George has always been passionate about theatre, but didn’t know it. As a young boy he was mesmerized by professional wrestling. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was an early role model. Shortly thereafter, the explosive histrionics of Pete Townshend would supersede this Canadian icon. George’s attention later turned to American theatre. Jello Biafra became a seminal influence. The “Do It Yourself” ethic was firmly embraced by Perry, and he ventured into the vast repetoire of artists like Paul Westerberg and Steve Albini. As a young adult, he was re-introduced to the works of Townshend. His then girlfriend, Michelle, was hugely impressed by the theatrical production of The Who’s “Tommy”. He meandered through factories, schools, border towns and Michigan for a very long time afterwards. He eventually landed in Toronto. All these influences were brought together in one kettle when George discovered Mooney on Theatre. He understands and personifies that theatre is indeed for everyone. To further this end goal, he contributes.
Meet the powerful Gwen Powers at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Murraile
Gwen Powers is an intriguing, highly entertaining and Toronto-centric take on the age old problem of a “bizarre love triangle”. Gwen Powers, the character, is like a sunburn. One usually has great fun getting the burn, but the consequences are very painful. Theatre Passe Murraile Backspace isn’t a beach, but it is where Gwen burns two men.
The play is original, fresh, entertaining, fast paced and completely enjoyable. Gwen Powers will make you think, too. Don’t worry. There won’t be a test on this.
Factory Theatre’s Iceland is praise-worthy Toronto art
Iceland is “the perfect volcano”. It has exceptional writing, directing, acting and venue. Toronto’s Factory Theatre is once again ground zero for a great night of challenging and rewarding art.
Iceland is comprised of three intersecting monologues from three very different and intriguing people.
Kassandra is a young Estonian working her way through college as a prostitute. Anna is an uptight and self-righteous woman who just can’t win, even with God on her side. Halim is a Pakistani real estate agent who tells the dirty truth. Continue reading Review: Iceland (Factory Theatre)→
Five women in a kitchen make for steady-paced theatre in Toronto Irish Players’ Midden
My journey downtown to the Alumnae Theatre for Midden occurred in temperatures that shut down lesser burgs. Some people bring in their pets in this weather. I felt sorry for my thermometer and considered bringing it in.
Midden is about memories. In that quiet cold, my mind rewired itself. Before even seeing the set, I remembered the hockey arenas of my youth, the “barns”. In those days, every day was a newly polished playing surface.
The De Chardin Project revisits history at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille
The De Chardin Project is an important story about Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. In reality, the story took place on four continents. You can save your frequent flyer miles and see it all at Theatre Passe Muraille in less than two hours.
Teilhard, as de Chardin was commonly called, was a Jesuit priest who inhabited this planet for the first half of the 20th Century. He was exiled to China by the Church and while there, found “the missing link”.
Comedy at its best in Thunderstick, playing at Toronto Free Gallery theatre
Thunderstick is a play about two cousins chasing a news story. The story is a gem, taking place in the dangerous Ontario woods and the even scarier Parliament Hill. Likewise, Toronto Free Gallery is a gem in an up and coming Toronto neighbourhood.
Toronto Free Gallery is a fascinating venue. As you enter, you are greeted by people with huge smiles. In record time, those people become friends. The front room is an art gallery. I don’t get to galleries nearly often enough, so this was a nice bonus.
