Mark Andrew Lawrence - Page 6

Senior students at University of Toronto's Erindale Campus Theatre program tackle Richard Wilbur's translation of Jean Racine's 17th Century play and come up with a powerful production. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Theatre Unlimited offers a generally fine community production of the classic Arthur Laurents-Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheim musical Gypsy - but undoes it but cutting the final scene!! * * 1/2 (out of 5)

Some high-energy performers backed by a terrific band make the new revue at Stage West Dinner Theatre an enjoyable if somewhat overpowering smorgasbord. * * * (out of 5)

The Broadway Tour of Rent provides Toronto audiences with a fairly close facsimile of the true original - as opposed to the hand-me-down tours that have previously played the city. The show, however, remains problematic. * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

Encore Entertainment's first show of the season is a winner, the very funny - and at times quite campy Ruthless. Thanks to a terrific cast and brisk pacing, the laughs never let up.

Dancap scores another Toronto victory with the hilariously over-the-top camp musical 'The Toxic Avenger.' Production values are Broadway caliber for this off-Broadway show, and with a top-notch cast headed by Louise Pitre, Evan Alexander Smith and Brittany Gray, the show should continue ricking The Music Hall for many months to come. * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Nightwood Theatre, in co-production with The Canadian Stage Company, is proud to present the Canadian premiere of That Face, opening Thursday night at thw Berkeley Street Theatre.

Altar Boyz has been extended one more week at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Show now closes October 18. (Ruthless will open there the following week.)

Scarborough Music Theatre (SMT) presents the tony Award winning musical 'Nine' at Scarborough Village Theatre, November 5 to 21.

Sondheim in September. a charity event benefiting The Actors Fund Of Canada, will be presented at Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto on Monday September 21, Monday September 28 and Monday October 5. Tickets for each program are $25 or buy all 3 for $60. Available online at www.sondheiminseptember.com or by calling Ticketline: (647) 367-8477.

A new musical opened in Toronto for a limited run this week, and the score reveals a major new talent. Jonathan Blankenstein, though still a University student has created the book, music and lyrics for The Facebook Musical. It?s onstage in the Berkeley Street upstairs theatre through Saturday. * * * * (OUT OF 5

Canadian premiere of this cult musical proves to be a generally solid production. Expect sold out performances as word gets out on this one.

Studio 5040 Cabarets to hold auditions for Cabaret performers.

The Shaw Festival Company is deeply saddened to announce the passing of long-time Resident Director, Neil Munro. Mr. Munro died July 13, 2009 at the age of 62 at London Ontario's University Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Dancap Productions presents the Canadian Premiere of The Toxic Avenger opening at The Music Hall Halloween 2009.

The Hills Have Never Been More Alive - the lavish new production of the timeless classic THE SOUND OF MUSIC is extending its Toronto engagement through June 28, 2009 with 200,000 more tickets. Tickets for this new booking period go on sale Monday February 2nd.

Following last season?s successful production of Cliff Jones? SOMETHING?S ROCKIN? IN DENMARK, capricorn 9 productions is proud to present Cliff Jones? landmark musical HEY MARILYN at the Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, from June 18-26. (7 performances only!)

The Civic Light Opera Company's Toronto premiere production of A Class Act affords a chance to get to know some of Ed Kleban's catalogue. It is a catalogue filled with eloquent songs, and production that is exceptionally well acted and sung. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Stage West Dinner theatre offers a downsized version of the Tony winning Broadway hit. Where it works it is due to the strength of the material and the commitment of the performers. The result is still funny and entertaining, but will leave some wondering what all the hullabaloo was about when the show played on Broadway. * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Encore Entertainment's staging of Neil Simon's hit comedy delivers teh laughs without neglecting the play's melancholy subtext. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)