The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario never fails to impress. While I’d love to see them use their secondary stage a bit more to really challenge their audiences with intimate counter-programming, their mainstage blockbusters at the beautiful Spriet theatre reflect diversity of tone and style within the “must sell well” demands of maintaining such a […]
We’re still physical media devotees round these parts with lots of room in our hearts and on our shelves for DVDs, Blu-rays, and even the occasional VHS (an old beat up copy of The Truman Show and our trusty VCR recently rescued a social event when rain ruined our outdoor screening). In that spirit, we’re […]
The Second City Toronto’s 90th(!) revue opened last night to thunderous applause. The most nuanced show I’ve seen from the high floor company in awhile, Duel Citizens features a rare cast that’s evenly strong rather than leaning on a standout or two (they’re all returning from the 89th revue so the chemistry’s pretty in place). […]
Before we announce the winners of our 2024 Critics’ Pick Awards, we’re proud to present our annual Nominee Interview Series. The final performer in our series this year is Artist of the Year nominee Qasim Khan. In 2024, Qasim starred in three very different, very challenging, and highly lauded productions including Coal Mine’s Hedda Gabler and […]
I’ve been on Shifting Ground’s case since their debut, lecturing the ambitious and capable young company about their programming. The company’s early work, though proficient, felt too mature, like the company was simply doing their favourite shows with their friends rather than programming to their strengths. That all changed with The 25th Annual Putnum County […]
Though Karen Kain, Christopher Stowell, & Robert Binet’s choreography (after Erik Bruhn, Lev Ivanov, and Marius Petipa) is challenging and technical throughout the whole of the National Ballet’s overall excellent update of Swan Lake, the indoor passages lag with slow storytelling and traditional bow breaks that pause the action and break the fourth wall. It’s […]
Before we announce the winners of our 2024 Critics’ Pick Awards, we’re proud to present our annual Nominee Interview Series. If you consider their Artist of the Year nomination as acknowledgement of both Dandelion Theatre/William Shakespeare & Friends Collective’s Timon of Athens and Soup Can Theatre/Three Ships Collective’s Christmas Carol (which you should, that’s the intention), […]