A Rough Road Ahead for Broadway

Great article in the Times yesterday. Nobody saw it of course because of election coverage, but I always love Patrick Cohen. Photo courtesy of Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times.

Curtains Down at Statlers tonight

We adore Jenni Burke and the weekly Curtains Down cabaret evening at Statlers.

Appearing this week is:

Derrick Paul Miller
James Lesvesque
Jeigh Madjus
Chis Wilson
Michael Gill
Ashley Keefer
Nadia Dubeau

O here we go again - "Million-Dollar Quartet"

I always get pegged as a tough critic, a nay-sayer, what-have-you, but I cannot help but be a bit concerned about this trend in musical theatre. The regurgitated song cycle. A new musical is making news in the New York Times, as well as regionally, Washington and Chicago specifically, "Million Dollar Quartet." It is based on a historic, almost mythical jam session, between Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, with a score that includes "Blue Suede Shoes" among many others of the period's blue chip rock and role. The Times is expecting "Million-Dollar Quartet" to do very well, and likely make its way to Broadway, a speculation made all the more likely with a New York Times puff piece under its belt.
Here is what concerns me. On Wednesday Justin and I went to see Jersey Boys. Despite the SNOW and reoccurring sound problems we enjoyed ourselves. But after we left the theatre I said to Justin, "in all honesty that was not better than "The Drowsy Chaperone". You may recall that Jersey Boys beat out "The Drowsy Chaperone" to win the Tony for best new musical in 2006. I mean sure the music was great and I was totally into it. And I can see how with a stellar cast "Jersey Boys" would explode off the stage, but where is the creativity in stitching a musical together from period hits.
Now I love "Mamma Mia!" just as much as the next musical geek, but the difference is that ABBA wrote musicals, and most of their music was so theatrical in intention, that it seems more appropriate. I have also been guilty of suggesting, albeit late one night, that the Carpenters story and songs would make an awesome musical. So I don't want to rule it out completely, it just concerns me that creativity is dying.
Look at the most successful shows in New York in the last few years, many have been film-to-stage adaptions and revivals. And Toronto is even worse, the biggest hits here this year were "We Will Rock You" and "Dirty Dancing", both awful - in terms of writing, development, and even basic character evolution. And "Jersey Boys," which I overheard an usher say, will likely have a second extension beyond the February extension announced when the show opened. That is good for the city and for performers working here, since it will continue with a local cast. But why is it that people wont come out for multiple extensions of "The Drowsy Chaperone"? A show that was born here, and was brought back to Toronto with the original Man in the Chair, Bob Martin, in tow. It baffles me. Anyway we will have to wait and see about "Million-Dollar Quartet." (image from the New York Times.)

Local theatre openings

Nice to see so much theatre opening this week in and around the city. I would highly recommend checking out Bashir Lazhar at the Tarragon Theatre and Tartuffe at the Papermill Theatre.

Bashir Lazhar by Evelyne de la Chenelière (Tarragon Theatre). An immigrant finds his calling teaching a class of sixth graders who are coping with a tragedy. Previews to Nov 4. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $32-$38, student/seniors $27, previews $19, Fri rush $10. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, TS Eliot and Trevor Nunn (Curtain Call Players). Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 8, Thu-Fri (and Nov 1) 8 pm, mat Nov 1, 2 and 8 at 2 pm. $22. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-703-6181, curtaincallplayers.com.

Cute With Chris: Live by Chris Leavins (Theatre Centre). The webcast show satirizing society's obsession with 'cute' is presented on stage. Oct 30-Nov 2, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 and 9 pm, Sun 7 pm. $21, rush $10. 1087 Queen W. 416-534-9261, theatrecentre.org.

The Fire Raisers by Max Frisch (Theatre @ York). This black comedy looks at humanity's complicity in its own calamities. Previews Nov 2-3. Opens Nov 4 and runs to Nov 8, nightly at 7:30 pm, mats Nov 5 and 7 at 1 pm. $15, student/seniors $10, previews pwyc-$5. Joseph G Green Theatre, York U, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.

Glamourous Nights by Ivor Novello (Toronto Operetta Theatre). Songs from Novello's shows are performed in this musical tribute. Nov 1-2, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim (Scarborough Music Theatre). This musical is based on the life of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 15, Thu-Sat (except Nov 15) 8 pm, Sun (and Nov 15) 2 pm. $24, student/seniors $20 (Thu and Sun only). Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-396-4049, smtgypsy.com.

Impromptu Splendor (The National Theatre of Canada). An audience suggestion will spawn an improvised play in this weekly show. Opens Oct 30, indefinite run. Thu 8 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945B Bloor W. nationaltheatreofcanada@gmail.com.

Inna Di Wardrobe by Deidre 'D-Lishus' Walton (Meow Films/Gurbeen Bhasin). Dub poet d'bi.young anitafrika performs, followed by Walton's play about coming out. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 9, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. 416-393-7680.

Obsidian Theatre International Playwrights Forum (Obsidian Theatre Company). The forum offers workshops and panels with international playwrights, plus readings by Marie Beath Badian, Victor Gomez, Alicia Payne and others. Oct 31-Nov 2, Thu 7 pm opening party (at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) includes performance of Pyaasa or The Misfit, Sat forums 9:30 am to 4 pm, readings at 8 pm, Sun forums 10:30 am to 4 pm. $5. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-463-8444, obsidian-theatre.com.

South Of China by Raymond Storey (George Brown College Theatre School). A Brit and a Canadian seek their fortunes in 1930s Malaysia. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $15, srs $10, stu $6. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666.

Tartuffe by Molière (East Side Players). This adaptation of the comedy uses simple prose to satirize hypocrisy, deceit and blind piety. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun (except Nov 1) 2 pm. $18, stu $12. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

Thumbelina adapted by Zenon Skrzypczyk (Solar Stage Children's Theatre). This interactive musical children's show is based on the classic fairy tale. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 29, Sat-Sun 11 am and 2 pm. $13. 4950 Yonge. 416-368-8031, solarstage.on.ca.

(Openings courtesy of nowtoronto.com)

MacIvor wins the Siminovitch Prize

Canada's largest theatre prize, the Elinore and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, was awarded last evening to Daniel MacIvor.

MacIvor was chosen from a fine list of five finalists which included Toronto's Morwyn Brebner and Colleen Murphy, Daniel Danis of St-David de Falardeau, Que., and Larry Tremblay of Montreal.

The winning prize amount is a healthy $100,000. From this amount $25,000 is given to a protege or organization of choice. MacIvor's proteges were from Vancouver, playwrights Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn.

In 2006 MacIvor won the Governor General's award for his collection of five plays called I still Love You. His work includes the plays See Bob Run, Wild Abandon, The Soldier Dreams, You Are Here, How It Works, His Greatness, and A Beautiful View.

His recent solo works; House, Here Lies Henry and Monster were seen at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and were all a hit among critics and audiences.

Curtains Down at Statlers

Statlers is having their weekly cabaret evening tonight with the always adorable and witty Jenni Burke. Check it out tonight at 8pm, it is their Halloween special with appearances by the following local artists:



ANDREW GERMAN
KYLE GILLIS
KRISTIN GALER
BRANDON FIRLA
KELLY HOLLIFF
MICHAEL GILL
MOLLY JANE ATKINSON
DK IBOMEKA
NATHALIE NADON
JUSTIN BOTT
JOHNNY MCGILLIS

Opening this week in the GTA!

I was away in Montreal over the weekend enjoying the luxuries of that beautiful city and missed five days of EAP blogging. Here is the first post - theatre openings for the week of October 23rd - 30th:

Anthony Of Green Gables/Point of View by Michael Misek/Zehra Abbas (Sawitri Theatre Group/Youth Troopers for Global Awareness). This double bill features two plays with a South Asian flavour. Oct 23-25, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Sampradaya Dance Centre, 5-3250 Ridgeway, Mississauga. sawitri.com.

A Chorus Line by Michael Bennet, James Kirkwood, Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban (Mirvish). Singers and dancers vie for a spot in a Broadway production in this long awaited musical. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $20-$99. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Edges by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Acting Up Stage Theatre Company). This rock 'n' roll song cycle looks at jobs, love and Facebook friends. Previews to Oct 26. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Nov 10, Sun 7 pm, Mon 8 pm. $25, students are $15. Revival, 783 College. edgestoronto.com.

Leader Of The Pack... The Ellie Greenwich Musical by Ellie Greenwich and Anne Beatts (Encore Entertainment). A young woman becomes famous writing hit doo-wop songs in the early 60s. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $30, mats $28. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-872-1111, encoreshows.com.

The Misfit by Anita Majumdar (Theatre Passe Muraille). An Indo-Canadian woman is disowned by her family and community in this solo piece, part of TPM's Fall Festival of Four Plays. Previews Oct 23-24. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm (beginning Nov 1). $30-$35, previews $15, mats pwyc. Mainspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

A New Life by Elmer Rice (Theatre Erindale). A widow clashes with her in-laws over who will raise her baby. Previews Oct 23. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 1, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 1 at 2 pm. $9-$14. Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 905-569-4369, theatreerindale.com.

One Man Star Wars by Charles Ross (Diesel Playhouse Theatre). Ross plays all the characters in this solo comedy. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 1, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 11 pm. $27.50. 56 Blue Jays Way. 416-870-8000.

Pyaasa by Anusree Roy (Theatre Passe Muraille). TPM's Fall Festival of Four Plays opens with Roy's solo drama about a young girl facing India's caste system. Previews to Oct 23. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm (beginning Nov 1). $20-$25, previews $15, mats pwyc. Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

There Is No Trifling With Love/On Ne Badine Pas Avec L'amour by Alfred de Musset (Théâtre français de Toronto). Three young people struggle with their passions while trying to fulfill their dreams in this French-language play. Previews to Oct 23. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat Nov 1 and 8 at 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. (Shows with English surtitles: Oct 23, 24, 29, Nov 1 and 7.) $29-$46, student/seniors $24-$32. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604.

Top Girls by Caryl Churchill (Soulpepper). A career woman interacts with historical and real women at three seperate locations, including a dinner party. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 22, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed and Sat (except Oct 25) 2 pm. $34-$65, student $28. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler (V-Day Toronto). Female monologists perform in this funder for Street Haven at the Crossroads. Oct 25-26, Sat 7 pm, Sun 5 pm. $22.50, stu $18.50. Workman Theatre, 1001 Queen W. 416-928-6796, vdaytoronto@gmail.com.

(information courtesy of nowotoronto.com)