungarian Parliament

Passing through security and under two guard escort we toured the magnificent Parliament buildings, with tons of gold leaf covered carvings throughout. The Crown Jewels are displayed in the grand dome, which is itself a marvel to behold. The view from the grounds offers several gorgeous buildings and a great panoramic view of the city along the Danube, with the hills affording an amazing presentation of many classic buildings and churches.

If you’re interested in local quality art then a visit to Szentendre is a must. A quaint little town, it was deserted some years ago and then the artist community started to move in, making it now the best spot to purchase ceramics, embroidery, clothing, jewellery and more. This is a great spot to shop for something special and unique for you or your friends back home.

Our farewell dinner that evening at Bagolyvar was perfect, with more local specialities including schnitzel or catfish and a dessert pancake.

Prague/Vienna/Prague - Day 8: Budapest Sightseeing

A sightseeing tour of the Buda Castle District is well worth the stop to enjoy the awesome cathedral and amazing views of the city. It is a lovely area to wander around on a sunny day.  

Our next stop is the massive Hero's Square and the reknowned Gundel restaurant for their famous delicious crepe and then a guided tour of the Dohany Street Synagogue.

A walk along Andrassy is the perfect way to marvel at the architecture, with over 100 buildings, in various stages of restoration. A break at Oktogon for coffee and a pastry at an outdoor cafe is a perfect way to break up your walk.

A short visit at the Building of Horrors, a previous detention centre in Communist times, had several reminders to contemplate, including a sculpture of the Iron Curtain and a piece of the Berlin Wall.

A perfect end to the day is dinner in a local winery with the Schieszi family, complete with wine tasting and Hungarian specialties, which included foods that take 8 months to cure, others cooking for 8 hours. Magnificent evening!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 7: Esztercom en route to Budapest

Departing Vienna, we stop in Gyor, enjoying the gorgeous architecture and lovely churches. Enjoying a beautiful scenic drive along the Danube, our next stop is Esztercom, to explore the domed Cathedral and Castle Hill, with awesome views of the countryside.

The best way to see Budapest at night is to take a Danube river dinner cruise, where you will sample many delicious local specialities (goulash, paprika chicken, cabbage rolls, paprika sausage). As you leisurely eat and cruise, you will have plenty of time to appreciate the beautifully lit architectural wonders like the Parliament buildings, as well as many impressive bridges.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 6: Vienna Sightseeing

Another early start to explore the beautiful Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens. The palace rooms were absolutely amazing - the unbelievable opulence, detailed carvings and frescoes. Hearing how the empress and her family lived was quite fascinating.

Our tour of the Cistercian Monestary was also very interesting. The stained glass work in particular was amazing.

By the way, coffee orders have to be very specific in Vienna or you may not get what you expect. I suggest the melange, which is most like regular coffee.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 5: Vienna & Vienna Woods

Early Access to the Kunstkammer Museum afforded us the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour and take unobstructed pictures. This is a fascinating museum and should not be missed.

For me a trip to Vienna would not be complete without a stop at the Swarofsky Krystallwelten Store. A big fan, it was not difficult to pick up gifts for me and my friends here!

Our Vienna Woods excursion incuded a visit to the Romanesque Abbey of the Holy Cross at Heiligenkreuz. 

We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Kursalon Wien, followed by a traditional Viennese concert, playing Mozart and Strauss favourites, complete with soloists and dancers. It was wonderful!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 4 - Bratislava en route to Vienna

Bratislava was a lovely old town to explore and we had an interesting local lunch. While the jellied meat roll was not to our taste the plum dumplings covered in poppy seeds and syrup was awesome.

The Hilton Danube Waterfront, with a tiny shower stall, was perhaps a little far from the city centre but the walk was manageable and a good excuse to sample more local delicacies and wine!

A relaxing end to the day was achieved with a delicious dinner at the Marchfelderhof.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 3: Kutna Hora

On the road about an hour to visit the famous silver mining town of Kutna Hora. We explored the local cathedral, named after the patron saint of those suffering an immediate death (like mineworkers subject to an accident in the mine), the silver mining museum and the Town square.

Not to be missed is coffee and streudal at Cafe Lavande. Heavenly! Be sure to bring local currency, as the Euro is not readily accepted here, particularly in the small shops.

The Bone Museum was indeed an unusual stop. Somewhat macabre, digging up a cemetary and arranging the bones in various architectures displayed in a chapel, was a unique solution to a problem of a cemetary growing too large.

Ending the day back in Prague with a little stroll around the Charles Bridge, then dinner at Zplaty Klas, for authentic Czech schnitzel. Delicious!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 2: Exploring Prague

The morning included a walking tour around the Castle district and then downtown. Unfortunately the St Vitus' Cathedral was closed but there was lots of awesome architecture to see. Remember to look up, as many of the buildings are adorned with amazing sculptures and frescoes. Be sure to explore the Castle District, New Town, Lower Town, Jewish Quarter, Town Hall (watch and listen to the reknowned Astronomical Clock) and Wencelas Square. For a great selection of Bohemian Crystal and garnet jewellery check out Erpet. Lots of charming Christmas decorations are available in and near the market, not far from the main square.

Our lunchtime cruise on the River Vitava was a wonderful vantage point to see the city's interesting buildings and bridges, while also enjoying some local dishes. Delicious lentil soup, goulash, and dumplings.

Prague at night is wonderful. We were treated to an outstanding accordian player, who blew us away with his performance of Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, the first movement of winter. After some singing and local beer, we went for a night stroll around the Charles bridge, where we are told many a romance has been initiated. Find the statue with the dog image and make a wish.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day1: Arrival

Not off to a great start, we missed our Trafalgar transfer from the Prague airport to the hotel, as we were waiting in the wrong place. All indications suggested we were in the right terminal, but alas we had not walked far enough.

Notwithstanding. We checked into the lovely Hotel Angelo, where we received an outstanding buffet breakfast each morning, and enjoyed a welcome dinner in an old castle.

Mirvish - Ain't Too Proud

An absolutely wonderful and fun story of The Temptations in their early years, with a stellar triple threat cast. There was an abundance of great voices and sweet harmony, the choreography was excellent and it was a fascinating story. Highly recommended.

Crowsnest Theatre - Wolves

Wow, that was an amazing performance! So genuine and realistic, with an awesome cast and innovative choreography. The ebbs and flows of teenage girls...

Factory Theatre - Men in White

Unfolding in parallel in Canada and India, men find solace from loss, prejudice, exploitation and injustice in cricket. An intense story.

Coal Mine Theatre - The Nether

If you wondered where the internet is heading this is the place to find out. Realistic and compelling, the debate for and against a no holds barred virtual reality stays with you long after the play ends. Excellent!

Theatre Passe Muraille - Pearle Harbour's Chatauqua

An immersive revival with a little bit of singing, a little bit of chanting, a little bit of truth and a lot of fun. Be prepared to participate.

Ossington - The Rocky Horror Show

Excellent casting and amazing performances all around, a fantastic adaptation of the film. The narrator was an absolute gem.

Tarragon - Harlem Duet

You have to be paying attention to connect the references in this play, which I was not always able to do. A reasonable knowledge of Shakespeare helps. Notwithstanding, Virgilia Griffith did a great job of reflecting the anguish of the jilted lover.

TSO POPS - Blue Suede Tunes

Bringing a little Vegas to Toronto, Frankie Moreno is an amazing performer. An eclectic set list from 50s to 70s with a great back-up band and the awesome TSO.

Canstage - Children

An intense post catastrophy drama, touching on the aftermath, accountability and impact, the actors portrayed the trio of scientists in a believable fashion.

Musical Stage - Dr Silver: A Celebration of Life

The story was a little slow to get started but the music and vocalists were wonderful. An interesting presentation in an unconventional venue.

Stratford - To Kill a Mockingbird

Oh my gosh, this was intense. This play captures the essence of the story perfectly and transmits the anxieties and fears of the story, generating a palpable level of tension. Throughout, the child actors were genuine, portraying innocence, naivete and ultimately, bewilderment. Very well done.

Stratford - The Tempest

Absolutely fascinating presentation of The Tempest. Prospero as a woman is an interesting twist. The cast was wonderful. The costumes and sets are amazing. The storms feel so real. Simply a beautiful show!

Stratford - Music Man

A charming tale of a smooth talking salesman. A very impressive large ensemble with foot stomping, acrobatic, rollicking choreography. The dance numbers were amazing

Stratford - Coriolanus

A powerful analogy of the populism of today, the hero Coriolanus railed against the ignorance of the masses, who were easily taken in by empty promises from the nobles. A debate on the efficacy of democracy when those voting are ill informed. The modern take was fresh and quite fascinating.

Winnipeg - Chinese Lantern Light Festival

An evening jaunt to the Lights of the North: The Chinese Lantern Light Festival, the largest Event of this type in Canada, was a treat. Heading out of town to the Red River Exhibition Park, we were fascinated by the silk lantern sculptures and the massive dragon built entirely from plates and teacups. With daily acrobatic and fireworks presentations the exhibition privided a lot to enjoy. However it was oddly poorly attended. Again, where are all the people?

Winnipeg - Day 2

Brunch at Clementine's downtown came highly recommended and rightfully so. You will have to go early though, or suffer a long line-up.

Weaving along the streets you will come across several gems as some architecture has been well maintained or the facades Incorporated in new buildings. Don't know where all the people are, though, as the streets are deserted and even the Starbucks is almost empty.

A visit to the WAG (Winnipeg Art Gallery) is well worth your time to  experience an outstanding Inuit art collection, with a new ambitious gallery underway.

The Manitoba Legislature is a magnificent building. Greeted by two large bison, a gorgeous marble staircase leads to the legislative chambers. What an entrance!

A little detour into Union Station is warranted, as this was the test case designed by the man who built New York's Central Station. It is an impressive building.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights should be given several visits, as it is a lot to absorb in one go. The museum itself is organized around a tightening spiral of 7 layers as you wind your way up and then finally, acsend 100 steps to the pinnacle, providing panoramic views of the city.

Dinner at Passero in the Forks Market was a real treat, after exploring the grounds and then browsing the wares of the market.

Winnipeg - Day 1

The Fort Gary is a lovely old hotel, nicely situated within walking distance to several cultural attractions. Walking west I quickly hit Portage & Main, a corner reknowned for wind. It did not help that  today was a cold and rainy day, with the rain making it into flurries every so often. 

My first stop is the Manitiba Museum. My absolute favourite here is the recreation of an urban 1920's town. Really well done and lots of fun to explore. The Nonsuch Gallery is also a gem. An exact replica of the boat was built on this site and then the museum designed and built around the boat.

After a break for dinner at the popular Across the Board Games Cafe, I went back to the museum, to the planetarium, for a laser light show. Great entertainment!

Ossington Theatre - The Producers

Fantastic musical with very strong leads, really good choreography and great comedic timing. A fantastic show all around.

Top 50 Thinkers

Kathleen McLaughlin, ranked one of the top 50 speakers and doers by Fortune, is a fascinating speaker. It was inspiring to hear about the measures Walmart is taking to promote sustainability in their supply chains and operations. However, one might feel this is somewhat at odds with the low pricing model that encourages excessive consumerism. 

Soulpepper - Sisters

I really enjoyed this show. Elegant and moving, the relationship between the sisters was genuine. Believable for the time, thanks to a strong case all around, we could feel the joy, envy and despair. 

Swarofsky TIFF Event

Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge Swarofsky fan, with quite the collection of sparkling gems. My close friend, another big fan, and I were invited to a panel discussion on authenticity in film with a fascinating group of women including TV stars and the global head of marketing for Swarofsky. Tattoos and glamour shots with atelier pieces were available - we really enjoyed this event.

Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Festival

An annual favourite in the east end of town, part of a larger weekend festival in Cabbagetown, there is lots to see and do. There are unique items at this show in a very broad selection. It’s a lovely way too spend an afternoon.

ROM - Transforming Fashion and Space

Two amazing shows at the ROM, that you don’t want to miss
1. Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion - incredible use of materials you would not expect to make some very unique dresses. Must be seen to be appreciated.
2. Philip Beasley: Transforming Space - gorgeous sculptures that are exploring side and serene. You must see this in person to fully appreciate it. Take your time to absorb and enjoy it.

CNE

Another great year at the CNE. The Skating & Acrobat Show was fabulous, as always. The Craft Building filled with gems and the Food building continues to up their game, while still providing a wide array of sinful treats. The Chinese Silk Lantern exhibit was breathtaking and definitely my highlight for this year.

Mirvish - Boom

Rick Miller gives an amazing performance, playing so many characters - singers, politicians, etc. A great story of the Boomer era - nostalgic for the boomers and an entertaining education for younger generations to learn and appreciate these pivotal influences.

Mirvish - Mamma Mia

An absolutely feel good show. The energy, choreography and costumes perfectly portrayed the essence of the story. The cast was amazing and performed our beloved ABBA songs wonderfully.

Fern Resort

Another great week, although the dynamics have changed a bit with the “kids” now young adults (YA's), so not participating in small groups in their age bracket, although the teens combine with the adults for some activities. Fun new addition this year is axe-throwing - the YA's loved that. Also a lovely yoga garden which was very serene, overlooking the water - it is great! Tried yoga on a paddleboard - fun, but talk about a balancing challenge....

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Day 17: Homeward Bound

So ready to go home after 17 days, we packed a lot in and learned a few tricks along the way. Leave yourself lots of time for the trains, delays and cancellations are routine. Load the train app to your device so you can look up the stops to anticipate yours. Learn to use the train ticket kiosks - way faster. Treat yourself to gelato every day - it’s worth it. Navigate around the cities via the piazzas vs the streets - it’s easier and they’re well marked. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions - everyone is eager to help.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Day 16: Venice

Hopping on a high speed train, travelling at over 300 km/hr, we did the round trip 2 1/2 hour trip to Venice. We didn’t have enough time for a leisurely gondola ride so we took the water bus to Piazza San Marco and randomly wandered our way back to the train station, attempting to hit some of the notable piazzas along the way. The streets are fascinating and we did most of our shopping here, picking up a number of items made with Murano glass - beautiful!

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Day 15: Milan

Back to Milan for an afternoon with a wander down a “bohemian” street (Via Brera) and a visit to the Pinacoteca Di Brera, which was surprisingly crowded, followed by a delicious dinner near the Duomo.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Days 12 to 14: Torino

Yet another perspective of Italy - Torino is a very modern city with a very fashionable aesthetic. Just loving it here - great food, gelato, well organized streets and wide thoroughfares, lots of amazing architecture everywhere you look, definitely living up to its rep as a design centre. Our fabulous boutique hotel, Andalesia, is close to an amazing gelato place and fabulous pizzeria.

We have explored many wonderful piazzas, mostly by following Via Roma, Via Po and parallel streets. We spent over two hours in the botanical gardens, with the highlight being the medieval city - we actually felt as though we were in King Arthur’s time. And of course, the shopping is plentiful in this city.

We actually also fit in a few museums - the Egyptian one, with a huge and fascinating collection of Egyptian artifacts and sarcophagus, and the Museum of Cinema, with a rooftop observatory providing panoramic views of the city, and we could easily have spent more than the 2 hours we had available to explore this museum. True to Torino’s reputation as the design centre of Italy, the museums are amazing.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Days 10 & 11: Genoa

We lost half a day for sightseeing due to another lengthy train delay. Halfway to Genoa, as we were passing through a tunnel, our train stopped. We had to wait over two hours for a replacement engine and most of that was in the dark, as our car lights went out, with the temperature rising. 

Notwithstanding, we still managed to fit in almost all we wanted to see in one day - fortunately our goals for this trip are very light, in keeping with the laid back tenor we planned. We decided to head to the Aquarium first, when the line-up was minimal (unlike when we came out), enjoying a lovely walk along the boardwalk to get there. The aquarium is absolutely a must see. It is really well laid out, with a very large collection of sea creatures, including some very unique and interesting ones. We spent over two hours browsing the exhibits.

Heading into town from this point took us on a good path for the most notable piazzas and buildings. A light lunch at a cafe in a square, marvelling at the architecture and enjoying music by buskers was a great way to start our walking tour. The best areas to visit include Piazza De Ferrari, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Via Garibaldi, if you have only an afternoon to wander. Just marvelling at the structure of the streets (very hilly) and hidden architectural gems is a highlight.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Days 8 & 9: Lucca & Pisa

Choosing to stay in Lucca, with a day trip to Pisa, could perhaps have been done the other way around more efficiently from a train schedule perspective, but we enjoyed our dinners in the old city of Lucca.

Arriving early in the day we were able to see all of the highlights within the old walled city in Lucca and had a lovely dinner at Madame Butterfly, which we chose because it was packed, so clearly a favourite. It was lovely to wander the streets, coming upon different interesting buildings as we entered a new piazza. One corner of the area was converted to a large bandstand for the many well known artists appearing as part of an annual music festival, with performances throughout July and August. You may want to check out the dates,  either to purchase a ticket, listen to the music outside the bandstand for free (find a table early) or avoid the area at that time.

Planning a day trip to PISA, we took a bus from the front of our hotel, getting off at the tower square - pretty much door to door service. After seeing this iconic image in so many movies and photographs it was none the less impressive despite the familiarity. The tower was magnificent, as were the surrounding buildings and cathedral. After visiting this area for a while and watching the many tourists taking pictures “holding up the tower”, we climbed up to the top of the wall surrounding this section of the city and commenced what was a fairly long walk, with lovely views. Climbing back down near the city centre we took a leisurely stroll towards the train station, stopping in several piazzas for the architecture and taking a break for lunch along the way on a patio at one of the many pizzerias. Then we hopped on the train back to Lucca, for a rest and another wonderful meal in the old city. Quite a lovely 2 days.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Days 5 - 7: Florence

We have really settled into Florence. The curving streets have made it a challenge to follow a map and we have been turned around many times. However, we discovered many interesting shops and sights we might not have seen had we been able to follow the map. Breakfast at our lovely hotel, Mia Cara, less than a 5 min walk from the train station, was followed by a morning stroll through the streets searching out the highlights. A late lunch at one of the many, many pizzerias was followed by a siesta in our room. Back out late afternoon for another try at finding specific sites and then dinner by the Duomo or on the street of our hotel, Via Fuenza, where we were never disappointed. After an hour relaxing in the room we went back to the corner for a late night treat at our favourite gelato place, Gelati del Bondi.

Over the course of two days we were able to eventually find all of the places we had marked to see and many others we just happened upon. Florence is such a beautiful city we very much enjoyed just wandering the streets, so getting lost was not a bother. Our favourite shop was Signum on Borge dei Greci 40R, with lots of beautiful notebooks, library sculptures and other stationery. A delightful little shop.

Unfortunately we discovered a surprise train strike was to take place the next day, when we were scheduled to depart. Rather than face the crowds and chaos at the train station, since it was unclear what would be running, we decided to take a taxi to Lucca. However, our hotel concierge offered to drive us, at a lower rate. While still pricey, given the challenges we have had with the trains and finding our hotel upon arrival for our earlier stops, we felt we deserved this break.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Days 2 to 4: Crema

Enroute to Crema we experienced the notorious unreliability of the train system, as our first train was cancelled and the next was 40 min late. Reflecting this reality, train tickets are good for 6 hours and most trains seem to run every hour, so not a major problem.

Crema is our first stop in Italy and lived up to our expectations. Our B&B host assured us that it was a very typical Italian town and would give us the opportunity to experience how the average Italian lives. A number of people gingerly enquired as to whether our visit was prompted by the film “Call Me By Your Name” and we met one of the extras on the train, as we asked for help to get ohh at the right stop - there were no announcements to upcoming stops, the stations were not well marked and the train stopped only briefly. It is a good idea to know how long your trip will be so you don’t miss your stop - our detailed draft itinerary was very helpful in this regard.

Our apartment was lovely, with a large living/dining area and a loft bedroom looking out to the Duomo. A large breakfast of breads, yoghurt, fruits, cereals and coffee was delivered to our door each morning. We spent two days leisurely exploring the town, finding the movie sights, visiting other longstanding buildings and castles and relaxing with coffee and gelato whenever the mood took us. There are several great restaurants, serving local dishes, although not always open and even a fantastic burger place, if you want a break from pasta and pizza.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Day 1: Milan

We walked from the Milan Centrale train station to our hotel, to take in the streetscape and had a lovely lunch at a cafe along the way. It is light out late so we went for a walk to the Duomo to marvel at the huge cathedral and then have dinner on a patio in the square. I am absolutely amazed at the shopping - street after street of brand name and designer stores and everyone is shopping, with men and women alike toting several shopping bags.

We stayed at Montenapoleone Suites, which is very nice but a bit of a walk from the train station and the street is not well marked on the map we picked up at the train station. However, it is close to the Duomo and there is a grocery store at the foot of the street, handy for stocking up on snacks, water and fruit, or to put together a light Italian lunch with fresh bread and meats.

Italy: Northern Delights the Easy Way - Arrival

The main purpose of our trip to Italy is to visit the town where much of the filming of “Call Me By Your Name” was done, as we were quite taken by the ambiance of the town and countryside. Since we were going all the way there, it obviously made sense to add in some other sightseeing along the way. But we wanted a relaxing trip so we decided to stay in the north and pick just a handful of cities that we would leisurely visit, not worrying about seeing all top ten sights and museums, but to explore by just wandering and allowing lots of time to savour coffee, gelato and meals. So, despite being at the peak of tourist season, we are hoping our way will save us long line-ups, and we are OK with missing some real treasures.

Flying into Milan, we had the rest of the day to relax, have a nap and get to bed early to make up for the lack of sleep on the overnight flight. It was quite easy to take the train from the airport and, given it is quite far out, we saved a very hefty cab fare. Even better, the larger hotels have shuttles, but you need to contact your hotel in advance to find out what time they will be picking up. 

Fringe 2018 - Compulsion

Another twisted love story, set to music. Awesome show with great score and stellar performances.

Mirvish - The King and I

What a fantastic show. The entire cast was amazing. The leads, choreography and sets perfectly captured the essence of the film. 

Fringe 2018 - Movin' Melvin

This autobiographical story from a song and dance man was a lovely journey back in time to the music and dance from the fifties to the turn of the century. An entertaining and engaging performer. 

Fringe 2018 - 25

The two actors were great in executing the creative and fluid costume and character changes. While I mostly enjoyed the intriguing story, sadly I feel as thought I missed part of the story as it was incoherent in some of the connections.

Fringe 2018 - Generally Hospital

Clearly an audience favourite, this sketch comedy troupe lampooned a series of hospital experiences we can all relate to. Very well done!

Fringe 2018 - Tinder in the Toilet

Crazy rap group with great beats and a variety of funny autobiographical (?) stories

Fringe 2108 - Rage Against the Inferno

It seems you may have to be familiar with Dante's Inferno to understand the dream sequences, but this was a very strong cast and I enjoyed those parts of the performance that I got ......

Fringe 2018 - Anywhere

So if you've ever wondered about the risks of bunking with a stranger, this play may put you off Air B&B. A stellar two person performance that will keep you in suspense as the story twists and turns.

Fringe 2018 - The Ding Dong Girls

A great performance about a drag musical triple threat group was somewhat marred by the uneven delivery of the narrator. 

Fringe 2018 - Be a Good Girl

One woman cathartic show about her journey to be less submissive and accepting of bad behaviour. Accompanied by creative visuals and a great original musical score.

Fringe 2018 - Entrances and Exits

I am not usually a fan of improv but this was really well done. Two perspectives, tied together by entrances and exits, demonstrated the prowess of this troupe.

Fringe 2018 - High School Symphony

A bit juvanile, the story of bullying and retribution didn't really resonate. I'm not a fan of jazz, but the ensemble seemed to be talented.

Fringe 2108 - Flute Loops

Charming science lesson about the physics if music. Amazing control over complex dialogue. Fun and musical!

Fringe 2018 - Space Hippo

While generally a fan of shadow puppetry I found this story, with the Star Wars and other sci-fi influences, not to my taste. The musical accompaniment was very enjoyable though.

Fringe 2018 - Morro and Jasp: Save the Date

One of the Fringe highlights for me is Morro and Jasp. Turning everyday events on their side, you never know quite what to expect, but it will be a good time.

Fringe 2018 - Sum: A Shadow Puppet Reading

An intriguing and philosophical commentary on the afterlife. Accompanied by charming shadow puppetry and verbal sound effects.

Fringe 2018 - Fallsview to a Kill

The improv was a little lame, which may be due to the audience or the set-up, but "M" was amazing.

Fringe 2018 - The Two of Us

Interesting concept, brilliantly executed. A love story with a twist and some comedic moments. We enjoyed it.

Fringe 2018 - Police Cops in Space

Riotous fun, this three man troupe kept the audience in stitches the entire show. With very creative use of props and frequent ad-libbing, it was unexpected and highly entertaining, a clear audience favourite.

Fringe 2018 - Paradise Lost

Clever use of minimal props and video to support puppets accompanying the prose of Adam and Eve's exit from Paradise. A phenomenal performance.

Fringe 2018 - The Girl in the Photograph

Life is complex and messy and sometimes it's really hard to do the right thing to protect ourselves and others. Great performance.

Fringe 2018 - One Small Step

Very talented cast of young and emerging artists. This was a fun and engaging musical with great songs, choreography and comic relief. Highly recommended.

Fringe 2018 - Wagon Play

Well, OK, that was pretty wack. An hour with a cult is what it felt like.

Fringe 2018 - One Small Step

Very talented cast of young and emerging artists. This was a fun and engaging musical with great songs, choreography and comic relief. Highly recommended.

Fringe 2108 - Anatomy of a Dancer

High energy, highly engaging Gene Kelly dance show, loosely chronicling his career. Despite some minor wardrobe malfunctions and a few missteps, I absolutely loved this show.

Fringe 2018 - Fine China

A little disappointing, as the story was a familiar one we have heard many times - there was no unique angle or presentation. Also, while the gestures of the actors were authentic, their dialogue was delivered in a wooden fashion, lacking in depth and emotion.

Mirvish - Wicked

Fantastic show. Excellent casting for Glinda and Elphaba, the chemistry between them was great. Ginna Claire Mason, as Glinda, has great comedic timing and is absolutely charming. Mary Kate Morrissey, as Elphaba, was sympathetic, but also came across as strong and proud. We thoroughly enjoyed this show.

Luminato - Bug

An outstanding performance by Yolanda Bonnell, effortlessly shifting between personas. An impactful demonstration of the cycle of abandonment and the desire for love at any cost that this triggers.

Luminato - Out The Window

Captivating play about the use of excessive force by the police, clearly illuminating the challenge in responding to people with mental health challenges in a threatening scenario. The first half was a creative reenactment of the testamony in the Otto Vass case and the second half presents a series of vignettes around the topic, engaging the audience and the cast.

Luminato - Burning Doors

An incredibly tense and athletic performance, this play, featuring one of the members of the Pussy Riot band and an outstanding group of Russian performers, will stay with you for a while. Profiling a number of unjust detentions and torture of activists, with extreme voices, it can be hard to watch at times.

Halifax - Day 2 - Cuture and History

Really enjoyed wandering around the Citidel grounds, with it's fabulous views of the city from the upper walkway. Exploring the replica WW1 trench was particularly interesting.

At the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, there were a number of lovely galleries, including a large selection from Group of Seven and a special exhibit of Maud Lewis. 

Before setting out for a bus tour I grabbed a quick coffee and snack at The Cake Lady near the Maritime Museum on the waterfront - I strongly recommend the delicious pretzels.

The weather today is gorgeous, perfect for an afternoon at Peggy's Cove. An iconic and beautiful spot. The tour guide shared lots of interesting tidbits about Halifax, as we drove through the city, and the sights along the way.

Halifax - Day 1 - Harbourfront

Jumping off from the Marriott at Purdy's Wharf, I followed the Harbourfront Walk all the way to Pier 21. Stops included Cow's (fabulous ice cream chain in the East), Historic Properties (for crafts, drinks, totchkes), the farmers market (amazing coffee) and the Immigration Museum at Pier 21. All new immigrants, up to mass airline travel, entered Canada here, so it was fascinating to see where my parents had entered the country some 65 years ago, and what that experience was like for them. Another real treat - everywhere I went there was plenty of seating available to take a rest.

A leisurely stroll up the main shopping street, Spring Garden Rd, in search of Jennifer's of Nova Scotia at #5635, a shop representing many local artisans, was followed  by a leisously wander through the beatutiful Public Gardens, observing several bridal parties taking pictures. Too late to enter the citidel, I walked around the rim, still able to get a good panaramic view of the city below.

Lunch was at Salty's and dinner at Gahan House, enjoying a meal on the patio with a lovely view of the Harbour. Particularly nice in the evening as the lights started to twinkle on across the Harbour.

Soulpepper - Innocence Lost

Shocking story about the miscarriage of Justice. The versatility of the actors was awesome as they effortlessly transitioned through multiple roles.

Luminato - The Fever

Hmmmm. Minimalist, put the audience to work, follow the leader. An intriguing concept, but I didn't quite feel the frenzy. This wasn't breaking down the fourth wall - there wasn't one. Not my cup of tea .....

Montreal - Day 2 - The Old Town

Straight down Bleury takes you very close to the Notre Dame Basilica. I didn't go in today, but I noted there were no line-ups so morning is definitely best. Winding back and forth, just ambling through the old town, down by the water front for a rest. Finally I found what I was looking for. A small jewelery collective I had last visited about 10 years ago, near Place Jacques Cartier and Rue St Paul, in the midst of the tourist shops and reams of restaurants and cafes. Many of these jewellers come to Toronto for the One Of A Kind Show, but there were others worth browsing as well. Time for a leisurely lunch on the rooftop Cafe in the William Grey Hotel, with a lovely view of the Harbour. Weaving my way back through the streets again, I wrapped up a very fine mid day stroll.

Montreal - Day 1 - Downtown

Setting off from the Delta, I enjoyed a nice stroll along Sherbrooke and through the grounds of McGill University - gorgeous. 

Further up the street I came across the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where I was lucky to catch a special Picasso show. Of particular note is a film of Picasso creating a painting of a goat, with every step of the process captured, for a very fascinating view of his creative process.

The Montreal Museum is quite large, but spread out over three interconnected buildings, with a layout that is a little confusing. There are lots of surprises, gems and "shake your head" pieces in the Contemporary exhibits, as is to be expected from a fine arts museum. A special treat for me was discovering two pieces from Chihully.

As I left I decided to backtrack to Crescent St, which turned out to be the right thing to do. The street is lined with restaurants and cafes with patios and it was well past lunch time. Casse-Croute did a very fine job of sating my hunger with a delicious bagguet and a latte.

Since it was the weekend of the Grand Prix, Crescent St was closed to allow for booths, patios and awesome cars - porsches and Lamborghinis, etc. Stunning!

Now I was ready to wander along Rue St Catherine, the premier shopping street. Busy and long, all the regular chain stores were represented and the odd new one of interest. After a fair walk I reached Place Des Arts, where the street was closed to traffic, housing several temporary bandshells, outdoor bars and patios for a music festival.

And all of this going on within a few blocks of my hotel - incredible!

Nightwood Theatre - The Lawyer Show: The Drowsy Chaperone

Very funny and an incredible amateur cast of lawyers had the crowd hooping and hollering (of course, most of them were were friends and colleagues😁). An impressive show of support from the legal community for Nightwood.

Luminato - Tika

The saxophonist for the opening band was incredible. The headliner, Tika, is an awesome Canadian talent, genuine and clearly beloved by the audience.

Luminato - RIOT

Awesome kick-off to the Luminato festival for me. This was a stand out, all around fantastic show. Political, poetic, artistic, song dance, feats of strength, and a smattering of comedy. This show has it all!

Soulpepper - Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom

A recording session with unpredictable and volatile participants hints at potential conflicts, leaving the observer rooted to his/her seat in  anticipation. Great story and acting - highly recommended.

TSO POPS - Love, Lust Rock & Roll

While prone to long intros, it was worth the wait to hear Storm Large belt out some lovely ballads, including favourites like Skyfall and Yellow Brick Road. A "love"ly concert.

Canstage - Manufacturing Mischief

A puppet show not meant for prime time. Intriguing invention and colourful characters create a bit of mischief. Entertaining, albeit a little off the mark at times.

Soulpepper - La Bete

Gregory Prest creates a most unlikeable fellow, such that we found ourselves rooting for his adversary to take him down. An interesting reflection on principles and compromise, and extremely well acted, but not particularly enjoyable.

Buddies in Bad Tine Theatre - Lulu v.7: Aspects of a Femme Fatale

The first part was fasinating and a great study of sex and violence. An interesting and engaging presentation. The second part, however,  was more esoteric and avante garde, beyond my comprehension. I didn't get most of this and it just seemed random.

Off Mirvish & Musical Stage Company - Fun Home

The strain of pretending on family dynamics is captured in a sensitive and powerful way. Definitely a must see.

Soulpepper - After the Blackout

An integrated story with some strong messags about adversity, disability, relationships and difficult choices. Very impactful and thought-provoking - a great script and a great performance.

Lower Ossington Theatre - Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Awesome show, transmitting huge energy out to the audience. With a fantastic score, lots of pop culture references and an acrobatic choreography, this was a really fun play. Highly recommended.

TSO Exposed: What Makes it Great - Vivaldi The Four Seasons

An interesting piece to deconstruct. I learned quite a bit and it was fun listening for the birds and barking dog when the piece was played in full.

Art of Time - All We Are Saying: An Abridged History of Protest Music

An outstanding performance and awesome arrangements of many songs familiar to the audience, culminating with a beautiful rendition of Imagine. What a great concert!

Stratford - Rocky Horror

Incredible show with an outstanding cast. Dan Chameroy is amazing as Frankfurter. An absolute MUST SEE !

Canstage - Picnic in the Cemetery

So beautiful,a lovely and touching performance. The music was ethereal and the movement and visuals were a wonderful complement. Too late to see this show (this was the last one) but you can catch their new work in the next season).

Factory Theatre - Prairie Nurses

A comedy of errors in identification gets increasingly silly as the play progresses. While entertaining, the premise became a little far fetched by the end.

National Geographic Live! - Paolo Woods: Exploring Genius

While an interesting topic, this was not the most enthralling choice as it lacked the daring or exclusive footage we have come to expect from the live shows. Felt a little bit like I was in a lecture.

AGO - Kusama: Infinity Mirrors

I was expecting to be underwhelmed after all the hype, but I was pleasantly surprised. We really enjoyed the show, it was visually stunning and a fun experience. Definitely worth the wait(s). A little tip though - go via the singles line where you can, its much faster.

Ossington Theatre - Cabaret

Fabulous presentation of this popular musical, really drawing you in to the fear and despair as the nazis gain power. Justin Myers as the MC and Brittany Miranda as Sally were amazing.

Tarragon - Girls Like That

A stellar cast, great choreography and clever staging. A not uncommon story of bullying told in a new and creative way. 

Mirvish - Annie

I am not a fan of musicals designed for a youth audience and with young cast members, particularly in leading roles. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised - today was not one of those times. The show was OK and if you have a young Annie fan in your family then this may be a good choice.

Sheridan Theatre - If/Then

Absolutely fabulous show. The choreography, which supported the timeline changes and the score was amazing. The singing was great. The acting was awesome. Extremely well done, this was a thoroughly enjoyable play and a must see.

Sheridan Theatre - Crazy For You

A wonderful vehicle to showcase the multiple talents of Sheridan's theatre students. Outstanding dance and singing performances, great physical comedy, creative and versatile sets, gorgeous costumes. We loved the show!

CanStage - Love and Information

A delightful play with a unique perspective. I had not thought of love as information or the interaction of love and information. Thoughtful and enightening.

Coal Mine Theatre - Category E

Dystopian society where an evaluation determines whether you continue as a functioning member of society or become one of the others, where all rights are suspended. At times traumatic and at times comedic, the dynamic between undesirable roommates is intense. Impressive performances all around.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Take D Milk, Nah?

An interesting identity play covering experiences from the East Coast to Trinidad, including Hindu culture and birthing a cow. A personal story of what it was like to be him, there was room for reflection and recognition.

TSO Free Concert - Ottawa Bach Choir (Bach to the Beatles)

A wonderful choir and fantastic organ accompaniment. Loved the rich and beautiful voices and it was a treat to hear them perform their own special arrangements of popular Beatles songs.

TSO POPS - On Broadway

The two vocalists were absolutely awesome. A wonderful show of classic Broadway shows, bringing back a lot of memories. Reineke  never disappoints.

CISMF

The opportunity for students from the independent school system to collaborate in this music festival and take the stage at Roy Thomson Hall is a special experience. It is wonderful to see the depths of talent and interest in music in our young people, as they performed wonderfully after only a few hours of practice together.

Crow’s Theatre - Punk Rock

An interesting reflection of teens indulging themselves in wanton behaviour. As tension builds and decorum declines, the outcome is surprising but not unexpected.

Soulpepper - Animal Farm

Very creative, a little bit sill and the animals are cute. A very interesting way to explore the implications of a revolution.

Crow's Theatre - What a Young Wife Ought to Know

Intense, compelling, amazing play. Lisa Repo-Martell is superb as a young wife learning how to cope. Highly recommended.

Tarragon - Bunny

Fabulous play, Maev Beaty was incredible as Bunny, evoking empathy, sympathy and concern. Thought provoking reflection on how our family and early years shape our relationships for the rest of our life.

Factory Theatre - The Monument

Intense and compelling, the actors were amazing as they portrayed difficult and complex characters, doing unthinkable things. Not a light evening, but will make you think about choices...

Mirvish - An American in Paris

A very unexpected and pleasant surprise. This was not just a stage version of the movie but was it’s own distinct show. We were wowed by the awesome choreography and incredible dancing - I had no idea that I liked ballet (a lot) and the staging was incredible. A must see show.

CanStage - The Overcoat

Act one - make a coat. Act two - lose a coat. Fairly simple plot presented as an opera. Not to my taste, but interesting since I was here...

Art of Time - Sound and Colour: Synesthesia & Scriabin

It doesn't get much better than listening to Andrew Burashko playing the piano while the colours ebb and flow in the room. We had awesome seats, with a bird's eye view of his fingers flying over the keyboard. A great evening! 

CanStage - In This Body

Not exactly my cup of tea (recall I am not a fan of dance) but the singer was awesome and a number of the dance pieces were great.

Mirvish - Gobsmacked

Great a cappela, voice calisthenics, harmonies, etc - a beautiful musical performance. Outstanding performers with awesome voices. The vocal percussion was especially amazing.

Factory - After Wrestling

A touching story of grief and conflicting emotions and the process to move on. All four characters were really well cast and genuine in their respective roles.

AGO - ReBlink

Interesting concept, but will thus encourage the younger generation to focus on the "tricks" vs the artwork. Hmmm. Have to wait and see how this took evolves.

Soulpepper - Idomeneus

Unusual approach, oulining multiple scenarios with eclectic costumes and a naked stage - captivating! Culminating in a joyous dance of life, we really enjoyed it.

TPM - Drawer Boy

Fantastic show about the power of theatre and story telling. All the actors are outstanding. Not your typical farm show and not to be missed.

I was at the gala performance, which was a fantastic evening of fun, food, drinks, prizes and great commentary, in celebration of TPM's 50th anniversary. A fabulous night out with friends and a great cause.

CanStage – He Who Falls

So who thinks up this stuff? Pretty ambitious and off the wall, so to speak. But my daughter and I really enjoyed the show – artistry, acrobatics and physical comedy – very well done!

National Geographic Live! - Bertie Gregory: A Wild Life

A very entertaining and enterprising young man, it is encouraging to witness such passion for wildlife. Gorgeous shots, with lots of "don't do this at home" moments with elephants, leopards, black bears and wolves. 

Sheridan Theatre - The Cradle Will Rock

Charmingly set in the thirties in New York, the cast were working from the time we arrived, engaging us in the halls and escorting us into the theatre. A mini history lesson from early union days of strife.

Art of Time - A Singer Must Die: The Words & Music of Leonard Cohen

Fantastic line-up of vocalists and readings, featuring an amazing selection of Cohen's songs and poems. And as expected, backed by an outstanding band.

Off Mirvish - King Charles III

Interesting perspective on a possible future for the monarchy. Well played in demonstrating the ambition that can come from the lustre of the crown. A surprise ending.

Coal Mine Theatre - Rumours

Fantastic band and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Lovely to see the boomers sharing their early favourites with their kids or their friends.

Tarragon - Cottagers and Indians

A conflict between privileged cottagers and an indigenous entrepreneur dredges up well known issues. However this play handles the dialogue respectfully, providing good perspective on both sides of the story.

Crows Theatre - Jerusalem

While not much happens, this is a compelling drama. Despite not being a model citizen, Kim Coates creates a sympathetic character we felt sorry for towards the end. He was accompanied by a really strong supporting cast of rats and hangers on.

CanStage - The Humans

A typical family holiday meal, for just about any family I know. Funny, sad, tender, petty moments and an awesome cast, gracefully building tension towards the mysterious reveal at the end. Well done!

Factory Theatre - Bang Bang

Fantastic play, with many layers as it unfolded, ending in a twist. The excellent cast balanced the tension and humour respectfully, with huge depth and diversity on stage. A real treat.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Krapp's Last Tape

Imagine sitting back and listening to yourself, telling a story of a moment, many years ago, that was precious. Would you be enthralled, enjoy the reminiscence or chastise yourself for your youthful hubris. Bob Nasmith does a wonderful job of just that.

Tarragon - Hamlet

Interesting interpretation - a reading accompanied by rock and roll. While the microphones were distracting when they were held, the balance of the play, uniquely demonstrated in a minimalist fashion, was well executed.

TPM - Acha Bacha

While in preview, I still thoroughly enjoyed this play. It was creative , dynamic and dealt with some hard realities, very much in keeping with current events. With outstanding performances all around, this is a show not to miss.

CanStage - Declarations

This is ..... Creative, intelligent, thoughtful, funny. I'm not a fan of creative dance but I thoroughly enjoyed this show.

National Geographic Live! - Cristina Mittermeier: Standing at the Water's Edge

I am concerned and inspired to do my part about conservation of our oceans and the culture and lands of indigenous peoples. Cristina makes such a compelling case for the risks we continue to put our planet under, while at the same time conveying the magic and beauty through her photographs.

Ryerson Image Centre - Snapshots from San Francisco

A fascinating exhibit of collaboration between photographs and subject, with accompanying text, is well worth whiling away your time. Also featured within this show is the largest exhibition of Jim Goldberg's work. The latter, in particular, provided an interesting contrast between the rich and the poor.

Nightwood Theatre - Calpurnia

Fascinating approach towards "To Kill a Mockingbird". The feelings of frustration and anger during the dinner party were palpable, offset by well timed comedic moments. Not to be missed.

Soulpepper - A Delicate Balance

Volatile family dynamics and an unusual test of friendship builds palpable tension until - well, go to the play and find out. A comedy of sorts.

Tarragon - Mustard

Did you have an imaginary friend when you were young. Hilarious and touching story about relationships and coping ....

ROM - Dior

What a great show! Lots of lovely dresses on display and fascinating commentary around the design and creation of the garments. The bead work, in particular, is incredible.

TIFF - Canada’s Top 10 Film Festival

A wonderful opportunity to see the best in Canadian film and hear direct from the filmmakers. I love short firemen and attended all of the Shorts programs and was impressed by the talent of Canadian filmmakers and the wonderfulfilms they make. It is definitely worth blocking time in your calendar to fit in this Festival.

NSTF - Good Morning Viet Mom

Family friendly personal story about immigration, mom and an adult son living at home, told with humour and sensitivity.

TSO Exposed: What Makes it Great - Mozart Clarinet Concerto

Amazing show and a fabulous piece of music. The first half description was a wonderful opportunity to hear subtleties in changes to the score, highlighting Mozart’s brilliance.

NSTF - Rumspringa Break!

Lovely tale following the experience of 2 Amish women's first visit to the big city and the predicaments their naivite gets them into. An energizing and fun musical, practically sold out.

T.O. Fringe NSTF - Jonno

A powerful and challenging topic that is handled with finesse and some comic moments designed to ease the impact. See this show and keep the conversation going.

Sheridan Theatre - Trap Door

Funny, dramatic and mysterious, great choreography, beautiful score, this show is fantastic. Keeps you guessing. A very talented cast. Strongly recommended.

T.O. Fringe NSTF - Swordplay

Hilarious video game adaptation of The Princess Bride, even more campy and silly than the original. Cleverly imaginative and great physical comedy - definitely a highlight of the festival.

Sheridan Theatre - Into The Woods

Charming mash-up very well staged and performed by the students. Ingenious staging - I particularly liked the "trees".

T.O. Fringe NSTF - The Harold Experience

Improv stories that wind and weave together by a large and talented group, the effect was often hilarious and definitely entertaining.