Archives

A Short Visit Making Big Changes Reviewed by Mary Alderson Important:  I reviewed this play at the Stratford Festival in June 2023, as follows. Now, in 2024, it is on stage starting January 23 to February 11. Tickets are from $25-$65 at the Young Centre.  Originally produced by Stratford Festival, it is now presented in […]

Down the Rabbit Hole and Back Again Reviewed by Mary Alderson Alice is back, once again finding her way through Wonderland. For the third year in a row, Bad Hats Theatre, in conjunction with Soulpepper, is presenting its popular children’s show. But I must add that adults will also enjoy this silly and sweet show.

Hilarious Spoof of Jane Austen’s Novel   Reviewed by Mary Alderson Jane Austen’s famous 1813 novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been portrayed on stage through the years, but not like the version currently at the CAA Theatre in Toronto. It certainly does tell the whole story – you know, the importance of young English women

Bringing a Christmas Movie to Life   Reviewed by Mary Alderson Watching Christmas movies on TV is my guilty pleasure. They have very predictable plots, and simple cinematography. But gee whiz, with the holiday spirit and the happy ending, they make you feel good. Chris, Mrs. now on stage at Toronto’s Winter Garden Theatre (yes,

Naughty No-Strings-Attached Holiday Fun Reviewed by Eden Eidt What do A Christmas Carol, shirtless audience members, and drunken puppets have in common? To get the answer, do yourself a favour and buy tickets for Little Dickens at the Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage for what is sure to be a sold-out run. This 16+ event (Sorry,

Naughty or Nice, Boo or Cheer! Reviewed by Mary Alderson There isn’t much difference between the “naughty” and the “nice” versions of Jack – A Beanstalk Panto at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre. In fact, I saw them both in the same day and they completely blend together in my mind. The main difference is the

Better than a Lifetime Supply of Chocolate Reviewed by Eden Eidt Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Grand is absolutely no fun. Wait—strike that, reverse it! If you are not already familiar with the story by Roald Dahl and its several film adaptations, the tale follows Charlie Bucket, a sweet and imaginative child from

Get that Fishnet Stocking off that Lamp Reviewed by Mary Alderson If you’re a fan of the 1983 movie A Christmas Story, then you’ll love the updated improv version now being presented at the Globus Theatre south of Bobcaygeon. A Christmas Story is the perennial favourite of those who have an off-beat sense of humour

Angst and the Dysfunctional Family Reviewed by Mary Alderson Alanis Morissette is the queen of tough times music.  Her anxiety often comes through the stories she tells in song. There are broken hearts, angst-filled relationships, misunderstood communications, or special moments in time now lost.  Each song is a chapter in a book, and Jagged Little

A Legendary Musical Reviewed by Vicki Stokes Be a witness to the great Camelot and join the legendary King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia. Camelot is an ambitious musical and the final production of the 2023 season (before they ready themselves for the Christmas season). Gone are Merlin, Nimue and