Factory - Tashme

Lively collection of stories, albeit around a sad topic - the internment of Japanese Canadians during WW2 and subsequent reallocations. But told through the eyes of the children, the perspective is unique.

TPM - Hook Up

An emotional play, slowly building to an outcome we expect but not sure initially who will be the victim. Realistic warning of how things can go badly. Great cast and accompaniment, athough I am not a fan of speaking in song.

Market Gallery - Toronto Through the Eyes of Women Artists

A fascinating and interesting exhibition with lots of engaging photos from Toronto’s past while providing insights into the city’s most notable women artists. Definitely worth a visit.

Nightwood - Grace

An intriguing approach - actors playing people who are narrating their personal story in the first person. Notwithstanding, it is a powerful statement on the process of pursuing charges in the case of assault on a child. Sadly we learn why many people choose not to pursue “justice”.

NSTF - Laura & Amanda Do It

This Ottawa tried presents conversations about sex in a relaxing and amusing way. The show was too short though - apparently they usually have an hour or more - they were just getting "warmed up" in this 30 min segment. Too bad for us!

NSTF - Possessed

An intriguing introduction to Korean shaman rituals, but too short. Diana was believable in her various incarnations but I would have enjoyed more stories.

NSTF - Ga Ting

Intense and genuine - the anger, hurt and resentment one feels upon the unexpected death of a loved one washed over us. Superb performance by the entire cast.

Tarragon - Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic

While this was an interesting production - funny at times, moving  at times - I would  have enjoyed it more if I had known to read the program beforehand. Several of the stories did not resonate with me because I had no idea what was going on. It is an interesting concept to present a play, a series of stories, in a language unfamiliar to the audience and not provide any translation, in part or whole. I feel that I missed the best part.

Mirvish - The Play That Goes Wrong

What a lot of fun! They weren't kidding with that title - there was something going awry every minute it seemed. The actors timing was incredible and while there was the usual slapstick, there were also a lot of unexpected surprises. 

NSTF - Cannibal

Intense, complete with twists and manipulative behaviour. The extremes to which damaged people will go for love. Impressive writing and a stellar cast.

NSTF - Strange and Unusual

Primarily a mentalist show, the tricks were fun and clever, clearly leaving you with awe and wonder at how he did it. The complementary conversations on human behaviour and conspiracy theories added another level of intrigue to the performance.

NSTF - Lucky

Looking for a way out with impossible choices. This young woman's attempts to coerce a bitter and damaged man she picks up in a bar creates a palpable tension throughout the play.

NSTF - Raising Stanley/Life with Tulia

Fantastic way to learn about and understand both the advantages and challenges of having a guide dog. Loved the little stories of how the dog navigates crowds and coffee shops, in a manner unbeknownst to the handler.

NSTF - Foreign Tongue

Intriguing concept, to wake up from a coma with "foreign accent syndrome" and learn what it is like to be a "new immigrant" in Canada. Clever, funny, musical and charming, this show was a blast.

NSTF - A Bear Awake in Winter

Fantastic show. Very timely and genuine, so authentic you are fully engaged. The cast is amazing and cohesive.

Ross Petty - The Wizard of Oz, A Toto-ly Twistered Family Musical!

While we miss our favourite characters - Ross Petty and Dan Chameroy - we still have Eddie Glen and Sara-Jean Hosie does a great Ross Petty impression as a despicable villain. We loved the cast and the show - lots of jokes, puns, singing and dancing. This panto is a wonderful holiday tradition.

Champions of Magic

Really entertaining group of five illusionists, with lots of oohs and ahhs. From unbelievable mind reading to nail biting escapes to sleight of hand and disappearing bodies there is lots of fun for the whole family.