Never have I been more proud to be a Torontonian, than after seeing Canstage TD Canada Trust Dream in High Park. It was, simply the BEST Shakespearean production I have EVER seen, ANYWHERE.
This season’s production of Romeo and Juliet was clever, beautiful, and accessible. It retold the familiar story with an infectious energy and all without pandering to young audiences or needlessly resorting to “modern-day” vernacular.
Come Tumbling Down was the story of an awkward romance turned terribly wrong. Jack meets Jill online and they arrange to meet at a restaurant for dinner. Despite Jack’s incredible nervousness (and perhaps, a minor social disorder) Jill falls in love and wants to pursue some kind of relationship.
To Distraction was the most beautiful, thought-provoking play I’ve seen this year. The premise was simple enough: 16 year-old Violet is having a birthday party and we witness her guests’ intimate car chats as they drive to Violet’s to celebrate.
There’s something inexplicable about the hilarity of a talking, oversized vagina. You can imagine my delight when said oversized vagina began to sing and dance! Many of you will know already if this show is up your alley, but for those who need more explanation, read on.
The Annex Theatre’s wood-paneled walls and symmetrical wooden staircases provided an excellent backdrop for Just the Ticket – an 80’s era comedy about a young barfly’s love of Billy Joel and his attempts to snag tickets to “the concert of the century”. If you know Billy Joel’s work inside and out, you may appreciate Just the Ticket even more, but I needed no prior knowledge to laugh out loud (lol) repeatedly at the wonderful performances and clever writing.
