The Second City presented the Cream of Comedy showcase featuring up and coming Toronto comedians
I had the pleasure of attending the 19th annual Cream of Comedy showcase last night at Toronto’s Second City. This night is a little different from other Second City shows, not in terms of the fantastic talent’s ability to make you laugh, but because it’s an annual juried competition that recognizes and encourages up and coming comedic talent in our city. There is a cash prize of $5,000 for the winner. Last night was hosted by Jeff McEnery featured five acts: four comics and an improv group. I’m happy to say that nothing about the night felt amateurish. Everyone on stage was confident, there was no fumbling or second guessing which I was rather impressed by. Continue reading Review: Cream of Comedy 2014 (Tim Sims Encouragement Fund)→
Toronto’s Storefront Theatre presents their adaptation of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler
Hedda Gabler currently playing at the Storefront Theatre is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s original play written in 1890. Since it was written over a century ago I thought there would be parts of the show that were irrelevant or out-of-date but the themes that run through the show are definitely still relatable. You can tell it’s a period piece from the costumes, sets and bits of dialogue but it doesn’t hit you over the head with it. The show revolves around Hedda Gabler, as the titles suggests, and her relationships, insecurities and less than stable mental state.
The show starts off with the maid turning on a light inside the terrarium – that really struck me. It felt like she was turning on the light so we can look in and observe the insects in their confined space. See their interactions, behaviours and try to understand a part of their psyche. Just like the characters on stage who were about to come on and be observed in the confined space of their living room. Continue reading Review: Hedda Gabler (Leroy Street Theatre and Desiderata Theatre Company)→
The Dysmorphia Diet (by Ball of Clay productions playing at the 2014 Toronto Fringe) is a one-woman show that takes a closer look at eating disorders and body image issues. The subject matter is interesting, the script is smart and well written but overall for me this show fell flat. I think it has the elements to make it a great show but unfortunately it’s not yet a great show.
I think therefore I’m Graham (by Laugh Gallery playing at the Toronto Fringe) is a hilarious, laid back stand-up show that is best enjoyed after a couple of drinks with a bunch of friends. Luckily, that seemed to be the atmosphere on the sold-out opening night I attended. We got there about 20 minutes before the show and not only was the show fully sold-out but the waiting list was full as well, so my date didn’t get in. And I really wish he had since Graham Clark’s routine is a non-stop laugh riot with little bits of audience participation which the audience really got into.
