Emerging Art Productions (EAP)

Preview: Penny Plain

2012-01-30T13:12:00.004-05:00

Ronnie Burkett and his theatre of marionette's are back at the Factory Theatre this winter with Penny Plain. Another remarkable piece from the acclaimed performer. For tickets or more info please click the header above!

Show Description and of Ronnie:

An end-of-the-world romance told heartbreakingly, horrifyingly and hysterically, as only Burkett can.

Penny Plain sits in her overstuffed chair, listening to the news of civilization’s inevitable end and then the outside chaos invades her sanctuary. With a cast including survivalists, a serial killer, a cross-dressing banker, talking dogs and mysterious strangers, Penny Plain is a poignant and disturbing drawing room comedy of apocalyptic proportions.

Ronnie Burkett is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost theatre artists and has been credited with creating some of the world’s most elaborate and provocative puppetry. His company, Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, sparked a renaissance in adult puppet theatre – continuously playing to great critical and public acclaim across Canada and throughout the world. 2011/12 marks the 25th anniversary of Theatre of Marionettes, celebrated with a national and international tour of Penny Plain.

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes
PENNY PLAIN
BY RONNIE BURKETT
January 20 – February 26, 2012
Mainspace Theatre

Theatre Passe Muraille’s new season breaks exciting... - Toronto.com

2012-01-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

Check out this nice little article from Richard Ouzounian on Theatre Passe Muraille's new season:

Theatre Passe Muraille’s new season breaks exciting... - Toronto.com

Preview: A Brimful of Asha

2012-01-29T19:20:00.004-05:00

Serving up samosa's, laughs and lots of heart, A Brimful of Asha is exactly the type of show Liza and I have been craving this winter. The world premiere has opened to strong buzz and has all the top critics talking! For tickets please click the header.

Show Description:

Real-life mother and son, Asha and Ravi Jain, share the stage and tell this true (and very Canadian) story of generational and cultural clash. When Ravi takes a trip to India his parents decide it is the perfect time to introduce him to potential brides. Ravi is not sold on the idea of getting married-at least not yet-but Asha fears that time is running out.

Ravi Jain is an award winning actor, director, producer and educator. Ravi and his mother tell their story together, letting us into their personal drama. Select Sunday performances take place at Dish Cooking Studio (390 Dupont Street) and include a cooking class with Asha, the performance, and a shared vegetarian Indian meal.

A Brimful of Asha
By Asha and Ravi Jain
Directed by Ravi Jain
A WHY NOT THEATRE PRODUCTION
WORLD PREMIERE
On now until February 19th
Tarragon Theatre
Toronto

Toronto: Cast talks about Cruel and Tender

2012-01-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the night!

Preview: Caroline, Or Change

2012-01-26T11:39:00.005-05:00

Exploding onto the Toronto Stage this month is a beautiful production of the musical, Caroline, Or Change. It has received delicious reviews from critics in the city and we are excited to tell you about it!

Show Description:

Caroline, an African American maid to a Southern Jewish family, is struggling to keep afloat both emotionally and economically, while the young son of her employer tries to make sense of the world following the death of his mother. A Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Obie award-wining musical—and the only musical of the 21st century on New York Magazine’s shortlist for “The Greatest Musical of All-Time”—Caroline, or Change mixes fact and fantasy, symbolism and reality, plus a wide palette of musical styles to tell the story of ordinary people facing extraordinary change.

For tickets or more info please click the header!

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE
Book and lyrics by Tony Kushner
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Robert McQueen (Acting Up Stage/Obsidian)
At Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley)
Runs to February 12, Wednesday-Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 7 pm (except February 12 at 3 pm), matinee Saturday 2 pm
$32-$45
416-368-3110

Theatre 20 announces inaugural season

2012-01-25T12:21:00.003-05:00

Press Release:

TORONTO, ON (Monday, Jan. 23, 2012) -- Theatre 20, Toronto's artist-led musical theatre company, today announced its inaugural season of production at a press conference and exclusive ticketed cocktail affair, "A Taste of 20: Sample the Season". The event launches a season which includes two workshops, two full productions, and a series of other events.

Speeches by Artistic Director and Founding Artist Adam Brazier, Theatre 20 Board Chair David Morris, Michael Rubinoff (Associate Dean Performing Arts, Sheridan College), Raindogs creator Andrew MacBean and Founding Artist Colm Wilkinson (Director of Theatre 20's first production) underlined Theatre 20's mandate to present story-driven musicals by developing new Canadian works and by re-imagining existing repertoire, nurturing the talent of writers and composers and fostering the development of young artists through mentorship and education programs. Preview performances at the event featured Theatre 20 Founding Artists and Emerging Artist Ensemble with guest artists including Jeff Madden, Tim Howar and Donnie Macphee.

First on the season roster is the Toronto premiere of Bloodless: The Trial of Burke and Hare, by Winnipeg playwright Joseph Aragon. Theatre 20 Founding Artist and internationally renowned performer Colm Wilkinson makes his directorial debut with this delightfully dark true story of the 1829 West Port murders in Edinburgh.

Theatre 20 will workshop the show in April-May and the full production will run at the Panasonic Theatre from Oct. 16 through Nov. 11, 2012.

Next, Theatre 20 partners with Sheridan College's Canadian Music Theatre Project on the workshop of Raindogs by Canadian Andrew MacBean. This musical, based on Lanford Wilson's Balm in Gilead, features original music by MacBean, Paul Chant and Boko Suzuki, lyrics by MacBean and book by MacBean, Rose Martula and Wilson himself. The show, which was the last project Wilson worked on before his death in March 2011, centres on a young prostitute who meets a somewhat inept drug dealer. Like Balm in Gilead, Raindogs is a moving and gritty look at the junkies, pushers, prostitutes and other freaks that inhabit an upper West Side greasy spoon.

Raindogs was first workshopped as a full-length musical as part of the MAD Fringe Festival at Trafalgar Studios, London, England. It went on to have its first U.S. workshop at Sag Harbour, NY's Bay Street Theatre in October 2010.

The workshop will take place during the late spring at Sheridan in conjunction with a comprehensive mentorship program between Theatre 20 Founding Artists and Sheridan Music Theatre Performance Program students. Public performances of the workshop will take place in both Oakville and Toronto. The full production of Raindogs will follow in Theatre 20's 2013-2014 season.

The season wraps up with Company at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre considered by many the show that inaugurated the era of the modern musical. Theatre 20 Artistic Director Adam Brazier re-imagines this beloved show from the international musical theatre canon with Gary Griffin as Creative Consultant. Company, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, centres on Robert, a single man unable to commit to a steady relationship, the married couples who are his best friends, and his three on-again off-again girlfriends. Set in early-1970s, upper-middle-class Manhattan and told through a series of vignettes in no particular chronological order, each character and scene is linked by the celebration of Bobby's 35th birthday. It has been 25 years since a professional production of Company has been seen in Toronto.

For more information on Theatre 20 please click the header!

Preview: Cruel and Tender

2012-01-25T08:59:00.003-05:00

Canadian Stage kicks of the second half of the season with Cruel and Tender. This post-war drama is written by prominent British playwright Martin Crimp, and at tonight's performance Mr Crimp will be on hand prior to the show, at 7:15 pm, for a chat with the audience. This show is also very special for Toronto theatre audiences, because the show is directed by Oscar nominated filmmaker Atom Egoyan and stars acclaimed actress of stage and screen Arsineé Khanjian.

Cruel and Tender is the story of Amelia and her husband, who is returning from battle. But when he does, Amelia discovers his motives for enlisting were personal and disturbing. She must struggle to come to terms with his motives and the aftermath of war.

Cruel and Tender runs until February 18th. Click here for specific dates and ticket information.

Cast: Arsineé Khanjian, Daniel Kash, Nigel Shawn Williams, Thomas Hauff, Jeff Lillico, Abena Malika, Cara Ricketts, Brenda Robins, André Sills, and Sarah Wilson.

Preview: Kim's Convenience

2012-01-21T19:38:00.006-05:00

Opening this week to incredibly inspiring reviews from top Toronto theatre critics at the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and the Torontoist is Soulpepper's season opener - Kim's Convenience. Soulpepper Academy alumnus Ins Choi's hilarious and touching debut play set in a Regent Park Korean convenience store was the smash hit of the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival. The journey of a fractured but loving family confronting the future and forgiving the past is a Toronto classic in the making.

Directed by Weyni Mengesha (Soulpepper Academy alumna)
Featuring Clé Bennett, Ins Choi, Esther Jun, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon

For tickets or for more info please click the header!

Young Centre for the Performing Arts is located in the Distillery District
55 Mill Street, Building 49
Toronto

Throw back clip

2012-01-20T17:52:00.000-05:00

Having a Baby the Musical kind of afternoon. I found this great clip of the original Broadway cast, singing one of the best numbers "I Want it All."

Enjoy!

Some Good News For Arts in the City

2012-01-20T17:22:00.002-05:00

Great news Toronto arts fans. If you haven't heard already the City Council approved the final Operating Budget for 2012. The feared cuts to arts grant funding were overturned and the funding was restored to 2011 levels. This is a huge victory for the arts community that came out aggressively opposed to Mayor Ford's proposed cuts. With the help of the Friends of the Arts petition City Councillors fought to reverse the reduction. The Friends of the Arts network boosts over 20,000 local residence. To read more about the fight for arts spending at City Hall click here. And to check out the whole 2012 budget here.

Preview: Alvin Ailey

2012-01-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

Revelations from AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater on Vimeo.

One of the greatest modern dance companies going, Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater is coming to Toronto for a limited run at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. I can remember seeing Alvin Ailey tours when I was a very young dancer in San Francisco, and "Revelations", the piece above, is still one of the most moving things I have ever seen onstage. If you have never seen Alvin Ailey, or if it has just been a while then be sure not to miss them while they are in town for four performances February 2nd - 4th. Click here for ticket information. And click here to see the line-up each night, the shows are slightly different, although all four performances feature "Revelations."

Still not convinced? Check out this clip from Artistic Director Robert Battle's work "Hunt." An athletic piece featuring six male dancers on the hunt.

The Hunt from AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater on Vimeo.

NextSteps's Dance Weekend 2012

2012-01-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

Next week the Harbourfront Centre will kick off the second half of NextSteps with Dance Weekend 2012. Dance Ontario presents a stunning winter showcase featuring more than 26 companies, presented in association with the Harbourfront Centre. The event is next weekend starting January 20th at 7pm and January 21-22nd at 1pm.

All performances will be at the Fleck Dance Theatre, located at Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay West. Tickets for the event are by donation with a minimum of $10. If you love dance don't miss this one, there will be hundreds of dancers, live musicians and range of dance styles to marvel at including, ballet, hip-hop, flamenco and folk. Click here for more information.

Preview: Red Snow

2012-01-15T17:49:00.000-05:00

2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the Rape of Nanjing. Many of the atrocities of WWII committed in Asia have yet to be properly exercised. People the world over continue to dig and examine the truths about what happened throughout the region during the War. Red Snow, on now at Theatre Passe Muraille and presented by the Red Snow Collective, in association with ALPHA and the Aluna Theatre is a deeply personal exploration of the tragedy that occurred in Nanjing.

Through the powerful narrative of a contemporary woman who goes in search of her family's tragic history, Red Snow is about the forgotten victims of Asian genocide in China. She is forced to confront feeling of love, hatred and despair when she falls in love with a man who's family story is connected with her own. Together they must struggle to reconcile the past and present. The show fuses music, Western and Eastern styles of text and movement.

written by Diana Tso

directed by Beatriz Pizano

music by Alice Ping Yee Ho

movement by William Yong

set / multi-media by Trevor Schwellnus

lighting by Michelle Ramsay

dramaturgy by Ric Knowles

stage managed by Sandy Plunkett

cast: Zoé Doyle, Derek Kwan, Vienna Hehir, Janet Lo, and Richard Tse

Red Snow is on now until January 28th at Theatre Passe Muraille. Click here for ticket info. Don't miss this World Premiere.

Preview: The Golden Dragon

2012-01-15T14:50:00.001-05:00

The Golden Dragon is on now until February 19th at Tarragon Theatre. This one act play, is set at dinner at the bustling Golden Dragon restaurant. While diners enjoy their savoury meals the kitchen staff works frantically to hide an illegal young immigrant who is desperately searching for his lost sister. Could the answer to his questions be just a few tables away?...

The Golden Dragon is by Roland Schimmelpfennig
translated by David Tushingham
and directed by Ross Manson
set and costume design by Teresa Przybylski
lighting design by Thomas Ryder Payne
choreography by Heidi Strauss
assistant director Leora Morris
cast: David Fox, Lili Francks, Tony Nappo, Anusree Roy, and David Yee

Roland Schimmelpfennig is a renowned playwright in Europe. Originally from Germany, he received the Mulheim Dramatists Prize for The Golden Dragon. This is the Canadian Premiere. Click here for ticket and showtime information. The box office can be reached at 416.531.1827

Preview: The Penelopiad

2012-01-13T15:01:00.004-05:00

Image courtesy of Toronto.com

Opening this week at Buddies is the highly anticipated, The Penelopiad. For tickets please click the header!!!

The iconic Margaret Atwood offers a daring revision of Homer's Odyssey by giving voice to Penelope. Condemned to spend eternity in Hades, Penelope recounts her life's story and the murder of her twelve handmaidens by her vengeful husband Odysseus. Atwood's acerbic wit brings one of history's most powerful myths to the contemporary imagination. The Toronto premiere of The Penelopiad is helmed by award-winning director Kelly Thornton, Artistic Director of Nightwood Theatre, Canada's national women's theatre company.

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre proudly welcomes
a Nightwood Theatre production
THE PENELOPIAD
By Margaret Atwood
Directed by Kelly Thornton
Starring Megan Follows
with Maev Beaty, Christine Brubaker, Sarah Dodd, Monica Dottor, Raven Dauda, Kelli Fox, Megan Follows, Cara Gee, Patricia Hamilton, Tara Rosling, Pamela Sinha, Sophia Walker and Bahia Watson
Designed by Denyse Karn
Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell

Kim's Convenience - Behind the Scenes

2012-01-12T12:40:00.001-05:00

Previews have just started for the exciting new piece Kim's Convenience. This is such a relevant play to come from the city that is about the city in our present day. Check out the behind the scenes video below! Preview to come next week. If you would like more info or to purchase tickets please click the header.

Last Chance for American Idiot

2012-01-11T11:44:00.003-05:00

This is the final week of American Idiot the Green Day Musical, which is currently on at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. If you haven't had a chance to get up there to see this show yet, you still have time. EAP really enjoyed the show and so did Richard and J. Kelly. This is not one to miss. Click here to find out about ticket availability. Do it now, because this show must close January 15th.

Toronto Ranks Last in Canadian Arts Funding

2012-01-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

I received a disturbing email from the Toronto Arts Council yesterday. A new study published by Hill Strategies Research has come out claiming that Toronto is dead last when it comes to municipal arts funding in Canada. And not just by a little bit but by a LOT. Even when compared to traditionally less culturally inclined locals, Calgary comes to mind, Toronto spends just $19 per capita investment. Calgary meanwhile spends $48. Montreal tops the list with an investment of over $55 per capita arts investment. The next lowest city is Ottawa which still outspends Toronto at $28 per capita investment by city council.

You'd think that in a city where the arts bring in $9 billion in revenue for this city, according to the study, City Hall could do a bit more to support the arts in this city. Last May, City Council moved to increase arts funding on the basis of its revenue generating abilities up to a whopping $25 per capita investment. But instead when the most recent budget was released funding to the arts has been cut by $2 million dollars. That means $2 million dollars less of grant funding specifically allocated to local arts groups like the Toronto Arts Council. According to TAC a reduction like that has far reaching implications. Every dollar invested by the city leverages additional funding up to $17 from other funding sources. The effect? A loss of of over $25 million dollars of arts investment money to this city.

If you are as outraged at this as we are, or to learn more please contact Susan Wright at the Toronto Arts Council by calling 416.392.6802 *211 or email susan@torontoartscouncil.org.

Summerworks Call for Musical Concert Submissions

2012-01-11T11:12:00.004-05:00

We have been posting about festival submissions this season to give would-be producers out there a heads up about upcoming deadlines, and we have got another one to report today. In 2010 the Summerworks festival expanded their submission categories to include musical theatre, through the Musical Works in Concert submission. Musical theatre submissions to the Summerworks festival should submit their application through the Musical Works in Concert application, which can be found here.

It is not to say that a musical submission to the general application for Summerworks wont be selected but musical works will have a much better chance if they are submitted through the musical category. We have made the mistake before of submitting a musical for consideration with a general application and we would hate to see someone out there make our mistake, and have their brilliant work over looked for this year's festival. The deadline for the Musical Works category is March 1st. Be sure to check out all the requirements on the Summerworks website, or by clicking here. And be sure to read the categories clearly to decide which application you should use to submit your work. Good luck!!!!

World Stage is back at the Harbourfront Centre

2012-01-11T10:54:00.000-05:00

Last year, Justin and I had the pleasure to attend a number of shows presented at the Harbourfront Centre's, Wold Stage series. World Stage always features some of the best contemporary stage shows, including theatre and dance, from around the world. This season opens and closes with work developed through the Harbourfront Centre's Fresh Ground new works grant. Everything Under the Moon, is the most recent recipient and kicks World Stage off this year. The season ends with Dance Marathon, which was awarded the Fresh Ground prize in 2007, before travelling the world to rave reviews.

Now for a limited time only you can get World Stage Flex Passes, which significantly reduce the prices for show at the World Stage. The Flex Pass is good for four tickets to any performance for $110.00. That is a savings of over $20.00 per ticket! Get your Flex Pass now, until January 15th by clicking here or calling 416.973.4000. You can also select packages from a set list, or make your own. Single tickets for most shows are $45.00. So don't delay and get your Flex Pass or ticket package now.

And click here to see the full season line up!

Preview: Love is a Poverty You Can Sell and Marro & Jasp: Go Bake Yourself

2012-01-10T16:40:00.005-05:00

We are half way through the Next Stage Festival!

These shorter and vibrant pieces can be found in the Antechamber of the festival and there are only 4 more times to catch them!

Love is a Poverty You Can Sell
Soup Can Theatre
Playwright: Justin Haigh, featuring the music of Kurt Weill and others
Director: Sarah Thorpe
Musical Director: Pratik Gandhi

Enter the world of a 1920s Berlin cabaret and enjoy a pectacle of song, story, and sin! Hosted by emcees Hans and Jodel, this colourful tribute to the musical legacy of legendary composer Kurt Weill is sure to delight.

“Sultry ... Uniformly Delectable ... NNNNN” —NOW Magazine
“Stellar ... Constantly Delights ... ★★★★” —Eye Weekly

Schedule:
JAN 10 / 7:15
JAN 14 / 8:15
JAN 15 / 4:15
JAN 15 / 6:15

Morro & Jasp: Go Bake Yourself
Up your Nose and In your Toes (U.N.I.T.) Productions
By Heather Marie Annis, Byron Laviolette & Amy Lee

One battle cry, a dash of sibling rivalry, a generous serving of heart, and a blend of Martha Stewart and Hell’s Kitchen, garnished with danger and delight. Morro and Jasp’s eighth original creation is a culinary masterpiece you won’t soon forget.

Canadian Comedy Award Nominees 2011

Schedule:
JAN 11 / 7:45
JAN 14 / 4:00
JAN 14 / 6:15
JAN 15 / 8:15

For tickets please click the header!

Previews: Modern Love and The Washing Machine

2012-01-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

Last night marked the second night of this year's Next Stage Festival. It was also the opening night for two Studio Theatre productions. Modern Love and The Washing Machine. Both are running almost daily till the 15th. (Schedules to follow.)

Theatre Caravel's production of Modern Love, was created by star Jessica Moss, with production development assistance from, Eric Double, Julia Nish-Lapidus and Kyle Purcell. In keeping with many of the Studio Theatre pieces this year, Modern Love deals with isolation in the digital age.

With over 600 friends at our fingertips how can we feel so alone? Modern Love, takes a look at the ways we connect with and disconnect from each other every day." (Press release.) The show was originally presented at Canadian Stage's Festival of Ideas and Creation and was well received by critics and audiences. And Jessica Moss was lauded with an Outstanding Performer distinction for the 2008 Summerworks festival. The 2011 Fringe festival also awarded the show Outstanding Ensemble.

Modern Love runs:
Jan 6 / 9:00
Jan 7 / 5:00
Jan 8 / 7:30
Jan 9 / 6:30
Jan 12 / 5:15
Jan 13 / 5:30
Jan 14 / 7:15
Jan 15 / 2:45

Run is 60 min.

Last night's late show was, The Washing Machine, presented by Red Betty Theatre. In this drama, set in India, Isabella, "a bereaved mother and wife," (press release) hopes to start fresh, literally. She wants to transform her childhood home from dusty fields and mangy animals into, "tennis court and a washing machine". But with the help of her childhood homeland, gurus, meddling spirits and some very pesky monkeys, Isabella realizes her, "dirty laundry" can't be cleaned in the spin cycle. Both Sasha Kovacs and Jonathan Heppner accepted Outstanding Ensemble and Production awards for the Fringe 2009.

Cast and Creative: Playwright: Radha S Menon / Director: Sasha Kovacs / Cast: Aparajit Bhattacharjee, Steve Cumyn, Mina James, Jivesh Parasram, Cydney Penner, Dipal Patel, Ronical Sanjnani, Asha Vijayasigha / Associate Director and Script Coordinator: Jonathan Heppner

The Washing Machine runs:
Jan 6 / 6:45
Jan 7 / 9:00
Jan 8 / 3:00
Jan 10 / 8:30
Jan 11 / 6:15
Jan 12 / 9:15
Jan 14 / 5:00
Jan 15 / 9:15

Run is 90 min

Preview: The Last Five Years

2012-01-06T10:54:00.005-05:00

Opening this week at the Tarragon Theatre is Clearwater Theatre Company's adaptation of the Jason Robert Brown classic The Last Five Years. We have always wanted to see this piece so how exciting for our city to receive this new years treat!

Show Description:

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about a successful writer and an aspiring actress who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure juxtaposes their two perspectives; she tells her story from the end of the show backwards, while he tells his story chronologically. The two characters meet only once, at their wedding in the middle. The show is accompanied by a piano and 5 piece string ensemble.

For tickets please click the header!

Directed by Kate Stevenson
Starring John Boag and Alison Jutzi

Tarragon Theatre
Evening Performances Thursday Jan 5th, 2012 – Saturday Jan 14th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:30pm

Tickets
In Person: Tarragon Theatre Box Office
Online: Tarragon Theatre Online Box-office
By Phone: (416) 531-1827
E-mail: boxoffice@tarragontheatre.com

Preview: HYPNOGOGIC LOGIC

2012-01-06T10:43:00.005-05:00

Coming into the Next Stage Festival with REALLY strong reviews and a lot of hype is Hypnogogic Logic.

Acclaimed comedy troupe Uncalled For tickle your frontal lobe with Hypnogogic Logic: an energetic, refreshingly intelligent and endlessly hilarious trip through the world of dreams. Winner of the Just For Laughs Best Comedy Award (Montreal Fringe 2010), the show rides the wild rollercoaster of a mind falling asleep. A tour-de-force of inspired writing and joyful performance, this is comedy that treats the audience like adults, but leaves them giggling like children. WAKE UP!

Schedule:
JAN 5 / 5:00
JAN 6 / 7:15
JAN 7 / 9:15
JAN 8 / 7:15
JAN 10 /5:45
JAN 12 / 6:45
JAN 13 / 9:15
JAN 14 / 4:45
JAN 15 / 9:00

For tickets please click the header!

UNCALLED FOR PRESENTS

HYPNOGOGIC LOGIC

Created by: Uncalled For
Cast: Matt Goldberg, Dan Jeannotte, Colin Munch and Anders Yates

Preview: LOVING THE STRANGER OR HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN INVERT

2012-01-05T09:56:00.004-05:00

Premiering tonight on the Factory Mainstage is this fascinating and truly unique investigation of sexuality that crosses generations and time. Loving the Stranger has some really fine buzz surrounding it and we are excited to catch the opening tonight!!!

For tickets please click the header!

Show Description:
Meet Montréal’s Peter Flinsch: theatre designer, visual artist, and gay survivor of Nazi Germany, arrested in 1942 for kissing a friend at a Luftwaffe Christmas party. From the cabarets of 1920’s Berlin, to the ongoing battle over gay marriage, all the way to the office of the Prime Minister; sexuality, spectacle, and satire launch a musical Blitzkrieg on apathy. Provocative Expressionist cabaret developed with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and the 2010 SummerWorks Festival.

“...a politically charged musical about the modern construction of the homosexual that’s ambitious in scope, well-researched, and aesthetically brilliant.” —NOW Magazine

Schedule:
JAN 5 / 7:30
JAN 7 / 2:45
JAN 8 / 5:15
JAN 9 / 6:15
JAN 11 / 8:30
JAN 12 / 9:00
JAN 13 / 5:15
JAN 14 / 7:00
JAN 15 / 7:00

LOVING THE STRANGER OR HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN INVERT

Ecce Homo Theatre
Written and Directed by Alistair Newton
Cast: Hume Baugh as Peter Flinsch
Ensemble: Seth Drabinsky, Matthew Eger, Kimberly Persona, Geoff Stevens / Dancer: Laurence Ramsay
Musical Director: Dan Rutzen
Original Choreography by: Graham McKelvie
Choreography adapted by: Sky Fairchild- Waller
Accompanist: Adam Weinmann

Preview: THE TIKI BIKINI BEACH PARADISE PARTY A-GO-GO!

2012-01-04T10:39:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for a something a little lighter at the Next Stage Festival then Tiki Bikini is definitely one to check out!

Show Description:

An ultra enthusiastic, hyper-speed-a-go-go keen teen musical that is a loving parody of the Beach Party movies of the 1960’s. Freddie and Jeannette just want to hold an end of summer party on Bikini Beach, much to the chagrin of the Big Tuna. Hula hoops, surf boards and energetic dance numbers make for a fan-tiki time! With rave reviews across the (surf) boards, you’ll Go-Go wild for this Tiki-tastic show!

Schedule:
JAN 4 / 6:45
JAN 5 / 9:15
JAN 6 / 5:15
JAN 7 / 7:15
JAN 8 / 9:30
JAN 9 / 8:00
JAN 12 / 5:00
JAN 14 / 2:45
JAN 15 /5:00

THE TIKI BIKINI BEACH PARADISE PARTY A-GO-GO!

Allison Beula Productions
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Allison Beula
Cast: Ashley Arnold, Chris Beck, Rory Bray, Kevin Clarke, Stephan Dickson, Evan Dowling, Thomas Duplessie, Rachelle Ganesh, Christopher Johnston, Sarah Kuzio, Stephanie Hope Lawlor, Stan Macdonald, Nick Nasrallah, Amelia Sirianni
Original songs composed by Jeffery Straker
Live music by the von Drats

Previews: LOVESEXMONEY and Tomasso's Party

2012-01-04T10:19:00.002-05:00

Opening tonight at the Next Stage Festival are two shows about intimacy and love. Both LOVESEXMONEY and Tomasso's Party are on in the Studio Theatre, at Factory.

In LOVESEXMONEY, created by writer/director Kat Sandler, Olivia sells her virginity online. Her boyfriend Jim tries to stop her, and a guy named Simon buy it. This show was a big hit at the Factory Theatre last year, which is why it is back as part of the Next Stage Festival. Presented by Theatre Brouhaha, LOVESEXMONEY is a naughty, hilarious and fast paced new play about intimacy in the Information Age." (Press release)

Cast: Hannah Barnett-Kemper, Len Batta, Scott Clarkson, Gwen Cumyn, Brooke Morgan, and Daniel Pagett.

LOVESEXMONEY runs:

Jan 4 / 7:15
Jan 7 / 6:45
Jan 8 / 9:15
Jan 9 / 8:15
Jan 10 / 6:00
Jan 12 / 7:00
Jan 13 / 7:15
Jan 14 / 9:15
Jan 15 / 4:45

Tomasso's Party, by Rooftop Creations, is the story of a young couple. Their relationship, though comic at times, is plagued with insecurity and jealousy. But as Tomasso's Party looms Hugo and Madeleine's relationship steps up its frantic pace as the two's emotions and interactions swing wildly from the realistic to the absurd. This show reflects modern intimacy and reminds the audiences about the fragility of love. It is about the balance of power in relationships and how quickly they can become unhinged.

Cast and Creative: Playwright, Jules Lewis / Director, Nigel Shawn Williams / Cast: Simon Bracken and Leah Doz / Producer André du Toit.

Tomasso's Party runs:

Jan 4 / 9:30
Jan 5 / 7:15
Jan 6 / 5:00
Jan 7 / 3:00
Jan 8 / 5:30
Jan 11 / 8:45
Jan 13 / 9:30
Jan 14 / 3:00
Jan 15 / 7:15

Click here for more information about these two shows or anything on at the NSF. You can click here for ticket information. Or call 416.966.1062. See you at the Factory!

Preview: Living With Henry

2012-01-03T18:18:00.004-05:00

The first show we are previewing from the Next Stage Festival was a major hit here in the city last year and is a musical that we here at EAP are very excited and intrigued by.

Featured as part of the Best of Fringe Uptown 2011, Living With Henry is a new musical drama that explores the fear, complications and realities of living with HIV/AIDS today. Though no longer a death sentence, the once carefree Michael must learn to come to terms with living with his chronic condition. Acclaimed for its honesty, boldness and inventiveness, this musical - “sometimes comic, sometimes heartbreaking” - is sure to engage, inspire and entertain!

Schedule:
JAN 4 / 8:45
JAN 6 / 9:15
JAN 7 / 4:45
JAN 8 / 2:45
JAN 10 / 8:00
JAN 11 / 6:00
JAN 13 / 7:00
JAN 14 / 9:00
JAN 15 / 2:30

from Beyond Boundaries

Living With Henry
Written and Composed by Christopher Wilson
Director & Choreographer: Donna Marie Baratta
Musical Director: James Smith
Cast: Ryan Kelly, David Silvestri, Lizzie Kurtz, John Edwards, Mary Kelly, Kraig Waye

Preview: The Next Stage Festival hits Toronto!

2012-01-02T23:36:00.007-05:00

Opening this week in the city is one of our favourite festival's in the city! The Next Stage Festival is a brilliant collection of works that have premiered already in the country, but need more love and exposure! What joy we say! Exactly what the city needs this time of year and we say Here, Here! The Festival begins this Wednesday evening and runs until the 15th of the month.

Festival Description:

Theatre lover or arts novice, we hope you’ll join us for the fifth anniversary of Toronto’s fastest growing theatre event. The shows in Next Stage are chosen by a panel of industry experts from an incredibly talented pool of “Fringe artists” from across North America, just about to emerge into the mainstream. These are the most talented, most exciting artists from across the Fringe circuit.

On offer this year is our most diverse line-up ever of productions by independent artists. In the intimate Studio Theatre take a look at relationships – amorous and familial – through 21st century eyes. On the Main Stage, four bold productions harness the power of spectacle to tell their unique stories - these are big shows full of laughter, tears and energy.

Next Stage isn’t a normal night at the theatre. The heated McAuslan Beer Tent in the courtyard at Factory Theatre is buzzing all festival long with little concerts and art installations. This is independent theatre at its finest and your chance
to catch artists at that “I saw them when” moment on their way to stardom.

For tickets or more info on shows (and stay tuned for individual show descriptions this week!) please click the header!!!

Preview: American Idiot

2011-12-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

Reviews are in, and American Idiot, the Green Day inspired musical, is a hit! The Star gave the show four star, and called American Idiot, "the first great musical of the 21st century." That is some heavy praise. Justin and I can't wait to see it next week. The show is on now until January 15th, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Dancap Productions is having a fantastic season, with many of their shows receiving critical and audience acclaim. Lets hope audiences agree on American Idiot.

Photo courtesy of Toronto.com, and features, from left, cast members, Scott J. Campbell, Van Hughes, and Jake Epstein.

American Idiot, book by Michael Mayer and Billie Joe Armstrong.
Music by Green Day
Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong
Directed by Michael Mayer
At the Toronto Centre for the Arts
5040 Yonge Street
Call 416-644-3665 for ticket information.

Ouzounian: Theatrical cheers and jeers - Arts, Arts... - Toronto.com

2011-12-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

Here is Richard Ouzounian's theatre recap for 2011. Click the link below or the header!

Ouzounian: Theatrical cheers and jeers - Arts, Arts... - Toronto.com

Check this out...

2011-12-27T11:04:00.003-05:00

Great article from the New York Times Theater section over the weekend about Shea's Performing Art Center in Buffalo. It was a fascinating read about what an influential stop Buffalo has become on the Broadway touring circuit. Just as an example, The Addam's Family, which ran last week at Shea's, made close to a million dollars. By comparison, the show hasn't made that kind of money, in a week on Broadway, since last April. It was wonderful to see that theatre's and the audiences that love them outside of Manhattan are getting some recognition by the paper of note these days. I highly recommend this article by Patrick Healy, "Broadway Hits Gold in Buffalo." Check it out here.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T21:37:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all much happiness and joy this Christmas. And a Happy New Year!

Love,

Justin and Liza

Great News

2011-12-23T11:14:00.000-05:00

One of Justin and my favourite movies is Once! And now the film musical is headed for Broadway. Check out this article from the NYTimes Arts Beat Blog. The show hasn't even opened off-Broadway but it has already gotten the nod and will be headed for the Great White Way in March of 2012. And for those of you not familiar with the movie here is the original trailer.

Top 10 Theatre Shows of 2011 from NOW Magazine

2011-12-22T15:40:00.002-05:00

Photo: HIS GREATNESS

Now Toronto has released their top 10 Theatre shows for 2011 and we here at EAP have to agree with almost all of their decisions. Especially HIS GREATNESS, BILLY ELLIOT and THE NORMAL HEART!

For the complete list please click the link below:

Top 10 Theatre Shows | NOW Magazine

American Idiot in Toronto!

2011-12-21T18:14:00.000-05:00

We hear tickets are selling fast for the groundbreaking new musical that hits the Toronto stage a week today!

For tickets or more info please click the header!

Preview: HAIR

2011-12-16T09:55:00.003-05:00

It was a smash hit a few years ago when it was revived in New York, and its triumph return to the Royal Alex took place this week! It has already opened to strong reviews and we are excited to see such a moving and provocative piece of theatre in town over the holiday season!

“HAIR is more than just a musical: it is a social and cultural phenomenon, a jubilant assertion of life and freedom.”

So wrote critic Michael Billington in The Guardian, of the London staging of this joyous new production of the mother of all rock musicals!

It’s the ’60s; war rages in Vietnam, and a group of friends in New York’s East Village turn on, tune in and sing out in celebration of love, life and freedom. The first great rock musical, Hair has some of the most rousing and soulful songs ever written for the stage, including Let the Sun Shine In, Easy to be Hard, Good Morning Starshine, Aquarius and the infectious title song, Hair. It will more than make you want to sing along; It will make you want to go on stage and dance (and maybe you will)! You must not miss this vibrant, joyous piece of living theatre!

On until December 31st!

For tickets or more info please click the header!

Call For Submissions

2011-12-14T09:49:00.001-05:00

It is that time of year again producers. Time to get your proposals together for a number of Toronto theatre festivals. The Habourfront Centre put out a call for submissions for their Fresh Ground new works series. Prize winners can win up to $20,000 towards creating their work. Fresh Ground submissions must be, new, collaborative, artistic creations, incorporating more than one discipline or field. The work will be presented at the Harbourfront Centre between September 2013 and June 2014. The deadline for submissions is January 30th. All letters of intent must be received by 5pm on Monday January 30th to be considered. More information about submissions is available here.

The application for the 2012 SummerWorks festival are also available now. Check out the website here for applications. Deadline dates for the SummerWorks festival are also up. National Series Submissions are due January 3rd 2012. While Local Series Submissions are due February 1st 2012.

These are two great opportunities for local arts creators to have their work staged for local audiences. Both the Harbourfront Centre and SummerWorks are mainstays in the Toronto theatre, dance and live performance scene. If have have ever considered applying to have your work show here, this is the year! Don't delay. And message us here if you would like advice or insight into applying for either of these festival and grant programs. We have done them a few times.

Good Luck!

The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes

2011-12-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

Wish there was a show like this for the holidays here in Toronto. I saw this article posted on the San Francisco Facebook page yesterday. And was so envious of all my peeps back in SF. Hey Girls you should bring that show on the road!!!!

Preview: Matt & Ben

2011-12-13T14:44:00.002-05:00

I think this sounds wonderfully intriguing and funny. Check it out this weekend at the Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley Street)!

Matt & Ben by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers is a one act play with two females playing the roles of a pre-famous Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and the hijinks that ensue when a completed screenplay for an orignal movie entitled “Good Will Hunting” falls from the sky with their names on the front cover. Is this a test? A message from God?

For tickets please click the header!

Matt & Ben
Directed by Reid Vanier
Starring Adele Dicks and Kristy LaPointe
Stage Manager: Hannah Metcalfe
December 17 &18 at Alumnae Theatre/ 2pm and 8pm.
Tickets $15

Tosca is back at the Canadian Opera Company

2011-12-09T11:32:00.000-05:00

This clip pretty much speaks for itself. If you are an Opera fan, or even just Opera curious and you haven't seen Tosca, then you better book tickets for The Canadian Opera Company's winter season opener. Tosca opens January 21st and runs until February 25th, at the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts.

Adrianne Pieczonka, featured above, returns the title role. She received rave reviews when she premiered in this role in 2008. The Los Angeles Times called her, "radiant." And she is sure to dazzle again.

Click here for ticket information. And don't forget that if you are under 30 you can get Opera for the New Age tickets for $22 bucks, and you can pre-order them online.

Chatting with the cast of Off Broadway On Stage

2011-12-08T17:57:00.001-05:00

Last night, I was invited to speak to some of the cast from Angelwalk Theatre's Off Broadway, On Stage. It was an extra special night, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, as the touring cast of Memphis was also in the building and many of them were heading out to dinner at Baton Rouge. It was a lively wait at the stage door.

But the real excitement was happening in the Studio Theatre. I arrived a few minutes early and got to hear the cast of Off Broadway... rehearsing their closing number. It was great to get a sneak preview.

After their final rehearsal I sat down with, (from left) Will, Jennifer Natasha, Clara, and Dave. Mike "Nug" Nahrgang, (pictured second from left) was sadly not available. The cast spoke candidly about their, "intense," as Clara put it, rehearsal process, as well as their joy in working together with some dream musical material.

This cast of six has packed over twenty song from more than eighteen Off-Broadway productions into a brisk eighty minute show. And all with only two weeks of rehearsals.

"The intensity of it," Dave said, came from the nature of a revue. You can't think of it as, "just a concert. We're digging into the material a lot more than in other productions. We have explored everything, dance acting... a lot of solid work."
Jennifer added that, "the songs have to stand on their own, because they aren't in the context of the original show."
"It is all about telling the story of the song, and creating links between the pieces. Anthony, [Bastianon the show's musical director] and Denise, [Oucharek, the musical staging director ] have taken the time to find those links between the pieces," said Clara. "It is really wonderful."

There is also the heavier subject matter Off-Broadway tends to produce. Not to mention the kick ass songs, you almost never get to sing in a show. Will told me that he appreciated working with the deeper more complex music that Off-Broadway had to offer. "The show is eighty five minutes. And we fit a lot in. And because the subject matter of Off-Broadway tends to be more intense, it is really a marathon."

When I asked what the difference was doing a revue and doing a musical Natasha jumped in, "In a musical you get time to study your character, for this revue, playing many characters, you don't have that." The secret to keeping an audience engaged without characters to draw them in? The creative construction by Anthony Bastianon, and Dennis Oucharek.

I also got the sense from the cast that they genuinely enjoyed working together. Clara said, "each of the cast members is so unique and different. It has been really a great opportunity to blend new songs, meeting a great cast and working with this rich material, everyone brings something very special to the show."

And finally I asked what everyones' favourite number in the show was. "I get to sing my favourite song, so for me that is the best," said Jennifer in reference to the well know classic from, Tick, Tick... Boom "Come to Your Senses," which brought the house down just before the finale.

It was a really enjoyable evening of songs, some of which I knew and some of which I had never heard. I particularly liked one of Clara's numbers I wasn't familiar with, " I'll Be Here" from Ordinary Days.

If you are looking for an entertaining night out this weekend be sure and see Off Broadway On Stage. And as "Nug," who's humorous interludes provided pleasant reprieve said, with a show like this, "you can see a night of theatre, buy the cast drinks and still pay the sitter." Click here for show and ticket information. Off Broadway On Stage runs until the 11th of December.

Preview: CRUSH

2011-12-08T16:30:00.003-05:00

This piece is getting some good reviews folks and there is only 4 more days left to check it out!!!

CRUSH is a story of desire, denial and violence. When Martin moves into Ronny and Sandra’s trailer park on the edge of a small Ontario city, he captivates them both. Their longing for love and need to escape collide with homophobia and desperation as the play accelerates toward its startling conclusion. CRUSH is loosely based on the true story of the Jenny Jones Show "Secret Admirer" murder, in which Scott Amedure was killed by Jonathan Schmitz after they taped an episode of the talk show together.

Optic Heart Theatre is thrilled to present CRUSH by Hume Baugh, from December 1-11 at the Factory Studio Theatre. First premiered at Summerworks in 2008, CRUSH is newly reworked and updated for its Factory debut.

Please click the header for more info and to purchase tickets!

CRUSH
Written by Hume Baugh
Directed by Mark Cassidy
Factory Theatre
Toronto, ON
On until December 11th!

Preview: PARFUMERIE at Soulpepper

2011-12-07T16:40:00.005-05:00

Opening tomorrow evening in the Distillery District is the smash hit of 2009 from Soulpepper. Adam Pettle and Brenda Robins' winning adaptation about two clerks in a Budapest perfume shop who feud by day and unknowingly exchange anonymous love letters by night is one of the world's most beloved stories. 2010 Dora Award
(Outstanding Production).

For tickets and scheduling info please click the header!

PARFUMERIE
Written by f Miklós László
Adaptation by Adam Pettle and Brenda Robins

Directed by Morris Panych
Featuring Maev Beaty, Stacey Bulmer, Kevin Bundy, Oliver Dennis, Patricia Fagan, Jeff Lillico, Miranda Mulholland, Brenda Robins, Mike Ross, Michael Simpson, Kristina Uranowski, William Webster, Joseph Ziegler.

Young Centre for the Performing Arts,
55 Mill, Toronto, 416-866-8666
Runs to Dec 31

Preview: Off Broadway On Stage

2011-12-06T11:05:00.002-05:00

Angelwalk Theatre presents, Off Broadway On Stage, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. This musical revue features selections from Off-Broadway classics like Alter Boyz, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, [title of show], and many more. Conceived by Angelwalk creative team Brian Goldenberg, with musical arrangement by Anthony Bastianon, Off Broadway On Stage plays December 7-11. For tickets call 647.351.5055 or click here

Check out the cast here!
647-351-5055 647-351-5055

War Horse Toronto Rehearsals Begin!!!

2011-12-05T19:52:00.001-05:00

What an exciting day for many local theatre artists who began work today on the upcoming production of War Horse in Toronto!

Rehearsals have officially commenced!

For info or tickets to the piece please click the header!

Preview: Memphis

2011-12-04T13:57:00.001-05:00

Opening this week in Toronto!

This is one of the most anticipated touring shows coming to Toronto this season. Memphis won four Tony's when it debuted on Broadway, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, for David Bryan (originally of Bon Jovi fame,) and Joe DiPietros' catchy musical. Check out DanCap's promo video for the fantatic show Memphis, which opens in Toronto on Tuesday.

DANCAP TV

This show has it all, great music and raucous dance numbers. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Click here for ticket information. Memphis is in town until Dec 24th. The Christmas Eve show is at 1pm, and might make a great gift this year!

Hair - Toronto Premiere

2011-12-04T13:56:00.001-05:00

Opening next week is the hit musical HAIR!

This holiday season is offering some major power brokers in terms of musical theatre in the city! Make sure to check them out!

For more info or for tickets please click the header.

Memphis the Musical

2011-12-03T10:58:00.001-05:00

Arriving this week care of Dancap Productions is Memphis!

Full preview to come but please check out this clip from the Tony Awards. Incredible!

For tickets or more info please click the header!!!

REASONS TO BE PRETTY

2011-12-01T13:07:00.002-05:00

We are into the final 4(!) days to catch this fantastic piece of theatre!!!

For tickets please click the header!

Preview: PROOF

2011-11-30T16:53:00.005-05:00

Opening tomorrow is a piece of theatre that I have loved for years now. I am really excited to see what is done with this production. Check it out over the next few weeks!!!

For tickets please click the header!

PROOF revolves around Catherine, a woman torn between genius and madness after the loss of her celebrated father, known for his brilliant mathematical mind. His loss reunites Catherine with her estranged sister Claire, and a former student Hal. Together they are forced to determine the legacy left behind, and what it could mean for their own future.

The original New York production of PROOF won both the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. Members from the prolific Red One Theatre Collective, who have engaged a new generation of audiences in some of the most critically-acclaimed and exciting theatre in recent history, invite you for a fresh and intimate look at this play.

PROOF
By David Auburn
Directed by David Tompa
Featuring Joanne Kelly, John Evans, Dani Kind, Joe Dinicol
Assistant Direction/Stage Management David Christo

The Branding Factory in Toronto
136 Geary Avenue, Unit #215a
(*Audience entrance at all performances will be through side door on Salem Ave)
Previews Nov 29, 30
Dec 1 - 18 | Tue-Sun 8pm
Tickets $20 ($15 Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Preview: The Nutcracker

2011-11-29T13:09:00.003-05:00

Need we say more? Click the header to get your tickets for this holiday classic now. And also, click here to see behind the scenes action at the National Ballet.

COC Ensemble Studio Competition Winner

2011-11-29T13:01:00.003-05:00

The Canadian Opera Company held the first ever Ensemble Studio Competition last night, at the Four Seasons Centre. Here are the details from this mornings press release:

MONTREAL’S SASHA DJIHANIAN WINS INAUGURAL COC ENSEMBLE STUDIO COMPETITION

Toronto – Soprano Sasha Djihanian, a native of Montreal, claimed the top prize last night at the inaugural Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio Competition at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, selected from 10 finalists to receive the $5,000 award. Soprano Claire de Sévigné, also from Montreal, won the second prize of $3,000 and tenor Owen McCausland from Saint John, New Brunswick was awarded the third prize of $1,500. In addition, Sudbury soprano Lindsay Barrett was selected by the audience as the winner of the Audience Choice Award, worth $1,500.

The 10 finalists from across Canada were selected from over 160 singers in preliminary auditions in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and New York. Each finalist performed two arias with piano accompaniment in front of a live audience and an adjudicator panel comprised of COC General DirectorAlexander Neef, Music Administrator Sandra Gavinchuk, Head of the Ensemble Studio Liz Upchurch, and guest judges Opera Canada editor Wayne Gooding, and Canadian soprano, voice teacher, and Ensemble Studio alumna Wendy Nielsen.

“The audience at last night’s competition was treated to an exclusive preview of the exceptionally bright future of Canadian operatic talent,” says COC General Director Alexander Neef. “All of the finalists tonight demonstrated remarkable skill, and the prize winners impressed the judges and tonight’s audience with their technique and rich tone, as well their intelligent and emotional delivery. Following all of these young artists’ careers is going to be a pleasure for me personally and for our audiences as well.”

In addition to the four cash prizes, the finalists were competing for highly coveted positions in the2012/2013 COC Ensemble Studio, Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals. The competition marked the first time in COC history that the final auditions for the Ensemble Studio were held in front of a public audience. Taking into account the performances at last night’s Ensemble Studio Competition, COC artistic staff will now finalize the lineup of the 12/13 Ensemble Studio. The full lineup will be announced in the new year. The 12/13 Ensemble Studio members will be joining an illustrious program that, since its inception in 1980, has launched the careers of over 150 Canadian singers, opera coaches, stage directors and conductors, including Ben Heppner, Isabel Bayrakdarian, John Fanning, David Pomeroy, Joseph Kaiser, Lauren Segal and Krisztina Szabó.

Click the header for more details about the event.

Check out the photos from the night here.

Preview: Dying City

2011-11-28T20:27:00.003-05:00

This looks incredibly good! Strong director, strong cast, fantastic venue.
Check out this piece in the west end at the Toronto Free Gallery on Bloor Street!

Show Description:

A year after her husband’s death in Iraq, Kelly, a young therapist, confronts his identical twin brother, Peter, who shows up at her apartment unannounced.

Written to honour the walking wounded following the war brought on by 9/11, Christopher Shinn’s Dying City returns to Toronto under the direction of Dora-nominated director, Peter Pasyk.

“This play is about the difficulties of dealing with a traumatic experience and wanting to do so in your own time,” said Pasyk. “In its opening you quickly learn that Peter is an unwelcomed guest and we wanted to translate Kelly’s feeling of discomfort to the audience by placing them remarkably close to a conversation they would avoid being a part of in every day life.”

For tickets or more info please click the header!

DYING CITY
Written by Christopher Shinn
Directed by Peter Pasyk
Starring Lesley Faulkner & Sergio Di Zio
Runs through to December 10th
Tuesday-Saturday 8pm | Sunday 2pm (PWYC)
Toronto Free Gallery, 1277 Bloor St. W. Lansdowne Station
Tickets: $20 (November 25 – December 4) | $25 (December 6-10)

Preview: REASONS TO BE PRETTY

2011-11-26T14:05:00.006-05:00

It brings me an enormous amount of joy to announce that the premiere production from the brand new theatre company Rogue Theatre Co-op is landing this coming week in Toronto!!! The company, which is a collection of local artists - spearheaded by Diana Bentley and Brooke Morgan, has choses Neil LaBute's Reasons to be Pretty as their inaugural piece.

Show Description:

The plot centers on four young working class friends and lovers who become increasingly dissatisfied with their dead-end lives and each other. Following The Shape of Things and Fat Pig, it is the final installment of a trilogy that focuses on modern day obsession with physical appearance.

ROGUE THEATRE CO-OP PRESENTS
Neil LaBute's
REASONS TO BE PRETTY
at N/A Collective (1585 Dundas Street West- behind the Lula Lounge)

Directed by Steven McCarthy
Starring:
Brooke Morgan
Diana Bentley
Mike Majeski
Tim Walker

lighting design Melissa Joakim
Sound design: Gordon Hyland
Production Manager: Suzie Balogh

Opens November 29th and Runs 'til Dec 4th.
Shows nightly at 8pm, Sat and Sun. Matinees at 2pm
Tickets $20

This is a limited engagement! 8 SHOWS ONLY! Get tickets NOW online by clicking the header!!!

Preview: RED

2011-11-24T19:01:00.004-05:00

There is a VERY exciting opening happening this evening and EAP is extremely excited to be apart of it!!! The Tony Award winning play RED is opening tonight! Another really strong and fascinating choice from the Canadian Stage Company.

Show Description:

RED is about Mark Rothko, the American abstract painter who, along with the equally eccentric Jackson Pollock, managed to shift the art world's centre from Paris to New York in the 1940s and 50s.

Alas, such astounding success always comes with its price, and RED is a brilliant examination of an artist torn apart by the outside forces of fame and commercialism - and the inside ones of ego and despair.

Along with the fast-moving story and fascinating depiction of an artist at work, you'll be caught up in Red's passionate exploration of ideas, art and relevance.

This is the Canadian premiere of RED, which swept last year's Tony Awards, and is sure to be one of Toronto's hottest tickets in 2011.

For tickets or more info please click the header!

RED
On now until Dec 17, 2011
Bluma Appel Theatre
WRITTEN BY
John Logan
DIRECTED BY
Kim Collier
COMPOSED BY
Andy Creeggan

Preview: HALLAJ

2011-11-23T18:58:00.004-05:00

Opening this past week at Buddies is the fascinating little piece, Hallaj. It is arriving at Buddies from the company that is said to be; "One of the most important theatre companies in the country right now, presenting the best of a new, intercultural Canada to the country and the world" (Canadian Theatre Review).

Show Description:

Hallaj tells the story of the legendary 10th century Sufi mystic, Mansur e-Hallaj, whose poetry and teachings inspired the love of his people and the wrath of the religious orthodoxy. In the current age of political and social upheaval in the Middle East, Hallaj offers a powerful message of compassion from a culture so often perceived as "other". Hallaj marks Modern Times Stage Company's return to Buddies for the first time since their stunning production of Macbeth in 1995.

Show Times: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 2:30pm. For tickets or for more info please click the header!

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre proudly welcomes
a Modern Times Stage Company production
HALLAJ
By Peter Farbridge and Soheil Parsa
Directed by Soheil Parsa
Featuring Stewart Arnott, Steven Bush, Peter Farbridge, Carlos González-Vio, John Ng, Beatriz Pizano, Costa Tovarnisky and Bahareh Yaraghi
On stage until December 4th

Preview: Enter The Shadow and Klorofyl

2011-11-22T08:36:00.004-05:00

If you are a fan of hip hop or street style dancing, then you have three chances this week to see the Harbourfront Centre's and NextStage 11/12's presentation of, Enter the Shadow. This three day festival of urban dance combines hip hop, theatre, traditional dance, and so much more. The show is a dynamic journey through the creative world of b-boy dance culture. The show runs at the Enware Theatre from Thursday November 24th till Sunday November 27th. The show is part of the Fresh Ground new works program, and was created by the youth-led organisation Break it Down.

Fans of dance can also get their fill at the Fleck Theatre this weekend, when Klorofyl opens. Based on the classic film Seven Samurai, Klorofyl follows the re-birth of seven warriors, who when reunited aspire to greatness. Klorofyl was developed by the Toronto-based dance company Gadfly. Gadfly is a dance company that focuses of studying and creating movement that is at the junction between urban and traditional styles of dance. Klorofyl runs at the Fleck Thursday the 24 to Sunday the 27th.

You can get a special rate for a package of tickets to both shows, of 45$ per person. Both of these shows sound great, but if you need some extra convincing here is the teaser from Klorofyl.

Preview: Mary Poppins

2011-11-20T15:07:00.003-05:00

Opening to strong reviews from both the critics and theatre go-ers is the adorable Mary Poppins. Tickets are pricey and there is no rush system applying to this tour, however, we have heard that it is well worth the price!

Show Description:

Mary Poppins marks the first collaboration between Disney, producer of the acclaimed The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, and Cameron Mackintosh, legendary producer of the record-breaking The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Misérables. The result is a new musical so extraordinarily enchanting you’ll have just one word for it: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

Since the curtain first rose on Mary Poppins, critics and audiences alike have been raving. This effervescent hit has astonished over six and a half million people worldwide with its pure Broadway magic. With four productions currently running on three continents, Mary Poppins is one of the biggest stage musical successes in recent years. This consummate production features the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand, new breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stage-craft to make it everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show.

Now on stage to Jan 8 at the Princess of Wales Theatre: 300 King Street West Toronto!

For tickets or for more info please click the header!

Preview: The Addams Family

2011-11-17T09:54:00.010-05:00

Reviews are coming in from last night's opening of The Addams Family, and they are surprisingly good. Richard Ouzounian, at The Star has seen The Addams Family a few times and has never had great things to say about the show. But," as he put it, "...it’s actually a joy to eat those words now in light of the warm-hearted (if cold-blooded) fun that’s up there on the stage to enjoy."

The Addams Family, is part of Dancap's subscription season. The two week run, on now until November 27th, is at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. There are still tickets available for the brief run. Richard also mentions the show's rough start with Broadway audiences and critics, making the current touring productions success all the sweeter. Be sure to check out this family friendly musical before it is gone!

Click the header for ticket information.

Image courtesy of The Star. You can read Richard's review here.

Head to Tarragon for Play Reading Week

2011-11-15T12:24:00.005-05:00

All this week at Tarragon Theatre are free readings, as part of the annual Play Reading Week. Readings are upstairs at 8pm nightly, except Sunday's reading which will take place at 2:30pm.

Tonight - Everyday Neurotics by Haley McGee. We first heard about Haley when she was reviewed here, for her play Oh My Irma. Tonight she is reading from her newest work. Should be fun! And did we mention it's FREE.

The line-up for the week can be found here. Or by clicking the header.

Preview: Ride the Cyclone

2011-11-15T12:06:00.002-05:00

Justin and I saw Ride the Cyclone at last year SummerWorks, and we are both glad to see the show return to Toronto at Theatre Passe Muraille. The show opened late last week and runs until December 2nd. If you haven't seen Atomic Vaudeville's Ride the Cyclone yet be sure to click the header for ticket information.

Ride the Cyclone is one of the most memorable Canadian musical creations we've seen. There is some great musical moments. As well as an inventive and unique story that grabs the audience and carries them, quite literally, away for a ride.

Preview: The Children's Republic

2011-11-13T18:37:00.002-05:00

Opening this week at Tarragon is another piece from the scorching hot young Canadian Playwright Hanna Moscovitch. We are looking forward to seeing what Ms. Moscovitch delivers here.

Show Description:

Dr. Janusz Korczak, revolutionary champion of children and signatory to the League of Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child, meets his match in a defiant boy named Israel. When war threatens the children in Korczak's Warsaw orphanage, it is Israel who comes to the rescue. In the face of looming catastrophe, Israel gives his teacher the greatest gift of all: courage.

Hannah Moscovitch is currently playwright-in-residence at Tarragon. She is considered one of the strongest young voices in the country and was nominated for the prestigious international Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Her works include East of Berlin, Essay and The Russian Play.

For tickets or for more information please click the header!

The Children's Republic
By Hannah Moscovitch
Directed by Alisa Palmer
Starring Peter Hutt, Mark Correia, Elliot Larson, Kelli Fox, Amy Rutherford, Katie Frances Cohen, Emma Burke-Kleinman
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH
HAROLD GREEN JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY
November 8–December 18
30 Bridgman Avenue

Preview: IMPRINTS

2011-11-11T16:35:00.004-05:00

Opening this evening in the Factory Studio Theatre is Theatre Garantua's World Premiere of IMPRINTS!

Inspired by current theories of genetic memory – and taking them further in a fascinating mix of science and fantasy – playwright Michael Spence explores the ghosts of our ancestral past by imagining them as existing within our genes. IMPRINTS speculates about the thousands and thousands of intimate strangers that make up our lineage and how their experiences are manifested in our instincts, fears and dreams.

Lily is haunted. Her body is overrun with ghosts. They surreptitiously influence all aspects of her life. She does not even know they are there, until she meets them face-to-face.

IMPRINTS tells the fantastical tale of Lily, a woman haunted by the ghosts of her ancestors. While undergoing an experimental procedure for an incurable disease, she is inadvertently transported down a very peculiar rabbit-hole. There she encounters the ghosts of her genealogical past - and discovers alarming keys to her present.

For tickets and for more info please click the header!!!

Theatre Gargantua
in association with Factory Theatre presents the WORLD PREMIERE of
IMPRINTS
A new play by Michael Spence
Directed by Jacquie P.A. Thomas
The acting ensemble for IMPRINTS features Stephanie Belding, Cosette Derome, Conor Green, Ron Kennell, Kat Sandler and Michael Spence
Opens November 11 and runs to November 26, 2011
Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street

Preview: Romeo and Juliet

2011-11-09T09:57:00.003-05:00

Opening November 16th, for a very special world premiere performance, and running until November 27th is Romeo and Juliet. This iconic ballet has been part of the National Ballet Company since 1964. But this year the company will present a new version choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky.

Romeo and Juliet is much beloved by Ballet fans for Its powerful score by, Sergei Prokofiev, and traditionally romantic and beautiful choreography. It will be a thrill for both ballet fans and novices to see this new production.

And don't forget, young people can get day of, rush ticket pricing by going to the box office at the Four Seasons Centre. Click the header for general ticket information. See you at the ballet!

*Image courtesy of the National Ballet. Dancers featured are Elena Lobsanova and Guillaume Coté. The photo is by Christopher Wahl.

Preview: The Sankofa Trilogy

2011-11-07T15:31:00.004-05:00

Opening to VERY strong reviews at Tarragon in the Extra Space is The Sankofa Trilogy. The sankofa trilogy features three extraordinary stories of three powerful women—Mugdu Sankofa, her daughter Sekesu and her granddaughter Benu—and their resolute belief in blood and truth. One of North America's most celebrated storytellers, d’bi.young anitafrika is an award-winning afrikan-jamaican-canadian playwright, actor, educator and dub poet. d’bi.young weaves together pieces of her own life with the herstory and mythology of her Jamaican heritage. The performer describes her work as biomyth monodrama, where the term biomyth represents biography—pertaining to the accounting of one’s own lived experience—and mythology pertaining to the poetic reinterpretation of a lived experience, as well as the use of orature, folklore, myth and magic in the process of reinterpretation. “Biomyth is the poetic space between what we interpret as real and what we deem make-believe. It is magic making!” says d’bi.young.

d’bi.young will host an informal question and answer period after each of her performances.

the sankofa trilogy
written and performed by d'bi.young anitafrika

featuring word!sound!powah!
in repertory with blood.claat, and benu
TRILOGY PREMIERE
On until December 4th
For tickets or for more info please click the header!

Preview: Love Lies Bleeding

2011-11-06T13:13:00.005-05:00

Coming to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, for six performances only is, Alberta Ballet's Love Lies Bleeding. The critically acclaimed new ballet features the music of Elton John. For the past few seasons we have been intrigued by the ballet headlines coming out of Calgary, so it is very exciting that Love Lies Bleeding is coming to Toronto. Over the past few years the creative team at Alberta Ballet have produced several works with contemporary composers including Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan and of course Elton John.

I for one would not want to miss this show. Our spies in Calgary said it was their favourite of the last few years. Click the header for ticket information

Love Lies Bleeding runs November 8-12.

Preview: The Test

2011-11-06T10:31:00.005-05:00

The Test has just opened at the Berkeley Street Theatre. The piece is said to be challenging, witty and quite dark. We are excited to check it out this week!

Show Description:

The Test is a dark comedy by rising Swiss playwright Lukas Bärfuss, in a production starring Canadian Stage favourite Eric Peterson.

The "test" of the title is a paternity test – one that Peter Korach undergoes to find out if his son is really biologically his. Having opted to build happiness in his private life (rather than politics, as did his father before him), Korach finds the test results shattering.

Bärfuss's witty exploration of what the paternity test means for today's family - and, on a deeper level, what happens when we allow science to act as our only barometer of truth – will have you on the edge of your seat, and thinking deeply about the ties that bind us to those we love.

THE TEST

WRITTEN BY: Lukas Bärfuss
DIRECTED BY: Jason Byrne
TRANSLATED BY: Birgit Schreyer Duarte
STARING: Eric Peterson, Sonja Smits, Gord Rand, Liisa Repo-Martell and Philip Riccio

October 31st-November 26th 2011
Berkeley Street Theatre
Toronto, Ontario

For Tickets call Box office 416-368-3110 or please click the header!

Canadians in Mary Poppins

2011-11-03T23:28:00.001-04:00

A nice little piece from thestar.com and toronto.com on some of our Canadian talent in the upcoming premiere of Mary Poppins.

Check it out below or click the header!

Canadians in Mary Poppins. - Opinion, Columns, Arts... - Toronto.com

Preview: DITCH

2011-11-02T13:18:00.005-04:00

Geoff Kavanagh's, Chalmers Award winning play, DITCH returns to Toronto this month with a run at Theatre Passe Muraille. The show is presented by Sometimes Y Theatre. This marks the first time DITCH has appeared in Toronto since 1994.

A fictional account of Sir John Franklin's Arctic exploration in 1845, DITCH focuses on two members of the crew who were left for dead by their shipmates. Whitebread and Hennessey are suffering from pneumonia and a broken foot respectively, with death a certainty they sustain themselves with courage, humour and fantasy.

DITCH opens in preview November 2nd and runs Tuesday - Saturday until November 20th.

Click the header for ticket information

Preview: The Rez Sisters

2011-11-01T15:04:00.004-04:00

Factory Theatre presents an all new production of The Rez Sisters, opening this week. The story of seven women who dream of winning The Biggest Bingo in the World is shocking and hilarious. Together they raise money to travel to Toronto, and risk it all for a chance to change their lives. Artistic Director Ken Gass takes the helm of this newest production with a great cast.

It has been 25 years since writer Tomson Highway's The Rez Sisters was performed at Factory. The original production was nominated for both Chalmers and Govern General's Awards, and won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best New Play. The show premiered as a production by Native Earth Performing Arts on November 26, 1986, and was part of Factory's season the following year.

The cast for this production includes:

Cara Gee

Kyra Harper

Djennie Laguerre

Jani Lauzon

Billy Merasty

Pamela Sinha

Michaela Washburn and

Jean Yoon

The Rez Sisters begins previews November 5th and runs on various dates through December 11. Click the header for show times, dates and pricing. There are RUSH tickets available, as well as student and senior discounts. Call the box office at 416.504.9971 for more information.

Final Week for The Normal Heart in Toronto!

2011-10-31T21:14:00.002-04:00

This is one of the most profound pieces of theatre I HAVE EVER SEEN. Please buy yourself a ticket to this masterful production. The Normal Heart is playing until Sunday November 6th at Buddies in Bad Times.

Please click the header to purchase tickets or for more info.

Soulpepper announces their 2012 season!!!

2011-10-27T15:32:00.003-04:00

On October 25, 2011 Albert Schultz, Founding Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, announced the 12 plays comprising Soulpepper's 15th anniversary season, including ten new productions, two remounts, and a revisit, to run in repertory from January to December, 2012. The season includes plays from Canada, Ireland, England, the United States and Russia, and brings Soulpepper to 107 original productions over 15 seasons. The season opens with Soulpepper's very first original full-length play, continuing the company's commitment to new works about the city of Toronto as seen in this year's Window on Toronto and 2009's Civil Elegies.

"When we initiated the Soulpepper Academy in 2008, the goal was two-fold. Of course we were aiming to equip a new generation of artists with the skill and rigour to approach the world's great plays, but at the same time we were looking for a younger generation to tell us how we could, should and would define our company's future. One of the great discoveries of these last few years is the fascination our young artists have had with the city in which they live. It is this energy and passion that we celebrate with our 15th anniversary season opener, Ins Choi's Kim's Convenience, directed and designed by three of Ins' fellow Soulpepper Academy alumni. This very funny, insightful and touching play was written during Ins' time here at the Academy and marks an astonishing debut for this multi-talented Canadian artist," said Albert Schultz, Artistic Director.

Soulpepper's 2012 Season
*complete casting to be announced at a later date

Kim's Convenience (January 12)
The stand-out hit of this year's Toronto Fringe Festival, Kim's Convenience is set in a Regent Park convenience store and describes the journey of a fractured but loving family confronting the future and forgiving the past. A Toronto classic in the making.
Directed by Soulpepper Academy alumna Weyni Mengesha
Set and costumes by Soulpepper Academy alumnus Ken MacKenzie and lights by Soulpepper Academy alumnus Lorenzo Savoini

High Life (February 13)
Four ne'er-do-well morphine addicts get together in a Toronto apartment to discuss a dangerous but seemingly foolproof robbery. As the four try to put their differences aside and concentrate on the job at hand, Lee MacDougall's unflinching black comedy makes it clear that some personalities are too much to repress.
Directed by Stuart Hughes
Starring: Oliver Dennis, Diego Matamoros and Mike Ross

Long Day's Journey Into Night (February 14)
Eugene O'Neill's revelation of a day in the life of his own tortured family is considered by many to be the greatest of all American plays. Here, Founding Member Diana Leblanc, revisiting O'Neill's masterpiece, directs her lastest interpretation of a 20th century American classic.
Directed by Diana Leblanc
Starring: Evan Buliung, Nancy Palk, Gregory Prest and Joseph Ziegler

You Can't Take it With You (April 19)
The chaotic, eccentric lives of the Sycamore family are thrown into unaccustomed order when their sensible daughter Alice brings a prospective beau and his conservative parents home for dinner. Kaufman and Hart are at their frenetic best with this Pulitzer Prize-winning romp.
Directed by Joseph Ziegler
Starring: Derek Boyes, Nancy Palk, Eric Peterson and Krystin Pellerin

Home (May 8)
David Storey's plays are a vital element to the renaissance of English playwriting in the 60s and 70s. This almost-forgotten masterpiece about the fragility of human interaction demonstrates Storey's brilliance.
Directed by Albert Schultz

Speed-the-Plow (July 5)
David Mamet's savage insight into the morals (or lack thereof) involved with producing Hollywood blockbusters sees two executives gamble their integrity for profit, only to be complicated by a surprise dissenting perspective. In Mamet's hands, quaint notions of loyalty, integrity, and straight talk become mere pawns in this scathing comedy.
Directed by David Storch
Starring: Ari Cohen, Jordan Pettle and Sarah Wilson

The Sunshine Boys (July 14)
When the popular vaudeville duo of 'Lewis and Clark' is invited to reunite after 12 years for a television special, it appears to be a can't-miss proposition, with one problem: they can't stand each other. Neil Simon's uproarious comedy takes an insightful look inside what happens when the spotlight shifts away and life crowds in.
Directed by Ted Dykstra
Starring: Eric Peterson, Kenneth Welsh and Jordan Pettle

The summer rep includes two 20th century plays that address urgent political situations through the use of historical allegory:

The Royal Comedians (July 24)
Soviet master Mikhail Bulgakov speaks to the necessary freedom of the artist by delving into the opulent world of 18th century France and the life of Moliere. Dramatist, actor, theatre manager, lover, and scoundrel, Moliere shrewdly crafts his own legend while battling the forces that hunger for his downfall.
Directed by Laszlo Marton
Starring: Diego Matamoros (as Moliere), Gregory Prest and William Webster

&

The Crucible (July 25)
Salem, Massachusetts, 1692: a small, devout town is thrown into chaos with accusations of witchcraft and spiritual possession. Arthur Miller's explosive account of the famous Salem witch trials caused a sensation with its parallels to the Communist scares of the 1950s, and remains one of his most enduring classics.
Directed by Albert Schultz
Starring: Stuart Hughes, Patricia Fagan and Joseph Ziegler

Death of a Salesman (September 5)
Soulpepper's acclaimed and award-winning production of Arthur Miller's fine play returns for a limited engagement. Joseph Ziegler's searing, wrenching portrayal of the prideful, vulnerable Willy Loman justly earned the Best Actor Dora for 2010.
Directed by Albert Schultz

Endgame (October 26)
For the first time in the company's history, Soulpepper revisits a play from its past to create a new production. In 1999, director Daniel Brooks created a production of Samuel Beckett's Endgame. In 2012 Daniel will return to the play, not as a remount, but with a new design and a new cast (with the exception of Diego Matamoros who will again play Clov).

In a room safe from the desolate landscape outside, Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, gives orders to his servant, Clov, a man unable to sit, as Hamm's elderly parents, Nagg and Nell, look on from their trashcan homes. One of master absurdist Samuel Beckett's most important works, Soulpepper's acclaimed Endgame is reimagined for the 2012 season.
Directed by Daniel Brooks
Starring: Diego Matamoros and Joseph Ziegler

A Christmas Carol (December 3)
Soulpepper's beloved production of Michael Shamata's A Christmas Carol has become a Toronto holiday tradition. Joseph Ziegler's Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him understand the importance of charity in the holiday season.
Directed by Michael Shamata
Starring: Joseph Ziegler

Current Soulpepper subscribers can renew as of today, October 25, 2011. New subscriptions are available as of November 15, 2011, and single tickets as of November 22, 2011, by calling the Young Centre box office at 416.866.8666 or by clicking the header!

Bharati is here!

2011-10-26T15:16:00.005-04:00

Bharati: The Wonder of India, lands in Toronto tonight at the Sony Centre. This dazzling spectacle, features over 100 dancers, singers, acrobats and musicians, in a modern Indian epic.

Tonight's presentation is made even more special, because it coincides with this year's Diwali festival, or festival of lights. One of Indian's most important national holidays.

Bharati tells the story of Indian born, American raised Siddhartha, who travels to the holy city of Varanasi to work with an environmental team trying to clean up the holy Ganges river. Siddhartha meets Bharati, who's foster father Domraja, is the king of Varanasi's cremation grounds.

Siddhartha is instantly drawn to Bharati, but first he must come to understand her, and India as well. Their differences and Domraja conspire to keep them apart.

Through Bharati, Siddhartha is transformed. He feels a deeper connection to roots and longs to cleanse himself as well as the holy river, that serves as the backdrop for this epic love story.

Bharati: runs at the Sony Centre until October 30th. Click the header for more ticket information.

Interview: Toronto Dance Theatre's Brodie Stevenson

2011-10-25T09:05:00.005-04:00

Last week I braved the perils of Occupy Bay Street to head over to Cabbagetown to meet Brodie Stevenson, a dancer with the Toronto Dance Theatre. The company is about to launch their 2011/12 season, and I wanted to chat with Brodie about the upcoming production of Pteros Tactics, (pronounced terrose) the world of contemporary dance, pop culture and life as a dancer.

Toronto Dance Theatre was founded as a dance company in 1968 and later added a professional school. Current Artistic Director Christopher House, developed Pteros Tactics with the company in the 2009/2010. Pteros, features ten dancers, nine residents and one guest artist. Of the cast, eight are returning dancers and two are new to the piece, (Mairi Greig and guest dancer Matt Waldie.) Brodie was part of the original cast and is excited to be back for this re-worked production. Pteros was originally performed in Toronto at the Fleck Theatre, down at the Harbourfront, and later toured Western Canada.

The piece has evolved since the original production and Brodie spoke to me about how it has changed in the two seasons since its creation. At its core the piece is still about, “the instant of desire,” as Brodie put it. “... [A]s a metaphor of that desire we use these golden balls. Which is a direct inspiration from a poem by Anne Carson, Eros the Bittersweet, in which she mentions Eros as a ballplayer. Thus desire becomes something you want to catch and you desire to have it thrown to you.”

But for him it went beyond the metaphor. The piece is, “very difficult,” Brodie said, “ and the movement was built out of structured improvisations. It is quite idiosyncratic to our bodies, and specific. I don’t think it looks particularly difficult, but it is an incredibly physical piece. Especially because we are working with a prop, the ball, you feel an added pressure. So there is additional tension and awareness.”

Brodie is a five year veteran of the Toronto Dance Theatre, who’s seasons typically run from September to May. This year, after Pteros Tactics the company will tour southern Ontario and present Severe Clear, one of the most well known productions in the TDT repertoire. We spoke about touring and its impact on dancers and the community.

“Touring is like a bubble. You can just focus on dancing, and the other things in your life don’t take precedence... But eventually you get worn down and want to return to your real life.” Dance, particularly contemporary modern dance, tends to be more difficult. Its abstract and, “doesn’t offer a lot of bells and whistles, like a Cirque du Soleil show,” Brodie said, so it can be tough to reach an audience, especially without financial support. “In a world where there is incredible work being done, but a lack of support, people don’t know about it.”

Take a recent Beyonce music video, which bears a striking resemblance to the piece Rosas danst Rosas by legendary choreographer, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. I had never heard of Ms. de Keersmaeker, until watching the videos side by side. But Brodie schooled me, since, “she is a household name in the world of dance. Just not in North America, unless you’re a dancer. It kills me that people aren’t talking about her, until her work is commercialized and put behind a Beyonce pop song.” And there in lies the struggle for contemporary dancers, companies like TDT, and other artists.

So be sure to come out and support Toronto Dance Theatre this weekend. Pteros Tactics runs October 28-29th, November 2nd-5th, (8pm), and October 30th (2pm.) In February, TDT returns from their tour, to 80 Winchester street, in Cabbagetown to take part in a development series with four Quebec based choreographers and present, Four at The Winch: Quebec. Followed by the spring production of Rivers in April.

Check out this preview video for Pteros Tactics

Pteros Tactics Trailer from Toronto Dance Theatre on Vimeo.

Ghosts - Production Trailer

2011-10-23T13:56:00.001-04:00

We cannot wait to see this!

Nancy Palk is so fierce. Check out the production trailer below and please click the header for more details and to purchase tickets!

Preview: GHOSTS

2011-10-21T13:33:00.003-04:00

GHOSTS has recently opened at Soulpepper and it is receiving absolutely wonderful reviews and praise from both critics and audiences. The piece stars our favourite actors and actresses in Toronto!!! Featuring Diego Matamoros, Michelle Monteith, Nancy Palk, Gregory Prest & Joseph Ziegler. Honestly, can you say a 'power-broking' cast much?!

For tickets and for more info please click the header!

Show Description:

With its frank discussion of relationships, morality, and family values, Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece caused a sensation on its debut. In Morris Panych's vital new translation, the ghosts that haunt the lives of a family's shattered glory are as haunting and provocative as ever.

GHOSTS
Henrik Ibsen
Adapted and Directed Morris Panych

Young Centre for the Performing Arts
55 Mill Street,
Building 49
Toronto, ON
The Distillery District

The Test from The Company Theatre

2011-10-19T15:40:00.004-04:00

A wonderful company in the city is back this year with a very intriguing piece. The Company theatre brought us Through the Leaves last year and we are excited to see what they deliver on stage this year with The Test.

This is the first video in their four-part mini-documentary series by director Mike Schultz, which captures a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsal process for the upcoming production of The Test." The piece will be starring Eric Peterson, Sonja Smits, Gord Rand, Liisa Repo-Martell and Philip Riccio.

For more info or to purchase tickets please click the header.

The Company Theatre (Part One) from The Company Theatre on Vimeo

Les Miz is coming to Toronto July 2012!

2011-10-19T13:43:00.003-04:00

An all-Canadian cast will star in the forthcoming Toronto run.

Les Misérables debuted in Canada on March 15, 1989, eventually running for 63 weeks at the Royal Alexander Theatre. The show returned for Toronto engagements in 1991, 1992, 1998 and 2005.

Check out Colm Wilkinson in the above piece to witness theatrical brilliance.

Preview: Name in Vain

2011-10-18T14:45:00.003-04:00

André Alexis' world premiere production Name in Vain opens tomorrow night at Tarragon Theatre. After several weeks of preview performances the show is set to open in the upstairs studio. Name in Vain is part of the Decalogue series being presented at Tarragon. This is the second production in the series. The Decalogue series is an exploration of morality as set down by the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue.)

Set in a monastery, Name in Vain is the story of an enraged monk who breaks his vow of silence to defy the second commandment. His outburst shocks the rest of the monks and throws the monastery into turmoil. Much of the play is silent placing a heavy reliance on physical expressions of emotion. Alexis' approach was to explore the force of words by limiting how the play would use them. It is a powerful look at the effect of words and the meaning behind them.

Name in Vain is part of Tarragon's ExtrExtra Space Series

Written by André Alexis

Directed by Richard Rose

Starring Eric Goulem, Walter Borden, Sergio Di Zio, Dean Gilmour, and Richard MacMillan.

October 19th - 30th 2011

Click the header for dates, times and ticket information.

Preview: The Dinner

2011-10-17T16:02:00.004-04:00

Upstage Productions and pivotal(arts)' production of The Dinner opens this week at the St. Vladimir Institute. The Dinner is written and directed by Jason Murray. The show runs Wednesday the 19th until Saturday the 29th, with various week day dates. The show is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Eight friends come together for Thanksgiving Dinner. Of the eight, four have known one another since high school, and like many reunions this one is fraught with old tensions, heart ache and even hatred. As the night unfolds the "thanks giving" gives way to emotional devastation and conflict.

Featuring eight, local, emerging talents, The Dinner, will bring a new perspective on old relationships, friendships in general, and all nature of human relationships. Be sure to click the link for more information. And click here to purchase tickets.

DANCAP announces 2012 line-up!!!

2011-10-17T15:14:00.002-04:00

Aubrey Dan, President of Dancap Productions Inc., announced today the Dancap Productions 2012 Tony Award®-Winning Subscription Series, inspired by the transformative power of the theatre. It looks pretty good and we are so excited for IN THE HEIGHTS to come!!!

The new series features six subscription bonus offerings.

"There is a very special connection between the audience and the performers of live theatre" explains Aubrey Dan, "it can be profoundly affecting, even life affirming."

Dancap Productions continues its commitment to bring transformative Broadway experiences to audiences in Toronto, and across the country. Dancap will be extending its theatrical reach in 2012 with a Montreal presentation of SHREK THE MUSICAL, and a Western Canadian tour of JERSEY BOYS.

"Theatre is a place where people come together to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience," continues Dan. "It is called "live theatre" because every night, it's a different work of art on stage. Come excited to our 2012 subscription series, I know you will leave transformed!"

The 2012 Tony Award®-Winning Dancap Productions' Subscription Series includes:

AMERICAN IDIOT
December 28, 2011 - January 15, 2012
Toronto Centre for the Arts
5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2N 6R8

IN THE HEIGHTS
February 7 - 19, 2012
Toronto Centre for the Arts

SHREK THE MUSICAL
March 20 - April 1, 2012
Toronto Centre for the Arts

WEST SIDE STORY
May 8 - June 3, 2012
Toronto Centre for the Arts

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
July 3 - 22, 2012
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
July 20-29, 2012
Toronto Centre for the Arts

Bonus Shows
PRINCE OF BROADWAY
Summer 2012

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL!
December 2012
Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2

Full Subscriptions, Flexi-Subscriptions and PASSport to BroadwayTM can be purchased by clicking the header!

Ask about the Dancap Easy Payment Option!

Preview: HARDSELL 2.0

2011-10-15T14:00:00.004-04:00

Opening this weekend at the Factory Theatre is the final show in the trilogy of plays from Rick Miller this autumn.

Show Description:
HARDSELL 2.0 is an adaptation of HARDSELL, a 2009 play co-created by Daniel Brooks and Rick Miller. “HARDSELL 2.0 explores the issue of 'control',” says Miller, “how our behaviour can be controlled by marketing forces, and how difficult it is to maintain a semblance of control in an out-of-control world. To that end, Daniel Brooks has agreed to allow me to take full control of this current evolution of HARDSELL.” HARDSELL 2.0 is a completely new theatrical experience: part lecture, part circus sideshow, part multimedia extravaganza. Miller strikes at the heart of the dominant stories of today: the global financial crisis, Occupy Wall Street, the mass rebellion against greed, the commodification of everything and the lies inherent in advertising.

HARDSELL 2.0 plays Tuesday - Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m., October 13 – 23 in the Mainspace Theatre.

For more info on the show and to purchase tickets please do click the header!

Preview: LIMITLESS

2011-10-13T09:54:00.005-04:00

Our friend Scott Fordham is presenting a wicked dance production this Saturday evening at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts! We here at EAP are really excited for this show as Scott always brings such resounding passion and explosive energy to his pieces. For tickets please click the header!

Show Description:

With high-energy and crowd-pleasing choreography, Scott Fordham has quickly made an exciting and recognizable name for himself in the Canadian Dance Industry. Since his 2007 Toronto debut, this Montreal native has collaborated with many of Canada's top artists with features on networks such as Much Music, Fasion Television, MTV Canada and City TV, including being a guest international choreographer on ABC's red carpet special for the 2010 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. From his Montreal underground Hip Hop and Dancehall base, Scott transitioned into Jazz-Funk, always infusing his urban roots into his creations and seeking inspiration from various styles such as African, Latin, House and elements of Voguing. Well-known for delivering explosive and highly-anticipated performances, Scott strives to raise the bar with his work while entertaining audiences in Canada and abroad.

LIMITLESS brings urban music and movement to center stage in Scott Fordham's first solo choreography showcase. Through the talent and excitement of some of Canada's top dancers, the audience will journey through Hip Hop, Dancehall, Jazz-Funk and several experimental works. In a world where we often feel restricted or an industry where an artist's true vision is seldom considered or accepted, LIMITLESS breaks through such barriers and engages the senses with raw and inspired pieces.

See you at the theatre!

Preview: The Normal Heart

2011-10-12T12:30:00.009-04:00

We received this email yesterday from our friend Michael Yerxa. We decided that what he wrote to us (his friends around the city) would make the perfect EAP preview piece to The Normal Heart.

Here is what he had to say:

Hi friends.

I wanted to email you all and tell you about a piece of theatre that is opening in Toronto in the next week. I believe that this is an incredibly important piece of theatre and history and I am trying to implore all my friends to see this show. I actually got in touch with the theatre company and asked if I could help them promote the production because I believe it will literally change lives.

The play is called The Normal Heart and Studio 180 and Buddies is about to open a production this Sunday.

I think often LGBT people of my generation (and the generation younger than me) forget those amazing individuals who paved the way so we have the rights, privileges and luxuries that we have today. This play is about them and the incredible work that they did for US!

The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer chronicles the AIDS crisis in New York City during the 1980’s. At a time when the disease was so new it had yet to be named and health organizations, government officials, media outlets, and individuals were failing to take action against its spread and simply turned a blind eye to what was happening, the play focuses on efforts of writer/activist Ned Weeks to rally a response.

This play is important because it recognizes the incredible efforts of a group of individuals who fought for LGTB rights in what many consider to be the darkest days for our community. We owe so much to these people and that is why I think this production is so important to be staged and to be seen.

It’s also topical in the city of Toronto currently because we have a mayor who would like to pretend that our community and all issues facing our community just didn’t exist.

It runs at Buddies and Bad Times from October 14-November 6th and tickets cost next to nothing. Please buy tickets and see the show. They are only $20 during previews and slightly more during the actual run of the show. But seriously this play will change your life and really do yourself a favor and allow that to happen.

Much love,

Mike Yerxa

For more info and for the link to buy tickets please click the header!

Preview: Sex, Religion and Other Hang-Ups

2011-10-11T14:13:00.004-04:00

Returning to the Toronto stage after a breakout run at the 2011 Fringe Festival is, James Gangl's Sex, Religion & Other Hang-Ups. The show sold out during the festival and was widely considered one of the best of the fest. Sex,... was also awarded the first Ed Mirvish Award for Entrepreneurship, for having the highest percentage of tickets sold. On the back of the Fringe success Gangl and Sex,... are returning for a remount at Theatre Passe Muraille.

Sex, Religion & Other Hang-Ups is a funny, honest, exploration of personal relationships. Derived from Mr. Gangl's personal experiences, he felt honesty was the best approach in developing a comedy about the pitfalls of dating, sex and all things taboo. Director and dramaturge Chris Gibbs joined the creative team for this remount to flush out the material and develop the show from a Fringe production, to a main stage show at Passe Muraille.

Sex, Religion & Other Hang-Ups runs at Theatre Passe Muraille's Mainspace until October 22nd. Click the header to get more information about tickets and what's on at Passe Muraille.

The Elton John Ballet heading to Toronto!

2011-10-06T15:12:00.001-04:00

The Alberta Ballet's acclaimed collaboration with music superstar Elton John is headed to Toronto next month. The contemporary dance production Love Lies Bleeding features aerialists, dancers on spinning turntables and fire-shooting roller skates.

The innovative show heads to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts from Nov. 8 to 12. It was created by the Alberta Ballet's internationally renowned artistic director and choreographer Jean Grand-Maitre.

For more information and for tickets please click the header!

The Dinner: CONTEST!

2011-10-06T13:37:00.005-04:00

Hey EAP readers,

Here is a chance for you to win two free tickets to see Pivotal Arts' World Premiere production, The Dinner. All you have to do is email jennifer.delucia@gmail.com. If you are the first person to email Ms De Lucia, you win. Pretty easy eh!

The show opens October 19th at 8pm is on at St Vladimir Institute. (620 Spadina)

The Dinner is written by Jason Murray and is the story of eight friends coming together for Thanksgiving. Of the friends, four have known one another since high school. During the dinner some deep-rooted tensions spring forth. Some awkward conversations ensue as the group explore themes of love and hate. With the emotional devastation that takes place the guests leave with very little to feel thankful for. A thought provoking look at love and loss, The Dinner, will force the audience to think deeply about the people in our lives, our past and the future.

Click the header for more information on The Dinner and Pivotal Arts.

Broadway bound: Stratford's Jesus Christ Superstar

2011-10-05T22:14:00.001-04:00

Jesus Christ Superstar, the hit show at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, is heading to Broadway with the Canadian cast in tow including our friend Matthew Rossoff!

Congratulations to the entire Superstar family!

Angelwalk Theatre Season 2011/12 Launch

2011-10-05T12:48:00.005-04:00

Our friends at Angelwalk have announced their 2011/12 season. And they are kicking things off with a musical-revue entitled Off-Broadway On Stage. This revue was conceived by Angelwalk's Artistic Producer Brian Goldenberg, and is a musical journey through the off-Broadway archives. From The Fantasticks to Alter Boyz this off-Broadway musical revue will charm and delight audiences, while exposing them to some lesser known musical masterpieces. Award winning Musical Director Anthony Bastianon returns to Angelwalk Theatre at the musical helm of Off-Broadway On Stage.

Off-Broadway On Stage runs December 7-11

Next up, is the Canadian Premiere of I Love You Because. I Love You Because is a modern musical twist on Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, with music by Joshua Salzman and book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham.

"Set in New York, a young, uptight greeting card writer's life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer." (Press Release) With an eccentric cast of friends and siblings providing the supporting cast, these two learn to love each other, not in spite, but because of their differences. The New York Times called I Love You Because "infectiously entertaining," while Talkin' Broadway said, "[it's] the perfect date musical."

Making his Angelwalk debut is director Darcy Evans. Darcy is perhaps best known for his work as the Associate Director for the Broadway production of Little Women, starring Sutton Foster. He has also worked extensively with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Also making her Angelwalk debut as the Musical Director for I Love You Because is Lily Ling. She was recently involved in Soulpepper's The Fantasticks, (which was phenomenal.) She is also distinguished as the first woman to conduct a Shaw main stage production, for her work on Kurt Weill's One Touch.

I Love You Because runs March 28 - April 15th.

Subscription tickets or individual tickets are available by clicking the header. Special early-bird pricing is available now until October 31st.

Preview: The Jones Boy

2011-10-04T08:48:00.005-04:00

Opening this week at the Free Gallery on Bloor is a fascinating little piece entitled, The Jones Boys. This intense and critically acclaimed drama about the strife of surviving addiction returns to Toronto for the premiere run of a new reworked version.

Show Description:
First written in 1977, Walmsley has reworked his play for this collaboration with director Peter Pasyk(surface/underground theatre.
This site-specific show transplants audiences into the basement of the rock-bottom to share laughter and heartbreak with heroin addicts and hookers trying to eek out a better life for themselves.
In preparation for their roles, director Peter Pasyk had cast members spend time observing Toronto addicts and prostitutes to better understand the world and characters they would be portraying.
In keeping with the theatre company’s commitment to integrity, a portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales for the 2 week run are generously being donated to the Toronto-based CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).

The Jones Boys
Written by Tom Walmsley
Directed by Peter Pasyk
Starring: Nick Abraham, Cyrus Faird, Cara Gee, Dov Mickelson, Shannon Taylor
September 30th - October 15th
Tues-Fri. 8pm, Sat. 8pm & 10pm, Sun 2pm PWYC
(*No show Fri. Oct. 14th
Toronto Free Gallery, 1277 Bloor St. W. (@ Lansdowne Station)
Tickets: $20
For tickets email: thejonesboy2011@gmail.com

Preview: Bigger Than Jesus

2011-09-29T10:32:00.003-04:00

Rick Miller in Bigger Than Jesus. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

Opening this evening on the Factory Theatre's mainspace is the second show in the trilogy of Rick Miller pieces being put on by Factory this fall. This second piece runs until October 9th.

For tickets please click the header! and for a great article on Rick Miller published by the Torontoist please click here.

Show Description:
Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks spent 3 years writing Bigger Than Jesus. The play premiered in 2003, and it has since become an international success story, having been performed in 5 countries and in 4 languages. In 2005, Bigger Than Jesus was nominated for 7 DORA Mavor Moore Awards, and won 3, including Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Principal Role (Rick Miller), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Beth Kates). There are currently 3 productions of Bigger Than Jesus on tour worldwide (in English, French, and German), making it one of Canada’s most far-reaching theatrical hits. Interest has been shown in countries as diverse as Israel and Iran! Given the universality and potency of the subject matter, we expect touring to continue well into the next decade.

Bigger Than Jesus is a “sinfully funny” and poignant multi-media ‘mass’ that questions the mysteries of life and historical and modern viewpoints on Christianity. Weaving together the Catholic liturgy, the gospels, and some good old-fashioned bible-thumpin’, Bigger Than Jesus is a truly unique theatrical experience. Director Daniel Brooks and performer Rick Miller carefully juggle reverence and irreverence, creating a show that has played equally well to commercial and avant-garde markets. At times educational, at times enlightening, Bigger Than Jesus is always entertaining. (Courtesy of biggerthanj.com)

Created by Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks
Performed by Rick Miller
Directed by Daniel Brooks
Designed by Beth Kates and Ben Chaisson

Preview: Musicals That Fly: Amelia

2011-09-29T10:13:00.005-04:00

Up-and-coming, Toronto-based Theatre 20 is thrilled to present, in concert, Musicals That Fly: Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly. This is the story of Amelia Earhart, her meteoric rise to fame, and her mysterious disappearance while attempting a solo World flight. Amelia's story has fascinated playwrights and storytellers for generations.

The production stars Theatre 20 founding artist Eliza-Jane Scott. The story-driven Canadian musical is written by John Gray of Billy Bishop Goes to War fame. This concert is the heart of Theatre 20's Musicals That Fly series.

Amelia: The Girl Who Wanted to Fly is directed is by Sarah Phillips, with Musical Direction by our friend Michael Barber. For more information on tickets click the header. And to learn more about the show visit the P.E.I county website, Festival Players.

We will be in attendance on Monday, October 3rd, for the only scheduled performance of Amelia: The Girl Who Wanted to Fly. The show starts at 8pm at the Panasonic Theatre. You can also purchase tickets here. Or by calling 416.872.1212, and in person at the Mirvish Box Office.

The Odd Couple Trailer

2011-09-28T19:35:00.000-04:00

Here is the production trailer for The Odd Couple, which we previewed a few days ago(see below).

For tickets please click the header!

Preview: Another Africa

2011-09-27T10:46:00.002-04:00

Canadian Stage is kicking off their 2011/12 season with the triumphant return of Volcano Theatre's Another Africa. This show was first seen as part of the 2010 Luminato festival, and was a critical success during It's original run.

Although set in Africa, Another Africa explores the global society. The piece features a multi-media approach and involves some dynamic and cutting edge technical staging, which we are very excited to see. A truly international work Another Africa was conceived during a research trip and It's development has spanned four years and three continents. The production at Luminato, then titled The African Trilogy, earned four Dora Mavo Moore nominations, including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production, (for which it won.)

Another Africa opens Thursday September 29th and runs until October 22nd.

Click the header for ticket and cast information

Preview: The Odd Couple

2011-09-26T15:33:00.003-04:00

Opening down in the Distillery District at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts is Soulpepper's The Odd Couple. The piece is chalk full of some of our favourite actors and actresses in the city. With the fall season upon us, what better way to spend a few hours then in the warm embrace of Neil Simon's prose. This is a wonderful classic piece of theatre. Go see it!

For tickets please click the header!

Show Description:

Neil Simon's legendary exploration of the relationship between fastidious Felix and his sloppy roommate Oscar is one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of twentieth century American comedy. The pairing of Diego Matamoros' Felix and Albert Schultz's Oscar received rave reviews in 2008, and both will resume their hilarious, tender friendship.

Directed by Stuart Hughes
Featuring Derek Boyes, Kevin Bundy, Oliver Dennis, Raquel Duffy, Michael Hanrahan, Diego Matamoros, Michelle Monteith, Albert Schultz.

On now at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts:
55 Mill Street,
Building 49
Toronto

Preview: Spring Awakening

2011-09-22T15:25:00.004-04:00

It has arrived Toronto! For tickets to see one of our favourite musicals of the past decade please click the header!!!

Show Description:

Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, SPRING AWAKENING’s alternative rock score by Duncan Sheik is "the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade" (Entertainment Weekly). Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play of the same name – effectively banned from performance for nearly 100 years – the musical follows a group of teenagers as they come of age in late-19th century Germany. Stephen Sater’s book and lyrics for SPRING AWAKENING grapple with the difficult issues of sex, gender, and identity with refreshing energy and honesty.

Directed by Michael Rubinstein (Theatre 20, The Wylde Project, BirdLand Theatre), LOT’s production features a talented cast of emerging artists whose ages mirror those of the characters they play, artfully blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The musical employs the unconventional staging used to such great effect in the Broadway run – integrating the audience along the wings for a close-up view of the on-stage action. Join this group of talented young performers as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion – the daring, remarkable SPRING AWAKENING.

The Lower Ossington Theatre
100A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON (Ossington just below Argyle)
September 21 to October 8, 2011
Wed-Sat at 8pm & Sun at 4pm
Tickets: $45 (Regular Seating) / $65 (Premium Seating)

HIS GREATNESS at the Factory Theatre

2011-09-21T15:33:00.006-04:00

photo of RICHARD DONAT as the "Playwright" by SEÁN BAKER

EAP is attending the media night this evening of Daniel MacIvor's HIS GREATNESS. It officially opens tomorrow! For tickets and more information please click the header!

independent Artists Repertory Theatre presents
HIS GREATNESS
Written by Daniel MacIvor * Directed by Ed Roy
Starring Richard Donat, Greg Gale & Daniel MacIvor
Set and Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
Costume Design by Nina Okens o Sound Design by Lyon Smith

NOW ON STAGE until October 23, 2011
Tuesday - Saturday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 2pm, Sunday @ 3pm
Ticket prices range from $40-$60
Students, Seniors and Arts Workers save $5
Limited number of PWYC tickets available for Sunday matinee

Preview: Iphigenia in Tauris

2011-09-21T10:12:00.004-04:00

Opera is back! Opening tomorrow night at the COC, for eight performances only, is Gluck's incredibly moving, Iphigenia in Tauris. This electrifying opera sees the return of Robert Carsen to the COC as director. The stelar cast includes Susan Graham, Russell Braun, Joseph Kaiser and Mark S Doss. Several of whom, including Carsen, Graham and Doss, performed Iphigenia in Tauris to critical acclaim in the San Francisco Opera Company production, in 2007. The show has since travelled the world, with stops in Chicago and London. This production is produced in part by Lyric Opera of Chicago, The San Francisco Opera and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.

Graham, in her COC debut, is said to be unmissable in this one, so if you are a fan of the opera, or would just like to try it out, this is your chance. Iphigenia in Tauris launches what is sure to be a terrific 2011/12 season at the COC. Don't forget if you are under 30 you can get tickets as cheap as $22 dollars. Single tickets for any opera this season are also available. Click the header for more information or call 416.363.8231.

Check out what conductor Pablo-Heras Casado has to say about the show below.

Preview: BITCH SALAD Goes Black to School

2011-09-20T17:10:00.004-04:00

BITCH SALAD Goes Black to School tonight! Check it out!

Tuesday, September 20th
Buddies In Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander St.)
Doors at 8, Show at 8:30
$10 at the door