Photo Coverage: The 'Shrekking' ProcessMarch 26, 2012Shrek the Musical opened last week at The Toronto Centre for the Arts, and BWW was on hand to watch star Lukas Poost go through the 'Shrekking' process. We are thrilled to bring our readers these exclusive photos showing exactly what it takes to make the man into the ogre.
BWW Interviews: Christiane Noll Makes her Toronto Symphony DebutMarch 18, 2012The Toronto Symphony's Pops concert series continues this week with A Century of Broadway, a program that explores the last 100 years in Broadway music. Jeff Tyzik conducts Doug LaBreque and Christiane Noll in an evening that includes everything from operetta to Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Christiane Noll took a few minutes to talk to BWW about what people can expect from this concert, about how we should work to get young people back into the theatre and about her personal musical influences.
BWW Exclusive: Plans Underway for Ramin Karimloo's Toronto HomecomingMarch 13, 2012Last week BWW reported that Ramin Karimloo would launch his first ever North American tour later this year in support of his debut album 'Ramin'. Now, in an exclusive interview with Kelly Cameron, Ramin discloses his plans for a homecoming concert in Toronto. The West End star has never performed professionally on a Toronto stage, instead enjoying success in the UK in productions of Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Love Never Dies and the 25th Anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera. This summer, Ramin plans to finally come home and share what he's been doing with his Canadian fans.
BWW Interviews: Canadians on Broadway - Tony LePageMarch 16, 2012This year is shaping up to be the year of the Canucks on Broadway - with more Canadian representation on the Great White Way than ever before. One of those Canadians is Tony LePage, currently starring in Rock of Ages where he understudies all eight of the male roles. Tony started with the Toronto production of the show before moving to NYC, which he has called home for the last year. He took a few minutes to talk with BWW about what the journey has been like for him, and about why he hopes to continue to call NYC home.
BWW Interviews: WAR HORSE's Melanie DoaneMarch 23, 2012Canadian folk songstress Melanie Doane has been away from the theatre for many years pursuing a very successful solo career. She returns to the Toronto stage in the Mirvish production of WAR HORSE, currently on stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Melanie spoke with BWW about the differences between her solo music and performing in an ensemble piece, her journey back to the theatre, social media and more.
Photo Coverage: The 2012 Genie Awards!March 12, 2012The 2012 Genie Awards were handed out last Thursday in Toronto, celebrating the best in Canadian film and television. Many stars were on hand, including Viggo Mortensen (showing some major support for the Montreal Canadiens) and Jason Priestly. Hosted by George Strombolopolous, the night was filled with fun and recognition for the great work Canadians are doing in film. BWW was thrilled to be on hand to capture photos of the event.
BWW Feature: Profiling 360 ScreeningsMarch 14, 2012360 Screenings is a unique new theatrical venture in the city of Toronto that combines film and live theatre together for an immersive, interactive experience. Launching on May 25th at a secret location, the event promises to allow audience members the opportunity to 'become a part of the film'. BWW spoke with co-founders Ned Loach and Robert Gontier about the project and how it would appeal to theatre lovers.
BWW Interviews: The National Ballet of Canada's Jillian VanstoneMarch 10, 2012The National Ballet's Winter Season opened on February 29th, 2012 with newly promoted Principal Dancer Jillian Vanstone dancing in three lead roles. BWW spoke with Jillian about the challenges associated with her demanding schedule, as well as her advice for up and coming dancers and her feelings on how the ballet can appeal to a younger audience.
BWW Interviews: My Favourite Things with WAR HORSE's Alex FurberMarch 6, 2012The Canadian production of War Horse opened last week to critical acclaim, making an instant star out of Alex Furber, the young actor responsible for bringing the role of Albert to life. Alex sat down with BWW to talk about some of his favourite things past and present, and gives our readers an insight into his personality.
BWW Reviews: The Canadian Company of WAR HORSEFebruary 29, 2012On Tuesday night the all Canadian production of War Horse opened in Toronto, making it the third production of the Tony and Olivier Award winning play worldwide. The show received an immediate and enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience, and proved once again what top notch theatre talent the city of Toronto has to offer.
TV: First Look at WAR HORSE in Toronto!February 29, 2012The all Canadian cast of War Horse, the show about a young boy who's horse is sold to the cavalry during WW1, opened last night, February 28, at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. Productions of War Horse are currently running on the West End and on Broadway and is now appearing on the big screen courtesy of Steven Spielberg. Click below for a performance highlights from the Toronto production of War Horse!
Photo Coverage: WAR HORSE Opens in Toronto - All the Red Carpet Action!February 29, 2012Last night the Toronto production of War Horse opened in Toronto, and had a glitzy red carpet premiere to mark the occasion. Filled with celebrities, prominent community figures and decorated horses, The Princess of Wales was abuzz with excitement over this new production. BWW was thrilled to be on hand to capture the entire event and bring its readers these photos.
BWW Interview Exclusive: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Names Steven Reineke Principal Pops ConductorFebruary 23, 2012The Toronto Symphony has an exciting 2012-2013 season lined up, with something very special for BWW readers - the addition of New York Pops music director Steven Reineke as the first ever Principal Pops Conductor at the TSO. This appointment means an increased number of the pops Pops concerts, and more Broadway themed programming as well. BWW spoke with both Steven and TSO music director Peter Oundjian about the announcement and what it means for the TSO.
BWW Reviews: POTTED POTTER - A Delightfully Engaging ParodYFebruary 22, 2012Dan and Jeff, the british duo behind the hilarious Potted Potter, promise that even non-Harry Potter fans can enjoy their show. I opted to put this theory to the test, and went to review the show having never read a single book in the popular franchise. By the end of the night, I was playing Quidditch with the rest of the audience and laughing until I cried. Potted Potter is a treat for young and old, Potterites and non.
STAGE TUBE: BATMAN'S NIGHT OUT Hits the Streets of TorontoFebruary 21, 2012With Dark Knight Rises hitting theatres this summer, Batman frenzy is already in full swing and Toronto is taking centre stage. It would appear that Canada's largest city has its very own caped crusader, and he has a knack for theatrics! In Batman's Night Out the Dark Knight hits up Yonge-Dundas Square, rides the TTC and struggles with some beef jerky. BWW caught up with Toronto's Batman as well as the director of the video for a couple of quick questions.
BWW Reviews: DANI GIRLFebruary 19, 2012Dani Girl opened last night at Theatre Passe Muraille after a successful run at Barrie's Talk is Free Theatre last year. Directed by the Toronto Star's Richard Ouzounian, the show about a nine year old girl battling leukemia stars Gabi Epstein, Jeff Madden, Jonathan Logan and Amanda Leblanc. Heartfelt, funny, poignant and touching, Dani Girl is a show that will make you think as much as it will make you laugh. Best of all, it is an original and new musical, something the theatre community has been seeing less and less of. Overall, it is a celebration of life, love and the triumph of the human spirit.
BWW Interviews: Jeff Madden Talks DANI GIRLFebruary 18, 2012Jeff Madden is best known to Toronto audiences for portraying the lead role of Frankie Valli in the original Canadian cast of Jersey Boys. Now, he's taking on a very different role in Kooman and Dimond's DANI GIRL, opening tonight. Jeff talks to BWW about the challenges associated with the new role, working with Richard Ouzounian and why young people should come see Dani Girl.
Photo Coverage: First Look at WAR HORSE Canadian CastFebruary 16, 2012War Horse gallops into Toronto on February 28th when the critically acclaimed show has its opening night at The Princess of Wales. The all Canadian cast is currently in previews and wowing audiences across the city, and BWW is thrilled to bring its readers photos of production.