Taylor Long - Page 6

I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees! screams the puppet with three puppeteers on their knees. Unlike the show, I won't spend this in rhyme - and I promise to not take as much of your time. THE LORAX, presented by Mirvish is vivaciously visual. Dr. Seuss's fictional world becomes livable with colourful, captivating designs, folky tunes and unique, striking costumes that create a dreamy theatrical experience. In David Greig's stage version, adapted from the short children's book, most of the one-line story is covered by intermission, leaving the second act to grumble on and on through an already thin plot.

When is the last time you've been awestruck? THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY, presented by Mirvish, puts you face-to-face with seven of the world's greatest illusionists, as they deliver an extraordinary, hypnotizing stage show, exploring magic and trickery through the ages.

Most people love jukebox musicals. Seeing some of the greatest hits from legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins performed live, creates a nostalgic experience that is undeniably entertaining. Unless you're not a fan of the jukebox style - and I should state that generally, I am not. Then for you, this type of show drags itself through a seemingly endless list of tunes with little to no emotional journey.

With a little creativity, anything is possible. Soulpepper's presentation of Bad Hats Theatre's PETER PAN is proof that imagination can push the limits of what is possible on stage. Set in the round, the wonderfully-clever production has chuckling adults and wide-eyed children all believing in fairies.

His melodies are timeless. Tchaikovsky's most popular ballet has become a holiday tradition for audiences across the globe. Lucky for us Torontonians, The National Ballet of Canada's annual production of THE NUTCRACKER is a dazzling masterpiece.

MR. SHI AND HIS LOVER, a new take on an old love story, manipulates perception in a tale of perception manipulation. Through seven non-linear scenes, performed in Mandarin with Chinese and English surtitles, MR. SHI AND HIS LOVER integrates a mix of introspective arias and narrative songs. The themes and boundaries of love are explored in an exploration of music that is difficult to pin down. Is it an opera? Or is it more of a musical?

If love had a sound, it would take the form of the colourful melodies pervading the air during the TSO's BEST OF TCHAIKOVSKY. Led by guest conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, the TSO is showcasing a program of two Tchaikovsky favourites and one rare gem, especially for cellist Joseph Johnson. Wilson demonstrates exquisite leadership throughout the program, shaping the orchestra with sweeping dynamics and wringing an earnest, romantic sound out of a few of Tchaikovsky's most beautiful compositions.

Uncertainty, or the state of being uncertain, involves not being able to clearly identify or define something. Simon Stephens' HEISENBERG thrives on uncertainty. Using physicist Werner Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle as the underlying theme, Canadian Stage's Canadian premiere production fuses science and love in a hard-to-follow tale of opposites attract.

A multi-generational community was created at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's HOME ALONE IN CONCERT. I grew up watching the film and it quickly became a tradition during the holiday season. Spending an evening laughing beside children who are maybe seeing the film for the first time, or grandparents who remember watching the film with their children and are now watching with their grandchildren - all while the score is brought to life by a live orchestra and choir - now that is beautiful.

Ross Petty's annual holiday musical is a tradition for many Torontonians. With this year's production, A CHRISTMAS CAROL - The Family Musical with a SCROOGE LOOSE!, that tradition is sure to continue. Led by AJ Bridel and Dan Chameroy, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is undeniable fun, performed by an abundantly talented cast in what many are calling 'the best panto yet!'.

The Canadian cast of COME FROM AWAY Performs 'Welcome to the Rock' for the media ahead of their highly anticipated return engagement! Part of the 2017-18 Mirvish Subscription Season, the Canadian production of COME FROM AWAY begins performances February 13, 2018 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, ON.

AJ Bridel (CBC's Over the Rainbow, Mirvish's Kinky Boots) chats about life at the end of the rainbow, and what to expect from her in this year's Ross Petty Production - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - The Family Musical with A SCROOGE LOOSE.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra's recording of Handel's MESSIAH received two 2018 GRAMMY Awards Nominations - Best Choral Performance & Producer of the Year, Classical.

Canadian Stage will present the Canadian premiere of Simon Stephens' critically acclaimed romantic comedy-drama, HEISENBERG. Take a look at photos of the play in rehearsal. Opening for previews November 28 (opening night November 30).

The mind is a fascinating, terrifying and often incomprehensible place. The National Ballet of Canada's production of John Neumeier's NIJINSKY explores the mind through the lens of one of the world's most famous ballet dancers, Vaslav Nijinsky. Neumeier's skilled theatricality encompasses the piece, informing the set, costumes and choreography - creating a work of art that is deliriously captivating.

Everyone loves the holidays, making Second City's holiday show a staple of the season. THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY SWEATER pokes fun at the cheery period between Remembrance Day and New Year's Day when we stress about gifts, spend too much time with relatives and drink too much liquor at office parties.

A lesson in what not to say at a dinner party, Mirvish's presentation of Ayad Akhtar's DISGRACED is tense and unsettling. Originally a production from the Hope and Hell Theatre Company, director Robert Ross Parker discusses the play as having 'the power to make us uncomfortable.' Certainly true. As the play dove into controversial discussions of identity politics, gasps were audible all around.

What makes a show unmissable? The perfect combination of smart arrangements performed by an ensemble of artists who are the experts of their instruments. UNCOVERED is all of that. The annual concert, produced by the Musical Stage Company, pays tribute to some of the greatest musicians in the world. This year is no exception - the evening features the music of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, with music direction, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Reza Jacobs.

You could escape the cold weather for those 'hot summer nights', but it may not be as warm as you had hoped. GREASE THE MUSICAL takes us all back Rydell High with a newly imagined production by director and choreographer, Josh Prince (Broadway's Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and Shrek - The Musical). A cast of TV leads do their best bringing the beloved show to life, but the performances, especially the singing, fall flat.

'You don't understand,' repeats Martin. You'll have to see it to really understand. Soulpepper presents Edward Albee's shocking Tony Award-winning play, THE GOAT OR, WHO IS SYLVIA? (2002) Featuring an outstanding cast, including Soulpepper's Artistic Director, Albert Schultz, this production is proof that tremendous performances can sell any subject matter - no matter how taboo.