Article to check out....

Hey bloggers! I was reading Richard Ouzounian today in The Star and have to give it to him again. A great piece. Check it out below.


www.thestar.com/Entertainment/article/556927

Opening this week in the city

Bed & Breakfast by Ann Powell and David Powell (Puppetmongers Theatre). The Princess And The Pea gets a retelling in this family-friendly puppet play. Opens Dec 20 and runs to Jan 1, Sat 7 pm, mats daily (except Dec 24, 25 and 31) at 2:30 pm. $16, seniors/students $13; New Year's Day show + gala $30. Tarragon Theatre Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, puppetmongers.com.


Chicken Licken (Cow Over Moon Children's Theatre). A celebrity tries to become a serious journalist in this all-ages show. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Dec 28, Sat-Sun 2 pm, early show Sat (and Dec 19) 11 am. $12, student/seniors $8. Burnhamthorpe Library, 1350 Burnhamthorpe E, Mississauga. 905-510-8210, cowovermoon.ca.


Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Jeremy Sams, Robert Sherman and Richard Sherman (Mirvish). The children's musical about a magical flying car gets a staging. Opens Dec 24 and runs to Jan 4, Dec 24 at 1:30 and 7 pm, Fri-Sat and Mon-Tue (and Dec 28) 7:30 pm, mats daily (except Mon and Thu) 2 pm. $26-$99. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Disney On Ice presents A Disneyland Adventure (Feld Entertainment). The Incredibles meet Mickey Mouse and others in this family show. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Dec 28, Fri-Sat 7 pm, Sun 1 and 5 pm, mats Sat 11 am and 3 pm, Thu and Mon-Tue (and Dec 26) 2 pm. $15-$90. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. 416-870-8000, disneyonice.com.

The Frog Prince (Frog Prince Productions). This family friendly retelling of the Grimm classic features a live parrot. Dec 20-21 at 10 am, noon and 2 pm. $10, kids under 10 $7. Bad Dog Theatre, 138 Danforth. 416-491-3115.

Little Women: The Broadway Musical (Steppin' Out Theatrical Productions). The March sisters grow up in Civil War-era America in this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel. Opens Dec 18 and runs to Dec 20, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mats Thu 1 pm, Sat 2 pm. $25, student/seniors $20. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst. 905-731-9593, steppinout.ca.

Plaid Tidings by Stuart Ross (A.C.T. Productions). The Plaids return for a seasonal concert in this sequel to Forever Plaid. Dec 21-23, Sun-Tue 8 pm, mats Mon-Tue 2 pm. $25-$40. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800,

Briefs

First up, Pal Joey, the 1940 musical about a Chicago hoofer who keeps reaching for the big time - while breaking many female hearts along the way - opens Dec. 18 in a new version put together by Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54.

Pal Joey is a limited engagement through Feb. 15, 2009. The musical is produced in association with Marc Platt.

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Emmy Award winner Jeremy Piven has abruptly (and... for some reason I saw this one coming) departed the acclaimed revival of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, citing high levels of mercury, according to Variety.

Piven, who has already missed a few performances of the revival, informed the show's producers that his ill health is due to a high mercury count.

Playwright Mamet told Daily Variety, "I talked to Jeremy on the phone and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury. So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."

Susan Blackwell workshop

Playbill.com is reporting that one of my favorite [tos]ers Susan Blackwell is giving a one day creativity workshop in New York in January. How I hope that fits into my schedule. I would die to meet her, especially since Justin already did. Check out the article here.

Patti's show closes early in NYC

Sad news arrived this morning from New York as yet another musical will be closing early. Gypsy, starring Patti LuPone is now scheduled to close well over a month prior to the original announced day, Andrew Gans of playbill.com explains:

"The current revival of Gypsy — starring Tony Award winners Patti LuPone, Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti and directed by its librettist, Arthur Laurents — will now end its run at the St. James Theatre Jan. 11, 2009, rather than the previously announced March 1, 2009.

In a statement producer Roger Berlind said, "Though we originally announced that Gypsy would play its final performance on March 1, 2009, due to these uncertain financial times my partners and I have made the difficult decision to close instead on January 11, 2009."

When it closes, the production will have played a total of 27 previews and 332 regular performances.

The Broadway production of Gypsy won three 2008 Tony Awards: for stars LuPone, Benanti and Gaines."

Opening this week in the city

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Bloor Street United Church). This dramatic reading features the CBC's Bill Richardson and others. Dec 15 at 7 pm. $15, student/seniors $10. 300 Bloor W. 416-924-7439.

The Cinnamon Hearts Through Time (Goodhandy's). The burlesque troupe travels through time. Dec 12, doors 9 pm. $12, student/advanced $10. 120 Church. cinnamonhearts.ca.

Feliz Navidad! (Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque). The troupe and their guests present a Mexican bible Christmas pageant. Dec 11 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Gladstone, 1214 Queen W. skintightouttasight.com.

Oleana by David Mamet (Centre for the Arts). Tom McCamus and Severn Thompson perform as part of the Rehearsed Readings series. Dec 11 at 8 pm. $10 (reservation required). 263 Adelaide W, ste 513. 647-436-2787, centreforthearts.com.

One Small Voice (Da Capo Productions). Actors and musicians perform pop and jazz classics to benefit Free the Children. Dec 15 at 8 pm. $20, srs $15, student $10. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 647-298-9338, da-capo.ca.

Red Snow by Diana Tso (AnitAFRIKA! Dub Theatre). Tso's new play about the Nanking holocaust gets a reading. Dec 14 at 4 pm. Pwyc. 62 Fraser. 416-434-1823.

RYC Carols (Randolph Young Company). Members of the youth program perform with the one and only Jenni Burke, Andrew Kushnir and other theatre scenesters. Dec 14 at 7 pm. $25. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-872-1111, randolphacademy.com.

That Choir Carols (Trinity College Chapel). This evening features carols sung by actors and a reading of Dylan Thomas's A Child's Christmas In Wales. Dec 14 at 8 pm. $15, student/seniors $10. 6 Hoskin. trinity.utoronto.ca.

A Winter's Tail (Les Coquettes Nouveau Burlesque). This seasonal cabaret features Les Coquettes, the Rumoli Brothers, Boylesque T.O. and others. Dec 14 at 8 pm. $20-$25. Revival, 783 College. lescoquettes.com.

Liza extended again!

The limited engagement of the critically acclaimed Liza's at the Palace . . .! has been extended for a second time.

Produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents & Jubilee Time Productions, the production was originally scheduled to run to Dec. 14 but was originally extended through Dec. 28. Due to ticket demand, the show will now play through Jan. 4, 2009.

New show dates are Dec. 30, 2008; Jan. 2, 2009; and Jan. 3, 2009 at 8 PM and Jan. 4, 2009 at 3 PM.

(info courtesy of playbill.com)

Emerging Art Productions update

Although we like to use this blog as a broad theatre news and discussion forum, we also try to update the readers on Emerging Art Production news when it comes up. As most of our readers know Justin and I have been working for almost six months now to generate grant money in support of our 2009 production of Wood, by Julianne Wick Davis and Dan Collins, to learn more check here. We applied back in September for a grant with the Canada Council, and we are eagerly anticipating word from them in April. Next up we have two grant deadlines with the Toronto and Ontario Arts Councils. We met with Margo Charlton at the TAC last week. She gave us some great advice for grant writing and invited us to a grant writting workshop in January. So now it is crunch time. Two grants in less than two months. We are both learning a lot about what it takes to get these things done, and hopefully we will be learning even more if we actually get any money. Below I have posted the video of Nick Blaemire, composer of the Broadway musical Glory Days - don't worry you weren't the only one that missed it. Anyway, Nick sings Wood's, stand-out ballad "I'm Out" in the clip below.

Chekhov's Uncle Vanya

The new Austin Pendleton-directed production of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, for Off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company in early 2009, will feature Maggie Gyllenhaal as Yelena and Peter Sarsgaard as Astrov, the troupe announced yesterday.

The real-life couple join Tony Award winner Denis O'Hare as Vanya, Mamie Gummer as Sonya, Louis Zorich as Waffles, George Morfogen as Srebryakov, Delphi Harrington as Maria and Cyrilla Baer as Marina.

Previews begin Jan. 17, 2009. An official opening date will be announced. The limited run plays to March 1.

Richard Ouzounian in The Star today

Richard Ouzounian is a quality theatre journalist with The Toronto Star. His opinions I tend to agree with, and his commitment to making the Toronto theatre scene more progressive is something to admire. Check out the article below from today's paper for a perfect example of why we have come to enjoy Ouzounian so much.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/551791

One more thing, amen to his forth point regarding Mirvish and Dancap. Liza and I have been crusading and yearning for more development with Canadian high-quality musicals, which is one of the reasons EAP was conceived and developed.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert to premiere in Toronto

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the new musical based on the 1994 Australian film about three drag queens who take their fierce singing and dancing show to the middle of the outback aboard a fabulous old bus nicknamed Priscilla, will make its North American premiere in the fall of 2009 here in Toronto.

Produced by David Mirvish, the location of the staging has not been announced, however speculation of a Canon Theatre run is circulating.

In a statement Mirvish said; "To our delight, the stage production was as special as the film. And seeing the story fleshed out live on stage, with more songs, more costumes, more dancing and more infectious, feel-good cheer, we knew this would be a worldwide phenomenon. We are excited to be launching this extraordinary show in Toronto. We will be the show's entry to North America. Our audiences will be able to see it first, as Priscilla will be the cornerstone of the 2009-10 Mirvish subscription season."

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical first opened in Sydney in October 2006 and has played to more than one million theatregoers, grossing more than $90 million in Australian dollars, making it the most successful Australian stage show of all time.

Performance dates and casting will be announced at a later time for the Toronto production.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical was written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott. Simon Phillips directs.

The musical will begin performances at London's Palace Theatre March 10, 2009, prior to a press night on March 23 and a gala night on March 24.

Photo by Jeff Busby

Bitch Salad tonight!

A fantastically fun monthly event is happening tonight in the city as Andrew Johnston hosts the ever-popular Bitch Salad at Buddies in Bad Times. Titled appropriately as "T'was the Bitch Salad before Christmas", the holiday themed version marks the 10th Anniversary of the monthly comedy show. Andrew Johnston is hysterical, his timing is right on the mark and his theatrical presence is refreshingly good. Tonight's Salad will feature the one and only Sara Hennessey, who EAP wrote about in the summer (she had a hit show at the Fringe Festival this year).

Check it out tonight! We will be there!

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

12 Alexander Street

8$

Doors at 8pm, show at 8:30pm

Curtain's Down tonight at Statlers

Just a friendly reminder to all those in the downtown core that tonight is the weekly cabaret/variety show at Statlers Piano Lounge. Tonight, host Jenni Burke and her wonderful piano man Michael Barber will be performing selections from the second act of Fiddler on the Roof.

Opening this week in the city

Here are the theatre listings for the week. Some good stuff to check out!

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (John D Huston). Huston re-enacts Dickens's solo theatrical performance. Opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 11, Wed-Thu 8 pm. $15, seniors $12, students $10. St. David's Anglican Church, 49 Donlands. 416-703-2773 ext 201, dickensperformer.ca.

Cinderella, The Sillylicious Family Musical (Ross Petty Productions). This all-ages musical is based on the classic fairy tale. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Jan 4, Thu-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (call or see website for other dates/times). $57-$77, children under 12 are $49. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, rosspetty.com.

A Miracle Of Saint Antony by Maurice Maeterlinck (Atrium Theatre). A rich woman's heir faces a choice when a purported saint claims he can resurrect her. Previews to Dec 4. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 13, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Dec 13 at 2 pm. $21.50, student/seniors $15, mat pwyc. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, atriumtheatre.com.

On The Fringe Festival (Theatre Erindale). This vaudevillian variety show features Ray-Alan Cameron's one-act play No Wrongs, No Rights, plus sketch, clown and music. Dec 4-6 at 8 pm. Pwyc ($5 sugg). Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 905-569-4369.

Once On This Island by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (City Playhouse Theatre). A peasant girl rescues and falls in love with a rich man in this family musical. Dec 4-7, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun 1 pm. $24, seniors/children $20. 1000 New Westminster, Vaughan. 905-326-7469.

Pandora's Locker by Dean Burry (The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory). This youth opera sets the myth of Pandora's Box in a modern-day inner-city school. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 13, Dec 5 at 8 pm, Dec 11 at 11 am, Dec 13 at 2 pm. Free. Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-2824 ext 321.

Raw! Raw! Raw! Festival Of New Works (Canadian Stage Company). This festival offers readings of new works by Judith Thompson, Hannah Moscovitch and Ed Roy, plus excerpts of works in progress by up and coming playwrights. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 13, Wed-Sat 7 pm. Free. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me by Frank McGuinness (Adeona Productions). Three men held hostage in Lebanon form relationships and try to keep hope alive. Previews Dec 4. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 13, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$30, Mon is pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley, Upstairs. 416-368-3110, watchovermeshow.com.

A Very Polite Genocide Or The Girl Who Fell To Earth by Melanie J Murray (Native Earth Performing Arts). An aboriginal woman's identity is buried by the residential school system. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 21, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $18-$25, student $15, and Sun is pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, nativeearth.ca.

Wintergreen by Paul Aspland (Centre for the Arts). Aspland's play gets a staged reading as part of Rehearsed Readings. Dec 4-5 at 8 pm. $10 (reservation required). 263 Adelaide W, ste 513. 647-436-2787, centreforthearts.com.

Read this

The NY Times just published this incredible article about the relationship between theatre companies and commercial producers.

Liza opens tonight

Her Broadway return begins this evening! Her Playbill for tonight is so fierce.