Mark Andrew Lawrence - Page 2

There was almost as much drama involved in getting Curtain Call Players' spring production of the musical MISS SAIGON to opening night as there is in the show itself. The recent strike by Toronto Public Library staff locked the company out of their usual venue Fairview Library Theatre. Fortunately, at the very last minute the troupe was able to make arrangements to present the show at Glen Rhodes United Church. For the run of this show teh venue has been dubbed the Rhodes Avenue Theatre.

A dazzling revue of songs by the two Stephens - Sondheim and Schwartz - performed by an enthusiastic cast.

Angelwalk Theater has come up with a real gem with the romantic musical comedy I Love You Because. The show, playing in the cozy Studio Theater in the Toronto Center for the Arts boasts a top-notch cast, fluid direction, a tuneful score and clever, insightful lyrics.

Strong leading performances, some tasty production values and well executed effects help compensate for many of the deficiencies in Shrek The Musical. The show is another sad reminder of how Broadway is currently bereft of creativity and imagination. Shrek is derivative drek. * * (out of 5)

Familiar songs and some lively performances make the production of ALL SHOOK UP at Stage West Dinner Theatre a frothy entertainment. * * * * (out of 5)

Three items to note about Encore Entertainment's production of The Laramie Project: 1. Arrive early - evening performances begin a 7:30 and matinees at 1:30. 2. Plan to stay after the show for the talk-back with cast members. 3. Bring lots of Kleenex…you will need it! * * * * * (out of 5)

It is always great when the performers on stage are having such a good time that those watching can't help but get swept up in the fun, and that is exactly what happens in Curtain Call Players' tightly-paced production of Hairspray, making it a joy from start to finish. * * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

When Two Pianos Four Hands premiered at Toronto's Tarragon Theater in 1996 it struck an immediate chord with critics and audiences that still resonates in this latest remount, which opened at the Panasonic Theatre for a limited engagement playing until November 20.

Encore Entertainment presents an original revue built around a variety of show tunes and exploring the modern day stresses of love, marriage and family life. Featuring songs the scores of HAIR, WICKED, GUYS AND DOLLS, COMPANY and many other shows, LOVE AND OTHER STRESSES offers a program of sparkling entertainment.

Tony nominated for his performance in FELA! Sahr Ngaujah stars in the touring production, which will play at the Canon Theatre October 25 to November 6.

Withe their latest production, The Winslow Boy, Stage Centre Productions - with a new Artistic Director at the helm - maintains the same high standards that has made the g4oup one of Toronto's finest repertory theatre companies. * * * * * (out of 5)

Stage West Dinner Theatre brings The Marvelous Wonderettes to Toronto audiences. The nearly endless parade of pop standards, novelty tunes and early rock'n'roll songs gives the show a built-in nostalgia factor that proves popular with Stage West audiences.

This new production of The Secret Garden comes to us from The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh. A tighter, more effective first act is a decided improvement, and though the show remains somewhat problematic, it will entertain and delight your inner child. * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

Encore Entertainment is opening their production of Leonard Gershe's Butterflies Are Free this week. Reviewed at a dress rehearsal performance, I am happy to report the show is so good there's no need to wait until opening night to spread the word. You won't want to miss it! * * * * * (out of 5)

A top-notch cast coupled with crisp direction makes Theatre Unlimited's revival of the Broadway musical Cabaret a powerful performance. * * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

A thoroughly enjoyable production of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS from Hart House Theatre. Show has a clever book and a delightful score, and the cast makes the most of both. * * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

The Civic Light Opera Company Anything Goes AUDITIONS Feb. 15 and 22 - 5:00 to 8:00 by appointment RSVP by e-mail - CivicLightOpera@aol.com

Encore Entertainment's production of the off=beat Broadway hit THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a crowd-pleaser. Enriched by both crisp direction and fine performances, the musical seems a perfect fit for the cozy confines of the Studio theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. * * * * (OUT OF 5)

After two weeks of previews, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT had its official opening in Toronto on Tuesday October 26. The production is in terrific shape and delivers both spectacle and spectacular entertainment. Even when it falters, as it does on occasion, the musical is lively and tremendous fun.

Wicked is a fun , entertaining show and the touring production on view at the Canon Theatre has enough magic to make one forgive some of the inadequacies, but it isn't as sharp a production as was previously seen here. * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)