SummerWorks Top Picks

Summer Works is approaching the end of its week and a half long run and there are some impressive shows that have been staged this year. Here are our picks of some of the most impressive emerging theatre productions seen so far this year:

If We Were Birds
Company: groundwater productions

Venue: Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace

Friday Aug 15/2008 - 04:30 PM

Sunday Aug 17/2008 - 08:30 PM

Any Night
Company: DualMinds

Venue: Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace

Friday Aug 15/2008 - 08:30 PM

Saturday Aug 16/2008 - 10:30 PM

Pelee
Company: The Pelee Project

Venue: The Theatre Centre

Saturday Aug 16/2008 - 05:00 PM

Sunday Aug 17/2008 - 01:00 PM

More picks to come tomorrow!!!

SummerWorks under way in Toronto!

The 2008 SummerWorks Independent arts festival is well under way in Toronto. The theatre portion of the fest runs from August 7th to the 17th. If you like theatre pieces that challenge mainstream ideologies than this is the event you must check out:

"SummerWorks supports work that has a clear artistic vision and explores a specific theatrical aesthetic. It encourages risk, questions, and creative exploration while insisting on accessibility, integrity and professionalism. SummerWorks is the place where dedicated, professional artists are free to explore new territory and take artistic risks. Rather than getting larger, we strive to get better. We look to introduce professional artists from diverse communities to each other and be inspired by our similarities and differences." (summerworks.ca)

For tickets go to: http://www.summerworks.ca/2008/tickets.php

'Hair' revisited in New York

The revival of Hair opened last night in New York. This version is under the stars and burried in the park. It stars the wonderfully talented Jonathan Groff, who is looking and sounding better than ever.

The show is getting pretty good reviews. Check it out:

http://theater2.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/theater/reviews/08hair.html

Jersey Boys News: Toronto

Local Theatre news appeared today in The Toronto Star. It involves the Toronto version of Jersey Boys, which is set to open on August 24th at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts. Theatre journalist Richard Ouzounian is reports on some casting news:


"A Toronto guy is going to be one of the Jersey Boys... Jeremy Kushnier, last seen here in 2003 in Aida, will play bad guy Tommy DeVito, which he's already done to critical acclaim in Chicago and Las Vegas. Director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo also hail from Toronto, making this a show the city has every reason to take to its heart." (thestar.com)



The remaining leading roles in Toronto will be performed by Joseph Leo Bwarie (Valli), a Vegas company vet; Steve Gouveia (Nick Massi), who has appeared in the show since its 2004 La Jolla Playhouse premiere; and Andrew Rannels (Bob Gaudio).

For more info on Jersey Boys visit: http://www.dancaptickets.com/

Curtain's Down at Statler's!

Liza and I have been meaning to check out Curtain's Down here in Toronto for a few months now, and we finally made it there last night and it was truly wonderful. The evening is a Cabaret/variety show/open-mic mix that brings a refreshing collection of Broadway, pop and Jazz to the new and improved Statler’s Piano Lounge.

The night is hosted every Monday by the always witty and warm Jenni Burke who delivers a healthy blend of comedy, music and improv. She is assisted by musical director Michael Barber.

Curtain's Down is exactly what Toronto has been missing. It is also exactly what Church Street needs as well (Yes, drag performances are fun, however seeing raw talent is much more invigorating). Last night's show featured some very strong performers and a small collection of new emerging artists including, Derrick Paul Miller from Thousand Islands Playhouse's Les Miserables, Mary Kelly, Ryan Kerr, and the cast from Summer Works' Kid Cosmic (to only name a few).

The evening has a wonderfully contagious positive energy to it. Having a cocktail while listening to local talent is the perfect way to spend a Monday night. Artists coming together weekly to share a song, an anecdote, promote, inspire…. but most of all, to celebrate being an Artist in Toronto.

Check it out:

Monday's at 8pm

Curtain's Down

Statler's Piano Lounge

487 Church Street

Toronto

The Taxi Project opens in Toronto

The TAXI Project, a theatre based event exploring freedom of expression will be running until August 9th at the Alchemy Theatre here in Toronto.

The show features a unique combination of theatre, film, and an interactive workshop.

A project of PEN Canada and the Art For Real Change Collective, The TAXI Project features an original play exploring the forces that compel people to leave their home countries, the struggle to create a new life in Canada, and celebrates the community of brave individuals who speak out against injustice.

Written by a highly acclaimed group of international writers from PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile Program TAXI is based on the lives and writings of Emma Beltrán, Martha Kuwee Kumsa, Goran Simic and Sheng Xue and is being directed by Weyni Mengesha (Da Kink in My Hair).

The TAXI Project began in 2006 with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and engages high schools, universities, and communities across Ontario in a creative exploration around themes of freedom of expression, exile, and refugee experiences. The project is suitable for people aged 16 and up.

The Taxi Project plays the Alchemy Theatre, which is at 133 Tecumseth St.
Monday – Thursday 2:00pm
Friday and Saturday 7:30pm

Ticket are pay what you can. Call 416-703-8448, ext. 23 or email jbloch@pencanada.ca