Ross Petty - Lil' Red Robin Hood

The tradition continues at Ross Petty's Christmas panto. While my kids are both adults now, here we are for another wonderful and kooky performance - fun for the whole family. 

Bend It Like Beckham

Following the movie, but taking it up a notch with amazing choreography and staging. Add a  strong cast and you have a great performance. A really upbeat vibe - lots of fun for the whole family!

Soulpepper - A Christmas Carol

A family tradition that brings home the Christmas spirit for us. Soulpepper never fails to please with this perennial favourite.

Coal Mine Theatre - Between Riverside and Crazy

Twists and turns in a tense story, with characters just waiting to burst at the seams. There is a lot going on. A great story and an amazing cast.

TSO POPS - Holiday POPS

A warm and wonderful kick-off to the holiday season with traditional and modern selections, beautifully performed by our Toronto TSO. Featuring our favourite POPS conductor Steven Reineke, the ESA Choir and the incredible Measha Brueggergosman.

Sheraton Theatre - Newsies

A heartwarming story performed with a lot of energy, great choreography and strong voices from a stellar cast. This performing arts school puts on first class productions.

Tarragon - Buffoon

Intense, funny, poignant. Misfits, absent from parental love, find each other and hope to create a better world for themselves. Anand Rajaram is awesome, playing all the parts, his emotions raw and filled with passion.

Port Hope Festival Theatre - Cinderella, The Panto

The naughty version of this panto is definitely the one to see. Some great standout moments include Buttons, the fairy godmother and the machine. Lots of laughs in this twisted story.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Poly Queer Love Ballad

Utterly charming love story. The frank sexuality, cavalier wittiness and frivolity of the musical accompaniment enhanced thus tender and passionate love story with a poignant ending. Definitely a must see. 

Nightwood Theatre - Every Day She Rose

A fascinating approach as the story was told through the playwrights as they developed the scenes, breaking to question/rewrite.... And the subject matter - did it parallel their lives? Interesting exploration of how events can change us and our relationships in ways that are irrevocable.

Mirvish - Cats

While no real plot, the individual stories about these special cats is entertaining. The score, costumes and choreography is what makes it special. There are some stand-out cats, most notably Rum Tum Tugger, Grizabella and Magical Mister Mistoffeles.

Taj Express Bollywood Musical

While the acting was a bit lame (is this the Bollywood style?) The music was great and the choreography and costumes were fantastic. Definitely worth attending for the dancing

National Geographic Live! - Life on the Vertical

Another crazy guy. While not a photographer, he pitches awesome and insane climbing adventures, which he documents and brings a photographer along to record images. One particular climb required the team to live on the side of a mountain for 59 days, sleeping literally on top of each other in a hammock. In another adventure he dropped a 71 year old man into a very deep gully. Fantastic stories!

Tarragon - Copy That

What sells - intriguing story about bending to commercialism vs following your voice. Stellar cast, full of surprises.

Factory Theatre - Between Breaths

Fascinating story about a reknowned professor from Newfoundland, whose compassion led him to becoming an expert in saving whales. Opening with him in a wheelchair and unable to communicate, the story is told backwards, reflected through his memories.

Factory Theatre - Trout Stanley

Interesting story about coping with loss, manipulation and love at first sight. Trout Stanley was an odd character and entertaining catalyst.

Nightwood - The Election

Reflections from the 2015 federal election were integrated into a fascinating story, contrasting the approach of the different parties. Enlightening and entertaining - who knew politics could be so fascinating. Stellar cast and amazing script.

Crows Theatre - The Flick

Proceeding at a measured (some might say glacial) pace, the pauses and slowness draw us fully into the drama. A simple story, but one that makes us reflect on relationships, aspirations and how we live our lives .....

Stratford - Meals

A shout out to Foster's Inn for great steaks and an amazing potted lemon desert. Rene's excelled as usual with goat cheese bruschetta, pasta and fish. Romeo's is a great place for a delicious diner style lunch near the Festival Theatre. And Sirkel Foods has the best sandwiches in Stratford and enticing squares and tarts, with speedy service, so don't be turned away by a line-up.

Stratford - Little Shop of Horrors

Campy and overstated this production is an excellent version of this story. With a string cast all around, it was fun to watch Dan Chameroy take on so many larger than life characters.

Stratford - Private Lives

A hilarious farce about a feuding couple who simply deserve each other. Rich with clever dialogue and crazy antics, the laughs flow freely.

Stratford - Stone Maiden Inn

A delightful inn just steps from downtown, with lovely rooms, comfy beds, 24 hour coffee and excellent service. The breakfast was divine and served in a space that encouraged lingering over coffee. We will definitely be back.

Stratford - Billy Elliot

Absolutely charming, with lots of great dance sequences. The cast was amazing, with outstanding performances by Nolen Dubuc as Billy and Emerson Gamble as his best friend. And, of course, Dan Chameroy never disappoints, here as Billy's father. 

Stratford - Merry Wives of Windsor

Stories weaved within stories delightfully built up into a good comeuppance for misbehaving men. Sophia Walker and Bright Wilson were awesome as the wives seeking revenge - they were enjoying themselves so much. I particularly like Mrs Ford's courage in not buckling under the pressure of her jealous husband. 

TSO POPS - James Bond: The Music

Nobody does it better" - the TSO was awesome as usual. And today they were enhanced with amazing guest vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ron Bohmer.

Ossington Theatre - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Goofy, with an abundance of energy and heart. Great costumes, very creative sets and our favourite songs from back in the day got the audience bouncing - a whole lot of fun.

Crows Theatre - Ghost Quartet

I am not generally interested in live music performances but this one told a fascinating story. Beautifully performed, in a charming setting.

Tarragon - The Jungle

This is an excellent show to take in just before an election. But not only was it informative about capitalism and the election process, it was funny, provocative, a really sharp script. Both actors completely charmed the audience with their sincerety, great delivery and obvious raport. Strongly recommended.

Factory - Broken Tailbone

So, first time ever - I have walked out of a show. It was not engaging. For an interactive show the instruction was overly repetitive and the  footwork difficult to follow in the crowd. All of this just led us to tune out the stories. 

Mirvish - Girl From the North Country

Depicting dark times, in the depression following the stock market crash, the show nonetheless lifted us up with charismatic characters and amazing music. A well cast ensemble with strong vocals left us wishing for more.

Canstage - Un Poyo Rojo

A dance performance not to be missed. Cheeky, athletic and creative this show is filled with charm and sight gags.

Nuit Blanche

Covering off the top installations in the square bounded by Dundas, Yonge, King and University, we managed to get to 11 installations. Ranging from video to sculpture they were largely fascinating, sometimes unclear, and generally thought provoking. In a few cases the line-ups were ridiculously long and slow moving, but there was often a way to see a bit from the sidelines. Overall, an enjoyable evening.

Coal Mine Theatre - Knives in Hens

Hmmm. Not sure I really got some of this the old English style of speaking wasn't particularly appealing to me

Tarragon - Yaga

As this police investigation unfolds, it keeps you guessing and thoroughly engaged. An amazing show, great performances, strongly recommended.

Mirvish - Piaf/Dietrich

I was not familiar with this story and found it fascinating - an enduring and beautiful friendship. The leads were both very well cast with amazing stage presence and vocals. A thoroughly enjoyable play.

Soulpepper - A Streetcar Named Desire

A classic story - it was intense, absorbing, superbly acted and presented. The stellar cast drew us deeply into the drama. Strongly recommended.

Mirvish - The Band's Visit

An enchanting story, moving along at a leisurely and lyrical pace, with a stellar musical cast. A lovely small town mix-up.

Canstage - Book of Life

Odile Gakire Kate’s is a wonderful story teller. I like how the lessons of the fable were interjected with the stories read from letters. The message that accepting responsibility by saying “I” vs “we” was impactful.

Soulpepper - Betrayal

I really enjoyed this performance, as the story unravelled backwards in time - sometimes deliciously predictable, sometimes catching you by surprise. The cast was marvellous.

Soulpepper - Art

A hilarious and sometimes vicious exchange between three best friends, triggered by one having just purchased an all white painting. as their own insecurities and definitions of friendship surface, the interplay between the characters is exquisite  - they play off each other perfectly.

Soulpepper - Fool For Love

A fascinating story, with unexpected twists and turns and delightful interjections by a narrator. While the dialogue was a little wooden at times in the beginning, the latter part of the play generated tension and intrigue.

Soulpepper - Fool For Love

A fascinating story, with unexpected twists and turns and delightful interjections by a narrator. While the dialogue was a little wooden at times in the beginning, the latter part of the play generated tension and intrigue.

Toronto Fringe - Boys Don't Cry

Stirring musical about family and pressure to conform to expectations. Clever approach - the young boy providing context for his older self's behavior. Great cast.

Toronto Fringe - Drama 101: A New Musical

Outstanding cast and score and a "feel good" story, with some coming-of-age moments. Highly recommended.

Toronto Fringe - Box

The intrigue builds as debate ensues between the old and new partner. While the tension and performance by the actors was good, the show was a little long.

Toronto Fringe - A Plague Upon the Doctor's House

A Monte Python style medieval whodunit was entertaining, with stellar performances by the actors, but the story dragged a little at times.

Toronto Fringe - Spend Your Kids Inheritance

I can totally identify with this - why relinquish control over your life and savings to your distracted, self-absorbed children. While they didn't spend it all, they sure gave their kids "a run for the money". A Patron's pick and a lot of fun.

Toronto Fringe - Road to Damascus

Twists and turns, unexpected developments, drama and insights into the network of terrorism. Violence begets violence and it becomes a never ending cycle - how do we stop it.

Toronto Fringe - Omen: The Musical

Timely musical about climate change and the impact of wanton industrialization on Mother Earth. Winner of the Patron's Pick, we really enjoyed this show.

Toronto Fringe - Great Lakes 5

Improv is not really my taste and the actors were hampered by really stupid suggestions so I didn't find the sketch particularly funny. Also, it was a small audience, so not a lot of laughter momentum coming from the crowd.

Toronto Fringe - Becoming Magic Mike

A detective show that thinks it's a strip show. Hilarious and creative, Mark (no, it's not that show) is a talented, smooth, quick change artist with a great bod. Lots of fun, but don't sit in the front row unless you want to be part of the show ....

Toronto Fringe - Into the Tango

I don't generally go to dance performances but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Directly from Argentina, this show was sensual, artistic, diverse, entertaining, with lots of amazing flips and holds, and even tango on point shoes.

Toronto Fringe - Dandelion

As a parent, we all have cute stories about our kids. While these were funny, I am not a fan of parent's stories about their kids - it's a little like watching your friends' home movies. The dad jokes were good and a little more original.

Toronto Fringe - The Ashes of Forgotten Rain

Backstage rivalries and conflicts culminate in a united front - interesting to watch the transition unfold, complete with some comedic moments.

Toronto Fringe - Everything is Fine

Emotional, moving and delightful telling of the impact of a horrific event on a young girl's life. Wonderfully done. The view that we have many hours of good and bad things happening in our lifetimes, and a bad thing that happened in less than one hour has more power to diminish us than the wonderful experiences we have had to lift us up, really resonated with me.

Toronto Fringe - Above and Beyond

Lively buddy story - two good friends and their wacky colleagues in a sales job. Loved the camaraderie between the best friends.

Mirvish - Waitress

Fun, charming, surprisingly lots of philandering going on. Some lovably quirky characters and not so nice ones and a generally good score.

Toronto Fringe - Tita Jokes

Hilarious series of sketches parodying Tita's. A talented group of Filipino performers dancing, singing and cracking jokes.

Toronto Fringe - Every Silver Lining

Be prepared to be moved. This musical deals with cancer of a youth and the impact on friends and family. Bring Kleenex.

Toronto Fringe - Midway Through the Festival

So my fellow Fringer was asked by work colleagues to go out tonight and she said she couldn't because she was Fringing. The millennial looked it up in Urban Dictionary and found a definition for Fringing - taking a hot shower and standing in front of an air conditioner to get cool. Of course, you know we are in a heat wave right now - talk about "awkward".

Toronto Fringe - Searching For Marceau

A story told primarily with mime about growing up lost, finding your passion, understanding your father and relationships. It was beautifully performed.

Toronto Fringe - Sincerely, Rebel's Club

What do you get when you combine Star Wars with The Breakfast Club - a hilarious show! I particularly liked Vadar, but Principal Palpatine/Wookie/etc was also a favourite.

T.O. Fringe Festival -BFF's

Not really much of a story in this original musical, but the songs and strong vocal performances was enjoyable.

T.O. Fringe Festival - Peaches on a Cherry Tree

What does it all mean?! With stories inside stories, and metaphors to make you think, this charming show generated some discussion.

T.O. Fringe Festival - The Worst: A Dofo Inspired Musical

Cute, funny, sort of about Doug Ford. Would have been lovely to get more song time from these awesome vocalists and their talented pianist.

T.O. Fringe Festival - Checkpoint 300

Topical, relevant, timely and enlightening. Putting a focus on the challenges faced in some parts of the world where things are not always what they seem and hairtrigger decisions can alter lives dramatically. Very well done.

Toronto Fringe - Plumb Crazy

While an intriguing story, well presented to hone the suspense, the play nonetheless felt like a work in progress as the dialogue was a little stilted. We do not recommend.

Toronto Fringe - Fuckboys The Musical

Hilarious, irreverent, profane, great songs, a strong and awesome cast. Lots of fun - it's refreshing to see the spotlight on men's poor behaviour.

Toronto Fringe - The Huns

Very relatable, cringe-worthy, office conference call - the type of interminable meeting we have all been involved in, but with slightly more politically incorrect colleagues. Hilarious charicature of office culture - don't miss this one.

Toronto Fringe - Off the Island

A fun musical, albeit with some weak vocals, about a young man who leaves his Caribbean home for Toronto and fights his strict religious background as he lets his true self "come out". 

Ossington Theatre - Puffs

A show about "Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic” focuses on a house of misfits. A hilarious and extremely well adapted alternate version, with great impressions of the movie characters, creative use of props and quick changes.

The Fun House

A great spot to while away an hour if you’re in the neighbourhood. Interesting rooms, fantastic mirrors (actually surrealist selfies) and whimsical art throughout. The pictures come alive. The furniture is inviting. Seemed to be a really big hit with the kids. I loved the selfies the best.

Toronto Fringe - The December Man

While hard to watch at times due to the strong emotions evoked, this was a stellar play, with outstanding performances all around. Focusing on the impact of a horrific event on the survivors, we felt the desire to help and sorrow of the powerlessness to do so.

Toronto Fringe - Unbridled Futurism

Phasing between different versions of Earth, the story was weak. The band however, was really good - too bad they didn't play more.

Toronto Fringe - Carpe into my DMs

A series of vignettes mocking our self absorbed, app driven, uber lifestyle hit the mark - lots of laughs.

TSO - Modern Broadway

OMG, they opened with a moving medley from The Phantom of the Opera. Then followed with a great balance of some lesser known musicals and some well known ones. Featuring the amazing Betsy Wolfe and awesome Jeremy Jordan, and of course, our wonderful orchestra, this was one of the best POPS performances I have attended! Oh, and Stephen Reineke sang too - what a guy! 

Luminato - Four Sisters

In a post apocalyptic world, those most in need get ostracized, forced to live in lawless and deprived communities, serving as guinea pigs, struggling to survive. Although I never understand modern dance and so the choreography was mostly lost on me for meaning, there was sufficient dialogue for me to appreciate the story, and the cast was outstanding.

Luminato/Canstage - The Full Light of Day

I love the integration of video, providing perspectives that are almost voyeuristic. An emotional portrayal of guilt, disappointment and a life of empty privilege.

Luminato - Forget Me Not

Ronnie Burkett is a long time favourite of mine, bringing puppets to life like no one else can. This new show was quite different, with an audience interaction element that had us manipulating the "others", following the action around the freestyle stage and feeling like we quite belonged there. It is a delightful show.

Montreal - Old Montreal

In Montreal for meetings, I arrived a little early to enjoy the city. With an afternoon to while away I left the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth for a short walk along Boul. Rene-Levesque and then south in Côte du Beaver Hall/Rue McGill to Rue Saint-Paul. Strolling along I picked up local artisan jewellery from Impact Galerie, glass bowls at Le Magasin General, more local artisan jewellery at Boutiques Metiers d Art and machine washable silk blouses at Place Royale. Then I topped off the evening with some Quebec cider and a delicious crepe on the patio Jardin Nelson. Quite simply, a lovely afternoon!

Mirvish - Sound of Music

True to the movie, this was a wonderful performance, with some great casting. Maria was very strong and Mother Superior closed the first half with an amazing rendition of "Climb Every Mountain".

Soulpepper - The Brothers Size

While this is a story we have heard before, there were some unique twists With just the right amount of humour and tension. The presentation, interjected with music and dance, was superb. A really cool set.

Factory - Beautiful Man

Acting as the other gender, the women as men role played a night watching a movie, a man related "her" story of a night out. While interesting, and the second half more so, it was not particularly enlightening or captivating.

TIFF Picture Palace

An enlightening, fascinating and fun exhibit, this 3 part exhibit, provided hands on demonstration of how sound, colour, camera angle influences a film. We really enjoyed the exhibit and were intrigued. Sadly this closes today, so if you didn’t see it, your opportunity is gone....

Theatre Passe Muraille - Ultimate Theatre Challenge

TPM's annual gala was inspired this year, pitting talented actors against each other in a UTC format, as they battled through monologues, special skills and cold readings to take the title. With enthusiasm, laughs and surprises, the audience was enthralled. Complemented with lots of food and drink, a fun night was had by all.

National Geographic - Lynsey Addario

True to form, we can't fathom how someone can put themselves in harm's way, as Lindsay does. However, we have to be grateful for courageous people like this, as nothing tells the story more effectively of the horrors of war than a photograph. And Lindsey is an amazing storyteller.

Catapult Festival - Roxy

The motivational speaker who can scare you. Funny, inspirational, with rapid fire gestures and keen timing, Roxy is fearless! Or is she .......

Tarragon Theatre - Old Stock: a refugee love story

A riveting story of new immigrants, narrated  through song and presented like a travelling show. At times funny, at times sad, this was a genuinely moving story. Performed by a stellar cast of actor/musicians, I particularly liked Mary Fay Cody, whose gestures were charming.

Off Mirvish - Next to Normal

An unusual topic for a musical - mental illness - but handled in a respectful way, portraying the impact on the whole family. Great score, with amazing performances from the entire cast.

TSO POPS - Queens of Soul

Fantastic selection of songs, with outstanding performances  by the TSO, the guest band members and the vocalists. An incredible show!

Mirvish - Dear Evan Hansen

A poignant story about how a lie can spiral out of control, this story threw many emotional punches. Extremely well cast, powerful voices, harmonizing very well together, a fantastic show.

Video Cabaret - Too Good to be True

Video Cabaret's inaugural show in their new venue is everything we expect it to be  - hilarious, campy, a little outrageous and with many unexpected moments. A real treat for those in the east end or willing to venture out this way.

Stars On Ice

Incredible show. Great music, great choreography, awesome skaters. I absolutely enjoyed every one of these amazing Canadian skating medalists.

Ossington Theatre - 9 To 5

A nostalgic play, based in a very mysoginistic time period, but lots of fun nonetheless. William Doyle does an authentically unlikeable chauvinistic boss and the energy, enthusiasm and chemistry between the three female leads makes the show.

National Geographic Live! - Hilary O’Neill, Mountaineer: Point Of No Return

Frank and reflective, Hilary takes us along her arduous journey, with 4 colleagues, on a difficult summit. With 39 days of rough trains, motorcycles and hiking through the jungle, eventually relinquishing two thirds of their gear and food in order to reach the mountain, the "hard part" begins. One cannot fathome the motivation, commitment and desire that would sure someone on to a task such as this.

The Wizard’s Dinner

A performance meal, based on our favourite wizard, splits diners into four “houses”, which compete in a variety of challenges and games for the right to be called the best house. All diners came dressed in appropriate attire, with some bearing an amazing likeness to their favourite character, many of which were very well known by the audience. Overall, a lot of fun!

Tarragon Theatre - Guarded Girls

Extremely intense, unfolding like a möbius strip, the cycle of despair is palpable as events repeat. Strong performances all around.

Theatre Passe Muraille - The Things I Carry

A hybrid theatre/dance production brought some interesting moments - taking flight, special stories, unique sound effects. Definitely an immersive experience.

Coal Mine Theatre - Hand to God

Hilarious, great physical comedy, innovative sets and a stellar cast. There is no surprise thus show is already almost sold out.

Sheraton Theatre - Chelsea Sunrise

A catchy score and some amazing choreography make for a very fine musical. Shout out to the Valkries, the talent show MC and the leads for outstanding performances.

Factory Theatre - Angelique

Addressing Canada's ugly past with racism, the depiction of the brutality and oppression in this period was intense. The score was intrinsic, amplifying the performance in intriguing ways.

Nightwood - A Blow in the Face

Creative and fascinating, you never know what is coming next as the tension slowly builds. The mother comes across as genuinely exhausted and the "pixies" are delightful.

Sheridan Theatre - The House of Martin Guerre

Sheridan Theatre is Oakville's little secret - fabulous theatre at a great price. This large cast performance did not disappoint - with great music, tension and excitement and loads of chemistry between the leads.

Off Mirvish - A Doll’s House Part 2

At times amusing, at times dramatic, this feminist play shows many different perspectives that are irreconcilable. Thank goodness I was not living in that era. Deborah Hay was delightfully eccentric as Nora.

TSO POPOS - Best of Hollywood

It is wonderful to hear such memorable scores, played by the TSO and, for some, accompanied by the amazing Whitney Claire Kaufman. While the selection was broad, it was too little heavily weighted to older films for my taste.

Soulpepper - Wedding at Aulis

Extremely well done, this exploration of the events leading up to the invasion of Troy by the Greeks is riveting. Definitely a must see!

National Geographic Live! - Thomas Peschak, Photographer: Wild Seas, Secret Shores

Another fascinating episode from a Nat Geo photographer. Bringing us unique and captivating photos, through arduous, dangerous and unpleasant circumstances (a cave of turtles pooping and farting particularly cines to mind) seems to be about the norm for these people. It is incredible to imagine what we would miss without them.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Crying Hands

A very moving and heart rending story. As the perpetrator becomes the victim, we experience how easy it is to be complacent and how important empathy is in holding bad behaviour at bay. As hard as this composite story was to hear, it is important not to forget the horrors of the Holocaust and the depths of evil that fostered such depravity.

Gandini Juggling: Sigma

Interesting concept to integrate juggling with Indian dance - they complemented each other well. My favourite segment was an intricate performance with hands in the light, which was fascinating. Overall quite nice, but the show could have been longer.

Theatre Passe Muraille - Chicho

An introduction to Venezuela, the country, it's characteristics, and the particular challenges of coming out. Told with humour, energy and more undressing and dressing than I have ever seen in a performance, Augusto Bitter is an amazing storyteller.

Nightwood - School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play

A stellar cast, creating a genuine high school vibe. Tense moments of mean girl behaviour, with a few particularly explosive events, were balanced with refreshingly innocent humour. Some really special moments that sparked a conversation into the evening.

Factory Theatre - Bears

While I was a little confused about the parallel journeys, it was a very engaging and creative approach to storytelling. Sheldon Elter is a wonderful narrator and the seven women in white pantomiming the land and the animals were superb. We strongly recommend this show.

TSO POPS - The Second City Guide to the Symphony

A departure from the usual POPS series format the TSO seemed to be backing up the Second City troupe vs being the headliner. While the comedic guide to the symphony did hit some marks, sketch comedy is not my favourite, so this show was not up to the calibre I expect.

Tarragon - New Magic Vallry Fun Town

What started out as an eagerly anticipated reunion slowly unravels as the participant's  sensitivities and secrets begin to leak out. The cast worked really well together and effortlessly drew the audience into the drama. Fantastic show.

Off Mirvish - Oslo

While liberties were taken in the storytelling it did not take away from a fascinating presentation of how the development of the historical accord between Israel and the PLO, facilitated by Norway, was negotiated. Thrilling and suspenseful, we really enjoyed this play.

Mirvish - The Last Ship

While the score was a little sombre, lacking in inspiration and energy, the cast was impressive with a lot of exceptional vocal talent. The choreography was simple, but the sets were amazing, integrating visuals that clearly coveyed a large shipyard. 

Soulpepper - Little Menace: Pinter Plays

An interesting collection of short plays about anxiety, fear and misunderstandings, presented in a clever and unexpected format. Very well executed by the cast, it was intriguing with great comedic moments.

Coal Mine Theatre - The Father

Absolutely amazing show. Really drew you into the confusion, fear and anxiety of the Father, as he slipped further into dimensia. Outstanding performance by Eric Peterson.

Mirvish Extra - Jukebox Hero

A heartwarming story of a rising Rockstar, full of family and romantic drama, was told through 20 songs from Foreigner. The cast, choreography and staging was excellent, creating a solid and entertaining show. You don't have to be a big fan of Foreigner to enjoy it.

Crowsnest - Mary’s Wedding

A poignant and loving tale, engagingly told in an outstanding performance. Despite minimal props, we are easily led to visualize the broadly changing scenes. Not to be missed!

National Geographic Live! - Florian Schulz, Photographer: Into the Arctic Kingdom

Fascinating photographs and film footage of polar bears and caribou in the arctic. Florian is passionate about the Arctic Refuge and a wonderful storyteller. His tenacity against extreme cold and lonely conditions is exemplary.

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.