Gian has been a contributor to MoT since June 2013. Other than a couple of theatre history electives in university, Gian’s main theatre experiences date back to his childhood days when he would accompany his parents to shows at the Elgin Theatre or Princess of Wales Theatre. His fondest memory is seeing Les Mis as a child and being in awe of the larger-than-life costumes and musical numbers. When seeing a show, he loves pieces that come from a sincere place of truth – that tell a heartfelt story. During the day, he’s a Toronto Copywriter and Search Marketing Specialist. You can connect with him on both LinkedIn and Twitter. Twitter: @gian_verano
For better or for worse, digital technology has literally made a whole world of products and services available at the click of a button. Without leaving home, you can order up your favourite takeout meal, watch a cinematic masterpiece – and yes, even find a partner for a quick, no-strings fling.
Currently playing at The Winchester Street Theatre, MSM [Men Seeking Men] is a mixed-media, one-hour production that meshes electronic music, interpretive dance and dialogue derived from real online chats to explore the realm of anonymous gay sex.
The Blue Show at Toronto’s InspiraTO Festival delivers a variety of mini plays to tug at your emotional strings
It has often been said that variety is the spice of life. And with an eclectic selection of 25 10-minute plays to enjoy, the InspiraTO Festival is sure to have something on the docket for every taste. From short absurdist comedies to heart-breaking slice-of-life snippets, the plays run the full gamut of emotions – all centred on this year’s theme of crossing dimensions.
The plays are grouped into four main shows: the Red Show, the Blue Show, the Orange Show and the White Show. Each show runs for approximately 70 minutes and features works from established authors and both internationally recognized and up-and-coming playwrights.
I had the privilege to attend and review the opening night performance of this year’s Blue Show.
Alexander Showcase Theatre invites Toronto audiences to solve the mystery of who killed Edwin Drood
In the world of English literature, there are few writers who are as celebrated as the late Charles Dickens. His iconic works, which include A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist – just to name a few – still figure prominently in literary discourse even today.
But unknown to many, his last work was an unfinished one. The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a murder mystery tale that Dickens was writing at the time of his passing.
And for over a century, both fans and scholars have debated the best possible ending to this story.
With no consensus in sight, the Alexander Showcase Theatre’s musical production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood allows audience members to choose the ending for themselves, centering on the most important question of the night: who killed Edwin Drood?
Celebrating innovative works from emerging local companies, The Theatre Centre in Toronto presents this triple bill
The Toronto theatre scene is amazingly robust and diverse. From minimalist slice-of-life pieces to over-the-top theatrical spectacles, our city plays host to a dazzling array of productions hailing from every slice of the population.
The result is a collection of three eclectic shows, presented in succession that explore a wide gamut of thought-provoking subject matter – making for a truly memorable night of top-class theatre.
Stuff Happens, playing at the Randolph Academy, brings the political aftermath of 9/11 to the Toronto stage
On September 11, 2001 two of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers toppled. And on that fateful day, the world was forever changed. Many of us can vividly recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that very moment, but what of the politicians who were charged with leading their nations in the aftermath of that tragedy?
A poignant and intensely paced work of theatre, this production masterfully knits together fact and speculation in order to create a narrative that hypothetically exams the backroom goings-on in America, Britain and France.
On September 11, 2001 two of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers toppled. And on that fateful day, the world was forever changed. Many of us can vividly recall exactly where we were and what we were doing at that very moment, but what of the politicians who were charged with leading their nations in the aftermath of that tragedy?