The Second City Toronto’s 90th(!) revue opened last night to thunderous applause. The most nuanced show I’ve seen from the high floor company in awhile, Duel Citizens features a rare cast that’s evenly strong rather than leaning on a standout or two (they’re all returning from the 89th revue so the chemistry’s pretty in place). […]
I’ve been on Shifting Ground’s case since their debut, lecturing the ambitious and capable young company about their programming. The company’s early work, though proficient, felt too mature, like the company was simply doing their favourite shows with their friends rather than programming to their strengths. That all changed with The 25th Annual Putnum County […]
Though Karen Kain, Christopher Stowell, & Robert Binet’s choreography (after Erik Bruhn, Lev Ivanov, and Marius Petipa) is challenging and technical throughout the whole of the National Ballet’s overall excellent update of Swan Lake, the indoor passages lag with slow storytelling and traditional bow breaks that pause the action and break the fourth wall. It’s […]
There aren’t a lot of companies left like Shakespeare Bash’d in the Toronto theatre scene. They’re indie but they’re experts- a valued production category largely washed away by the pandemic and just starting to be rebuilt by newcomers fresh from theatre school and vets slowly re-emerging after a long hiatus. In this unsteady landscape, Shakespeare […]
Puccini is the star of Madama Butterfly so it’s appropriate that, at nearly every turn in their current production of the ultra-famous opera, the Canadian Opera Company does right by the music. Backed by the always excellent COC orchestra and chorus, the principal players in the production deliver beautiful performances with nuanced, steady vocals. Skilled […]
Last Landscape (Bad New Days in association with Common Boots Theatre at Buddies in Bad Times through Jan 26) The surface joy of this inventive and thoughtful piece allows the audience a meditative break from the noise of the modern world. Almost entirely wordless, Last Landscape sees a company of five labourers use the detritus […]
Created and originally performed by some of Soulpepper’s most legendary Academy graduates-turned-resident artists, Alligator Pie will always be a testament to the company’s multi-disciplinary strength, spirit of invention, and dedication to fun. A wild romp of a non-linear kids show adapted from Dennis Lee’s beloved book of poems, Alligator Pie has made its long-awaited return […]
Interior Design (Tarragon Theatre) The first play in this week’s roundup features the most complicated exploration of the myriad ways we terrorize each other as it centers on a quartet of friends who presumably (reportedly, ultimately) do love each other. Rosa Laborde’s script about four old friends fighting (or not) to stay friends is a […]