BWW Reviews: KAT'S CABARET is Rockin' and Eclectic and Fun...and I want more!September 13, 2013In a Canadian town like Stratford, Ontario that is known for formally presenting incredible live talent on a daily basis, it's always fun when some of those talented people involved (as well as their talented friends) come together for a less-formal celebration of all kinds of music (and even some dance). This is what current Stratford Festival performer Katrina Reynolds has put together for KAT'S CABARET; a series of cabarets that have taken place in Stratford this summer. Her more chilled, out, acoustic cabarets have been held at an intimate restaurant with a rustic feel (Montforte on Wellington), and for loud rock and roll themed cabarets, Molly Bloom's Irish Pub has been the venue of choice. The roster of performers is ever-changing and always impressive, allowing for a fun night out that no one should miss!
BWW Reviews: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE at Stratford Festival Should Not be Missed!September 9, 2013THE MERCHANT OF VENICE-arguably William Shakespeare's most controversial play, is being tackled this season at the Stratford Festival for the first time since 2007. Under the direction of (Artistic Director) ANTONI CIMOLINO, this production does not shy away from the controversial nature of many characters' anti-Semitic views, and in fact, highlights the danger of such views by placing this production in a timeline leading up to the Holocaust. The constant reminder of what is to come provides a dark and almost eerie backdrop to this production, creating a thought-provoking dark 'comedy' for the ages.
BWW Reviews: OTHELLO at the Stratford Festival is Tragic Yet TriumphantAugust 27, 2013Director Chris Abraham's production of OTHELLO opened to thunderous applause at Stratford Festival's Avon Theatre. The audience appeared so enthralled by this production that its devastatingly tragic nature seemed to cling to patrons as they exited the theatre. Simultaneously; however, there was a paradoxical sense of excitement and joy about what brilliance had just been witnessed.
BWW Reviews: Stratford Festival's World Premiere of Judith Thompson's THE THRILLAugust 22, 2013When one thinks of Stratford Festival, they might think of the classic productions that are often staged to great acclaim; but it is important that audiences are also aware of the bold new productions that are premiering at the festival. THE THRILL by Judith Thompson is one of these plays and it certainly should not be missed.
BWW Reviews: Stratford Festival's TAKING SHAKESPEARE is Heartwarming and Thought-ProvokingAugust 4, 2013Tuesday night marked the opening of TAKING SHAKESPEARE at Stratford Festival's intimate Studio Theatre. This play, written by Canadian playwright John Murrell, and directed by Diana LeBlanc, tells the story of an unlikely bond that develops between a professor (Martha Henry) and a struggling university student (Luke Humphrey) as they explore Shakespeare's OTHELLO and slowly begin to learn more about one another in the process. This show not only provides a master class in acting, but a master class in OTHELLO as well. It is both poignant and funny and it is sure to leave the audience reflecting on important moments from their own lives (happy or sad) and the people who have left an impact on them over the years.
BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Stratford Festival is an Ode 'To Life'July 24, 2013Stratford Festival's production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF leaves very few human emotions un-experienced by its characters and the audience alike. It explores: human values, happiness in everyday life, newfound love, fear of changes-big and small, the agony and frustration that comes from ignorance and discrimination, and the internal conflict of trying to rectify what you believe with what that means for those you love. This musical is about tradition, joy, heartache, change, faith, family, and most of all…LIFE. FIDDLER is a beloved classic, and to say Director/Choreographer, Donna Feore's production does it justice, is an understatement. First class acting, singing, and dancing; beautiful music; clever set design, and…did I say DANCING? This timeless musical is sure to dazzle audiences of all ages.
BWW Reviews: MARY STUART is a Royal Success at the Stratford FestivalJuly 22, 2013MARY STUART, directed by Stratford Festival Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino; explores the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and her cousin Mary Stuart, the former queen of Scotland-and, and in the eyes of some, a more rightful heir to the English throne. The play was originally written by Friedrich Schiller. This production is based on the adaptation written by Peter Oswald. This production is gripping from start to finish. LUCY PEACOCK and SEANA MCKENNA shine as the feuding cousins. Audiences will not want to miss this fabulous production.
BWW Reviews: Stratford Festival's WAITING FOR GODOT is a Must-SeeJuly 15, 2013Theatre-goers are going to be intrigued and delighted by Stratford Festival's production of WAITING FOR GODOT-directed by Jennifer Tarver, and featured on-stage at the Tom Patterson Theatre until September 26th. Excellent direction by Ms. Tarver, perfect set design by Teresa Przybylski and lighting design by Kimberly Purtell, and a superb cast bring to life Samuel Beckett's famous absurdist play where 'nothing' is said to happen. Something certainly happens inside the Tom Patterson Theatre; however. Something magical happens, and this reviewer encourages you to check it out before the sun sets forever on this glorious and thought-provoking production.
BWW Reviews: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Huron Country Playhouse Will Be One of Your 'Favourite Things!'June 11, 2013The 2013 Season of Drayton Entertainment's Huron Country Playhouse opens in a delightful way with Rodgers and Hammerstein's loveable classic: THE SOUND OF MUSIC! With some of the most beloved songs from the Rodgers and Hammerstein repertoire performed beautifully, and a well-known story told with spunk, freshness, and plenty of heart-it is very likely that THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be one of Grand Bend's "favourite things" this season!
BWW Reviews and Interviews: Cynthia Dale (In Concert)May 27, 2013As part of Stratford Festival's first annual 'Forum', performer Cynthia Dale offers an engaging concert at Stratford's Studio Theatre. BWW reviews the show and chats with Ms. Dale about how the concert came to be.
BWW Interviews: ONE NIGHT STAND's Producers/Directors Elisabeth Sperling and Trish Dalton!February 6, 2013BroadwayWorld's Lauren Gienow talks with ONE NIGHT STAND's Elisabeth Sperling and Trish Dalton, the producers and directors of the film, about the universality of the creative process, the simultaneous panic and excitement that go into the making of a 24 hour musical, and why Jesse Tyler Ferguson ('Modern Family') feels the need to 'birth' a musical at least once a year!
BWW Reviews: Ross Petty's SNOW WHITE: The Deliciously Dopey Family MusicalDecember 19, 2012Currently playing at Toronto's Elgin Theatre until January 5th, is Ross Petty's Holiday Pantomime, 'Snow White: The Deliciously Dopey Musical' Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Pinnochio, and James Bond himself are all here for your entertainment. Music, dancing, audience participation...it all can be found here! There is something for everyone! The perfect family excursion!