Factory Theatre - Craig's List Contata

Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craig's List Contata, by Acting Up Stage Company

Whether you are a regular Craig's List user or always wondered what kind of things people would use it for, you will find this show enlightening and entertaining. This piece brings out many aspects of Craig's List, from "Does anyone see me" (people attempting to connect) to "Do you want what I have" (Selling the most bizarre things). This show is a veritable cornucopia of weird and wonderful postings on Craig's List, creatively choreographed to song and dance, creating a curiosity to log on. Everyone in my party of eight loved the show, each having their favourite sketches we shared and laughed about on the way home.

All of the performers were very talented, we particularly enjoyed the amazing physical comedy of Dmitry Chepovetsky, who has a very elastic face.

I am sending my teenage son and his friend on Sunday and recommend you scoop up some tickets before it is sold out.

YPT - Harriet T

Recommended for grades 4-8, but I think the younger grades may not understand most of what is happening. This is a tough story to hear, but one that provokes some good conversation around the plight of the slaves in America, the brutality they endured and the risks that some, in particular, Harriet Tubman, took to secure their freedom. Harriet went on to save many more slaves, navigating them through the Underground Railroad. Told wonderfully through twin characters of Harriet young and old, punctuated by song, this is a show that you and your children will enjoy and that hopefully will keep you talking all the way home.

ROM - Ultimate Dinosaurs

This is a really cool exhibit, with some fantastic dinosaurs and lots of cool interactive features. I spent more time reading the materials and watching the videos than I have in any other exhibit. Our gang of 12 year olds were also quite engaged. This collection complemented the permanent collection very well and I didn't feel any deja vu as I went through the special exhibit. Definitely recommended, but its only around until March, so you better hurry.

Factory Theatre - Every Letter Counts

Told from the perspective of his 6 year old niece, who is the playwright playing herself, we hear about why Benigno Aquino went back to the Philippines to plead with Marcos to heed his people's needs. He fully expected to die young, but was fanatically committed to securing freedom for the Philippine people. Despite Marcus pleading with him to relent, he stayed the course to his inevitable execution.

The acting was superb and powerful. The script was creative, centering around a game of scrabble as a metaphor for life and the power of words, interesting use of video and dramatic conversations. In a very simple set, the characters seamlessly transported from home to jail cell to a museum, without any changes.

I recommend you see it, as it will provoke discussion and questions. But beware, it is one act and you will not be allowed in if you are late, which one person from our party discovered to her dismay.

Royal Conservatory - Koerner Hall - Meow Meow

We had a blast at Meow Meow's show at Koerner Hall. Her irreverant treatment of the audience and generous use of the patrons as props, her musical theatre blend of physical comedy and catchy tunes, delivered with panache, great timing and a beautiful voice makes for a very unique show. He finely honed cabaret act draws in an audience which is clearly filled with fans, gleefully participating as she drags them on stage, shamelessly involves individuals in her romantic ballads and crowd surfs down the middle of the orchestra section.

Even her own band was not safe as she commanded them to strip along with her. We will be joining her legions of fans that patiently wait for her next visit.

CsnStage - Someone Else

Not for the faint of heart, this show is quite graphic at times, displaying the full level of frustration and animosity that can only be experienced by two people who have been married for many years, suddenly faced with a new and suspicious relationship by one spouse. Seemingly innocent, but not quite transparent, so hinting at something to hide. Layer this with each person dealing with their own demons, not able to fully support the other, and they begin to contaminate the nature of those around them. As the play progresses you wonder whether there will be redemption or at least a release from their torment. It makes for compelling watching to the very end.

While it was a bit long, at almost 2 hours with no intermission, and some of the parts didn't quite connect, I enjoyed the play. The sparse stage and clever use of simple doors as props, was very effective.

All of the actors stood out in their incredible ability to genuinely portray the raw emotions called for in this piece, but special mention has to be made to the outstanding performance of Bahia Watson, who played the young and deeply disturbed patient.

Board of Trade - 125th Annual Dinner

It was quite the gala affair, in celebration of the Board of Trade's 125th Anniversary. From the stirring vocals of Jarvis Church to the glitz and glamour of the room, I was very impressed. Who knew the Metro Toronto Convention Center could be dressed up like that.

I was not so impressed with the behavior of the many attendees. There was a constant, not so dim, roar of conversation, throughout the Board Chair and CEO remarks, making it very clear that few were paying attention.

The inaugural Toronto Region Builder Award, recognizing leaders who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to Toronto is a great way to celebrate what is working well in this city and those that influence it. I look forward to hearing about future recipients.

Rick Waugh was the keynote speaker and was able to command the attention of the room. With his laid back nature and his wonderful little vignettes from his college or Winnipeg days woven in, his message of how Canadian business can rise to the challenges of tomorrow was eagerly absorbed by the attendees.