Monday, March 11, 2013

We have moved!

Please note that after 6 years of blogger lovin' we have officially decided to move our theatre blog to our official website! This is a wonderful milestone for us here at eap.

Our site: emergingartproductions.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Preview: Everyday Anthems at World Stage














Opening tomorrow evening down at the Harbourfront Centre is another World Stage piece that sounds and looks absolutely delicious. Look for buoyancy and grace abound c/o choreographer Heidi Strauss. For more info please read the description below and for tickets please CLICK HERE!

Show Description:

Choreographed by rising star Heidi Strauss, along with text from playwright Brendan Gall, this new dance work explores anthems as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles, for things unrequited, for personal strength and belonging. An impassioned performance that poses questions around power, pride and unity in the face of difference.

Strauss’s first creation for Toronto Dance Theatre draws on the embodied histories of her performers to create a richly physical ensemble work.

Suggested age: all ages.

WORLD PREMIERE
Everyday Anthems
Toronto Dance Theatre (Canada)
March 6-9
Fleck Dance Theatre
Harbourfront Centre

Monday, March 4, 2013

Preview: Laws of Motion


Now playing in the east end is this little gem LAWS OF MOTION. It is generating a bunch of buzz and is getting some very strong reviews. Check out our preview below:

Show Description: 

A Small Elephant Co-op presents the Canadian Premiere of LAWS OF MOTION by ASHLIN HALFNIGHT & directed by CHRISTOPHER STANTON from March 1st-15th. The inaugural production at The JAM Factory Co. located in Toronto's Leslieville district.

In Ashlin Halfnight’s play LAWS OF MOTION the lives of eleven people are forever changed when the domino effect of one tragic incident touches each of them in surprising ways. 

"To every action there is always an equal and an opposite reaction." - Newton

VISIT: www.secureaseat.com for tickets!

Where: 2 Matilda Street Toronto, ON M4M 1L9
When: March 1st-15th 2013; Nightly at 8pm (Dark on Mondays)
How: Please email lawsofmotionplay@gmail.com; www.lawsofmotion.ca

This play contains coarse language. It is recommended for mature audiences. This is a Canadian Actors' Equity Approved Co-op.

Meet the cast:
CARLO - Carlos Diaz
ANNA/LONNIE - Caitlin Driscoll
MARKUS - Jeff Irving
JOLENE - Dani Kind
DOMINIC/GORDON - Peter Pasyk 
CHRISTOPHER/COOPER - David Tompa
SAMMY - Ewa Wolniczek
BELLA/FIONA- Kate Ziegler

 LAWS OF MOTION team:
Sound Design - Lyon Smith
Lighting Design - Sandra Marcroft
Set & Costume Design - Lindsay Anne Black

Produced by A Small Elephant Co-op Dani Kind & Kate Ziegler

More on the Director:
Christopher Stanton is a Toronto-based director, performer, writer, musician and sound designer. 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Spotlight on Japan

We are excited to see this piece this evening! It is getting great buzz!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Luminato Announces 2013 Premiere Series

Press Release:

The Mark Morris Dance Group,
the classic Chinese tale Feng Yi Ting directed by Atom Egoyan
and an all-star birthday celebration for the legendary Joni Mitchell
PREMIERE SERIES TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 20!

Luminato today announced three extraordinary offerings of theatre, music and dance – two Canadian premieres and a world premiere – as part of the 7th Annual Luminato Festival running June 14 – 23, 2013. Packaged together as the Premiere Series, tickets go on sale March 20.

Three spectacular events, the series includes: the Canadian premiere of the MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP’S L’ALLEGRO, IL PENSEROSO ED IL MODERATO; the Canadian premiere of the classic Chinese tale FENG YI TING, an opera directed by ATOM EGOYAN; and JONI: A PORTRAIT IN SONG - A BIRTHDAY HAPPENING LIVE AT MASSEY HALL, an all-star birthday celebration for the legendary JONI MITCHELL. 


L’ALLEGRO, IL PENSEROSO ED IL MODERATO
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP
Canadian Premiere, presented at the Sony Centre
Featuring the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir 

The Mark Morris Dance Group, one the most revered and highly celebrated modern dance companies in the world, will present Mark Morris’ “L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato” -- based on poems by Milton and paintings by Blake, and widely considered one of the great dance works of the twentieth century. New York’s Mark Morris Dance Group has earned international acclaim for a wide spectrum of productions in dance and opera. The troupe’s exquisite Handel-oratorio dance “L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato,” first presented in 1988, is considered Morris' masterwork.


“L’Allegro is one of the most important modern dances…performances are by definition a great occasion.”– The Wall Street Journal


FENG YI TING
DIRECTED BY ATOM EGOYAN • starring Sichuan Opera star SHEN TIEMEI
Canadian Premiere, presented at the MacMillan Theatre
Co-produced by Lincoln Center Festival, Spoleto Festival USA and Currents – Art & Music
Sung in Mandarin Chinese with English and Mandarin surtitles

As interpreted by Guo Wenjing, one of China’s most respected contemporary composers who fuses Chinese and Western classical styles, and directed by celebrated film and theatre director Atom Egoyan, “Feng Yi Ting” explores the epic tale of Diao Chan (Shen Tiemei), one of the fabled Four Beauties of ancient China, whose seductive charms ignite an empire-threatening rivalry between ruthless warlord Dong Zhuo and the brave general Lu Bu. With set designs by Tony-winning Derek McLane, lighting by Matt Frey, costumes by Han Feng, projections by Cameron Davis and video by Hong Kong–based visual artist Tsang Kin-wah, “Feng Yi Ting” premiered at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and played New York’s Lincoln Center Festival to rave reviews this past summer.

“A brilliant morsel of theatrical art, flamboyantly conceived and compellingly staged.” – The New York Times 


JONI: A PORTRAIT IN SONG - A BIRTHDAY HAPPENING LIVE AT MASSEY HALL
Two Nights Only!

From “Both Sides Now” and “Blue” to “Court and Spark” and "Coyote," the work of Joni Mitchell continues to inspire and delight generations of listeners. Joni remains one of the world’s most embraced, lauded, and prolific singer-songwriters and visionary artists. When eight-time Grammy winner Joni Mitchell was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, the Grammys called Joni’s music “a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination, and integrity.” To celebrate both her artistry and upcoming 70th birthday, Luminato brings together an all-star lineup of musicians and vocalists interpreting the songs of this brilliantly original artist. Confirmed performers include: Grammy, Tony and Academy Award-winner Glen Hansard (Once); acclaimed singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright; and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. The complete line-up to be announced. Musical direction and arrangements provided by drummer/bandleader Brian Blade along with pianist/composer Jon Cowherd. Band to include musicians Brian Blade, Melvin Butler, Jon Cowherd, Bill Frisell, Jeff Haynes, Mark Isham, Chris Thomas and Marvin Sewell. Produced by New York-based live music producer Danny Kapilian.


“She is in possession of one of the most extraordinary song catalogs of the past half-century.” — The New York Times 
The 2013 Luminato Premiere Series:

Mark Morris Dance Group • L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato
The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
June 21 – 23, 2013 – Three Performances Only!
Friday and Saturday @ 7:30PM • Sunday @ 3PM
Presented by TELUS
Major Media Partner: Toronto Star


Feng Yi Ting 
Directed by Atom Egoyan
MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queens Park
June 20 - June 22, 2013 – Three Performances Only!
Thursday – Saturday @ 8:00 PM


Joni: A Portrait in Song - A Birthday Happening Live at Massey Hall
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
June 18 and June 19, 2013 – Two Performances Only!
Tuesday and Wednesday @ 7:30PM
Presented by Sun Life Financial
With support from Slaight Music

The 2013 Premiere Series packages range from $154.50 to $349.50 (inclusive of HST and facility fee; plus applicable service charges) for three evenings of theatre, music and dance.

Advance Premiere Series Purchasing Opportunity
Monday, March 18, 2013, 12noon
Visa Infinite® cardholders and E-Newsletter Subscribers: Online at visainfinite.ca or 
by phone at 416-368-4TIX(4849)

Official Premiere Series Public On Sale
Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 12noon
Online at luminato.com or by phone at 416-368-4TIX(4849)

Single tickets will be available beginning April 20, 2013, 12noon.

For more information, visit www.luminato.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Preview: pomme is french for apple

Our favourite show of 2012 and one of our favourite shows ever produced is back and opening this weekend at the Young Centre. In the dead of winter we need this incredibly charming and delicious piece of theatre to inspire some warmth and deep belly laughs. YOU MUST check this out!

Show Description:

First workshopped at the Young Centre before winning Patrons' Pick and Best of Fringe at the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival, pomme is french for apple is a fresh, funny, and irreverent look at womanhood in all its glory: its perils, its pleasures and all kinds of madness in between. Comprised of a fast-paced series of vignettes, the show is a vaudevillian and distinctly West Indian exploration of the absurdity of women’s lives in settings as diverse as the islands, downtown Toronto and southeast London. pomme is french for apple is created and performed by Liza Paul and Bahia Watson, recipients of the 2012 RBC Footprint Award, presented by Obsidian Theatre, for their contribution to the arts. Mature content.

pomme is french for apple 
Featuring Liza Paul and Bahia Watson
Tickets: $15 - 30
For tickets please CLICK HERE!

Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane
Distillery Historic District
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4


Thursday, February 21, 2013

The 34th Rhubarb Festival is on....

For two weeks, over 100 local and international artists transform Buddies in Bad Times Theatre into a hotbed of creativity and experimentation, sharing new ideas in contemporary theatre, performance art, dance, and music with adventure-loving audiences. This year's Festival Director Laura Nanni brings you some great entertainment and thought provoking theatre. Here are a few stills from some of the highlighted shows this year.  


Fay Slift and the Three Bears
 Ladybear Extraordinaire Fay Slift stars as Goldilocks in a high-drag, choose-your-own-adventure take on this familiar fairy tale.

created and performed by Trixie & Beever with John Paul Kane and Kaleb Robertson | directed by Lindsay Barton | choreographer / outside eye Kitty Neptune | costume design Atom Cianfarani | make up design and photography David Hawe | set and prop design Nina Bunjevac.

 And Dirty Plotz  a one-night only event TONIGHT.  An ensemble of female performers take on the historical exclusion and erasure of women in art and social justice movements.

curated and hosted by Alex Tigchelaar | featuring Jess Dobkin, Christine Pountney, Keisha Scott, Laura Kane, Hoa Nguyen and Zoe Whittall | choreography by Cat Nimmo



 Also, Graceful Rebellions is on this weekend.
 Meet Laily, Wazma, and Zenat. Each have a story to tell. Each suffer for joys divine and destructive and all have much to lose. Can an Afghan woman gain power under the rule of man?

written and performed by Shaista Latif | directed by Evalyn Parry | YCU Director Evalyn Parry
image by Kai Wa Yapp

You should also check out All The Ladies. This visceral dance performance builds and deconstructs ideas of femininity inside the frame of an all-female fight club.

choreography by Sasha Kleinplatz | interpreters Kelly Keenan, Rosie Cantin and Angie Cheng



Disco Hospital where you can experience a new queer shamanism in this performance ritual that combines therapeutic touch and sonic therapy. Participants are invited to bring an offering in exchange for this experience. Disco Hospital  is part of the one-to-one series which are held off-site at 519.

artist and clinical sonician Andrew Zealley.

These are just a few of the shows and events going on at Buddies over the next two weeks.  Be sure to check out the whole first week schedule here, and next week's schedule here.  Rhubarb is not like other festivals. There are plenty of different ways to see performances, you rarely see only one show, you’re travelling from place to place, and you often end up seeing something you never expected. Here’s a handy cheat sheet to help you decide what you want to see, and explain how you go about seeing it – all of the headings refer to the colour-coded bars you see in the show descriptions

Week One & Week Two Programs. These 12 shows run for an entire week, Wednesday to Sunday evenings, in one of the two performance spaces at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. At any given point, there are shows happening in both spaces, so when you arrive at the theatre pick the show you want to see first, and 30 minutes later when it’s done you can either stay where you are or move to the other space for your next performance. A $20 Evening Pass gets you in to the entire night of programming.

Special Presentations. These shows are special events that happen after the regular program for one or two nights only. Admission to Special Presentations is included in your Evening Pass.

Mobile Works. These are special performances designed for public spaces, and happen in various locations around the city. The location of each performance is included in its show listing above, and some of them either travel or take place outside so remember to bundle up. All Mobile Works presentations are free.

The One-To-One Performance Series. These are intimate performance designed for a single performer and one audience member at a time  – they all take place offsite at The 519 Church Street Community Centre. When booking your ticket, think of it like making an appointment: you can call ahead to our box office to schedule your personal time with an artist, or you can drop in to The 519 and see what’s available (a certain number of tickets for every performance will be held for drop-ins). Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.

Young Creators Unit. These are 30 minute solo performances from four emerging voices that have been mentored through our Queer youth Arts Program. Performances take place every Saturday and Sunday beginning at 6PM. Each weekend features two different artists and your ticket gets you in to both performances. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.

Finally, a special note. The Faroe Islands will also be taking place offsite at The 519. While not a One-To-One performance, it is staged in an intimate environment for 10-15 people per show. Tickets to this Special Presentation are Pay-What-You-Can.



Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Preview: Jackie and Jack



Opening this weekend is the exciting new piece from writer Jim Christy, called Jackie and Jack. Please check out the preview below and for tickets please click here!

Show Description:

The Theatre Lab and Back Burner Productions are proud to present our upcoming collaborative production Jackie and Jack premiering at Unit 102 Studio Theatre, Friday February 22, 2013.

Written by the legendary Canadian polymath Jim Christy, Jackie and Jack is a ‘What If’ play that follows the meeting of two of North Americas’ most tragic figures. Jack Kerouac and Jackie Kennedy. The play is an examination of an encounter the two may have had on a beach in Hyanis, Northport - 1959, at a period of time when both of their lives are changing irrevocably.

Originally presented in workshop for the public in the spring of 2011 by director Guy Doucette (The Nightwood, Little War) of Back Burner Productions the play is returning to the stage with the collaboration of producer Michael Orlando (Theatre Lab, Collective Studio). Also returning to the stage to reprise her role as Jackie Kennedy, is actor Roselie Williamson (Into, Canadian Stage) and Katrina Carey as ‘Little Eddie’ (Little War, Back Burner Productions). New to the production is actor Jack Clift (Two Gentlemen of Verona, Rose Theatre) taking on the role of the King of the Beats, Jack Kerouac.


Jackie and Jack
Written by Jim Christy
directed by Guy Doucette
featuring Roselie Williamson | Jack Clift | Katrina Carey
produced by Michael Orlando

February 22nd to March 2nd
Unit 102 Theatre | 376 Dufferin Street (just south of Queen St. W)

Performances:
February 22nd | 8pm
February 23rd | 8pm
February 24th | 2pm PWYC & 8pm
February 26th | 8pm
February 27th | 8pm
February 28th | 8pm
March 1st | 8pm
March 2nd | 8pm

Tickets: $15 advance | $20 at-the-door | Sunday Matinee PWYC

Preview: Another Thousand Mountains



Opening tomorrow for a short but sweet run at The Music Gallery is a collection of dance pieces from Barbara Lindenberg. The collection under the name, Another Thousand Mountains will be a fascinating experience in the art of movement and expression.

Show Description:

Bodies and voices moving, the dances allow for the eternal letting go of the moment. Wild and loving, friendly and unusual, this performance is about bodies, details, perseverance, transformation, emotions and connection. Moves, colours, vibrations. 2 performances only.

For tickets please CLICK HERE!


Monday, February 18, 2013

Preview: Dachshund UN



Dachshund UN, the live performance installation from Australian artist Bennett Miller, will be taking over the Enwave Theatre Feb. 28 – March 3, 2013. Seeman’s best friend hold a mirror up to the global community, offering a spirited critique of one of its most ambitious social institutions, the United Nations.

Dachshund UN is one of eleven groundbreaking international contemporary performance works in the World Stage 2013 season. This performance installation, which is proudly sponsored by PawsWay restages the UN Commission on Human Rights with the help of a life-sized model of the UN office in Geneva. Featuring dozens of specially recruited dachshunds from over 24 cities across Ontario, Quebec and New York, the show will demonstrate how world leaders play ball when stakes are high.

World Stage Artistic Director Tina Rasmussen comments: "It's a rare thing, a total cast of over 100 humans and 100 animals. This is work that redefines and repositions live action, inside of the theatre, but outside of its purview. The North American premiere of Dachshund UN is truly a maverick production where spectacle and ontology will collide. I'm excited and I might even adopt a Dachshund in the process."

Unique among breeds for their racial diversity, dachshund ambassadors underscore the trials and achievements of the international community by striving for unity and justice in a dog-eat-dog world. During the hour-long performance, opinions will be shared, fetching ideas communicated and strategic plans unleashed in a summit of delightful chaos and pert insight.


Dates / Times / Location

Duration: 50 minutes

Enwave Theatre – 231 Queens Quay West located between Queens Quay Terminal and York Quay Centre, adjacent to The Power Plant

Thu, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Fri, March 1 at 7 p.m.
Sat, March 2 at 2 p.m.
Sun, March 3 at 2 p.m.

Admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Tarragon Double Bill: Little One & Other People's Children

Opening this week at Tarragon is a double bill of mighty weight from predominant Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch. Hannah Moscovitch is one of the most prolific playwrights of her generation and considered one of the strongest voices in the country. Her Governor General-nominated East of Berlin premiered at Tarragon to great acclaim, and toured successfully for two seasons. This prodigious young talent’s most recent play, The Children’s Republic, premiered at Tarragon in 2011 rave reviews. Here are the two pieces that have just begun previews; check out the previews below and for tickets CLICK HERE

Show Descriptions: 


Little One
by Hannah Moscovitch
directed by Natasha Mytnowych

PREMIERE | IN CO-PRODUCTION WITH THEATRE CRISIS

Two adopted siblings grow up together in affluent Ottawa. Claire and Aaron love each other with all their hearts. But for some people, loving and destroying are the same thing. A new production of this stylish thriller, reworked since making a splash at SummerWorks 2011.


                                   

Other People’s Children
by Hannah Moscovitch
directed by Paul Lampert

PREMIERE | IN CO-PRODUCTION WITH THEATRE PANIK

When Ilana returns to work, she and her husband Ben hire a live-in nanny to care for their young daughter. At first, Ilana is touched by how well her daughter takes to Sati, but the strength of their bond quickly becomes alarming.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Preview: [Title of Show] at the Lower Ossington Theatre


Playing for just a few more days is one of our favourite musicals ever conceived! [title of show] is playing at the new hot spot for musical theatre in the city - the fantastic Lower Ossington Theatre. Please check out the details below...

Show Description:

Young talent bring witty musical [title of show] to The Lower Ossington Theatre

Toronto, ON. February – The hilarious Obie Award-winning musical [title of show] comes to The Lower Ossington Theatre starting February 8th, 2013. An intelligent, quirky show described by The New York Times as “a postmodern homage to the grand tradition of backstage musicals,” this show-within-a-show features struggling writers Hunter and Jeff as they face the New York Musical Theatre Festival deadline and decide to take a risk and write an original musical in only three weeks. They quickly find that their conversation about what to write is more engaging than other story ideas. With the help of their friends, singers Heidi and Susan (with Larry on the keys), [title of show] becomes a production about its own creation as a group of friends write a musical about writing a musical for Broadway - starring themselves.

The cast of talented up-and-coming performers includes Forbes MacQuarrie as Hunter, Adam Norrad as his writing partner Jeff, Michelle Nash as Susan, and Bianca Heuvelmans as Heidi, with David Ruggiero as the pianist Larry.

Popular for its clever dialogue, for co-producer Adam Norrad (Jeff), it is the music which makes [title of show] such a stand-out. “I love the beautiful harmonies that we get to sing,” he says. “All of the music is very modern and refreshing – it’s the most fun music I have ever sung!”

[title of show] opens at The Lower Ossington Theatre on Friday, February 8, 2013, 8:00pm. Shows run Friday, Saturday and Sunday until February 16th...

8:00PM –Feb. 8, 10, 15 and 16 || 2:00PM – Feb. 9 & 16 || 4:00PM – Feb. 10 & 17

Tickets $49.00 (use code “title50” for 50% off regular ticket price.)

About Lower Ossington Theatre (The LOT): The Lower Ossington Theatre is an arts space located at 100A Ossington Avenue, between Dundas St. and Queen St. West. An integral part of the stylish Ossington Strip, the LOT is a popular destination known for both family shows and hit musicals.

http://www.lowerossingtontheatre.com/ || Lower Ossington Theatre || 100A Ossington Ave. || 416-915-6747

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Preview: Clybourne Park


The Pulitzer Prize-winning battle over race and real estate that Toronto critics have called EXPLOSIVE, EXCEPTIONAL, HILARIOUS and BRILLIANT hits the stage TODAY for a limited run at the Panasonic Theatre.



CLYBOURNE PARK
by Bruce Norris
directed by Joel Greenberg

PANASONIC THEATRE

651 Yonge Street, Toronto

February 12 – March 3, 2013
View schedule & pricing info

Photo -  From left, Jeff Lillico, Michael Healey and Maria Ricossa. Photo by Karri North.


Monday, February 11, 2013

Preview: 4.48 Psychosis



Necessary Angel Theatre Company presents 4.48 Psychosis at Berkeley Street Downstairs Theatre

4.48 Psychosis weaves the imaginative with the unimaginable, presenting audiences with a glimpse behind the veil of severe clinical depression. British playwright Sarah Kane’s work (Blasted, Crave) has garnered acclaim for its stark, sometimes disturbing authenticity in its representation of isolation, dependency, relationships, and love. With 4.48 Psychosis, Kane creates a cragged landscape where the reality of depression is laid bare.

It couldn’t possibly be misconstrued as a cry for help…

 "Despite the fact that Sarah Kane wrote this before killing herself, I don't see the play as a suicide note, quite the opposite, I see it as a life note,” says director Vikki Anderson. “So much of the play is about love and life and how to survive when you can't hold onto either because you are so lost in your own despair. But there is always a reaching out, a striving to live."

Directed by Vikki Anderson, 4.48 Psychosis features Laura Condlin (Elektra, Stratford), Raven Dauda (Intimate Apparel, Obsidian Theatre Company/The Canadian Stage Company) and Bruce Godfree (War Horse, Royal National Theatre of Britain/Mirvish Productions) and with the creative team completed by award-winning designers Bonnie Beecher, John Gzowski and Yannik Larivee.

As 4.48 Psychosis is free-form in both treatment and casting, Necessary Angel has taken this opportunity to surround the piece with a number of ancillary events, including

The inaugural incite! Salon, featuring acclaimed conceptual/installation artist, Iris Haussler and DT Max (author, Every Love Story is a Ghost Story)
commissioned works (visual, film, literary and performance) presented in the Canadian Stage lobby
a special tribute to Sarah Kane on February 20th (including a screening of her short film Skin as well as discussion with Vikki Anderson, Brendan Healy and Jennifer Tarver) marking the 14th anniversary Sarah Kane’s death

We need to continue provoking discourse amongst those who engage with the company: artists and audience alike.  The themes, feelings, emotions Sarah Kane expresses in 4.48 are present everywhere, everyday.  Each day is a struggle,” says Matt White, General Manager. “We cannot shy away or pretend that these feelings of despair do not exist.  What we are hoping to offer is dialogue about how to survive this struggle - to shine a light in this darkness.  To live another day.”  

4.48 Psychosis
Berkeley Street Theatre (Downstairs)
26 Berkeley Street, Toronto
February 11 – 23, 2013 @ 8PM PWYC - $38
416. 368.3110 or online here
www.necessaryangel.com
facebook.com/NecessaryAngel
@necessaryangel

Preview: Bent


 Bent/bent/: adjective. A derogatory term used in some European countries to refer to homosexuals.
 
 Hart House Theatre is proud to present Martin Sherman's ground-breaking play, Bent. This bold, intimate, harrowing and searing look at the forgotten victims of the Nazi regime opens at Hart House Theatre on Friday, March 1, 2013 for a limited two week run.

Bent follows the life of Max, a promiscuous gay man enjoying the decadence of 1930s Berlin. When a one night stand goes terribly wrong, Max finds himself running from the S.S. and eventually imprisoned in the inhumane Dachau Concentration Camp. Told with honesty, tenderness and touches of humour, Bent illuminates the treatment of homosexuals during the Holocaust who were arrested, interned in camps and labeled as deviants with what is now a universal symbol for gay pride - the pink triangle. Nominated for both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, this play created awareness at a time when there was little historical knowledge of the treatment of homosexuals in World War II and the history and significance of the pink triangle. To this day, Bent remains one of the finest pieces of theatre about tolerance, the endurance of love and the necessity of human dignity.

Bent

Written by: Martin Sherman
Directed by: Carter West
Set and Lighting Design by: Dominic Manca
Costume Design by: Ming Wong
Sound Design by: Jeremy Hutton
 
March 1 - 9, 2013
at Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Circle)

Performances:
 Week 1: Friday & Saturday at 8PM
Week 2: Wednesday - Saturday at 8PM + Saturday at 2PM

Ticket Prices:
Adults $25; Student & Seniors $15
$10 Student Tickets every Wednesday
$15 Alumni Tickets every Thursday

Tickets can be purchased at UofTtix Box Office by phone, 416-978-8849, online here or in person.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata

Photo: Joanna Akyol

Today we are checking out Do You Want What I have Got? A Craislist Cantata and we are very much looking forward to it. We haven't seen a musical yet this year and this piece is getting stellar reviews so we are confident we are starting our musical theatre previewing off on the right foot!

Please click here for tickets!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Preview: Shakespeare's Nigga


We here at EAP attended the opening last night at Passe Muraille of Shakespeare's Nigga. Let's just say we found it to be quite strong. It was deliciously poetic and tragic and full of captivating/shocking moments that we found spellbinding. The acting was SUPERB as well. Check out this piece, especially all you theatre lovers! For tickets please CLICK HERE! For more info scroll below...

Show Description:

Shakespeare: Surely I have lost control; but I did love you Aaron. I created you all, loved you all.

Aaron: Then, why was my tongue tied so tight?

Two iconic black characters in Shakespeare's work are brought to life in this visionary play. The piece takes you on a journey into the hearts and minds of Othello and Titus Andronicus' Aaron as they confront their creator. This play is subversive and poetic. It will dare you to see Shakespeare in a whole new light.


SHAKESPEARE'S NIGGA
On until February 23, 2013
Playing at Theatre Passe Muraille in the Main Space
Produced by Obsidian Theatre in association with Theatre Passe Muraille & 3D Atomic
Written by Joseph Jomo Pierre
Directed by Philip Akin
Starring Sascha Cole, David Collins, John Jarvis, Joseph Pierre and Andre Sils

Thursday, February 7, 2013

One Night Only: Angelwalk Presents Villains and Vixens


Angelwalk Theatre is thrilled to present a dangerously fun evening of musical theatre bliss with a special one night only showing of Villains and Vixens. Featuring Jay Davis, Jayme Armstong and Astrid Van Weiren, this journey through the shadier and sensuous side of musical theatre will take place at The Toronto Centre for the Arts in the Studio Theatre on February 20, 2013.



Villains and Vixens unites three of Canada's most exhilarating musical theatre stars, Jay Davis, Jayme Armstrong and Astrid Van Wieren. Playing some of Broadway's most infamous villains that we love to hate and provocative vixens that we dare to love, they will take us on a journey into the darker and sexier side of many of your favourite musical works of the last 100 years. Robert Graham will provide piano accompaniment for this evening of musical ecstasy.

This is a one night only affair so get your tickets early.  For tickets click here.  

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Preview: A Night of Shanley



Opening tonight in the west end is a gem of a concept from Half Pint Theatre. Presenting two one act John Patrick Shanley pieces. Check out the preview below and for tickets please scroll to the bottom of the preview and click on the available link!

Show Description:

Toronto, ON – This winter, Half-Pint Theatre presents two of John Patrick Shanley’s earliest works; Welcome to the Moon and Women of Manhattan as well as two of his most celebrated monologues to top off the evening. Brendan Shoreman brings his knowledge and passion of the works of Shanley as he makes his directorial debut leading this all-star cast which includes Half-Pint Theatre’s Founding Members, Esther Vallins (tick,tick…BOOM!, Into The Woods), Lauren Toffan (Cabaret, Misprint: winner of the 2011 Toronto Pick of the Fringe), Alanna Stone (Do You Turn Somersaults, Kiss Me, Kate).

A Night of Shanley features two of his greatest classics, Welcome to the Moon and Women of Manhattan. These two contrasting one-act plays have one thing in common: they are both centered on the complex relationships and love between men and women living in The Bronx and Manhattan. The characters will draw you into their world, revealing to you their deepest insecurities while simultaneously leaving you in stitches. You will see the fab behind the filth and the filth behind the fab.


A Night of Shanley
Directed by Brendan Shoreman
February 6-16, 2013
Venue: Unit 102 Theatre: 376 Dufferin Street

Shows:  Opening February 6-16, 2013  at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm
Tickets: $20, $15 for Arts Workers/Students and Pay What You Can on Sunday & Tuesday
Visit: shanley.brownpapertickets.com to reserve your seat

Exciting Sharron Matthews and Buddies NEWS!!!

PRESS RELEASE c/o BUDDIES:


BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES ANNOUNCES SHARRON MATTHEWS AS CABARET-ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

Residency Sponsor BMO Financial Group

Buddies is thrilled to announce that long-time friend and cabaret sensation Sharron Matthews will join us as the company's first-ever Cabaret Artist in Residence, as part of the Artist Residency Program.

Recognizing that Toronto is a city bursting with cabaret talent but that it lacks development opportunities for these artists, Buddies created this new position to provide comprehensive support to a promising cabaret artist as they create new work. Buddies has long been a home for the city's cabaret performers. The creation of the new position of Cabaret Artist in Residence builds on this proud history and will further establish Toronto as world leader in the form.

Sharron's groundbreaking work in the genre and her longstanding relationship with Buddies promise to make an exciting inaugural year for this position. Her impressive resume includes Global TV’s hit show Canada Sings, a long list of original cabaret performances including Jesus Thinks I’m Funny(named Best of the Fest at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and Sharron Matthews Superstar(named 2010’s #1 Cabaret in New York City by WPAT Radio), and a number of performances here at Buddies.


As part of her residency, Sharron will present a workshop showing of her new work Full Dark on March 4 & 5, 2013. She will also be hosting an open mic/variety evening on May 11 & 12, 2013.


ABOUT THE ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM:


Buddies' Artist Residency Program is a unique program in the country devoted to the nurturing and development of queer voices through the creation of original performance works. Resident artists are offered space and time in the theatre along with dramaturgical, technical, production, and administrative support.

Current Artists in Residence include Birdtown and Swanville, Ecce Homo Theatre, The Gay Heritage Project (Damien Atkins, Paul Dunn, and Andrew Kushnir), George Stamos, Independent Aunties Theatre, and Nina Arsenault. Buddies productions developed in residency include Tawiah M’carthy’s Obaaberima and Ecce Homo’s upcoming Of a Monstrous Child: a gaga musical.

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents
FULL DARK
by Sharron Matthews
a workshop presentation
March 4-5, 2013 at 8PM
Tickets
Box Office 416-975-8555 or buddiesinbadtimes.com
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St, Toronto ON, M4Y 1B4

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Urgent: Production Cancelled!


Harbourfront Centre is disappointed to announce the cancellation of the much anticipated World Stage 2013 season opener Othello, c’est qui, scheduled to run Feb. 6-9.

After exhausting all avenues of appeal, lead actor Franck Edmond Yao remains grounded in Abidjan, Ivory Coast as his travel documents were not expedited in time for the production’s opening.

World Stage Artistic Director Tina Rasmussen comments: “This is especially heartbreaking for me because this work was uniquely situated in Black History month along with other Othello works in the city. The themes and ideas around Othello, c’est qui were urgent and timely. My team and I are doing all that we can to ensure that this performance is eventually restaged in Toronto.”

For over 27 years, Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage has welcomed artists, companies, and productions from over 40 countries around the world.  With its rich history of importing international contemporary performance, this unfortunate event is a rare occurrence and Harbourfront Centre extends its deepest apologies to patrons.

All ticket purchasers are advised to call the box office.


Phone: 416-973-4000, press 1
Fax: 416-954-0366
Email: tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com

Monday, February 4, 2013

Call for Submissions: Summerworks Musical Works in Concert


MUSICAL WORKS IN CONCERT DEADLINE

Musical Works in Concert will be going into its 4th season at SummerWorks in 2013.

To date, Musical Works has presented eight original Canadian musical works: Romeo Candido and Carmen DeJesus’ Prison Dancer, Logan Medland’s Joni Loves Mitchell, Bram Gielen’s Biggish Kids, Tom Bellman and Barbara Nichol’s The Sparrow Songs, Sam Sholdice’s Program, Paul Sportelli and Jay Turvey’s Oracle, Scott Christian and Daniel Cummings’ Through The Gates and Barbara Johnston and Anika Johnson’s Blood Ties (pictured).

Performances, this year, will take place on Sunday, August 11th and Monday, August 12th.

Download the application pack by CLICKING HERE.

And submit online as well; MUSICAL WORKS ONLINE

Hard copy submissions must be sent or delivered to the office no later than Friday March 8th, 2013
For contact information click here.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Preview: Do You Want What I Have Got? A CRAIGSLIST CANTATA


Just beginning previews is the new piece, Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata, a new musical song cycle from Acting Up Stage Company and Factory Theatre. Acting Up is the same delicious company that brought us the powerhouse award winning productions; Caroline, Or Change, Parade and The Light in The Piazza. 

Do You Want What I Have Got? looks like a real warming gem here in the dead of winter. For tickets please CLICK HERE. And for more info check out the description and details below...

Show Description: 

Wonder. Whimsy. What if’s.

Having sold-out its extended run at Vancouver’s PuSh Festival in Jan 2012, this original musical by Veda Hille & Bill Richardson sets actual Craigslist postings to music in a 90 minute song-cycle. Both hilarious and surprisingly poignant, Do You Want What I Have Got? explores contemporary humanity through the lens of Craigslist—an online classified site with over 50 million ads posted each month.

Bill Richardson is an award-winning writer and broadcaster with CBC Radio since 1984 and currently host of “Saturday Afternoon at the Opera” and “In Concert.”

Veda Hille has been writing songs, making records, and playing shows all over since 1992. She has released 13 albums, the latest being Young Saint Marie.

Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata

By Veda Hille & Bill Richardson
January 30 – March 3, 2013
Co-produced by Acting Up Stage Company and Factory Theatre
Studio Theatre

Directed by
Amiel Gladstone

Musical Direction by
Veda Hille

Choreographed by
Monica Dottor

Starring
Dmitry Chepovetsky
Bree Greig
Daren A. Herbert
Veda Hille
Selina Martin
Barry Mirochnick

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Preview: Othello, c'est qui?




Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage season begins by shaking up Shakespeare with the North American premiere of Othello, c’est qui (Othello, who’s that) by German production company Gintersdorferand/Klaßen, Feb. 6-9, 2013.

Performed by Franck Edmond Yao (Ivory Coast) and Cornelia Dörr (Germany) in both English and French, the actors parody one of The Bard’s most controversial plays.  Together they pull apart themes of colonialism, migration, religion and politics in an urgent, seemingly improvised way.  Sharp, provocative and sensual, Othello, c’est qui? premieres during Black History Month at Harbourfront Centre’s Enwave Theatre.


Tickets: World Stage tickets are on sale now!  Regular ticket packages (three or more productions) offer discounts and exclusive partner offers, discounted parking and more and Single tickets are available anytime via our box office by calling 416-973-4000, Tuesday to Saturday, 1-6pm, or online here.

Opening Night Reception
Feb. 6 | FREE
Enwave Theatre
We invite you to join the World Stage team for nibblies, drinks and discussion at our opening night reception. Admission is free with the purchase of your ticket.

Talkshow
Feb. 7 | FREE
Have your voice heard! Engage with the artists and performers involved with the work. Please stay around after the performance for an informative and engaging talkshow. Admission is free with the purchase of your ticket.

Dates / Times / Location
Duration: 70 minutes
Enwave Theatre – located between Queen's Quay Terminal and York Quay Centre, adjacent to The Power Plant
Wed, February 6 at 8pm
Thu, February 7 at 8pm
Fri, February 8 at 8pm
Sat, February 9 at 8pm

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Preview: Grupo Corpo, Brazilian Dance on at World Stage

Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage presents Sem Mim & Ímã, from world-renowned Brazilian dance company, Grupo Corpo.  Together, they combine classical ballet technique with a contemporary rereading of Brazilian and world dance forms resulting in performances that are virtuosic, athletic, breathtaking and simply spectacular.


In Sem Mim, meaning “without me”, “tattooed” dancers merge the rhythm of the sea with the music of medieval Portuguese-Galician chants.  The original score composed by Carlos Núñez, of Vigo, and José Miguel Wisnik, of Brazil, is based on the celebrated “sea of Vigo song cycle”.  The movement mimics the ebb and flow of waves in constant flux of advances and retreats.  The set represents different landscapes and elements from the sea to the mountains.

The second work, Ímã, meaning “magnet,” takes inspiration from the law of magnetism where dancers passionately come together and separate through solos, duos and smaller groups forming in a game of union and dispersion.  Using seven-color LEDs, Paulo Pederneiras creates an explosion of color that is violent, radical, and exuberant.  The soundtrack composed by Brazilian band + 2, combines influences from bossa nova, ‘70s afro-music and contemporary Japanese music.

Tickets: World Stage tickets are on sale now! Regular ticket packages (three or more productions) offer discounts and exclusive partner offers, discounted parking and more and single tickets are available anytime via our box office by calling 416-973-4000, Tuesday to Saturday, 1-6pm, or online here.


Dates / Times / Location
Duration: 70 minutes
Fleck Dance Theatre - 3rd Floor, Queen's Quay Terminal, 207 Queens Quay West
Tue, February 19 at 8pm
Wed, February 20 at 8pm
Thu, February 21 at 8pm
Fri, February 22 at 8pm
Sat, February 23 at 8pm

Preview: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead



Two men sit and wait, summoned to the Danish court for a special assignment: discover what is wrong with Hamlet. Stoppard's comic masterpiece follows these two as they negotiate their way around Elsinore and beyond, only to realize what little control they have over their fate.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are peripheral figures in Shakespeare's play: so expendable, in fact, that Laurence Olivier omitted both characters from his Oscar-winning 1948 film adaptation. Until Stoppard, the virtually (and literally, in some cases) interchangeable duo held as much significance as the Ambassadors and rogue Norwegian princes that peopled the world of Elsinore. By brilliantly reversing the negative, Stoppard pulls Hamlet's schoolmates, brought to court to discover the reasons behind his distemper, to the forefront, and reduces the Danish courts to supernumerary status. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear in the same scenes they populate in Hamlet: they meet the King and Queen; question the prince; watch a play; discover a murder; set sail for England. But they also live, argue, wager, and wait, Godot-like, in between Shakespeare's scenes, flipping coins, discussing their task, and pondering an existential crisis that threatens to rival Hamlet's. Beyond these titular characters, Stoppard delves into the world of the Players - wise travelling philosophers who help our hapless heroes better understand their own predicament. Stoppard's trademark wit lives at the forefront of this re-examination of familiar settings, a humour so incisive that after a viewing, it becomes difficult to view 'Hamlet' in the same way again.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead opens on February 7th and runs till the end of February.  Click here for a complete calendar of performance dates and times, and to purchase tickets.

Cast
Oliver Dennis, Tragedian
Leah Doz, Ophelia
Ted Dykstra, Rosencrantz
Diego Matamoros, Claudius
Nancy Palk, Gertrude
Jordan Pettle, Guildenstern
Gregory Prest, Hamlet
Peyson Rock, Tragedian
Paolo Santalucia, Alfred
William Webster, Polonius
Kenneth Welsh, Player
Daniel Williston, Tragedian
Production
Joseph Ziegler, Director
Dana Osborne, Set & Costume Designer
Kevin Lamotte, Lighting Designer
Mike Ross, Sound Designer & Composer
Nancy Dryden, Production Stage Manager
Janet Gregor, Assistant Stage Manager

Monday, January 28, 2013

Preview: RARE by Judith Thompson


Premiering tonight at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts is the smash hit from last year's Fringe Festival, RARE. The piece was created and directed by the very talented Judith Thompson. We are so thankful for the Young Centre and its commitment to bringing fresh, new and engaging pieces of theatre to the stage. Look for our favourite from last year, pomme is french for apple on stage here at the end of February...

Show Description:

RARE is a raw and boldly emotional piece of theatre in which nine performers with Down syndrome reveal themselves for the world to see. Created and directed by playwright Judith Thompson, with the cast writing most of their own material, the RARE artists lift the mask of Down syndrome to show us their humour, their grace, their rage and their dreams. It was a hit, and a Patrons' Pick, at last year's Toronto Fringe Festival. Mature content.

RARE
RARE Theatre Company in association with Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $15 - 30: Please CLICK HERE.
Created and directed by Judith Thompson
Written and performed by Sarah Carney, Dylan Harman, James Hazlett, Nick Herd, Suzanne Love, Mike Liu, Nada Mayla, Krystal Nausbaum, and Andreas Prinz with musician Victoria Carr
Produced by RARE Theatre Company


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hedwig closing tonight




The hottest ticket in town and the best show we have seen in recent months is closing this evening. We hope to see Hedwig back soon though cause this piece has some serious legs! And congratulations to Seth Drabinsky on a magically powerful and star making performance. INCREDIBLE. 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Canadian Opera Company 2013/14 Season announcement


The COC has announced there 2013/14 season line-up.  And there are some not to be missed operas coming to Toronto this season.  First up is:

Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème with a new production featuring some of Canada’s brightest stars COC.

(l – r) Michael Sumuel as Schaunard, Dimitri Pittas as Rodolfo, Vuyani Mlinde as Colline and Joshua Hopkins as Marcello in the Canadian Opera Company/Houston Grand Opera (HGO)/San Francisco Opera co-production of La Bohème, 2012, HGO. Photo: Felix Sanchez


Music Director Johannes Debus makes his Benjamin Britten debut when he conducts Peter Grimes with a production starring acclaimed Canadian tenor Ben Heppner in the iconic title role.
l – r) Taryn Fiebig and Lorina Gore as Auntie’s Nieces and Stuart Skelton as Peter Grimes in the Opera Australia (OA)/Houston Grand Opera co-production of Peter Grimes, 2009, OA. Photo: Branco Gaica


Next there is: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Così fan tutte with a new COC production by renowned film and theatre director Atom Egoyan with Debus conducting.

Preliminary costume sketch by set and costume designer Debra Hanson for the COC’s new production of Così fan tutte, 2012.


Giuseppe Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera starring great Canadian diva Adrianne Pieczonka in a role debut.

(l – r) Anna Prohaska as Oscar, Dalibor Jenis as Renato, Oliver Zwarg as Samuel and Andreas Bauer as Tom in the Berlin Staatsoper production of Un ballo in maschera, 2008. Photo: Ruth Walz


 George Frideric Handel’s Hercules with a COC premiere and new COC production by world-renowned director Peter Sellars with a star-studded cast.

Alice Coote as Dejanira and David Daniels as Lichas in the Canadian Opera Company/Lyric Opera of Chicago (LOC) co-production of Hercules, 2011, LOC. Photo: Dan Rest


 Gaetano Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux with a COC premiere starring soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in a role debut.
(l – r) Scott Quinn as Lord Cecil, Hasmik Papian as Elisabetta, Andrew Oakden as Sir Gualtiero Raleigh, David Kempster as Duke of Nottingham and Stephen Costello as Roberto Devereux in the Dallas Opera production of Roberto Devereux, 2009. Photo: Karen Almond


And finally Jules Massenet’s Don Quichotte with a COC premiere featuring Debus in another conducting debut and the world’s pre-eminent bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role.

Nicolas Cavallier as Don Quichotte in the Seattle Opera production of Don Quichotte, 2011. Photo: Rozarii Lynch


Looks like another fantastic season of opera, so be sure to check out all of the COC's ticket options, here. There are so many options for packages and under 30 deals, which make the Canadian Opera Company one of the most accessible deals in town. We'll see you there!

Preview: Every Letter Counts at Factory


Factory Theatre is a day away from opening its doors again after a very tumultuous year filled with a backlash of epic proportions after the board decided to let go of Artistic Director Ken Gass due mostly to vision conflicts. The company is back though, the dispute has been laid to rest and the dust has settled so let's all move on yes?

Here we go this year with the launch of the season with a new world premiere from the up and coming playwright Nina Lee Aquino entitled, Every Letter Counts. The show has a nice run and is on until February 24th. For tickets please click here!

Show Description:

Memory. Mortality. Imagination.

Every Letter Counts is Nina Lee Aquino’s very personal re-imagining of Filipino political icon, Benigno Aquino. Struggling to find her own path and haunted by her uncle’s voice, a desperate “Bunny” breaks into the Aquino Museum at night, where past, present, myth and memory collide.

*Nina Lee Aquino is a Filipina-Canadian playwright, director, dramaturge, and actor. She was a founding member and Artistic Director of fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company and is currently Artistic Director of Cahoots Theatre Company and a member of Factory’s Interim Artistic Team. Aquino is a multiple award-winner (Ken McDougall Award, the John Hirsch Prize, Dora Mavor Moore Award) and has been an Associate Artist of Factory Theatre for three years. Every Letter Counts was developed through Factory Theatre’s Play Development Program and is the first Factory production of one of Nina Lee Aquino’s plays.

Written by: Nina Lee Aquino
Directed by: Nigel Shawn Williams
Starring:
Nina Lee Aquino
Jon de Leon
Anthony Malarky
Earl Pastko

Kuumba at Harbourfront is Back



Harbourfront Centre celebrates Black History Month at the 17th Annual Kuumba Festival, part of the TD Then & Now Series. “Kuumba” is the Swahili word for “creativity” which embodies Harbourfront Centre’s vision to celebrate the creativity and vitality of Toronto's African and Caribbean communities.

From February 1-3, join us as we showcase local and international artists from the African and Caribbean diaspora and celebrate milestones, anniversaries and the outstanding contributions of black Canadians.

Kuumba Festival Highlights:

10th Anniversary Celebration of The Trane Studio – An all-star lineup of local and international artists including Alexander Brown, Waleed Abdulhamid, Ernest Dawkins, Ursula Rucker, pay tribute to what would have been the 10th Anniversary of the Trane Studio. Hosted by CBC’s Garvia Bailey (Feb. 2 from 8 p.m.- 2 a.m. Cost $15).

An Evening with Dwayne Morgan – The official launch of Dwayne Morgan’s new book, Everyday Excellence, followed by an evening of soul music and spoken word performances (Feb. 1 from 8-11 p.m.).
Kuumba Hair Showcase, Film Screening and Panel Discussion – I Heart My Hair, Kinky Kreations Hair Salon and other industry professionals explore the wonders of black hair through panel discussions, a hair show and film (Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m.).

The Known Unknown: Top 10 Emerging Artists Unplugged Edition – An unplugged and intimate showcase featuring rising urban music stars including Savannah Ré, Derek Wise, Jelly TooFly and more! Hosted by singer and television personality Tika Simone (Feb. 2 from 2-8 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 2-6 p.m.).
Kuumba Gospel Lounge – A two-hour gospel extravaganza featuring a full choir, choral groups and soloists (Feb. 3 from 4-6 p.m.).

Soca On Ice (part of DJ Skate Nights) – Dr. Jay De Soca Prince spins soca and calypso music on The Natrel® Rink at this annual Caribbean party on ice. Skate rentals available. Hosted by CBC’s Anne-Marie Mediwake and Dwight Drummond (Feb. 2 from 8-11 p.m.).
Additional event listings are available here.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Last week/end for BODY 13 at Theatre Passe Muraille





This is your last chance to catch this romantic tale from MT Space and Theatre Passe Muraille. Above is the production trailer and for tickets please CLICK HERE!

Show Description:

Body 13 exists on a stretch of Canadian beach during one sunny day between a funeral in the morning and a wedding in the evening. From the company that brought us the emotionally charged The Last 15 Seconds, this show uses MT Space’s signature visually captivating physical style. Body 13 looks at characters driven by their sexual desires— propelled forward or derailed because of love across cultural differences.


BODY 13

Produced by MT Space in association with Theatre Passe Muraille
Directed by Majdi Bou-Matar
Created by the Company
Featuring Badih AbouChakra, Jessalyn Broadfoot, Brad Cook (appears courtesy of Canadian Actors Equity Association), Trevor Copp, Nada Humsi, Tawiah Ben M’Carthy, Pam Patel.
Production Stage Manager: Hannah Metcalfe
Set & Lighting Design: Jennifer Jimenez
Costume Design: Denis Huneault-Joffre

On until JANUARY 26, 2013 at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace



The Storefront Theatre is Open




Red One Theatre Collective is one of the hippest and most talked about new companies in town.  In addition to doing interesting work,The Collective has a history of creatively using space and revitalizing neighbourhoods  through the power of art, culture and community. To encourage the careers of Toronto-based artists, as well as local business, they have taken temporary occupancy of the retail space at 955 Bloor Street West and made it available for independent companies to book for a winter of independent theatrical productions. As well as developing productions of their own.

Run by founding members of the collective, Benjamin Blais and Tyrone Savage (Stratford Theatre Festival, Guthrie recipient), as well as Kelly Read (Associate Technical Director for Soulpepper Theatre) and Stacey-Lee Turner (Assistant Curator at the Campbell House Museum), The StoreFront Theatre will be a multi-disciplinary cultural hub throughout the early months of 2013.

And the StoreFront's first show Wait Until Dark,  which opened last week, has been very well received by local critics and audiences. With such an innovative approach and great theatre Red One has nailed it again.

Wait Until Dark plays at the StoreFront Theatre (955 Bloor Street West) until January 26th, 2013

Performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm, with Sunday Matinees at 2pm
Tickets are $23.54 each, general admission.
Box Office opens One hour prior to showtimes or are available here

Monday, January 21, 2013

World Stage is coming...


The 2013 season of Harbourfront Centre’s signature contemporary performance series, World Stage, is around the corner and the line up has already garnered critical acclaim.  The Toronto Star says it’s "...theatre that will challenge, astonish, and stimulate”.  From February 6 until May 24, the world’s performance leaders are in town for four to five show engagements, so take advantage of this chance to see select works from provocative and cutting-edge international and Canadian contemporary artists.

Tina Rasmussen, World Stage Artistic Director notes "I am proud of continuing the legacy of World Stage for Toronto audiences by programming another inquiring season of leading performance from Canada and around the world. I believe in certain tenants in programming work that asks the audience to evaluate their role as witness, as citizen, and as human. In the contemporary performance programmed in World Stage 2013 we can offer a renewal of  perception and seek new understandings, propose a new hierarchy, introduce chaos and even have a bit of fun."

This season welcomes productions and artists from Canada, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, Australia, China, Norway, Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands, making it one of the most diverse seasons in its 27 year history.  The work proposes to redefine the act of witnessing, as it chronicles a day in the life in Auschwitz in KAMP (CAMP) and throws us to the dogs in Dachshund UN.

Shakespeare is turned on his head in a triptych of works that make the Bard relevant, immediate and moving with Toronto’s own LEAR, and two German works, She She Pop & Their Fathers: Testament and Othello c’est qui (Othello, who’s that).

Dance is always featured prominently in the series with last years presentation of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance ENTITY making it to number one in NOW Magazine’s Top 5 Dance Shows of 2012. This begs the question, which of the six knockout dance shows featured this season will top the lists in 2013!?  Get ready to rally around Norway’s A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football, witness the physical demands of friendship with Still Standing You, feel the power of contemporary expression from superpower China with TAO Dance Theater, and warmly welcome the return of Brazil’s dance heavyweights Grupo Corpo.

As a pioneering culture port, World Stage’s commitment to developing Toronto artists continues with bold new work from Ame Henderson/Public Recordings in what we are saying, and Heidi Strauss/Toronto Dance Theatre with Everyday Anthems.

World Stage tickets are on sale now! Save up to 50% with a World Stage Flex Pass, when you purchase four tickets to any World Stage shows for only $110 or eight tickets for $180, only until January 23, 2013. Regular ticket packages (three or more productions) offer discounts and exclusive partner offers, discounted parking and more. The CultureBreak programme, designed for 13-25 year-old arts and culture cravers and/or students of all ages offers $15 tickets to any show, any time.  Seniors, groups of 10 or more, arts workers and NextSteps ticket buyers save 20%. Single tickets available anytime via our box office by calling 416-973-4000, Tuesday to Saturday, 1-6pm, or online here.  Click here for information for the entire World Stage season.