Dissonant Species (written by Michel Gordon Spence and Heather Marie Annis) sings a story about trying to understand. Trying to understand music, trying to understand sound, trying to understand people. Like a jumbled up music sheet with various timings and key changes and sounds with no set patterns. It is a piece that drums an […]
When we watch Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice at the Canadian Opera Company, we are offered more than a simple narrative — we’re invited into a space of ritual and reflection. Christophe Gayral’s staging (originally conceived by Robert Carsen in 2011) evokes how I imagine an ancient Greek tragedy performed: stripped of excess, yet […]
Do not stop. Just go to see Laura Piccinin’s production of GO, a hike full of heart, comedy, and charm Full disclosure, I do not hike. As a city boy, my version of hiking is walking from Regent Park to Parkdale. However, even I can understand the appeal of hiking. The nature, the views, […]
The narrative road to Bremen Town may be uneven in places but an excellent performance by the ensemble and strong direction with funny dialogue make this a fun and at times emotionally deep road trip. The stage is beautifully framed by images that are reminiscent of a children’s fairy tale book (a thoughtful and […]
Critic Note: The performance reviewed was of the October 1st preview Content Warning: This review will contain mentions of child sexual abuse. To view more detailed content warnings of Blackbird please check out the show page on Talk Is Free Theatre’s website. Incredible performances and chemistry between Cyrus Lane (Ray) and Kirstyn Russelle […]
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 […]