Archives

A Glorious Tradition Reviewed by Marilu Murphy Entering the theatre and peering down upon the stage, took me back to an era of years gone by of an old fashioned Christmas. A sparkling, white winter wonderland is presented before me. A large white grand piano with 12 glittering candles neatly placed beneath it sit just […]

Mass Murderer on the Loose — Maybe Reviewed by Mary Alderson There is a murderous gang on the loose in the small towns around Bobcaygeon. These are tiny, obscure villages that you may not even be familiar with. Yet these villages host some of the most horrific murderers ever known. These murders take place twice

Unique, moving, sad, profound! Reviewed by Sandi Laird Ronnie Burkett puts his unique story-telling talents on full display on The Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage. To be honest, Ronnie and his marionettes were unknown to me and so I admit I checked out Burkett before entering the theatre. Award winning Ronnie Burkett is a renowned marionettist

A Tale of Two Frankies Reviewed by Mary Alderson If you are a fan of the musical Jersey Boys, which made its Canadian debut back in 2008, then you will LOVE How We Got to Jersey. And if you enjoy behind-the-scenes, inside-scoop stories, you will really LOVE How We Got to Jersey. This show which

The Curtain Rises – Mayhem Ensues! Reviewed by Sandi Laird London’s Grand Theatre has a winner on its hands. It all begins as the fictional director of The Murder at Haversham Manor walks onto the stage to introduce the play from the imagined Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. Then the curtain rises on more than two

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.

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

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