[boxhead]

I promised to write a full review this week for [boxhead] which I recently saw. It might be a difficult task given the nature of the subject, but for now I will say that it was riveting. I was really drawn in and compelled by the subject matter. So often new theatre tries way to hard, or takes itself way to serious to translate well to live presentation, and while [boxhead[ has some borderline moments, (the opening with the illuminated drumming hands) almost made me groan Ala blue man group. But, as things when along I began to appreciate the subject matter and even more so the impressive acting chops of Adam Lazarus and Andrew Shaver. I mean it is not your everyday actor who can convey, with nuance, with a cardboard box covering their head. Be sure to check out [boxhead]., which runs thru. Nov 2

Synecdoche New York

I found this interesting Toronto based theatre blog. And have been waiting for the full trailer for this film, which I have been really excited about. So thanks Praxis for the post.

9 to 5 previews to cheers in LA

9 to 5 the musical based on the hit film, which starred Dolly Parton has opened in previews in LA. I give LA credit, they are really trying to expand the cultural depth of that otherwise vapid city, and theatre previews are a great addition to the LA scene. The show which is slated to make its Broadway debut next year, has received modest acclaim thus far, although most of the reviews acknowledge that the show needs some tweaks before it hits the Great White Way. I am proud to see Stephanie Block receiving the attention she deserves. Torontonians might remember Stephanie because she got her big break here in Wicked. I have known for a while that she had an incredible voice. She also appears on the Pirate Queen original cast album, but it is nice to hear that she had got some serious acting chops as well. I can't wait to see this show when it finally makes it to NY. I will actually suspend my moratorium on movie musicals for this one.

Liza Minelli is going to Broadway

Wonderful news from playbill.com this Sunday morning:

"Tony, Grammy, Oscar and Emmy Award winner Liza Minnelli will return to Broadway in Liza's at the Palace . . .!, a two-week concert engagement that will begin performances Dec. 3. Tickets go on sale to the general public Oct. 26.The limited engagement, produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions, will play Broadway's Palace Theatre through Dec. 14. Ron Lewis directs and choreographs. Gary Labriola is executive producer. Minnelli will be joined onstage by Cortés Alexander, Jim Caruso, Tiger Martina and Johnny Rodgers." (Andrew Gans, playbill.com)

Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Sundays at 3 PM. The Palace Theatre is located at Broadway and 47th Street. Tickets range in price from $25 to $125. For more information visit www.lizasatthepalace.com.

Toronto theatre openings this week

A great piece of theatre is opening this week - check out the Canadian Stage Company's production of Frost/Nixon at the Bluma Apple. Here is your weekly list:

[Boxhead] by Darren O'Donnell (Crow's Theatre/Mammalian Diving Reflex). A geneticist wakes up with a thought-controlling box attached to his head. Previews Oct 18-19. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$29, previews $15, Sun pwyc.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, artsexy.ca.

The Box Social by James Reaney (Preface Theatre). Female deities of revenge help a woman facing a crisis in this adaptation of Reaney's short story. Previews to Oct 16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 1, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $16, stu $10.
Walmer Centre Theatre, 188 Lowther. 647-654-8995, prefacetheatre.com.

Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan (The Canadian Stage Company). A talk-show host elicits an apology and confession from Richard Nixon. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 8, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20-$90.
Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

Going For Love by Glenville Lovell (AW Productions/Sayge Theatre of Barbados). A Barbadian woman living in Canada must choose between love and career. Oct 18-19, Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $20-$25. De La Salle College Auditorium, 131 Farnham. 416-487-9015.

Heritage Day - Arab Pride (Harbourfront Centre/Canadian Arab Federation). This cultural festival features music, poetry, art and more. Oct 17-18, see website for times. Free and ticketed events. 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman (Ryerson Theatre School). Based on the myths of Ovid, stories about characters from classical Greece are told using modern language and humour. Previews Oct 16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 14, see website for dates and times. $18, stu/srs $14. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

The Nightwood by Robin Muller (Back Burner Productions). This adaptation of a Celtic fairy tale features puppets, stilt walkers and dance. Opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 1, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Oct 25 at 2 pm. $10. Dufferin Theatre, 651 Dufferin. back-burner-productions.com.

Nunsense by Dan Goggin (Amicus Productions). Nuns raise money for funerals in this musical comedy. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Oct 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Oct 18-19 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. amicusproductions.ca.

A Raisin In The Sun by Lorainne Hansberry (Soulpepper). This drama looks at a black family living in 1950s Chicago. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 15, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat and Wed 1:30 pm. $44-$65, previews/mats $34-$59, stu $28, rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666

The Sound of Music

I had the distinct pleasure to get a free ticket to see a press preview of The Sound of Music at the Princess of Wales theatre last week, in Toronto. I say a pleasure, because The Sound of Music is not the kind of show that I would buy a ticket for, although I have no doubt it will be a huge success here, for Mirvish. And also because I really enjoyed myself. It was especially interesting for me since I didn't watch the television program, How do you Solve a Problem like Maria?, which accompanied and cast the lead for the Toronto revival. Not having watched the casting show I had a more objective take on Elicia's performance, which while not bad lacked a certain Maria-esqu quality. I mean it may be a press preview, but Maria should not forget the words to Do a Dear, you know that song about singing. Despite that, Elicia's obvious novice status in professional theatre lent itself to some moments of genuine connection. Her relationship with the von Trapp children was warm and believable. Sadly, I can't say the same for the relationship between Elicia's Maria and Burke Moses' Captain von Trapp. It was like watching Maria make out with her gay uncle. The was more genuine feeling between Maria and the Mother Abbess, played by French-Canadian Noella Huet. As far a Huet is concerned, it's obvious that her voice got her the job. Climb Every Mountain was a showstopper, and to be honest the opening hymn was the most moving scene in the entire production, I actually had a tear in my eye right from the jump. But I could not get over Huet's french accent, I know it is not very equitable of me, but it was a distraction.

As far as the production was concerned, it was a big success. The scene changes were seamless, and given the enormous scale of The Sound of Music I thought it was both impressive and simple. For example the Austrian mountains which are so central at the beginning and ending of the show were done on an arm which tilted forwards and backwards in a twisting motion that proved very effective. Of course there were glitches, sound, lighting kinks, but nothing that seemed unfixable for the opening this month. As long as Maria remembers that Re - a drop of golden sun follows Do it should be a huge hit, with avid theatre-goers and families alike.

Bitch Salad tonight at Buddies

After a long weekend in Barrie that was full of indulgences, we are back in the city and are heading to the theatre.

Tonight we are attending the monthly edition of Bitch Salad. The event is hosted by Andrew Johnson and its main objective is to provide a platform for emerging and established comedians to perform.

The event is always so cleverly themed and tonight's, The Journey to the Isle of Lesbos, is no exception. Tonight's edition is described as; "A night of hyper-hilarious Sapphic Slapstick, by a group of ladies who have two things in common... 1.) they're brilliant comedians, and 2.) they kiss other girls... and they like it".

Featured this evening is: Sabrina Jalees, Dawn Whitwell, Mae Martin, Linda Ellis, Martha Chaves.

Tuesday, October 14th, Doors at 8, Show at 8:30

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St. $8