Archives

Naughty & Nice: Panto More for Adults than Kids Reviewed by Mary Alderson Hansel and Gretel have been pushed into the 21st century by the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. They look like they are from the 1800s, Hansel dressed in traditional German lederhosen and Gretel in a dirndl dress. But don’t let that fool […]

Musical Joy for Families and Disney Lovers of All Ages Reviewed by Sandi Laird Walking into the Grand Theatre on opening night was a visual pleasure with children (and even some adults) decked out in gowns and capes and tiaras and septors. The excitement was contagious as kids of all ages anticipated the magical Kingdom

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