Toronto Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations Page 32

BWW Reviews: MISS SAIGON - a Moving Production from Curtain Call Players
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - April 04, 2012

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, ...

BWW Reviews: SONGS IN THE KEY OF STEPHEN - A Feast for Fans of Sondheim and Schwartz
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - April 02, 2012

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

BWW Reviews: I LOVE YOU BECAUSE - A 'Gem' of a Show at Toronto Center for the Arts Studio Theatre
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - April 02, 2012

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. ...

BWW Reviews: SHREK = derivative drek at Toronto Center for the Arts
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - March 27, 2012

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)...

BWW Reviews: ALL SHOOK UP is Frothy Entertainment at Stage West Dinner Theatre
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - March 29, 2012

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

BWW Reviews: SHREK North American Tour Makes a Smash in Canada
by Jack Latulippe - March 19, 2012

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BWW Reviews: The Canadian Company of WAR HORSE
by Kelly Cameron - February 29, 2012

On Tuesday night the all Canadian production of War Horse opened in Toronto, making it the third production of the Tony and Olivier Award winning play worldwide. The show received an immediate and enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience, and proved once again what top notch theatre talent t...

BWW Reviews: POTTED POTTER - A Delightfully Engaging ParodY
by Kelly Cameron - February 22, 2012

Dan and Jeff, the british duo behind the hilarious Potted Potter, promise that even non-Harry Potter fans can enjoy their show. I opted to put this theory to the test, and went to review the show having never read a single book in the popular franchise. By the end of the night, I was playing Quidd...

BWW Reviews: DANI GIRL
by Kelly Cameron - February 19, 2012

Dani Girl opened last night at Theatre Passe Muraille after a successful run at Barrie's Talk is Free Theatre last year. Directed by the Toronto Star's Richard Ouzounian, the show about a nine year old girl battling leukemia stars Gabi Epstein, Jeff Madden, Jonathan Logan and Amanda Leblanc. Heart...

BWW Reviews: THE LARAMIE PROJECT at Toronto Centre for the Arts Excites
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - January 30, 2012

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) ...

BWW Reviews: Kim's Convenience
by Kelly Cameron - January 20, 2012

Kim's Convenience opened last night to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, fans, family and friends at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The show was a smash-hit at last year's Toronto Fringe, and is back and better than ever. ...

BWW Reviews: THE SNOW QUEEN, Unicorn Theatre, December 11 2011
by Gary Naylor - December 13, 2011

Gary Naylor sees a Christmas show that blends the traditional with the innovative....

BWW Reviews: MEMPHIS is A Rip-Roaring Good Time
by Kelly Cameron - December 12, 2011

Memphis roared into Toronto on Wednesday night, where it will play the Toronto Centre for the Arts until Christmas Eve. A unique blend of original music, choreography and story this show provides a welcome reprise from the revivals and jukebox musicals of late, plus is a toe tapper of a good time a...

BWW Reviews: Toronto Youth Theatre's Spring Awakening
by Kelly Cameron - November 25, 2011

Toronto Youth Theatre is currently presenting Spring Awakening at The Lower Ossington Theatre. With only a few shows left, don't miss your chance to see the show performed by these exuberant and talented youngsters!...

BWW Reviews: Not Your Typical HAIRSPRAY at Fairview Library Theatre
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - November 09, 2011

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) ...

BWW Reviews: TWO PIANOS, FOUR HANDS - Touching and Screamingly Funny
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - November 01, 2011

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. ...

BWW Reviews: LOVE AND OTHER STRESSES at Toronto Centre for the Arts
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - November 01, 2011

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 sparklin...

BWW Reviews: THE WINSLOW BOY at Stage Centre Productions
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - October 03, 2011

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)...

BWW Reviews: NEXT TO NORMAL in Toronto - Innovative and Fresh
by Kelly Cameron - July 27, 2011

In the last few years there has been a resurgence of the jukebox musical - shows that are based on popular music that people already know, designed to sell tickets on the 'name' or the 'hum-ability' of the catchy songs in the score. I have no problem with jukebox musicals - they are generally fun, t...

BWW Reviews: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - July 18, 2011

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....

Review: 'The Secret Garden'
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - February 19, 2011

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)...

Review: 'Butterflies Are Free'
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - January 26, 2011

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)...

Review: 'Cabaret'
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - January 26, 2011

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)...

Review: 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - January 24, 2011

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)...

Review: '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
by Mark Andrew Lawrence - October 30, 2010

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. * ...