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.
Fly on the Wall Theatre presented Port Authority at Toronto’s Campbell House Museum
What venue could be more perfect for the staging of Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s Port Authority than Toronto’s historic Campbell House Museum? Recently mounted by Fly on the Wall Theatre, the play is a night of storytelling and reminded me of one of those rare nights when you have a heartfelt conversation with a close friend, father or grandfather. It’s difficult to not use the word “haunting” when describing this play, as it is bound to stay in my memory for some time. Continue reading Review: Port Authority (Fly on the Wall Theatre)→
Stan, my guest for the evening, was also guilty: he hadn’t seen the Christmastime film classic either. As we walked off the streets of 2015 Toronto, up a flight of stairs, down a hall and into the theatre, we were transported to a 1940s radio studio in Manhattan. We were immersed in a beautiful way: there was bleacher-style seating on either side of a radio “pit.” Three microphones, two tables and various props comprised the stage.
All-Female Glengarry Glen Ross Shines at the Red Sandcastle Theatre
Remember the thrill of riding roller coasters when you were young? The anticipation, the speed and intense power would leave you breathless. Leaving the ride, tears would be almost airbrushed to your cheeks and you wanted to get right back in line. If you think those kind of thrills are a thing of the past, think again. There’s an all-female version of Glengarry Glen Ross now onstage at Red Sandcastle Theatre on Queen Street East in Toronto, and seeing this play makes those adolescent thrills seem pale by comparison.
Glengarry Glen Ross is Pullitzer Prize winning play written by David Mamet. It is a play about real estate agents, all of them male. It’s also set in New York City, so dialogue moves along at supersonic speed. The thing that sets this production of Glengarry Glen Ross apart is that all the characters are played by female actors. And for me, that is as exciting and inviting as spring!
This year the annual New Ideas Festival graces the Toronto stage for 27th time and still delivers
Recently I was fortunate enough to visit one of my favourite venues in Toronto – Alumnae Theatre – and finally saw a sure sign of spring: The annual New Ideas Festival. It’s as much reminder of spring and things just around the corner as the date on a calendar.
The New Ideas Festival is everything that is right about theatre. It’s also as exciting and optimistic as spring. Now in its 27th year, the festival fosters new ideas and theatre talent, inspiring actors, directors, playwrights, designers, technicians and, of course, audiences. This year more than 120 artists will stage 12 plays and present 3 readings over three weeks. Now this is the type of positive energy that means spring is in the air!
Alumnae Theatre presents Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer prize-winning play August: Osage County in Toronto
Fly on the Wall Theatre presented Port Authority at Toronto’s Campbell House Museum
Christmas classic, on stage in Toronto, is a “feast of multi-layered talent”!
