Powerful Voices + Strong Dancers = Brilliant Annie Note: Extended to Sunday, December 14, 2025 Reviewed by Mary Alderson “Betcha they’re good, Why shouldn’t they be?” Annie sings this line in the song “Maybe”. An orphan, she is sadly longing for the parents she never knew. But that same line could apply to the production […]
The Metamorphosis of As You Like It Reviewed by Mary Alderson As You Like It in 2025 is a study in contrasts: It begins in a drab farm setting, surrounded by pallets piled with sacks of what appears to be grain. Workers are wearing dull parkas, trying to keep warm as snow falls. Everyone seems
Breezy Summer Fare Opens PSFT’s 2025 Season Reviewed by Sookie Mei Dump Guys, written by former Artistic Director Simon Joynes, kicks off the 2025 Summer Season at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, a tribute to the man that shaped the theatre for nearly two decades. Opening night featured a heartfelt introduction by current AD Liz Gilroy,
Annie By Mary Alderson “This is not your Granny’s Annie.” So says 11-year-old Harper Rae Asch, who has the role of Annie at Stratford’s Festival Theatre. By that, she means It isn’t like productions you may have seen in the past, nor is it like the movie versions. Harper knows; she has watched the various
Young Star of Annie has a Very Bright Tomorrow! Read More »
Macbeth By Mary Alderson Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes us back to 11th century Scotland for a bloody battle when an ambitious General, abetted by his cruel wife, decides he wants to be King and kills all those who might stand in his way. But the Macbeth on stage this season at the Stratford Festival is a
Leaving Scottish Fiefdoms for Quebec’s Biker Wars Read More »
Anne of Green Gables By Mary Alderson When Caroline Toal was told, over a Zoom call, that she was going to be Canada’s newest Anne of Green Gables, she cried tears of joy. She had been dreaming of the iconic role, and when some time had passed without hearing any news, she had given up
Outspoken and Rambunctious: An Anne from the Past, for the Future Read More »
By Mary Alderson The experience of being in a play together performing as sisters has turned two young women into the closest of friends. Jessica B. Hill and Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane have the roles of Elinor Dashwood and Marianne Dashwood respectively. They obviously love each other like sisters and love the show that brought them together.
Actors Playing Sisters are Now as Close as Sisters Read More »
The Art of War By Mary Alderson In 2000, playwright Yvette Nolan visited the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, and happened to notice a display of art which depicted Canadian soldiers in World Wars I and II. “What? We sent painters to war?” Nolan asked. Who knew? Well, apparently talented young artists knew they
Sketch pencil, paint brush, or firearm? Read More »
Ransacking Troy By Mary Alderson It’s evident that Maev Beaty and Irene Poole appreciate the concept behind Ransacking Troy. The two women, both brilliant, long-time actors at the Stratford Festival, are obviously enthused about their roles in Erin Shields’ play, premiering this year. Shields has a talent for re-writing the classics, giving them a refreshing,
From the Women’s Perspective Read More »
When You Grow Up? Reviewed by Mary Alderson Alice is travelling, once again finding her way through Wonderland. It’s been five years since Alice was first on stage, created by Bad Hats Theatre, in conjunction with Soulpepper. This new, updated Alice in Wonderland has been a very popular children’s show. But I must add that
Alice in Wonderland – 2025 Read More »
