All posts by Michelle Barker

Review: Richard III (Hart House Theatre)

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by Michelle Barker

Ladies and gentlemen, in no way is this your average production of Richard III.  It’s more violent, more complex, and compact for your convenience.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with this particular history play, here’s a quick rundown:  Richard III picks up after King Henry VI part III after the wars of the roses and continues the story of the struggle for power between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians.  Richard Gloucester, the misshapen and maniacal brother of the reigning King Edward, lays plots to take the throne by any means necessary.  Filled with seduction, murder, wit, and clever asides, Richard is known as one of Shakespeare’s most ruthless villains.   Continue reading Review: Richard III (Hart House Theatre) →

Rochdale: Livin’ the Dream (Hey, How Ya Been?) – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

by Michelle Barker

Reaching a higher state of mind in Rochdale circa 1969

The plot of Rochdale: Livin’ the Dream at Tarragon is established pretty quickly when you walk into the Main Space; the set is made up of a radio station in one corner, some egg crates, and a graffiti wall featuring pictures of all things psychedelic: flowers, poetry, and lots of drugs. Continue reading Rochdale: Livin’ the Dream (Hey, How Ya Been?) – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review →

The Aquarium (Good Egg and Triple Take Productions) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

by Michelle Barker

The story of an ex-playwright cursed with a farcical life comes to the Toronto Fringe

I really thought that this show was going to be a drama when I went to see it.  Something about the definite article The just screams drama to me.  The Aquarium is actually a romantic comedy.  And it’s making audiences laugh and feel romantic at Factory Theatre right now. Continue reading The Aquarium (Good Egg and Triple Take Productions) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review →

Big in Germany (Ten Foot Pole Productions) – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

By Michelle Barker

A band that Canadians have never heard of hits the Toronto Fringe
You’ve probably never heard of the band All Powers, but they’re really big in Germany.  Ten Foot Pole Productions, known most recently for their production of Fucking Stephen Harper, has returned to the Toronto Fringe with another show to amuse, entertain, and potentially offend men and women of all ages.

At its heart, Big in Germany is a classic rags-to-riches, coming-of-age, coming out story with subplots about pornography thrown in.  The play’s main characters, Alex and Bruce, set out to become international Rockstars in hopes of obtaining loads of cash, loads of women, and fame.  Unfortunately for them, their music isn’t appreciated outside of their German-based fanbase.

Continue reading Big in Germany (Ten Foot Pole Productions) – 2010 Toronto Fringe Review →