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.
Pitch Blond is based on the life of Judy Holliday. Holliday made a career out of playing dumb blondes. She won an Oscar and several other prestigious awards doing so. Meanwhile, she possessed an almost super-human intelligence. It was hard not to be reminded of Gracie Allen or even Lucille Ball while enjoying a drink with Judy, or should I say, watching the play.
As soon as I entered Factory Theatre for Sudden Death, I knew I was in for something special. The stage is part hockey arena, part motel room and part strip club. The play is based on the tragic life of hockey enforcer John Kordic. At first sight of the set, we’re transported into Kordic’s world, on his last night on earth. Oh Next Stage Theatre Festival, you never fail to delight and surprise!
Kordic won the Stanley Cup in his first year in the NHL. He played for four teams over his seven year career, including Montreal and Toronto. He was addicted to steroids, alcohol and cocaine. He was also deeply troubled by his relationship with his father. He died at the age of 27, alone, after an altercation with nine police officers.
Cart/Horse Theatre brings McPherson’s rich dialogue to Toronto’s Berkeley Street Theatre
The folks at Cart/Horse Theatre are self-proclaimed “suckers for a good narrative”. Fortunately for Toronto theatre lovers, they are currently mounting a great narrative. It is called This Lime Tree Bower and it is onstage at Berkeley Street Theatre.
The play takes place in Dublin. It is the story of three young men, Joe, Ray and Frank. Joe and Frank are brothers. Ray is a philosophy instructor who is dating the brothers’ sister. The story involves crimes and coming of age. It is about the three loveable Irish scoundrels coming of age.
Take a trip on a ferry at Toronto’s Great Hall Black Box Theatre for Boblo
Entering Toronto’s Great Hall Black Box Theatre for Boblo is a bit like entering the dock to a ferry. There are refreshments and souvenirs available. The fun begins immediately.
After grabbing popcorn and Faygo, we find our seats. The theatre that has been transformed into a ferry. Boblo is a trip to an amusement park as much as it is theatre. It is about memories and ghosts, too.
Ryerson Theatre School’s Summerfolk is a treat bag of debutantes, dingbats, and good acting
Summerfolk is a Russian play written in 1904 by Maxim Gorky. It is about a garden party attended by elites. As the party progresses, it collapses into something that is part circus and part soap opera. Who doesn’t love a good party?
That the party collapses is a good thing. It allows the veneer to be stripped off of a stuffy tea party and people’s real personalities to emerge.
Seeing Pitch Blond at Factory Theatre’s intimate Antechamber is a lot of fun. It’s a bit like sneaking away from Next Stage Theatre Festival, finding a cozy bar and sharing an intimate drink with a new friend.
As soon as I entered 
