Bluegrass Music Tells a Riveting Story Reviewed by Mary Alderson There are two things you notice immediately about the musical Bright Star, now on stage at the CAA/Mirvish Theatre in Toronto. First, although the story and music are written by comedian Steve Martin, this is not a comedy. Yes, there are funny bits scattered throughout, […]
New Beginnings Reviewed by Debbie McClure During the mid-1800s Ireland experienced a severe potato famine that decimated crops and left families starving and fearful of what the next year would bring. For many, it was a time to re-examine life and the potential opportunities countries such as Canada offered. It seemed so possible and easy.
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Is there a Doctor in the Village? Reviewed by Mary Alderson A funny and heart-warming musical has arrived at the Royal Alex Theatre in Toronto: Tell Tale Harbour. You might recognize the story as similar to the 2013 movie The Grand Seduction. A few changes have been made for the musical, all of which have
Making Old Favourites Their Own Reviewed by Mary Alderson Don’t go to Billboard in Concert 1986 if you want to hear songs that sound exactly the way they were in 1986. This revue show gives each old song its own interpretation. Each performer presents their numbers in their own style. Billboard in Concert 1986 is now
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The Ultimate Road Trip Reviewed by Mary Alderson In these days of “Shop Canadian” and vacationing in Canada, The Beaver Club is the perfect play. Written by a Canadian it covers a road trip from Ontario to Newfoundland. All the references will be familiar. For example, there’s a debate as to which offers better coffee
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Who Doesn’t Love ABBA? Reviewed by Marilu Murphy The stage is set up with a drum kit sitting dead center at the back. A guitar is to the left and a keyboard to the right of the drum kit. In front of these three pieces of the Starbright Band, I can see an electric piano and
goldfish Goes Swimmingly at PSFT Reviewed by Sookie Mei Attending goldfish by Steve Ross at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, I was excited to see a world premiere by a favourite Stratford veteran, starring Stratford actors in their PSFT debuts. Big talent at the little theatre, and I was not disappointed. First of all, the set
First Nation Story will Resonate with All Reviewed by Mary Alderson On opening nights, Artistic Director Rob Kempson always tells the audience at The Capitol Theatre that the sets are all made in-house and will only be seen here in Port Hope. Well, for the opening night of Rez Gas he could have said the
Life Lessons Reviewed by Debbie McClure Life is full of unexpected challenges that often lead to personal growth in ways not envisioned previously. Throw in the expectations of people of different generations or socio-economic backgrounds, and change is inevitable. That’s the premise of Powers and Gloria, which has now opened on the outdoor Harvest Stage
A Honey of a Show Reviewed by Vicki Stokes Major changes occurred during the 1960s in politics, civil rights, youth culture, and women’s rights. Music also changed, and along the way, many outstanding women made a name for themselves. The girl groups who wore short skirts and big hair gave way to strong, long-haired women
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