Lauren Gienow - Page 6

If you are taking in some shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival, make sure to catch at least one performance of CONFIDENTIAL MUSICAL THEATRE PROJECT! On stage at the Al Green Theatre, this musical experience is a delightful adventure for the audience and performers alike.

The Toronto Fringe Festival is in full swing and last night, this reviewer had the pleasure to take in a fun and touching production at the Al Green Theatre. AM I PRETTY NOW: A MUSICAL ROMP THROUGH PLASTIC SURGERY written and performed by Stephanie Herrera is described as 'the first plastic surgery musical'. It is poignant and funny, and relatable-even to those who have not gone under the knife. The best comedy comes from a place of vulnerability, and Herrerra does this beautifully with this autobiographical story.

This season at the Stratford Festival has proven to be a stellar one, and Jackie Maxwell's production of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley's THE CHANGELING on the Tom Patterson Theatre stage is no exception. The questionable morals and values of the characters, and the intense relationships between certain characters leave the audience feeling uncomfortable (as was likely intended by the playwrights) but the performances by the members of the company and the overall impact of the production itself, leaves the audience feeling exhilarated.

Stratford Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino is directing one production this season and it is Richard Brinsley Sheridan's THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL. Mounted on the Avon Theatre stage, this production boasts a fabulous company and a commentary on society that is far from outdated.

If you are planning a family trip to Stratford, Ontario in the coming months, here's something to add to your itinerary. Schulich Children's Plays' TREASURE ISLAND-currently on stage at Stratford Festival's Avon Theatre, is filled with wonder and delight and is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

TIMON OF ATHENS opened at Stratford Festival's Tom Patterson Theatre on Friday night. It is probably one of the more relatable cautionary tales that Shakespeare has produced, which explains why the Festival continues to have it set in modern times. Director, Stephen Ouimette takes this production on for a second time, as he also directed it in Stratford in 2004. I did not have the opportunity to see his previous production, but this one is impressive.

ROMEO AND JULIET opened at the Stratford Festival on Thursday night. Director, Scott Wentworth's production takes the Festival Theatre stage by storm and is captivating from start to finish. This is the third production of ROMEO AND JULIET that this reviewer has had the privilege of seeing at the Festival, and it is without a doubt, my favourite.

Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS PINAFORE is gracing the Stratford Festival stage for the first time in 25 years and only the fourth time in the history of the festival. Mounted at the Avon Theatre, directed by Lezlie Wade, and choreographed by Kerry Gage, this production possesses the perfect balance of fun, ridiculousness and sentiment. The music is gorgeous, the company is brilliant and as a whole, it is simply delightful.

The Stratford Festival's production of GUYS AND DOLLS opened on Tuesday night at the Festival Theatre and it is sure to be a hit. The performances, the glorious music, the set and lighting design, and the choreography all hit the right note and allow for a fantastic production to be enjoyed by all.

On Monday night, prior to the official opening of Stratford Festival's 65th season, it was formally announced that the Festival has received a Provincial Grant of $20 million to rebuild the Tom Patterson Theatre.

The 65th season of the Stratford Festival officially opened on Monday night with a production of William Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT. Director, Martha Henry has assembled a fabulous group of players and they do not disappoint. Just the thought of Geraint Wyn Davies, Tom Rooney, and Brent Carver sharing comedic scenes together had me rushing to the Festival Theatre to see this play. All three are as fantastic as one could hope for, but everyone else is equally as enchanting in their roles as well.

Well, another season of GREY'S ANATOMY is in the books. Thursday's finale, written by Stacy McKee and directed by Debbie Allen, was packed with action and emotion. We said goodbye to a series regular, and got a glimpse of what will likely be the prominent storylines to start off next season. Oh ya…There was also a huge fire in the hospital.

Wow. What an episode of GREY'S ANATOMY. The penultimate episode of season 13, entitled “True Colors” went out with a literal bang and left us all waiting with baited breath to see what happens in next week's finale. The three main story-lines of the episode could have each been an episode of it's own; Owen gets life changing news about his sister Megan, Alex has found Jo's abusive husband, and Edwards finds herself and a young patient in a terrifying situation with a dangerous patient. The episode was written by William Harper and directed by Kevin McKidd.

Thursday night's episode of GREY'S ANATOMY, written by Elizabeth R. Finch and directed by Zetna Fuentes, offered viewers a tale of two tumors—two very different patient cases in which the doctors want to try to remove a tumor but the patient (or patient's parents) do not want them to…for very different reasons. As the medical cases play out, we also get an update on the Arizona/Eliza romance, and the Meredith/Riggs romance (and Maggie's stance on it). We also see Edwards finally reach her boiling point with the existential crisis she has quietly having all season. Oh, and I'm pretty sure Alex is tracking down Jo's estranged, abusive husband…so that should be interesting.

Last night's episode of GREY'S ANATOMY, entitled 'Don't Stop Me Now' did not disappoint. The Meredith/Riggs/Maggie story took a giant step forward when Maggie finally learned that Meredith and Riggs are a thing. Richard and Catherine finally buried the hatchet; Alex's patient, Veronica (who we first met earlier this season) returned to have her baby; and a super lovey dovey young couple named Mary and Dennis first disgusted us with their pet names for each other…and then really disgusted us with the worms that were breeding inside Mary. This episode brought the laughs, the tears, the unique medical storylines….And some super gross worms. What else could a GREY'S fan ask for???

This week's GREY'S ANATOMY literally took the drama to new heights with the episode “In The Air Tonight” (which has been advertised all week as #GreysOnAPlane). The bulk of this episode, directed by Chandra Wilson, takes place on a plane that hits some pretty serious turbulence mid flight. Meredith and Riggs both happen to be on the plane and are forced to jump into doctor mode when passengers experience medical emergencies. This doesn't mean that their own romantic turbulence takes the back burner however, as Meredith finally confronts her feelings and reservations about moving forward romantically with Riggs.

GREY'S ANATOMY was in top form on Thursday night. The episode was called WHAT'S INSIDE and newcomer, Nzingha Stewart, was the director. This episode had a little bit of everything…a fascinating medical case, moments of laughter, moments of tears, callbacks to some significant past storylines on the show, new friendships forming, etc. It also provided a beautiful commentary on grief and on how there is no normal way to grieve (though there are certainly some ways that are healthier than others).

Tonight's emotional hour was entitled “Be Still My Soul” and it marked lead, Ellen Pompeo's directorial debut. Two weeks ago at Paleyfest, Ms. Pompeo commented on how the story in this episode had a great deal of meaning to her and it was important that this be the one that she direct. The episode centers on Maggie's struggle to come to terms with her mother's illness and eventual death. It also explores the beautiful relationship that exists between a child (of any age) and their mother. Guest star LaTanya Richardson Jackson is fantastic as Diane Pierce and Kelly McCreary (Maggie) breaks hearts with her performance.

BWW TV had the chance to catch up with several members of the GREY'S ANATOMY cast on the Paleyfest Red Carpet and then get some scoop from the official Panel discussion. Here is a transcript of interviews with: Jerrika Hinton, Jason George, Kelly McCreary, James Pickens Jr. , Giacomo Gianniotti, Chandra Wilson, Caterina Scorsone, and Debbie Allen and some tidbits from the panel.

Saturday afternoon at the Dolby Theatre, the four CW Network Super Hero television programs were all celebrated at Paleyfest. On hand, were some executive producers and members of the casts of ARROW, THE FLASH, SUPER GIRL, and DC LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. Moderating the panel was comic book super fan, Kevin Smith.