Hey everyone. Jenni Burke and Curtains Down is back at Statlers tonight (with a brand new piano).
Here is the line-up for this evening - check it out!
Brandon Matthieus
Jeigh Madjus
Lynn Filusch
Kate Proctor
Shawn Hurford
James Lesvesque
Blair Irwin
Ryan Kerr
Bob Dillon
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Opening this week in Toronto
Here is your listings for theatre opening this week in and around the GTA; also I have to give a shout out to the show Festen which begins previews on November 17th at the Berkeley Street Theatre. The show is based on the 1998 Danish Dogme film of the same name ("The Celebration" is the English translation). The film is a masterpiece. Let's hope the staging will be equally as gratifying.
Bressani by Frank Spezzano (The Italian Pastoral Commission /The Pirandello Theatre). This historical drama looks at the life of the first Italian Jesuit in North America. Nov 13-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, student mats Thu-Fri 1 pm. $20, student mats $10. Don Bosco Catholic School Auditorium, 2 St Andrews Blvd. 416-781-9000.
Duet For One by Tom Kempinski (Duet for One Co-Op). This drama is based on the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pré. Nov 14-16, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton. 416-696-5950 ext 2.
Hay Fever by Noel Coward (Markham Little Theatre). The self-centred Bliss family drives away its guests in this manners comedy. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $22, seniors/students $19 (Wed-Thu only). Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre. 905-305-7469.
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (Stage Centre Productions). A headstrong new bride causes chaos in order to keep her checkered past secret. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat (and Nov 26) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, seniors $20, student $15. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.
Hospitality 3: Individualism Was A Mistake by Caroline Dubois, Claudia Fancello and Jacob Wren. (Harbourfront World Stage/Quebec Now!). Indie rock meets theatre in PME-ART's performance piece about collaboration. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15-$30. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Miss Julie: Sheh'mah (KICK Theatre). This adaptation of a play by August Strindberg looks at sex between upper and lower classes. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, kicktheatre.ca.
Murderous Women adapted from the book by Frank Jones (Theatre Erindale). Historical murders committed by women are re-enacted in this drama. Previews Nov 13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 22, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 22 at 2 pm. $9-$14. Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 905-569-4369, theatreerindale.com.
My Name Is Rachel Corrie adapted by Katherine Viner and Alan Rickman (Organic Underground Theatre Collective). This solo drama is based on the diaries and e-mails of the American peace activist killed in Gaza in 2003. Nov 14-15, at 7:30 pm. $10-$15. Multimedia Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 888-222-6608, cjpme.ca.
Paradise By The River by Vittorio Rossi (Shadowpath Theatre). This drama looks at the internment of Italian-Canadian men during WWII. Nov 13-14, Thu 8 pm, Fri 1 and 7 pm. $25-$28. City Playhouse Theatre, 1000 New Westminster, Vaughan. 905-882-7469.
The Paranormal Show (Campbell House Museum). Vladimir Eisengrimm performs mind reading, hypnotism, a seance and other sideshow feats. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 9 pm (except Nov 27). $40. 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, theparanormalshow.net.
Talking Heads by Alan Bennett (Alumnae Theatre). Three of Bennett's darkly comedic monologues produced for BBC-TV are presented on stage. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed-Thu 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley, 3rd floor studio. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.
Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (Opera Lirica Italiana). The dramatic opera is fully staged and presented in Italian with English surtitles. Nov 13-15, Thu and Sat 8 pm. $30, student/seniors $25, child $20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 416-882-0246, operaliricaitaliana.com.
The Trial Of Mary And Joseph/The Woman Taken In Adultery (Poculi Ludique Societas). Two short plays based on biblical tales examine medieval views of female sexuality. Nov 13-16, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, seniors $15, students $10. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-5096.
Trudeau Stories by Brooke Johnson (Theatre Passe Muraille). Johnson's solo show dramatizes memories, letters and journal entries relating to her friendship with the former prime minister. Previews Nov 14-18. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 7 pm (except Nov 14 at 8:30 pm and no evening show Nov 15), mat Sat 2:30 pm. $30-$35, previews $15, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). This family musical is based on the 'Peanuts' comic strip characters. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 30, opening night 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (call for other times). $20, student/seniors $15. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.
Bressani by Frank Spezzano (The Italian Pastoral Commission /The Pirandello Theatre). This historical drama looks at the life of the first Italian Jesuit in North America. Nov 13-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, student mats Thu-Fri 1 pm. $20, student mats $10. Don Bosco Catholic School Auditorium, 2 St Andrews Blvd. 416-781-9000.
Duet For One by Tom Kempinski (Duet for One Co-Op). This drama is based on the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pré. Nov 14-16, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton. 416-696-5950 ext 2.
Hay Fever by Noel Coward (Markham Little Theatre). The self-centred Bliss family drives away its guests in this manners comedy. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $22, seniors/students $19 (Wed-Thu only). Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre. 905-305-7469.
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (Stage Centre Productions). A headstrong new bride causes chaos in order to keep her checkered past secret. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat (and Nov 26) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, seniors $20, student $15. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.
Hospitality 3: Individualism Was A Mistake by Caroline Dubois, Claudia Fancello and Jacob Wren. (Harbourfront World Stage/Quebec Now!). Indie rock meets theatre in PME-ART's performance piece about collaboration. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15-$30. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Miss Julie: Sheh'mah (KICK Theatre). This adaptation of a play by August Strindberg looks at sex between upper and lower classes. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, kicktheatre.ca.
Murderous Women adapted from the book by Frank Jones (Theatre Erindale). Historical murders committed by women are re-enacted in this drama. Previews Nov 13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 22, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 22 at 2 pm. $9-$14. Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 905-569-4369, theatreerindale.com.
My Name Is Rachel Corrie adapted by Katherine Viner and Alan Rickman (Organic Underground Theatre Collective). This solo drama is based on the diaries and e-mails of the American peace activist killed in Gaza in 2003. Nov 14-15, at 7:30 pm. $10-$15. Multimedia Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 888-222-6608, cjpme.ca.
Paradise By The River by Vittorio Rossi (Shadowpath Theatre). This drama looks at the internment of Italian-Canadian men during WWII. Nov 13-14, Thu 8 pm, Fri 1 and 7 pm. $25-$28. City Playhouse Theatre, 1000 New Westminster, Vaughan. 905-882-7469.
The Paranormal Show (Campbell House Museum). Vladimir Eisengrimm performs mind reading, hypnotism, a seance and other sideshow feats. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 9 pm (except Nov 27). $40. 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, theparanormalshow.net.
Talking Heads by Alan Bennett (Alumnae Theatre). Three of Bennett's darkly comedic monologues produced for BBC-TV are presented on stage. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed-Thu 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley, 3rd floor studio. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.
Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (Opera Lirica Italiana). The dramatic opera is fully staged and presented in Italian with English surtitles. Nov 13-15, Thu and Sat 8 pm. $30, student/seniors $25, child $20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 416-882-0246, operaliricaitaliana.com.
The Trial Of Mary And Joseph/The Woman Taken In Adultery (Poculi Ludique Societas). Two short plays based on biblical tales examine medieval views of female sexuality. Nov 13-16, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, seniors $15, students $10. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-5096.
Trudeau Stories by Brooke Johnson (Theatre Passe Muraille). Johnson's solo show dramatizes memories, letters and journal entries relating to her friendship with the former prime minister. Previews Nov 14-18. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 7 pm (except Nov 14 at 8:30 pm and no evening show Nov 15), mat Sat 2:30 pm. $30-$35, previews $15, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). This family musical is based on the 'Peanuts' comic strip characters. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 30, opening night 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (call for other times). $20, student/seniors $15. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Let's have a discussion about this
An interesting article popped up in the New York Times today about Scott Eckern's, resignation from California Musical Theatre. He has resigned amidst a fury of outrage at his donation of 1,000 $ in support of Proposition 8. Most people know that Prop 8 is the California initiative, which passed, and will change the State's constitution to discriminate against same-sex marriages. Eckern's financial support of Prop 8 was made public by a group of activists in California, calling for a boycott of businesses and individuals who contributed to the initiative. Once his name was out he faced increasing criticism for his contribution and early this week the pressure forced him to resign.
Now, I am a California resident and I voted against Prop 8, I am pleased to say. And I am deeply saddened that larger California population wants to write discrimination into our State constitution. However, I am very torn about Mr. Eckern's "forced" resignation. Eckern, who is a practicing Mormon, has the right to contribute his own money to what ever political initiatives that he wants, in my opinion. I don't believe that his personal convictions should have any bearing on his work relationship with California Musical Theatre. Sure it seems odd that a guy who has worked in musical theatre for a decade and has a lesbian sister, by his own admission would contribute to such a heinous ballot initiative, but should he really have to quit his job because of it?
I would really like to hear some thoughts on this, so please feel free to leave comments, and definitely check out the article in the Times.
Now, I am a California resident and I voted against Prop 8, I am pleased to say. And I am deeply saddened that larger California population wants to write discrimination into our State constitution. However, I am very torn about Mr. Eckern's "forced" resignation. Eckern, who is a practicing Mormon, has the right to contribute his own money to what ever political initiatives that he wants, in my opinion. I don't believe that his personal convictions should have any bearing on his work relationship with California Musical Theatre. Sure it seems odd that a guy who has worked in musical theatre for a decade and has a lesbian sister, by his own admission would contribute to such a heinous ballot initiative, but should he really have to quit his job because of it?
I would really like to hear some thoughts on this, so please feel free to leave comments, and definitely check out the article in the Times.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Deborah Cox releases new album
Although this entry is not entirely theatre related, I have to give a shout out to Deborah Cox who released her long awaited album The Promise yesterday. Cox is a well known Canadian icon - a belting black diva if you will. She has released a number of albums and has appeared in numerous contemporary films. She is probably best known in our theatre community from her starring role on Broadway in Aida.
Check out her album and her new song "Beautiful U R" below!
Check out her album and her new song "Beautiful U R" below!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sharon performs tonight
The delightful and always entertaining Sharron Matthews performs tonight in the city. Matthews is playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (5040 Young Street) in her one woman show - Sharron Matthews... Uptown Girl.
The show starts at 8:15 p.m. and tickets are $15. Call 416-872-1111 to purchase or inquire.
Opening this week in Toronto
Here is the list of theatre openings for this week:
The Abduction From The Seraglio by WA Mozart (Opera Atelier). Two men plot to rescue their girlfriends from an Ottoman Pasha in this commedia dell'arte opera. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 15, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $30-$135. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, operaatelier.com.
And Stockings For The Ladies by Attila Clenmann (Holocaust Education Week). A Canadian airman helps Jewish refugees in post-WWII Germany in this solo show. Nov 7-9, Fri 2 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Free. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, holocausteducationweek.com.
Banana Boys by Leon Aureus (fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company). Five young Asian-Canadian men wrestle with issues of race and identity. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, student/seniors $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.
Emilia Galotti by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (Stratford Festival). A prince's obsession with another man's fiancée leads to murder and abduction. Nov 6-9, Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 2 pm. $50-$90, student/seniors $22-$69. Avon Theatre, Stratford. 800-567-1600, stratfordfestival.ca.
A Glimpse Of The Light by Ben Finn (TEATRON Jewish Theatre). Holocaust survivors witness the birth of Israel in this musical. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 23, (preview Nov 12 at 1 pm), Thu and Sat (and Nov 12) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$44. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst. 416-781-5527, teatrontheatre.com.
Kindertransport by Diane Samuels (Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company). This drama looks at Jewish children separated from their parents during WWII. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Mon-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mats Tue-Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $32-$52. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.
Nikola Tesla, An Evening With Genius by J Michael Newlight and Frank Tabbita (Professional Engineers of Ontario/IEEE Toronto). The inventor recounts his life and envisions a wireless future. Nov 6-8 at 8 pm. $20-$25, stu/srs $15-$20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-222-6608, vasicweb.com/tesla.
ScrABrrRrraaNNG - A Cabaret Of Futurist Performance (Graduate Centre for Study of Drama U of T). Performances by Jess Dobkin, Sky Gilbert and others are presented as part of the Futurist Dramaturgy and Performance Conference. Nov 6-8, Thu-Fri 9 pm, Sat 10 pm. (Conference runs Fri-Sat at Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College.) $8-$12. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-7986, graddrama.utoronto.ca.
Soulless by Aaron Bushkowsky (505 Productions Equity Co-op). Five people question their apathy for others and their love of material goods. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, soullessplay.com.
That Came Out Wrong by Graeme Gerrard (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). A gay teen deals with coming out in rural Ontario in this comedy. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 16, Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $15. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, ticketweb.ca.
Unconditional/Waiting For Lefty Brett C Leonard/Clifford Odets (Column 13 Actors Company). This double bill features a drama about sex and violence in the lives of nine New Yorkers, and a one-act play about the taxi cab strike of 1934. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, (Waiting For Lefty Fri-Sat only, 10:30 pm). $15, student/seniors $12, Wed is pwyc. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 55 Mill, bldg 58. 647-377-4903, column13.org.
(listings courtesy of nowtoronto.com)
The Abduction From The Seraglio by WA Mozart (Opera Atelier). Two men plot to rescue their girlfriends from an Ottoman Pasha in this commedia dell'arte opera. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 15, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $30-$135. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, operaatelier.com.
And Stockings For The Ladies by Attila Clenmann (Holocaust Education Week). A Canadian airman helps Jewish refugees in post-WWII Germany in this solo show. Nov 7-9, Fri 2 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Free. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, holocausteducationweek.com.
Banana Boys by Leon Aureus (fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company). Five young Asian-Canadian men wrestle with issues of race and identity. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, student/seniors $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.
Emilia Galotti by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (Stratford Festival). A prince's obsession with another man's fiancée leads to murder and abduction. Nov 6-9, Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 2 pm. $50-$90, student/seniors $22-$69. Avon Theatre, Stratford. 800-567-1600, stratfordfestival.ca.
A Glimpse Of The Light by Ben Finn (TEATRON Jewish Theatre). Holocaust survivors witness the birth of Israel in this musical. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 23, (preview Nov 12 at 1 pm), Thu and Sat (and Nov 12) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$44. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst. 416-781-5527, teatrontheatre.com.
Kindertransport by Diane Samuels (Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company). This drama looks at Jewish children separated from their parents during WWII. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Mon-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mats Tue-Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $32-$52. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.
Nikola Tesla, An Evening With Genius by J Michael Newlight and Frank Tabbita (Professional Engineers of Ontario/IEEE Toronto). The inventor recounts his life and envisions a wireless future. Nov 6-8 at 8 pm. $20-$25, stu/srs $15-$20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-222-6608, vasicweb.com/tesla.
ScrABrrRrraaNNG - A Cabaret Of Futurist Performance (Graduate Centre for Study of Drama U of T). Performances by Jess Dobkin, Sky Gilbert and others are presented as part of the Futurist Dramaturgy and Performance Conference. Nov 6-8, Thu-Fri 9 pm, Sat 10 pm. (Conference runs Fri-Sat at Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College.) $8-$12. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-7986, graddrama.utoronto.ca.
Soulless by Aaron Bushkowsky (505 Productions Equity Co-op). Five people question their apathy for others and their love of material goods. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, soullessplay.com.
That Came Out Wrong by Graeme Gerrard (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). A gay teen deals with coming out in rural Ontario in this comedy. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 16, Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $15. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, ticketweb.ca.
Unconditional/Waiting For Lefty Brett C Leonard/Clifford Odets (Column 13 Actors Company). This double bill features a drama about sex and violence in the lives of nine New Yorkers, and a one-act play about the taxi cab strike of 1934. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, (Waiting For Lefty Fri-Sat only, 10:30 pm). $15, student/seniors $12, Wed is pwyc. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 55 Mill, bldg 58. 647-377-4903, column13.org.
(listings courtesy of nowtoronto.com)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Statler's update
I know everyone has been very concerned about the status at Statler's. Jenni Burke, who hosts Curtain's Down sent out an email letting everyone know that this weeks closure on Monday night, was NOT a permanent thing, and Statler's will be back in action soon. I hope this shocks all fans back into regular attendance. Statler's is one of the only venues in Toronto where emerging talent can showcase, mingle and promote themselves. It deserves our support, and there is no better way of supporting than showing up. And not just on Monday nights. Statler's hosts tons of private cabaret events, with a wealth of talent. And it is usually cheap and sometimes free, so get out there.
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