Upcoming Live Streamed Performances at National Arts Center
by BWW News Desk - June 16, 2020
The NAC collaborates with artists and arts organizations across the country, acts as a catalyst for performance; invests in ambitious new works by artists and arts organizations nation-wide; and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. Situated on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe nation, the NAC is accessible and welcoming to all, and offers a variety of free programming and events.
by BWW News Desk - June 16, 2020
The NAC collaborates with artists and arts organizations across the country, acts as a catalyst for performance; invests in ambitious new works by artists and arts organizations nation-wide; and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. Situated on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe nation, the NAC is accessible and welcoming to all, and offers a variety of free programming and events.
Cappies' 15th Season is Cancelled
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2020
For high school drama and English students in Ottawa, this time of year is usually brimming with anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately, this year it's filled with disappointment with the announcement that Canada's Capital Cappies had canceled the remainder of what was its 15th anniversary season.
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2020
For high school drama and English students in Ottawa, this time of year is usually brimming with anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately, this year it's filled with disappointment with the announcement that Canada's Capital Cappies had canceled the remainder of what was its 15th anniversary season.
National Arts Center Relief Fund For Live Streaming Reaches $600,000
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2020
The National Arts Centre is pleased to announce that #CanadaPerforms, a relief fund in support of Canadian artists performing online during the global health crisis posed by COVID-19 pandemic, has now reached $600,000 and will extend its programming for a longer period. Developed in collaboration with Facebook Canada, this program was launched on Thursday, March 19 with an initial amount of $100,000. On Saturday March 21, a subsequent gift of $100,000 from Slaight Music was announced. #CanadaPerforms is now welcoming two new supporters of the initiative: RBC Foundation with $200,000 and SiriusXM Canada with $200,000.
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2020
The National Arts Centre is pleased to announce that #CanadaPerforms, a relief fund in support of Canadian artists performing online during the global health crisis posed by COVID-19 pandemic, has now reached $600,000 and will extend its programming for a longer period. Developed in collaboration with Facebook Canada, this program was launched on Thursday, March 19 with an initial amount of $100,000. On Saturday March 21, a subsequent gift of $100,000 from Slaight Music was announced. #CanadaPerforms is now welcoming two new supporters of the initiative: RBC Foundation with $200,000 and SiriusXM Canada with $200,000.
Anonymous Donor Brings Hope And Assistance To 50 Senior Artists Amid The COVID-19 Crisis
by BWW News Desk - April 16, 2020
When PAL Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council learned that a generous anonymous donor wished to donate $50,000 through their fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation to support local artists and arts workers struggling through the COVID-19 crisis, they had underestimated how great an emotional impact it would make in our senior artistic community.
by BWW News Desk - April 16, 2020
When PAL Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council learned that a generous anonymous donor wished to donate $50,000 through their fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation to support local artists and arts workers struggling through the COVID-19 crisis, they had underestimated how great an emotional impact it would make in our senior artistic community.
Ottawa Arts Council Announces The 2020 Arts Awards Recipients
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2020
The Ottawa Arts Council announced the final recipient of the highly-anticipated annual Arts Awards today as a week-long social media campaign celebrating the exceptional artists in our community came to a close. This year's laureates included Artistic Director Pier Rodier, Singer-songwriter Rebecca Noelle and musician Asuquomo (aka Morris Ogbowu).
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2020
The Ottawa Arts Council announced the final recipient of the highly-anticipated annual Arts Awards today as a week-long social media campaign celebrating the exceptional artists in our community came to a close. This year's laureates included Artistic Director Pier Rodier, Singer-songwriter Rebecca Noelle and musician Asuquomo (aka Morris Ogbowu).
Anonymous Donor Providing Financial Relief To 50 Ottawa Artists And Arts Workers Aged 55+
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2020
Thanks to the support of a generous anonymous donor through their fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation, PAL Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council announced today that emergency funding has been made available to offer immediate financial support of $900 to 50 Ottawa freelance artists and arts workers aged 55 and over. This financial support is designed to assist those already below the poverty line as they encounter a loss of work and income.
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2020
Thanks to the support of a generous anonymous donor through their fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation, PAL Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council announced today that emergency funding has been made available to offer immediate financial support of $900 to 50 Ottawa freelance artists and arts workers aged 55 and over. This financial support is designed to assist those already below the poverty line as they encounter a loss of work and income.
GCTC To Close And Reopen April 5 In Response To COVID-19
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2020
Great Canadian Theatre Company will close and reopen April 5 in response to COVID-19.
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2020
Great Canadian Theatre Company will close and reopen April 5 in response to COVID-19.
BWW Review: Broadway Across Canada's Touring Production of CATS Proves Its Enduring Appeal
by Courtney Castelino - March 11, 2020
The touring production of CATS has changed in the more than fifteen years since I first saw it, but all of the elements that make the Andrew Lloyd Webber show a classic remain intact. The set is fairly simple: a junkyard where the cats congregate to celebrate the annual Jellicle Ball, when Old Deuteronomy (Adam Richardson) will choose which cat goes to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. There are many contenders for the coveted position. We have Jennyanydots (Dani Goldstein), the seemingly lazy Gumbie cat who sleeps all day but works hard all night, demonstrated in a wonderful tap dancing sequence replete with a roaring twenties style flapper outfit. Then, there is the Rum Tum Tugger (McGee Maddox), the narcissistic, spoiled cat with the sexy swagger, who is a favourite of the lady-cats. Grizabella (Donna Vivino), the once glamourous cat, now past her prime and ostracized by the others. Gus, the Theatre Cat (Timothy Gulan), when aided by a toothful of gin, regales the audience with stories of his career on the stage, when he acted alongside theatre greats and once even 'understudied Dick Whittington's cat'. The Magical Mister Mistoffelees (PJ DiGaetano), shows off his impressive tricks and manages to conjure Old Deuteronomy, who was been kidnapped by Macavity (Brayden Newby), the nefarious 'Napoleon of crime'. Okay, so the plot is, perhaps, a little odd and the story may be disjointed. This is only natural, considering that the musical is based on a collection of whimsical poems written by T.S. Elliot for children. I think the reason CATS remains so popular after nearly forty years is because of the level of detail given to each character, from the costumes and make-up to each cat's story as they are introduced one by one, song by song, to the audience. Even the chorus cats have their own personalities. There is truly something for everyone in this show.
by Courtney Castelino - March 11, 2020
The touring production of CATS has changed in the more than fifteen years since I first saw it, but all of the elements that make the Andrew Lloyd Webber show a classic remain intact. The set is fairly simple: a junkyard where the cats congregate to celebrate the annual Jellicle Ball, when Old Deuteronomy (Adam Richardson) will choose which cat goes to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. There are many contenders for the coveted position. We have Jennyanydots (Dani Goldstein), the seemingly lazy Gumbie cat who sleeps all day but works hard all night, demonstrated in a wonderful tap dancing sequence replete with a roaring twenties style flapper outfit. Then, there is the Rum Tum Tugger (McGee Maddox), the narcissistic, spoiled cat with the sexy swagger, who is a favourite of the lady-cats. Grizabella (Donna Vivino), the once glamourous cat, now past her prime and ostracized by the others. Gus, the Theatre Cat (Timothy Gulan), when aided by a toothful of gin, regales the audience with stories of his career on the stage, when he acted alongside theatre greats and once even 'understudied Dick Whittington's cat'. The Magical Mister Mistoffelees (PJ DiGaetano), shows off his impressive tricks and manages to conjure Old Deuteronomy, who was been kidnapped by Macavity (Brayden Newby), the nefarious 'Napoleon of crime'. Okay, so the plot is, perhaps, a little odd and the story may be disjointed. This is only natural, considering that the musical is based on a collection of whimsical poems written by T.S. Elliot for children. I think the reason CATS remains so popular after nearly forty years is because of the level of detail given to each character, from the costumes and make-up to each cat's story as they are introduced one by one, song by song, to the audience. Even the chorus cats have their own personalities. There is truly something for everyone in this show.
BWW Review: Orpheus' ROCK OF AGES Will Have You Rockin' in Your Seats at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
by Courtney Castelino - March 08, 2020
Orpheus Musical Theatre's production of Rock of Ages is designed to get you in the rock 'n roll mood from the get-go, starting with the voice-over introduction warning the audience to prepare to have their 'faces melted'. The show has its very own narrator, Lonny (Brennan Richardson), whose energy and charisma is palpable. Lonny introduces the two main characters, Sherrie (Rana Laviolette) and Drew (Connor McMahon) and we are presented with their backstories so we get to know them better. Sherrie, originally from small-town Kansas, has come to L.A. with her heart full of hopes and dreams of making it big as an actress. Drew works as a bar back at the Bourbon Room, a famous watering hole known for its live music scene. Drew, himself, is an aspiring musician and prefers to be known by his stage name, Wolfgang Von Colt. Within moments of her arrival on the Sunset Strip, Sherrie is mugged. Drew sees the incident and invites Sherrie into the Bourbon Room. He manages to sweet-talk the Bourbon Room's owner, Dennis Dupree (Malcolm Scott), into giving Sherrie a waitressing job, even though the Bourbon has recently fallen on tough times (the view Dennis is treated to as Sherrie bends over to pick up a penny may have also been a contributing factor). While romance begins to blossom between Drew and Sherrie, we discover that a foreign property developer, Hertz Klineman (Wayne McNamara) and his son, Franz (Paddy Allen-McCarthy), have bribed L.A.'s mayor (Neil Cachero) in order to demolish the Sunset Strip and make way for a new development. Meanwhile, Dennis and Lonny try to drum up business by arranging for the great Stacee Jaxx (D.J. Eyamie) to have his final performance with Arsenal at the Bourbon Room, where the band got its start. After sparks sputter out between Sherrie and Drew, Sherrie and Stacee have a quickie in the men's washroom and Drew quits his job to take an offer he can't refuse. Sherrie ends up getting fired and goes to work at the Venus Club, owned by Justice 'Call me Mama' Charlier (Jerusha Lewis). Regina Koontz (Christa Cullain), the mayor's former assistant and now chief protester of the development project, tries to appeal to Franz' sensitive nature to circumvent the demolition. Lonny and Dennis come to a revelation. Incredibly, all these plot lines ultimately converge in bizarre ways and all's well that ends well (except, perhaps, for Stacee and the llama). The cast performances were a bit uneven, which was most apparent during some of the melodies for which the show is famous. More than one singer had trouble focusing on their individual parts to let the melodies harmonize, opting instead to try to sing over the others. This had the unfortunate effect of interrupting the flow of the intersecting melodies. Lewis and Eyamie were two notable exceptions but, regrettably, had smaller roles. Richardson also gave a strong performance as Lonny and was able to effectively hold the story together as the narrator. The choreography (Andy Allen-McCarthy) was superbly executed. The ensemble numbers were tight and a pleasure to watch. Taeyun Moon (Ensemble) and Katie Shapiro (Waitress #1, Ensemble) gave particularly strong performances. Lighting was generally effective; however, spotlights were used as a focal point in a number of scenes resulting in the actors' faces being obscured, as the spotlights only highlighted them from the waist down (at least from my vantage point). The costumes (Susan Cole) and stage direction (Andréa Black) were both well done - in particular, with the reveal of Franz and Regina's 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' outfits. The best songs were the big, showy, numbers with lots of ensemble chorus, such as 'Cum On Feel the Noize / Just Like Livin' in Paradise/ Nothing But a Good Time', 'We Built This City/Too Much Time on My Hands', 'Here I Go Again', and 'Don't Stop Believing'. Despite some flaws, the show is lots of fun and jam-packed full of songs that most people know and can sing along to. The audience clearly loved it; clapping in time to the music and laughing out loud at many of Lonny's antics. Rock of Ages is recommended for anyone nostalgic for 80s rock music and a fun storyline. This show would also make a fantastic date night. Some strong language and sexually suggestive scenes may make it best to let your littlest rockers sit this one out. Rock of Ages is at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe until March 15, 2020. For more information or to buy tickets, go to https://www.orpheus-theatre.ca/rock-of-ages.
by Courtney Castelino - March 08, 2020
Orpheus Musical Theatre's production of Rock of Ages is designed to get you in the rock 'n roll mood from the get-go, starting with the voice-over introduction warning the audience to prepare to have their 'faces melted'. The show has its very own narrator, Lonny (Brennan Richardson), whose energy and charisma is palpable. Lonny introduces the two main characters, Sherrie (Rana Laviolette) and Drew (Connor McMahon) and we are presented with their backstories so we get to know them better. Sherrie, originally from small-town Kansas, has come to L.A. with her heart full of hopes and dreams of making it big as an actress. Drew works as a bar back at the Bourbon Room, a famous watering hole known for its live music scene. Drew, himself, is an aspiring musician and prefers to be known by his stage name, Wolfgang Von Colt. Within moments of her arrival on the Sunset Strip, Sherrie is mugged. Drew sees the incident and invites Sherrie into the Bourbon Room. He manages to sweet-talk the Bourbon Room's owner, Dennis Dupree (Malcolm Scott), into giving Sherrie a waitressing job, even though the Bourbon has recently fallen on tough times (the view Dennis is treated to as Sherrie bends over to pick up a penny may have also been a contributing factor). While romance begins to blossom between Drew and Sherrie, we discover that a foreign property developer, Hertz Klineman (Wayne McNamara) and his son, Franz (Paddy Allen-McCarthy), have bribed L.A.'s mayor (Neil Cachero) in order to demolish the Sunset Strip and make way for a new development. Meanwhile, Dennis and Lonny try to drum up business by arranging for the great Stacee Jaxx (D.J. Eyamie) to have his final performance with Arsenal at the Bourbon Room, where the band got its start. After sparks sputter out between Sherrie and Drew, Sherrie and Stacee have a quickie in the men's washroom and Drew quits his job to take an offer he can't refuse. Sherrie ends up getting fired and goes to work at the Venus Club, owned by Justice 'Call me Mama' Charlier (Jerusha Lewis). Regina Koontz (Christa Cullain), the mayor's former assistant and now chief protester of the development project, tries to appeal to Franz' sensitive nature to circumvent the demolition. Lonny and Dennis come to a revelation. Incredibly, all these plot lines ultimately converge in bizarre ways and all's well that ends well (except, perhaps, for Stacee and the llama). The cast performances were a bit uneven, which was most apparent during some of the melodies for which the show is famous. More than one singer had trouble focusing on their individual parts to let the melodies harmonize, opting instead to try to sing over the others. This had the unfortunate effect of interrupting the flow of the intersecting melodies. Lewis and Eyamie were two notable exceptions but, regrettably, had smaller roles. Richardson also gave a strong performance as Lonny and was able to effectively hold the story together as the narrator. The choreography (Andy Allen-McCarthy) was superbly executed. The ensemble numbers were tight and a pleasure to watch. Taeyun Moon (Ensemble) and Katie Shapiro (Waitress #1, Ensemble) gave particularly strong performances. Lighting was generally effective; however, spotlights were used as a focal point in a number of scenes resulting in the actors' faces being obscured, as the spotlights only highlighted them from the waist down (at least from my vantage point). The costumes (Susan Cole) and stage direction (Andréa Black) were both well done - in particular, with the reveal of Franz and Regina's 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' outfits. The best songs were the big, showy, numbers with lots of ensemble chorus, such as 'Cum On Feel the Noize / Just Like Livin' in Paradise/ Nothing But a Good Time', 'We Built This City/Too Much Time on My Hands', 'Here I Go Again', and 'Don't Stop Believing'. Despite some flaws, the show is lots of fun and jam-packed full of songs that most people know and can sing along to. The audience clearly loved it; clapping in time to the music and laughing out loud at many of Lonny's antics. Rock of Ages is recommended for anyone nostalgic for 80s rock music and a fun storyline. This show would also make a fantastic date night. Some strong language and sexually suggestive scenes may make it best to let your littlest rockers sit this one out. Rock of Ages is at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe until March 15, 2020. For more information or to buy tickets, go to https://www.orpheus-theatre.ca/rock-of-ages.
DAISY Comes to Great Canadian Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - February 28, 2020
Daisy tells the true story of the first modern political attack ad: the a?oeDaisya?? ad commissioned by the White House to help Lyndon Johnson win the 1964 presidential race against Barry Goldwater. The firm they chose was Madison Avenue's Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), who created an ad that swept through the public consciousness like an atomic shockwave.
by BWW News Desk - February 28, 2020
Daisy tells the true story of the first modern political attack ad: the a?oeDaisya?? ad commissioned by the White House to help Lyndon Johnson win the 1964 presidential race against Barry Goldwater. The firm they chose was Madison Avenue's Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), who created an ad that swept through the public consciousness like an atomic shockwave.
DANCING AT LUGHNASA Comes to The Gladstone Theatre
by BWW News Desk - February 25, 2020
Opening just in time for St. Patrick's Day a?' and just in time to mark renowned local director John P. Kelly's 50th year in theatre - two resident companies at The Gladstone are teaming up to present Brian Friel's masterpiece Dancing at Lughnasa. Opening March 12 and running until the 21st, this classic play was the winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play.
by BWW News Desk - February 25, 2020
Opening just in time for St. Patrick's Day a?' and just in time to mark renowned local director John P. Kelly's 50th year in theatre - two resident companies at The Gladstone are teaming up to present Brian Friel's masterpiece Dancing at Lughnasa. Opening March 12 and running until the 21st, this classic play was the winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play.
NAC Indigenous Theatre and GCTC Managing Directors To Take Part in Intercultural Exchange
by BWW News Desk - January 21, 2020
Lori Marchand (Syilx First Nation) and Hugh Neilson, respectively the NAC Indigenous Theatre and GCTC Managing Directors, will engage in an inter-organizational and intercultural exchange in the spirit of their joint production at 6:45pm on January 22 at GCTC.
by BWW News Desk - January 21, 2020
Lori Marchand (Syilx First Nation) and Hugh Neilson, respectively the NAC Indigenous Theatre and GCTC Managing Directors, will engage in an inter-organizational and intercultural exchange in the spirit of their joint production at 6:45pm on January 22 at GCTC.
BWW Review: Jivesh Parasram's TAKE D MILK, NAH? Tackles Identity and Self-Awareness at Ottawa's National Arts Centre
by Courtney Castelino - January 18, 2020
Jivesh Parasram is a Hindu-Indo-Caribbean-Canadian, born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Parasram spends the first twenty minutes of the show explaining what an identity play is and why he finds it so distasteful and pretentious (and for some odd reason, very trendy in Canadian theatre). He then spends the rest of the show essentially performing an identity play. Ironic, isn't it? However, this is not a bad thing: Parasram's experiences are unique and, yet, upon reflection, they are not so unique. After all, many of us - as refugees, immigrants, and first-generation Canadians - have felt excluded from so-called 'privileged' or normal society, unaccepted and wanting to belong to the homogenous group. Even members of society that outwardly seem to fit the norm may be bullied into feeling like outcasts. We do not necessarily identify ourselves as being marginalized or recognize that our experience is shared with other people in similar situations. Nor do we realize that these shared experiences can actually be powerful and inspire us to create societal changes. Or, further still, that these changes may lead us dangerously down the path of treating others in the same way that we have been treated.
by Courtney Castelino - January 18, 2020
Jivesh Parasram is a Hindu-Indo-Caribbean-Canadian, born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Parasram spends the first twenty minutes of the show explaining what an identity play is and why he finds it so distasteful and pretentious (and for some odd reason, very trendy in Canadian theatre). He then spends the rest of the show essentially performing an identity play. Ironic, isn't it? However, this is not a bad thing: Parasram's experiences are unique and, yet, upon reflection, they are not so unique. After all, many of us - as refugees, immigrants, and first-generation Canadians - have felt excluded from so-called 'privileged' or normal society, unaccepted and wanting to belong to the homogenous group. Even members of society that outwardly seem to fit the norm may be bullied into feeling like outcasts. We do not necessarily identify ourselves as being marginalized or recognize that our experience is shared with other people in similar situations. Nor do we realize that these shared experiences can actually be powerful and inspire us to create societal changes. Or, further still, that these changes may lead us dangerously down the path of treating others in the same way that we have been treated.
Winners Announced For 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards
by BWW News Desk - January 16, 2020
Following a record number of nominations and votes, winners have been announced for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix!! The nominees were set, audiences voted, and now we get to recognize local theatres and performers for their outstanding achievement!
by BWW News Desk - January 16, 2020
Following a record number of nominations and votes, winners have been announced for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix!! The nominees were set, audiences voted, and now we get to recognize local theatres and performers for their outstanding achievement!
MEDIA GCTC And NAC Indigenous Theatre Partner On KIINALIK
by BWW News Desk - January 09, 2020
A multi Dora Award-winning collaboration between Buddies in Bad Times artistic director Evalyn Parry and Inuk artist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools is the story of two cultures coming together. It also marks the first collaboration between GCTC and NAC Indigenous Theatre during the first season of Indigenous theatre's groundbreaking work.
by BWW News Desk - January 09, 2020
A multi Dora Award-winning collaboration between Buddies in Bad Times artistic director Evalyn Parry and Inuk artist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools is the story of two cultures coming together. It also marks the first collaboration between GCTC and NAC Indigenous Theatre during the first season of Indigenous theatre's groundbreaking work.
BWW Review: Broadway Across Canada's WAITRESS Will Leave You Feeling Warm and Fuzzy - and Craving Pie
by Courtney Castelino - January 02, 2020
Waitress, adapted from the 2007 film of the same name, tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a pie-maker/waitress working at Joe's Pie Diner somewhere in the southern United States. Jenna (Bailey McCall) is unhappily married to Earl (Clayton Howe), who is physically and emotionally abusive. When she finds out that she is pregnant, even though she doesn't want it, Jenna vows to keep the baby and find a way out of her loveless marriage. Her co-workers, the nerdy Dawn (Gabriella Marzetta) and the no-nonsense Becky (Kennedy Salters), have their own personal issues but provide much-needed comfort and support to Jenna.
by Courtney Castelino - January 02, 2020
Waitress, adapted from the 2007 film of the same name, tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a pie-maker/waitress working at Joe's Pie Diner somewhere in the southern United States. Jenna (Bailey McCall) is unhappily married to Earl (Clayton Howe), who is physically and emotionally abusive. When she finds out that she is pregnant, even though she doesn't want it, Jenna vows to keep the baby and find a way out of her loveless marriage. Her co-workers, the nerdy Dawn (Gabriella Marzetta) and the no-nonsense Becky (Kennedy Salters), have their own personal issues but provide much-needed comfort and support to Jenna.
BWW Review: Ottawa Musicals' ROBIN HOOD is Fun for the Whole Family
by Courtney Castelino - December 31, 2019
I was invited to attend Ottawa Musicals' opening night performance of Robin Hood at the Gladstone Theatre. Each holiday season, Ottawa Musicals puts on a pantomime performance specifically geared to families. This production of Robin Hood is full of song and dance numbers, as well as plenty of jokes (some for the kiddies; some for the adults). The story, written by Mark Allen - who also plays Little John - has a traditional Robin Hood plotline, but adds a couple of oddball characters for good measure.
by Courtney Castelino - December 31, 2019
I was invited to attend Ottawa Musicals' opening night performance of Robin Hood at the Gladstone Theatre. Each holiday season, Ottawa Musicals puts on a pantomime performance specifically geared to families. This production of Robin Hood is full of song and dance numbers, as well as plenty of jokes (some for the kiddies; some for the adults). The story, written by Mark Allen - who also plays Little John - has a traditional Robin Hood plotline, but adds a couple of oddball characters for good measure.
Final Week To Vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards
by BWW - December 23, 2019
There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
by BWW - December 23, 2019
There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
December 19th Update: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - Orpheus/Meridian Leads Best Musical Category in the BWW Ottawa Awards Voting
by BWW Staff - December 19, 2019
We're heading into the final week of voting for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
by BWW Staff - December 19, 2019
We're heading into the final week of voting for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
Just Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards
by BWW - December 16, 2019
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
by BWW - December 16, 2019
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards Update: PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL - Orpheus/Meridian Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Staff - December 09, 2019
There's just a few weeks left to make your voice heard and submit your votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
by BWW Staff - December 09, 2019
There's just a few weeks left to make your voice heard and submit your votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!
BWW Review: MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY at the Ottawa Little Theatre is a Cozy Christmas Comedy
by Courtney Castelino - December 02, 2019
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley reunites Jane Austen fans with many of the characters from the author's most celebrated work, Pride and Prejudice. Mary (Ciana Van Dusen) and Jane (Chelsey Prince) join Elizabeth (Katie Torresan) and Mr. Darcy (Kurt Shantz) over the Christmas holiday at the Pemberley estate about two years after the events of the novel. A heavily pregnant Jane arrives at Pemberley with Mr. Bingley (Christian Giansante) and the still-single Mary accompanies them. Lydia (Emily White) arrives separately. About thirty seconds after she arrives, Mary discovers the library and is immediately engrossed in a book of maps. A new character, Arthur de Bourgh (Dave Coleman), has also been invited to spend the holidays at Pemberley. Arthur is Darcy's distant cousin and has recently inherited The Late Catherine de Bourgh's estate. When Arthur arrives, he and Mary feel an instant connection through their mutual interests, but misunderstandings and other circumstances soon arise to complicate matters.
by Courtney Castelino - December 02, 2019
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley reunites Jane Austen fans with many of the characters from the author's most celebrated work, Pride and Prejudice. Mary (Ciana Van Dusen) and Jane (Chelsey Prince) join Elizabeth (Katie Torresan) and Mr. Darcy (Kurt Shantz) over the Christmas holiday at the Pemberley estate about two years after the events of the novel. A heavily pregnant Jane arrives at Pemberley with Mr. Bingley (Christian Giansante) and the still-single Mary accompanies them. Lydia (Emily White) arrives separately. About thirty seconds after she arrives, Mary discovers the library and is immediately engrossed in a book of maps. A new character, Arthur de Bourgh (Dave Coleman), has also been invited to spend the holidays at Pemberley. Arthur is Darcy's distant cousin and has recently inherited The Late Catherine de Bourgh's estate. When Arthur arrives, he and Mary feel an instant connection through their mutual interests, but misunderstandings and other circumstances soon arise to complicate matters.
December 2nd Update - Current Standings for the BWW Ottawa Awards!
by BWW - December 02, 2019
It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.
by BWW - December 02, 2019
It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.
BWW Review: COTTAGERS AND INDIANS at Ottawa's Great Canadian Theatre Company
by Courtney Castelino - November 30, 2019
As the antidote to our impending winter blues, Drew Hayden Taylor's Cottagers and Indians transports us to the serenity of Ontario's cottage country in summertime. We meet the story's two characters, Arthur Copper (Herbie Barnes), an Indigenous man of humble means, whose family has lived in the area forever, and Maureen Poole (Philippa Domville), a Caucasian upper-middle class woman who lives and works in the Toronto area, but has owned a cottage on Starling Lake for the last twenty or so years. It is evident in the first few minutes that there is no love lost between Arthur and Maureen. In fact, the air is decidedly icy, despite the warmth of the season.
by Courtney Castelino - November 30, 2019
As the antidote to our impending winter blues, Drew Hayden Taylor's Cottagers and Indians transports us to the serenity of Ontario's cottage country in summertime. We meet the story's two characters, Arthur Copper (Herbie Barnes), an Indigenous man of humble means, whose family has lived in the area forever, and Maureen Poole (Philippa Domville), a Caucasian upper-middle class woman who lives and works in the Toronto area, but has owned a cottage on Starling Lake for the last twenty or so years. It is evident in the first few minutes that there is no love lost between Arthur and Maureen. In fact, the air is decidedly icy, despite the warmth of the season.
BWW Review: Orpheus' Production of MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
by Courtney Castelino - November 25, 2019
Matilda The Musical is based on the book written by Roald Dahl of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Shelby Shannon-Caines, in a role that is alternated nightly with Sophia Pierce), a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and imagination. Her talents are dismissed by her parents, a used car salesman (Graeme Parke) and a beauty-obsessed mother (Hilary Peck). Matilda vows to a?oechange her storya?? by ensuring that she is not beaten down by their constant ridicule. She finds refuge in books and making visits to the local library where she captivates the librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Shondra Mings), with elaborate, imaginative stories. This is frowned upon by Matilda's parents, who decide to reign their daughter in by sending her to Crunchem Hall, a school with the motto Bambinatum est Magitum, translated to a?oeChildren are Maggotsa??. Crunchem's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Jason Swan), despises children, rules with an iron fist, and terrorizes disobedient students by putting them in a?oeThe Chokeya??, a torture chamber for kids. However, at Crunchem, Matilda also makes some friends, notably Lavender (Angela Cachero) and Bruce (Cooper Dunn). She is taught by Miss Honey (Melinda Hudson), a timid professor who, upon recognizing Matilda's potential, decides to take her under her wing. Eventually, Matilda and the other students decide to band together and revolt against Miss Trunchbull's bullying.
by Courtney Castelino - November 25, 2019
Matilda The Musical is based on the book written by Roald Dahl of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Shelby Shannon-Caines, in a role that is alternated nightly with Sophia Pierce), a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and imagination. Her talents are dismissed by her parents, a used car salesman (Graeme Parke) and a beauty-obsessed mother (Hilary Peck). Matilda vows to a?oechange her storya?? by ensuring that she is not beaten down by their constant ridicule. She finds refuge in books and making visits to the local library where she captivates the librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Shondra Mings), with elaborate, imaginative stories. This is frowned upon by Matilda's parents, who decide to reign their daughter in by sending her to Crunchem Hall, a school with the motto Bambinatum est Magitum, translated to a?oeChildren are Maggotsa??. Crunchem's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Jason Swan), despises children, rules with an iron fist, and terrorizes disobedient students by putting them in a?oeThe Chokeya??, a torture chamber for kids. However, at Crunchem, Matilda also makes some friends, notably Lavender (Angela Cachero) and Bruce (Cooper Dunn). She is taught by Miss Honey (Melinda Hudson), a timid professor who, upon recognizing Matilda's potential, decides to take her under her wing. Eventually, Matilda and the other students decide to band together and revolt against Miss Trunchbull's bullying.
Videos
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Sherlock Holmes and the Locked Room
The Gladstone Theatre (2/18 - 2/28) | |
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Legends
The Gladstone Theatre (6/19 - 6/27) | |
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& Juliet
National Arts Centre (3/24 - 3/29) | |
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Pressure
Ottawa Little Theatre (6/10 - 6/27) | |
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Jane Eyre
Ottawa Little Theatre (10/28 - 11/14) | |
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CRACKERS & Debate Debacle
The Gladstone Theatre (4/24 - 5/2) | |
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Appearing This Evening...
Ottawa Little Theatre (7/15 - 8/1) | |
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