Preview: Project Humanity's The Middle Place

EAP is very excited to be see Project Humanity's The Middle Place tonight. We have heard nothing but wonderful things about the show and we are really intrigued by its subject matter and staging choices.

Show Description:

In 2007, a young, white, middleclass playwright ventured into one of Toronto’s roughest neighbourhoods with a video camera to interview youth about life in a shelter. The result is The Middle Place, a touching and brutally real examination of the aspirations, frustrations and bravery of these homeless youth. Without sentimentality or condescension, this docu-drama explores the heart-wrenching lives of its subjects through their own words. Five actors bring to the stage the extraordinary voices of sixteen homeless youth, three tireless caseworkers and one outsider in this disquieting yet humorous and hopeful play.

For tickets please click here!

Project Humanity's The Middle Place
Berkeley Street Theatre
February 14 to March 12
Written by Andrew Kushnir
Transcribed by Andrew Kushnir and Catherine Murray
Directed by Alan Dilworth
Performed by Akosua Amo Adem, Antonio Cayonne, Jessica Greenberg, Andrew Kushnir and Kevin Walker

Preview: It's Five Dollars

One of Liza and I's favourite people in the entire world is back with another one of her comedy nights. If you like laughing and smiling, this is a good event to check out. Here is our girl in her own words:

"When he's not up to his elbows in watery, urine soaked one-ply toilet paper from the notoriously faulty turlets, evidently the Crown & Tiger's resident janitor gets his kicks from sweeping up glitter, wig hair, discarded party favours and stray five cent candies!!!

How else would you explain being invited back for Round Three of "It's $5"?

Toronto has a wealth of undiscovered talent, and I'm not just talking about me sexually. This edition of "It's $5" will showcase the funniest people I know performing various variations of sketch & stand-up for their first time EVER!!!*

FEATURING:

Bathurst Beat (Anthony Suppa & Andrew Johnston*)
Michael Lawrence Doyle Yerxa
Alex Brown
Peter Harte
Ring on a String (David Ross & Dean McArthur)
Struan Sutherland
Kirsten Gallagher*
Andrew Ivimey*
Dana Alexander*

(*Except for the people with stars* by their names, who've been in this business for 65 years.)

Admission: I have feelings. Strong feelings. So if you love me, meet me at Remo's.
Cost of Admission: $5!
Tuesday, February 22 · 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
The Crown & Tiger, 414 College St. (College & Bathurst)

Preview: Second Week at The Rhubarb Festival!

THE 32ND RHUBARB FESTIVAL - WEEK TWO OVERVIEW
February 23 - February 27, 2011
Ticket availability:
Week Two: Feb 23 - 27

click here to see full programming info for Week 2.

MAINSTAGE EVENINGS
8:00pm Bravislovia
8:00pm Guns
8:30pm On Livingston's Method
8:30pm And then there were 4...
9:00pm Who Who Who's Got a Crush on You? (A Slumber Party for Boys)
9:00pm Airship
9:30pm (Wed only) The Centre for Sleep and Dream Studies
10:00pm (Fri only) Weekend in Alphaville
10:30pm (Fri only) THE BIG THAW
6:00pm (Sat only) Young Creators' Unit Presentations
9:30pm (Sat only) The Me Show

SUNDAY SOCIALS
2:30pm Young Creators' Unit Presentations
5:00pm A conversation with Adrian Howells
7:00pm Upper Toronto - Community Consultation

MOBILE WORKS
Dear Neighbour: Homecoming
Intersection Project
k[NO]w places
News Commutes

TICKETS
Wednesday-Saturday Tickets, $20
Sundays, PWYC
Mobile Works, FREE
call or visit the Box Office: 416-975-8555

Preview: South Pacific

Making a triumphant return to Toronto, this time at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, is South Pacific. The classic Rogers and Hamerstein musical was hailed by audiences and critics alike when it came to town last summer. That short run of South Pacific was sold out nearly every performance. So it was no surprise when dancap announced it was bringing the smash hit back to kick off their 2011 season. South Pacific is one of the most well known musicals of all time, and the only musical to ever win all four acting Tony Awards in the same year. It was also popularized in the mainstream, by the 1958 film version. The film was the top grossing film of that year and was also nominated for an Academy Award. South Pacific explores themes of racial prejudice and issues of discrimination, in a way other musicals of Its time would not have dared.

The 2008 Broadway revival, on which this tour is based was a critical sensation. It won the year's Tony Award for best revival, along with six additional Tonys. Last year's tour was extremely popular here, and considered by many to be the best show of the 2010 season. When dancap brought the show up last year It ran at the Four Seasons Centre. It will be interesting to see if the venue makes a difference now that it's being put on at the uptown Toronto Centre for the Arts. We have no doubts that audiences, new and returning will be flocking to see South Pacific.

South Pacific is on at the Toronto Centre for the Arts until April 10th. Click the header for ticket information. EAP is going to see the show tonight, and we expect to be in love, in love, in love with a wonderful show.

*updated on Feb. 20th

Preview: The Rhubarb Festival

Opening this week is the always exciting and interesting Rhubarb Festival over at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Here is the press release below and to be redirected to Buddies website please click the header of this post!

THE 32ND RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Festival Director Laura Nanni

February 16 - 27, 2011
Evening Tickets now on sale 416-975-8555

For two weeks, Canada's premiere experimental performance festival returns to Buddies. Over 100 local and international artists offer up fresh live encounters in contemporary theatre, dance, performance art, music and hybrid forms. This year's line-up includes sacrilegious celebrity impersonations, utopian science fiction, mass pop-up performances in secret spots around the city, and all kinds of glorious transgressions.

RHUBARB'S NEW TWO-WEEK FORMAT
Mainstage Evenings: Wed - Sat, beginning at 8pm - Different programming each night
Sunday Socials: an affably social day of politically-minded performances and events -PWYC
Mobile Works: artists infiltrate the streets of Toronto with surprising performances designed for public spaces - FREE

TICKETS
Wednesday-Saturday Tickets, $20
Sundays, PWYC
Mobile Works, FREE
call or visit the Box Office: 416-975-8555

Festival Sponsor TD
Media Sponsor NOW MAGAZINE

Preview: The Fantasticks

Playing until the end of March is the wonderfully adored, and eagerly anticipated musical The Fantasticks. This piece is coming from the always inspiring Soulpepper Company. With another exciting and strong artistic decision, Soulpepper is proving itself to be the hottest and most interesting theatre company in Toronto. The show is also being directed by our favourite actor of 2010, Joseph Ziegler.

This is theatre news that Liza and I live for.

Show Description:

"Try to Remember the Kind of September…" Forbidden love between the children of feuding neighbours and the complications that reality brings is lovingly rendered in this tender, hilarious musical. The world's longest running musical (42 years and 17,162 consecutive performances), The Fantasticks has delighted playgoers for generations. (Soulpepper.ca)

For more info and for tickets click here! Also, check out the trailer for the show below:

The Fantasticks
Directed by Joseph Ziegler
Musical Direction by Paul Sportelli
Associate Musical Direction by Lily Ling
Choreography by Tim French
Featuring Derek Boyes, Oliver Dennis, Erica Goodman (Harp), Michael Hanrahan, Jeff Lillico, Krystin Pellerin, Albert Schultz, Michael Simpson & William Webster.

Preview: The Boys in the Band

Coming soon to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is Ghost Light Projects' production of The Boys in the Band. The Boys... made quite a stir when it was first shown in New York in the late 60's. Its provocative exploration of sex, sexuality and even religion still challenges audiences forty years late. Ghost Light has been steadily making a name for itself and producing interesting theatre. And we are excited to see what they do with The Boys in the Band. The show has a limited run, starting March 1st and tickets are likely to go fast, so be sure to buy them in advance. For ticket information, show dates and prices, click the header. See you at the theatre.

Special Event at the COC

This Thursday evening, the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio is presenting, The Magic Flute, with the full COC orchestra. Thursday's performance is a special addition to the season, and if our experience at Operanation is anything to go on, it is sure to be an amazing night of opera. Ambur Braid, who we saw live at the Operanation event with Broken Social Scene, is singing the iconic Queen of the Night role. She heads a cast full of up-and-comers in the company. These singers might still be considered opera apprentices but you could have fooled us. The talent level within the Ensemble Studio is considerable. Even if you are an opera novice, The Magic Flute is a great night of music and spectacle. And with tickets starting as low as $20, we'd say it is a not to be missed event.

Click the header for ticket information.

Preview: Nixon in China

On now at the Four Season Centre is Nixon in China. The opera by John Adam's is based on the historic visit by President Nixon, to China, during his ill-fated presidency. But, perhaps more important than Nixon's resignation were the 5 days the President spent in China. Nixon's China visit is often viewed as the crowning achievement for his administration. Adam's opera combines the public spectacle, the historic weight and quiet reflections of one of the most important events in modern diplomacy. With a beautiful score, and all the talent at the Canadian Opera Company, were sure Nixon in China is not to miss.

Nixon in China is on now until the 26th of February. For ticket information click the header.

This show will make you very happy...

Mirvish announces new line-up for upcoming season

David Mirvish announced the line-up yesterday for the upcoming year at Mirvish Productions. In attempts to keep Toronto as a major theatre hub in the world, Mr. Mirvish has shows coming direct for London's West End and from Broadway. Direct from London is Noel Coward's hit show Private Lies starring award winning actress Kim Cattrall (it is premiering here prior to making its way to Broadway, a la Priscilla). Also from London is the award winning War Horse. From Broadway we have Mary Poppins and Hair making their way north for a month or two run. Rounding out the six shows announced is the North American premiere of a UK production of Chess and The Blue Dragon, set in modern-day Shanghai and directed by Robert Lepage.

For more information and for a list of already announced productions making their way to the Toronto stage please visit mirvish.com.

For an article written about the entire upcoming season at Mirvish please click here to be redirected to The Globe and Mail.

Preview: St Carmen of the Main

Opening this week at Canadian Stage is St. Carmen of the Main. St. Carmen is the latest work by famed Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay. Advertised as a tale of, "hustlers, hookers and hired killers." St. Carmen tells the story of country nightclub act Carmen as she ventures back into the world of Montreal's red-light district. Although initially welcomed back to The Main, when she begins to sing about the hardships around her some of the residents feel threatened by her thrusting them into the spotlight. With a cast of colourful characters and a lively score St. Carmen of the Main is sure to entertain. Be sure to check out the video below featuring director Peter Hinton, and Matthew Jocelyn.

St. Carmen of the Main runs at the Bluma Appel Theatre from February 7-March 5th. Click the header for ticket information. And a heads up, if you order your tickets by the 12th, and quote "Carmen1" either by phone or online you can get 50% all tickets.

Preview: Floating

Floating, the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe award winner, comes to the Harbourfront Centre next week. The first in a series, by Welsh company Hoipolloi, Floating features creator performer Hugh Hughes and Sioned Rowlands. The imaginative story focuses on the Isle of Anglesey, on the day it brakes away from mainland Wales. Amid an eclectic mix of on-stage clutter, the witty Welsh humour of Floating pulls at the heartstrings, and reminds audience of the important of home.

We've been to see a number of shows this season as part of the World Stage. Thus far have been really impressed by the variety. EAP has come to expect the unexpected from every show at the Harbourfront. The World Stage has consistently pushed the boundaries in such a sophisticated and enlightened way. So we are very excited to see Floating, which is the first comedy we'll be seeing at World Stage. This is not the one to miss. Floating has already received raves when it played in Vancouver earlier this month.

Click the header for ticket information.

Floating runs from the 15-19 at the Enwave Theatre.

Preview: LOVESEXMONEY

Opening this week in the Factory Studio Theatre space is LOVESEXMONEY.

Show Description:

Olivia is selling her virginity online. Simon buys it. Olivia’s boyfriend Jim has to stop her so they can be happy together again. Accusations fly. Fantasies are exposed. Hearts are broken. Expensive Japanese sex toys are bought, delivered, and put to use with surprisingly devastating consequences.

LOVESEXMONEY is a sexy, witty, romantic, comedy-drama about intimacy in the Information Age. LOVESEXMONEY asks questions about the nature of love and ownership when everything is available somewhere for a price. It’s a hot piece of theatre to thaw out those deep winter blues and a great warm-up for Valentine’s Day. (http://theatrebrouhaha.com/)

LOVESEXMONEY
Written & Directed by Kat Sandler

Dramaturg: Tom McGee
Stage Manager/Designer: Montgomery C. Martin
Assistant Stage Manager & All Photography: Max Martin
Costume Designer: Audrey Marriott
Executive Producer: Taylor Marie Graham
Publicist: Rob Salerno

Featuring:
Brooke Morgan, Danny Pagett, Len Batta, Victoria Kucher, Hannah Barnett-Kemper, & Scott Clarkson

For tickets click here!

Preview: Dave St-Pierre's new work

Montreal based Dave St-Pierre has a new work opening this week at the Harbourfront Centre. Un peu de tendresse bordel de merde! (A little tenderness for crying out loud.) This is the second, in a triptych, by Mr. St-Pierre's to come to the World Stage. The first, La pornographie des âmes, was a huge hit when it played to sold out crowds during the 2008-9 World Stage season.

Un peu de tendresse... is an exploration of love and sexuality. "Naked as the truth," as the press release puts it. 20 dancers explore the physical body and our human connections. While some find Mr St-Pierre's work controversial, many critics have applauded his ability to express the most basic of human emotions with his choreography.

Un peu de tendresse... plays at Harbourfront Centre's Fleck Theatre until the 5th. Click the header for more ticket information.

Preview: Barrymore

Opening in Toronto and playing a very strict limited engagement of only 30 performances is the eagerly anticipated Barrymore

starring the colourful Christopher Plummer.

Show Description:
Christopher Plummer’s Tony Award-winning tour de force is an unforgettable portrayal of legendary actor, John Barrymore, a man of colossal talent and contradictions, and one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time. Set in 1942, the final year of John Barrymore’s life, BARRYMORE takes place on the stage of a Broadway theatre, where the actor is struggling to recreate his performance in the title role of Shakespeare’s Richard III.

With coruscating wit, humour, irreverence and poignancy, playwright William Luce—the acclaimed author of The Belle of Amherst, about poet Emily Dickinson—shows us the many facets of this complicated man: the actor who dazzled London with his portrayal of Hamlet… the young Barrymore and his relationship with his loving grandmother, herself a famous actress… his alcoholic father, and his siblings, Lionel and Ethel… his four disastrous marriages… the Hollywood success he disdained… and his own all-consuming battle with booze which soon claimed his life. (The Group Tix Company)

Barrymore

Written by William Luce
Directed by Gene Saks
Starring Christopher Plummer
At the Elgin Theatre in Toronto
Runs until March 9.

For tickets click here!

Preview: Oleanna

Sarah Wilson & Diego Matamoros. Photo: Bruce Zinger.

Opening this week at Soulpepper is a David Mamet piece, Oleanna. Lots of tension and rapid fire delivery is to be expected.

Show Description:
An ordinary meeting between a professor and his student explodes into a debate on the abuses of power that threatens to turn the tables completely. This is master wordsmith David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross) at his aggressive best, in a play that brings to question the implications of thoughtless action and political correctness gone sour.

Oleanna
By: David Mamet
Directed by László Marton
Featuring Diego Matamoros & Sarah Wilson
On stage until March 5th

For tickets click here!