Laura Caswell’s musical theatre tunes and personal stories shine with honesty at Toronto’s Dark Night Cabaret
When Camilla Scott is now better known for hawking cosmetics in living rooms than performing, it is safe to say that there is no musical theatre star power in this country. It’s a shame because the spritely Laura Caswell would surely be one of Canada’s better-known performers. With a 1940s sensibility and a pippy, nearly clipped style, this is a girl who should be at least a few Dora Awards in.
Soulpepper’s closing show of the season, the Christmas spectacular “Parfumerie”, is like wearing a gorgeous piece of vintage jewelry. It serves no other purpose than to look wonderful and to make you feel sparkly and nostalgic. It is a remount from 2009 and it is clear to see why audiences would want to return to its charm. Continue reading Review: Parfumerie (Soulpepper)→
I was excited to attend The Children’s Republic at the Tarragon Theatre. Although I try to see as much Canadian theatre as I possibly can, I had yet to see a piece from acclaimed writer Hannah Moscovitch. I also have a great attraction to theatre and art that deals with anything from the 1940’s.
Along for the ride, was my good friend Ryan. As this is piece about Polish Jews, it seemed particularly fitting. Ryan doesn’t have much family on his father’s side, as most of them were Polish Jews who were killed during this time.
Last night I attended a fundraising concert for fledgling theatre company Theatre 20. Amelia: Musicals that Fly was a staged reading/singing of the story of Amelia Earhart and how she rose to fame as the great female pilot of the ‘20s and ‘30s.
I am interested in any piece from this time period and I loved how when walking into the Panasonic Theatre, big band music was playing from what actually sounded like an old phonograph. My date Ryan was excited too as he loves all things musical, and it is exciting to see something fresh and newly written and performed.
It’s a beautiful Sunday night and I’m walking into the Sony Centre to see Kathy Griffin brought to Toronto byLive Nation . I am surrounded by two demographics – aging suburban women in heels and conservatively dressed gay men. I fall into one of these demographics. I’ll let you decide which one.
All the people in Kathy’s life make the supporting characters of her narrative of “Life on the D-List” – the Emmy winning show that is in its 6th and final season. It is doubtful that anyone in this crowd wasn’t already a fan of Griffin and this show but, just as a recap, a screen comes down with a nice “best of” reel as well as other moments from Griffin’s life.
And that’s why we are here – to hear about her life. Griffin’s act consists mainly of outing celebrity behaviour and we feel like we are privy to her gossip and her smack talk. Continue reading Review: Kathy Griffin at the Sony Centre→
