tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221619352024-03-16T08:58:10.973-04:00TapeworthyLife's too short to waste on bad entertainment. Well, unless it's so bad, it's good. Or you're stuck in an airplane.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-64473858756716759122023-12-31T02:00:00.005-05:002023-12-31T23:19:37.216-05:00Stageworthy - Best of Stage 2023<div><div>If you don't count the shows I saw at amusement parks (and the ones at Canada's Wonderland, Cirque Ambient in the summer, and Tinker's Toy Factory and Four Drummer's Drumming at Winterfest, we're actually VERY good!), then I saw 41 stage shows plus 9 concerts. Seeing things 52 times total (once you count repeats). Granted a few shows we're just repeats from previous years (<i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i> starring Patsy Ferran and Paul Mescal, <i>Groundhog Day</i> starring Andy Karl, etc) so I still have not see as many new shows as I did in pre-pandemic years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, while I saw less shows than normal, I think I got more discerning choosing which shows to attend, so felt like overall everything I saw this year was very good, with very few shows that disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Any shows (same production version) I had seen in previous years are ineligible for this year's list.<br />For previous years Best of Stage Lists:</div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2022/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2021-2022.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2021 & 2022</a></div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2020.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2020</a></div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a> <br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> (Groundhog Day)<br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (Hamilton)<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here's the Best of Stage 2023:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/themasterplan" target="_blank">The Master Plan</a></i></b> - Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON</div>
Written by Michael Healey, Directed by Chris Abraham<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSgxdzXPkIdraq0zkuZX-bpAcYNqZ9KdT17Kh8y7Py3__QXmdQk4T7s5CHx83-mJ7A1zoZmJawwWxLW_LLQgAlTw7531XlKG4050PtM9MAg-DIdm3N_X_bNdj0Izb952Z7mTW5XUkHeE8x-YLbFoOIuYbYhUxzE2Q9Rw8FVfMX73zoJTFy0N1tw/s600/The%20Master%20Plan%20Crows%20Theatre%20Michael%20Healey%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSgxdzXPkIdraq0zkuZX-bpAcYNqZ9KdT17Kh8y7Py3__QXmdQk4T7s5CHx83-mJ7A1zoZmJawwWxLW_LLQgAlTw7531XlKG4050PtM9MAg-DIdm3N_X_bNdj0Izb952Z7mTW5XUkHeE8x-YLbFoOIuYbYhUxzE2Q9Rw8FVfMX73zoJTFy0N1tw/w400-h266/The%20Master%20Plan%20Crows%20Theatre%20Michael%20Healey%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>2.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/prodigal" target="_blank">Prodigal</a></i></b> - The Howland Company in association with Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON<div>Written and Directed by Paolo Santalucia <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaGqMHVxXfGpz4_RUpUqQ_oecLY7Fj0K6XfDDxZlOB-z3GSfeYRjEpaDNLTbRNy9NfUziDxSw6MKUabYO38vrdPMnw7QJugFFOKgLzVPfdH5zq-jQO8ACGQGt-Og8a7UbRPQ2rWNeoHjbb8CuMldoxHDpSoFnPF_m82a9I2RVd2bsB1gUuwn2Zg/s1000/Prodigal%20Dan%20Mousseau%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaGqMHVxXfGpz4_RUpUqQ_oecLY7Fj0K6XfDDxZlOB-z3GSfeYRjEpaDNLTbRNy9NfUziDxSw6MKUabYO38vrdPMnw7QJugFFOKgLzVPfdH5zq-jQO8ACGQGt-Og8a7UbRPQ2rWNeoHjbb8CuMldoxHDpSoFnPF_m82a9I2RVd2bsB1gUuwn2Zg/w400-h248/Prodigal%20Dan%20Mousseau%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b>3.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-land-acknowledgement-or-as-you-like-it" target="_blank">The Land Acknowledgment, or As You Like It</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON</div><div>Created and Written by Cliff Cardinal, Co-conspirator Chris Abraham<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42QsTn6AIklCUKcObrnznqo8mD15qhqGgcgAjA_RebRrgrzDLbxjGN6S6_Ab6vdBqO_75pn0NElFk_rzIR6ylyA9eaS-OyuUNjokRDbJ3aZIKUcqvE2ReOPFRWeLfM7KebQouHcZhmlSHn2UbBkZ0QNdeGBV_5xAdmYZQhO-Qi4OEpBGCJ07r8A/s759/The%20Land%20Acknoledgement%20or%20As%20You%20Like%20It%20Cliff%20Cardinal%20-%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="759" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42QsTn6AIklCUKcObrnznqo8mD15qhqGgcgAjA_RebRrgrzDLbxjGN6S6_Ab6vdBqO_75pn0NElFk_rzIR6ylyA9eaS-OyuUNjokRDbJ3aZIKUcqvE2ReOPFRWeLfM7KebQouHcZhmlSHn2UbBkZ0QNdeGBV_5xAdmYZQhO-Qi4OEpBGCJ07r8A/w400-h264/The%20Land%20Acknoledgement%20or%20As%20You%20Like%20It%20Cliff%20Cardinal%20-%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>4.</b> <b><i><a href="https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/2022-2023/the-hooves-belonged-to-the-deer/" target="_blank">the hooves belonged to the deer</a></i></b> - Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON</div><div>Written by Makram Ayache, Directed by Peter Hinton-Davis</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLCMdJf9uwmKzBrNOOczM5YDFtBtyPaqUJKab-O7Nw6ZqGuWldkFZp3TLsNljFt23V5Rcuduj573hnzc7EKcjaoHVVRMyHHbKODGe-Lzb5HfzAc2LDXZPBOXXiQ_gXUBNJn1K7I4fgDL_Ljhl_iWY2jJRK_LkG74UGl7xw8XmR_1Llyd6wIZjMw/s3600/the%20hooves%20belonged%20to%20the%20deer%20Tarragon%20Theatre%20p%20cylla-von-tiedemann.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2354" data-original-width="3600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLCMdJf9uwmKzBrNOOczM5YDFtBtyPaqUJKab-O7Nw6ZqGuWldkFZp3TLsNljFt23V5Rcuduj573hnzc7EKcjaoHVVRMyHHbKODGe-Lzb5HfzAc2LDXZPBOXXiQ_gXUBNJn1K7I4fgDL_Ljhl_iWY2jJRK_LkG74UGl7xw8XmR_1Llyd6wIZjMw/w400-h261/the%20hooves%20belonged%20to%20the%20deer%20Tarragon%20Theatre%20p%20cylla-von-tiedemann.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/king-gilgamesh-the-man-of-the-wild" target="_blank">King Gilgamesh & The Man of the Wild</a></i></b> - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Baillie Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON</div><div>By Ahmed Moneka, Jesse Lavercombe, and Seth Bockley, Directed by Seth Bockley</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4sGJE-4CokFw_7ERYP_KTsIHOfpmqXrUbC6-yzDF02K2TchEinhsX5S5T6sk_MBYDnwbAokt5LC3FCIbmrCXpwGbrNQCsf7O039GqsfINVro5fLZdTtWVyxxFY2vuaxqkWRDY-BHydrxmDiOeofRk7xFt18px1hC4W8HqmkFG3gBe1aZrZ1lKA/s1000/King%20Gilgamesh%20and%20the%20Wild%20Man%20Jesse%20Lavercomb%20Ahmed%20Moneka%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4sGJE-4CokFw_7ERYP_KTsIHOfpmqXrUbC6-yzDF02K2TchEinhsX5S5T6sk_MBYDnwbAokt5LC3FCIbmrCXpwGbrNQCsf7O039GqsfINVro5fLZdTtWVyxxFY2vuaxqkWRDY-BHydrxmDiOeofRk7xFt18px1hC4W8HqmkFG3gBe1aZrZ1lKA/w400-h266/King%20Gilgamesh%20and%20the%20Wild%20Man%20Jesse%20Lavercomb%20Ahmed%20Moneka%20pDahliaKatz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>6.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.nightwoodtheatre.net/i-love-the-smell-of-gasoline/" target="_blank">I Love the Smell of Gasoline</a></i></b> - Nightwood Theatre at Aki Studio - Toronto, ON<br />Created by Claren Grosz, Co-Directed by William Dao and Claren Grosz<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxINA24zC4xBTyOCMiu_xwzuH4E-eekHn3G-lNkBndLLbRGl1OPouH39JkWVImdkz_VvgZIUOLqQbJfmU6KBVq0Ac3e3GVfBhAqjZe1IfgFDQwVDZjsHA2SHa2pnEv9IS4Hreku2PnYBVJE0-u5Tak4JYExGLkRYsDLDG6k9PHogceXERIcy1mrA/s2500/I%20love%20the%20smell%20of%20gasoline%20Nightwood%20Theatre%20Claren%20Grosz%20pFranChudnoff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="2500" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxINA24zC4xBTyOCMiu_xwzuH4E-eekHn3G-lNkBndLLbRGl1OPouH39JkWVImdkz_VvgZIUOLqQbJfmU6KBVq0Ac3e3GVfBhAqjZe1IfgFDQwVDZjsHA2SHa2pnEv9IS4Hreku2PnYBVJE0-u5Tak4JYExGLkRYsDLDG6k9PHogceXERIcy1mrA/w400-h235/I%20love%20the%20smell%20of%20gasoline%20Nightwood%20Theatre%20Claren%20Grosz%20pFranChudnoff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>Solid Revivals:</b><br /><br /><div><b><i><a href="https://billetterie.lido2paris.com/en/show" target="_blank">Cabaret</a></i></b> - Lido 2 Paris - Paris, FR</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/pygmalion" target="_blank">Pygmalion</a></i></b> - Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<div><br /></div><div>Andrew Chown in <i>Bad Roads</i></div><div>Trevor Coll in <i>Rock of Ages</i></div><div>Jonathan Cullen in <i>Rock of Ages</i></div><div>Katherine Gauthier in <i>Bad Roads</i></div><div>Mei Mac in <i>untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play</i></div><div>Andrea Macasaet in <i>Rent</i></div><div>Jade McLeod in <i>Jagged Little Pill</i></div><div>Dan Mousseau in <i>Prodigal</i></div><div>J Antonio Rodriguez in <i>Hadestown</i></div><div>Nabil Traboulsi in <i>Martyr</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>A Strange Loop</i>: Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Danny Bailey, Kyle Birch, Eddie Elliott, Sharlene Hector, Tendai Humphrey Sitima, Yeukayi Ushe </div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of<i> the hooves belonged to the deer</i>: Makram Ayache, Noor Hamdi, Ryan Hollyman, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski, Eric Wigston, Bahareh Yaraghi </div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>The Master Plan</i>: Christopher Allen, Ben Carlson, Philppa Domville, Peter Fernandes, Tara Nicodemo, Yanna McIntosh, Mike Shara</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>Prodigal</i>: Michael Ayres, Veronica Hortiguela, Cameron Laurie, Dan Mousseau, Nancy Palk, Rick Roberts, Hallie Seline, Meghan Swaby, Shauna Thompson, Jeff Yung</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>Things I Know To Be True</i>: Alanna Bale, Michael Derworiz, Christine, Horne, Daniel Maslany, Tom McCamus, Seana McKenna</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>Vierge</i>: Yvonne Addai, JD Leslie, Kudakwashe Rutendo, Shauna Thompson</div><div><br /></div><div>Bertie Carvel in <i>Pygmalion</i> </div><div>Steffi Didomenicantonio in <i>Rock of Ages</i></div><div>Patsy Ferran in <i>Pygmalion</i></div><div>Jesse Lavercombe in <i>King Gilgamesh & The Man of the Wild</i></div><div>Ahmed Moneka in <i>King Gilgamesh & The Man of the Wild</i></div><div>Erica Peck in <i>Rent</i></div><div>Ron Pederson in <i>Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! </i></div><div>Julie Reiber in <i>Jagged Little Pill</i></div><div>Lee Siegel in <i>Rent</i></div><div>Tom Weston-Jones in <i>untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play</i></div><div>Eleanor Worthington-Cox in <i>The Secret Life of Bees</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________________</span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2020 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop, Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://tickets.mirvish.com/proud" target="_blank">Ain't Too Proud</a></i></b> (Musical) - CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.tso.ca/concerts-and-events/events/an-evening-with-audra-mcdonald/" target="_blank">An Evening with Audra McDonald</a></i></b> (Concert) - Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall - Toronto, ON<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/a-strange-loop" target="_blank">A Strange Loop</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Theatre at Barbican Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/a-streetcar-named-desire/10-dec-2022-4-feb-2023" target="_blank">A Streetcar Named Desire</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/A-Wrinkle-in-Time" target="_blank">A Wrinkle in Time</a></i></b> (Play) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - **1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/badroads" target="_blank">Bad Roads</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre in the Studio Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://boygeorgeandcultureclub.net/tour/">Boy George & Culture Club</a>: The Letting It Go Show</i></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Stage - Toronto, ON</div><div>Opening Acts Howard Jones, Berlin<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://billetterie.lido2paris.com/en/show" target="_blank">Cabaret</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Lido 2 Paris - Paris, FR - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/chaos-menu-disorder-up/" target="_blank">Chaos Menu: Disorder Up!</a></i></b> (Comedy) - The Second City Toronto Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.charlieputh.com/tour" target="_blank">Charlie Puth: <i>The 'Charlie' Live Experience</i></a></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.chrismrs.com/" target="_blank">Chris, Mrs.</a></i></b> (Musical) - Winter Garden Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://my.tso.ca/2756" target="_blank">Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown</a></i></b> (Concert) - Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/the-darkest-dark/" target="_blank">The Darkest Dark</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.deanbrody.com/shows" target="_blank">Dean Brody & Friends Present <i>The Brodeo</i></a></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON</div><div>Opening Acts Tyler Joe Miller, Nate Smith, Griffen Palmer, Meghan Patrick</div><div><br /></div><div>Deon Cole: <i>My New Normal Tour </i>(Comedy) - OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino - Niagara Falls, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://dierks.com/pages/tour" target="_blank">Dierks Bentley: <i>Gravel and Gold Tour</i></a></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON</div><div>Opening Act Jordan Davis</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/english" target="_blank">English</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Baillie Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.herefornowtheatre.com/girls-boys-at-crows" target="_blank">Girls & Boys</a></i></b> (Play) - Here For Now Theatre at Crow's Theatre in the Studio Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/groundhog-day" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></i></b> (Musical) - Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/theguidetobeingfabulous" target="_blank">The Guide to Being Fabulous</a></i></b> (Musical) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/hadestown" target="_blank">Hadestown</a></i></b> (Musical) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/hamilton" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i></b> (Musical) - Peggy National Tour at Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/2022-2023/the-hooves-belonged-to-the-deer/" target="_blank">the hooves belonged to the deer</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.nightwoodtheatre.net/i-love-the-smell-of-gasoline/" target="_blank">I Love the Smell of Gasoline</a></i></b> (Play) - Nightwood Theatre at Aki Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/in-dreams" target="_blank">In Dreams</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/jagged-little-pill" target="_blank">Jagged Little Pill</a></i></b> (Musical) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://jonasbrothers.com/the-tour" target="_blank">Jonas Brothers: <i>The Tour</i></a></b> (Concert) - Rogers Centre - Toronto, ON </div><div>Opening Act Lawrence</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat" target="_blank">Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/king-gilgamesh-the-man-of-the-wild" target="_blank">King Gilgamesh & The Man of the Wild</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Baillie Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-land-acknowledgement-or-as-you-like-it" target="_blank">The Land Acknowledgment, or As You Like It</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Les-Belles-Soeurs" target="_blank">Les Belles-Soeurs</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - **<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://maggiethemusical.com/" target="_blank">Maggie</a></i></b> (Musical) - Theatre Aquarius - Hamilton, ON - ***1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.nativeearth.ca/shows/martyr/" target="_blank">Martyr</a></i></b> (Play) - ARC at Native Earth Performing Arts in Aki Studio - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/themasterplan" target="_blank">The Master Plan</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://my.tso.ca/2663" target="_blank">Mozart & Rachmaninoff</a></i></b> (Concert) - Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall - Toronto, ON<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/pressure" target="_blank">Pressure</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/prodigal" target="_blank">Prodigal</a></i></b> (Play) - The Howland Company in association with Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/pygmalion" target="_blank">Pygmalion</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Rent" target="_blank">Rent</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.returntograce.ca/" target="_blank">Return to Grace</a></i></b> (Musical) - OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino - Niagara Falls, ON - **1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://moreentertainmentgroup.com/rock-of-ages-toronto/" target="_blank">Rock of Ages</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-secret-life-of-bees/" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Bees</a></i></b> (Musical) - Almeida Theatre - London, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/six" target="_blank">Six</a></i></b> (Musical) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Skyline's The Limit</i></b> (Comedy) - The Second City Toronto Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Spamalot" target="_blank">Spamalot</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/things-i-know-to-be-true" target="_blank">Things I Know To Be True</a></i></b> (Play) - CAA Panasonic Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/sites/default/files/attachments/untitled%20pre-show%20doc.pdf" target="_blank">untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/shows/vierge/" target="_blank">Vierge</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenatplays/" target="_blank">Women at Play(s) 5</a></i></b> (Short Plays) - Red Sandcastle Theatre - Toronto, ON </div><div><i>The Caved That Hummed a Song</i></div><div><i>Eminent Domain</i></div><div><i>Falling Upwards</i></div><div><i>Missing You</i></div><div><i>Women of the Highlands<br />Woodcocks</i><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.coalminetheatre.com/yerma" target="_blank">Yerma</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Coal Mine Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br /><br />__________________________________________________________________<br /><b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br /><br /><b>Best of 2020 List:</b></div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2022/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2021-2022.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2021 & 2022</a></div><div><br /><b>Best of 2020 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2020.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2020</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2019 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2018 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2017 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2012</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2010</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2009</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html" target="_blank">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html" target="_blank">List Format</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Theatre of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Best Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Photo of <i>the hooves belonged to the deer</i> by Cylla Von Tiedemann</div><div>All other photos by Dahlia Katz<br /><br />
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<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-80978787888273724632022-12-31T13:17:00.002-05:002023-12-31T23:19:46.637-05:00Stageworthy - Best of Stage 2021 & 2022 <div>Because these lists are based on my own arbitrary rules anyways, I had decided to combine my list from 2021 and 2022 since I'm still easing into going back to see live shows on stage. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the last 2 years, I went to see live stage shows 72 times (of 66 individual shows including concerts). With 8 shows in 2021 and 64 shows in 2022. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Any shows (same production version) I had seen in previous years are ineligible for this year's list.<br />For previous years Best of Stage Lists:</div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2020.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2020</a></div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a> <br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> <br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> <br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here's the Best of Stage 2021 and 2022:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.gatetheatre.ie/production/the-last-return/" target="_blank">The Last Return</a></i></b> - Druid at Gate Theatre - Dublin, IE</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Sonya Kelly, Directed by Sara Joyce</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfs8axN252Hfx2boOebE3IALTNa259j-zdtD-uQiy47GSibh_jsNG9FpwUbaJd3KZWnw7epzhB0pk0h3YDYy0H39DfLxBaJ_yUUssRS5k3fiRwn8atQnThJs13WeJBcdwx9hiSPFVh6RTWSY-IeX5NfIUmbiCB2DTP2qF_HxfSqhVP04OF0/s1280/The%20Last%20Return.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfs8axN252Hfx2boOebE3IALTNa259j-zdtD-uQiy47GSibh_jsNG9FpwUbaJd3KZWnw7epzhB0pk0h3YDYy0H39DfLxBaJ_yUUssRS5k3fiRwn8atQnThJs13WeJBcdwx9hiSPFVh6RTWSY-IeX5NfIUmbiCB2DTP2qF_HxfSqhVP04OF0/w400-h225/The%20Last%20Return.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It starts with what feels like bad expository writing until you realize what Sonya Kelly is doing in her absurdist comedy about people waiting in line for the last return ticket at the theatre. So yes, I'm putting this wild ride of a theatrical play about trying to get into a show, at the top of my list of the best shows on stage. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. </b><b><i><a href="https://badhatstheatre.com/alice-in-wonderland" target="_blank">Alice in Wonderland</a></i></b> - Bad Hats Theatre at Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted by Fiona Sauder, Music by Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko, Directed by Sue Miner, Dramaturgy by Matt Pilipiak</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Tj79ddkcqulJAGp9UYTYSuNoMl0KuPJNidXuTywmXU66B3UEhoLW6o3IJJVCow--q9u-Nt9rrriZdT9mSBvZlmwpa3iSMuFEo3ERwRFMPIQM5DEx2ldkLIy1RNnKziWz13lLLzy14Qint20GR4PlCc69sUOiHfUF1MQnjHBy4N0JmPCGPM/s4096/Alice%20in%20Wonderland%20Bad%20Hats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="4096" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Tj79ddkcqulJAGp9UYTYSuNoMl0KuPJNidXuTywmXU66B3UEhoLW6o3IJJVCow--q9u-Nt9rrriZdT9mSBvZlmwpa3iSMuFEo3ERwRFMPIQM5DEx2ldkLIy1RNnKziWz13lLLzy14Qint20GR4PlCc69sUOiHfUF1MQnjHBy4N0JmPCGPM/w400-h266/Alice%20in%20Wonderland%20Bad%20Hats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bad Hats Theatre has yet again turned a children's classic that is one of my least faves, and with some ingenious creativity, original catchy songs, and a cast brimming with hearts and humour, turned in an original version of Alice in Wonderland. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. </b><b><i><a href="https://andjulietbroadway.com/" target="_blank">& Juliet</a></i></b> - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Book by David West Read, Music by Max Martin and Friends, Directed by Luke Sheppard</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb5id71jDyWbvEv4xnMUAc2eAea565RolBCxCZEhnBJ3WUp-8GPiqIUfw4f7YEjn6uWG3uxQ8cSqfQtCg0q3wZW1W6YAYOalCKTp_LevgAphKMWbkon4ZPfe-L2NLPM2X5IMxLe6DVPGYMmSL793GAxKji0ihM7g6gG26yygPg-TxgGpx9Kw/s1200/And%20Juliet%20Broadway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb5id71jDyWbvEv4xnMUAc2eAea565RolBCxCZEhnBJ3WUp-8GPiqIUfw4f7YEjn6uWG3uxQ8cSqfQtCg0q3wZW1W6YAYOalCKTp_LevgAphKMWbkon4ZPfe-L2NLPM2X5IMxLe6DVPGYMmSL793GAxKji0ihM7g6gG26yygPg-TxgGpx9Kw/w400-h225/And%20Juliet%20Broadway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you think Shakespeare needed more Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys songs in them, well I did too. What a blast, with a Broadway-bound cast that squeezed in all those Max Martin songs with just the right cheeky humour that finally understood the Shakey assignment. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/redvelvet" target="_blank">Red Velvet</a></i></b> - Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON </div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, Directed by Cherissa Richards</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVZmYlp68lR-RpE4bt7sOE8gqE0SnnqZunx_2EDSPu69E22clJ5V6GReXRSke9SgVHv71erXqvvdHQ3N6UKJtFvlDnYHXdM1txpbGopXwuh3StaEZReOQ_ZMKeRdYZehHFMtt28nI5aq4ZZEO0XxVSFMfgPnd1N5lrIcn9XiGByxyyoX5e7s/s1200/Red%20Velvet%20Crows%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1200" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVZmYlp68lR-RpE4bt7sOE8gqE0SnnqZunx_2EDSPu69E22clJ5V6GReXRSke9SgVHv71erXqvvdHQ3N6UKJtFvlDnYHXdM1txpbGopXwuh3StaEZReOQ_ZMKeRdYZehHFMtt28nI5aq4ZZEO0XxVSFMfgPnd1N5lrIcn9XiGByxyyoX5e7s/w400-h220/Red%20Velvet%20Crows%20Theatre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This play had made its rounds in theatres around the world after a London debut a decade ago, and for good reason. An immensely entertaining imagined play about the true events of Black actor Ira Aldridge as he makes a name for himself in the acting world, particularly when he takes the role of Othello in 19th century London. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/uploads/Shows/Playbills/2022/22-Kamloopa-Playbill.pdf" target="_blank">Kamloopa</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company and Native Earth Performing Arts in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and Directed by Kim Senklip Harvey</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvm7VklsmHs2DcrInCAEniQyc55wAeeFkccd9QTyUN_8SyMf_bp3_yFC6O4y16vIc6pt0MK8qoYTK0x_v82xRmsqN4bNXXL4UyMIBCwd_Mr_kzPM0z9k7yn7yOXQ319WBzn8qob7UJw3waxbtI-Otc3pLslGWfMKoBJrWBXCoEBJUI7u_70Q/s620/Kamloopa%20Soulpepper.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="620" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvm7VklsmHs2DcrInCAEniQyc55wAeeFkccd9QTyUN_8SyMf_bp3_yFC6O4y16vIc6pt0MK8qoYTK0x_v82xRmsqN4bNXXL4UyMIBCwd_Mr_kzPM0z9k7yn7yOXQ319WBzn8qob7UJw3waxbtI-Otc3pLslGWfMKoBJrWBXCoEBJUI7u_70Q/w400-h366/Kamloopa%20Soulpepper.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While it ends as a road trip play, the first act is grounded in an apartment with three young Indigenous women trying to make their way in our current world in this freshly funny and sneakily heartfelt play. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/best-of-enemies-broadcast" target="_blank">Best of Enemies</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by James Graham, Directed by Jeremy Herrin</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFuoV8INPWyko5iAq5VVBRTOOX8dtGDlz2YUo9ICkYrdVLuCipcK1h48rvOKZ56DLK3UsEe3es9UO-Hczn_5Nexh-1AhSk7xA53KnEoFpyRI6KuSsg_TFwOm72XQ0SPAxN7LCLccp2OTDcCtW0i2Pc4QA541Q7SaWQrwmXEHoWhe_VuxySL4/s800/Best%20of%20Enemies%20Young%20Vic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFuoV8INPWyko5iAq5VVBRTOOX8dtGDlz2YUo9ICkYrdVLuCipcK1h48rvOKZ56DLK3UsEe3es9UO-Hczn_5Nexh-1AhSk7xA53KnEoFpyRI6KuSsg_TFwOm72XQ0SPAxN7LCLccp2OTDcCtW0i2Pc4QA541Q7SaWQrwmXEHoWhe_VuxySL4/w400-h228/Best%20of%20Enemies%20Young%20Vic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This time, it's 1968 and William F Buckley and Gore Vidal are debating about the next US Presidential election. Considering I knew nothing of these two, Graham is an expert in taking real life political moments and dramatizing them into entertaining and enlightening plays, with this latest, directed with efficient flair by Herrin. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. </b><b><i><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/carousel" target="_blank">Carousel</a></i></b> - Regent's Park Open Air Theatre - London, UK</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Richard Rodgers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Directed by Timothy Sheader</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDWODb6AN6hfk7YA1UAiAUO57yAh5TrYDaveocVV8lg8l8Tpi99Azo52_6vNHBVqeZLFwoxTobJYwE6lX9C7_Rqrp4QQ_TWYamomWrzqDXj3Q_AFf1Hg1l5LnZ8Kpy9VWlDDIu1dBjVvXD04rYpZ3ws6V9Rd1TU4qaVDfZ0pPqBlGgWI_8sw/s1200/Carousel%20Regents%20Park%20Open%20Air%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDWODb6AN6hfk7YA1UAiAUO57yAh5TrYDaveocVV8lg8l8Tpi99Azo52_6vNHBVqeZLFwoxTobJYwE6lX9C7_Rqrp4QQ_TWYamomWrzqDXj3Q_AFf1Hg1l5LnZ8Kpy9VWlDDIu1dBjVvXD04rYpZ3ws6V9Rd1TU4qaVDfZ0pPqBlGgWI_8sw/w400-h200/Carousel%20Regents%20Park%20Open%20Air%20Theatre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that usually isn't one of my faves, directed here by Sheader in a magical night out in the open air that somehow made clearer the magic of this musical theatre classic. The chemistry between Carly Bowden and Declan Bennett, and Bennett's Billy Bigelow that actually felt troubled, sharpened Rodgers' story, making the ultimate ending all the more heartbreaking. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. (Tie) Modern Classics Revivals</b></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.bneproductions.ca/" target="_blank">Doubt</a>: A Parable</i></b> - Breaking and Entering Theatre in The Church of the Holy Trinity - Toronto, ON</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by John Patrick Shanley, Directed by Stewart Arnott</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/the-weir/" target="_blank"><i>The Weir</i></a></b> - Abbey Theatre - Dublin, IE</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Conor McPherson, Directed by Catriona McLaughlin</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoUxatu9q5MKay_Aj8kxeENVs1SW_lod0UWvz59rPk3jN9cx945UZq7XR1dWDPylvNEc1Xrdw5q4zg-s8Y5PsY3bLFyv7aL62mUJ0mCVTh7LpmAMxlcdbod81MReZfrQKkQtKKCSwybMle2hqwz7UJ8451b7K3FugTGS3umuPopu7ElbmCEs/s850/Doubt%20A%20Parable%20Toronto%20B&E%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoUxatu9q5MKay_Aj8kxeENVs1SW_lod0UWvz59rPk3jN9cx945UZq7XR1dWDPylvNEc1Xrdw5q4zg-s8Y5PsY3bLFyv7aL62mUJ0mCVTh7LpmAMxlcdbod81MReZfrQKkQtKKCSwybMle2hqwz7UJ8451b7K3FugTGS3umuPopu7ElbmCEs/w400-h266/Doubt%20A%20Parable%20Toronto%20B&E%20Theatre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXa57-5ka_5Hgyo2VZEicYqrkyzma1ez57NFY5QILncJMrYFTS2wD6mr_8x0vxYcqsk_ZrNNyd4nAPZyOwUhccqbZAhOKQ19L8Md91j3QUii_x0kkiENK_-uYPjc7aNJCkT5VEBpZzYJsTSbyZhPWk8yqwUT__UyCASCmqsMFwJur58A01iE/s1240/The%20Weir%20Abbey%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1240" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXa57-5ka_5Hgyo2VZEicYqrkyzma1ez57NFY5QILncJMrYFTS2wD6mr_8x0vxYcqsk_ZrNNyd4nAPZyOwUhccqbZAhOKQ19L8Md91j3QUii_x0kkiENK_-uYPjc7aNJCkT5VEBpZzYJsTSbyZhPWk8yqwUT__UyCASCmqsMFwJur58A01iE/w400-h266/The%20Weir%20Abbey%20Theatre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow I had never seen these two modern classics until these two revivals. With <i>Doubt: A Parable</i> done by a new local Toronto theatre company performed in an actual church, while <i>The Weir</i> haunted the Abbey Theatre starring Brendan Coyle in the older role after having been in the original production as the barkeep. Both beautiful productions with terrific casts showing why these modern classics are great plays deserving to be modern classics</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):</div><div><br /></div><div>Philippe Arroyo in <i>& Juliet</i></div><div>Gabrielle Brooks in <i>Get Up Stand Up!: The Bob Marley Musical</i></div><div>Lorna Courtney in <i>& Juliet</i></div><div>Carly Mercedes Dyer in <i>Anything Goes</i></div><div>Oyin Oladejo in <i>Is God Is</i></div><div>Declan Spaine in <i>Get Up Stand Up!: The Bob Marley Musical</i></div><div>Ben Jackson Walker in <i>& Juliet</i></div>Kaitlyn Yott in <i>Kamloopa</i><br />
<div><br /></div><div><br /><b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>Doubt: A Parable</i>: Deborah Drakeford, Brian Bisson, Emma Nelles, Kim Nelson</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>The Last Return</i>: Anna Healy, Bosco Hogan, Fionn Ó Loingsigh, Rebecca O'Mara, Naima Swaleh</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>The Weir</i>: Jolly Abraham, Peter Coonan, Brendan Coyle, Sean Fox, Marty Rea</div><div><br /></div><div>Karl Ang in <i>Cockroach</i></div><div>Jonathan Bailey in <i>Cock</i></div><div>Matt Baram in <i>Indecent</i></div><div>Carly Bawden in <i>Carousel</i></div><div>Declan Bennett in <i>Carousel</i></div><div>Paul Bettany in <i>The Collaboration</i></div><div>Yolanda Bonnell in <i>Kamloopa</i></div><div>Katie Brayben in <i>Tammy Faye</i></div><div>Ronnie Burkett in <i>Little Dickens</i></div><div>Ellen Denny in <i>Red Velvet</i></div><div>Ayesha Dharker in <i>Chasing Hares</i></div><div>Jake Epstein in <i>Boy Falls From the Sky</i></div><div>Patsy Ferran in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></div><div>Alexis Gordon in <i>Room</i></div><div>Jonathan Gould in <i>Indecent</i></div><div>Kit Harrington in <i>Henry V</i></div><div>Cush Jumbo in <i>Hamlet</i></div><div>Allan Louis in <i>Red Velvet</i></div><div>Paul Mescal in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></div><div>Hadyn Oakley in <i>Anything Goes</i></div><div>Jeremy Pope in <i>The Collaboration</i></div><div>Andrea Rannells in <i>Tammy Faye</i></div><div>Amelia Sargisson in <i>Red Velvet </i></div><div>Vanessa Sears in <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> and <i>Is God Is</i></div><div>Charlie Stemp in <i>Mary Poppins</i></div><div>Anjana Vasan in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></div><div>Betsy Wolfe in <i>& Juliet</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________________</span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2020 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop, Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br /><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://andjulietbroadway.com/" target="_blank">& Juliet</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://badhatstheatre.com/alice-in-wonderland" target="_blank">Alice in Wonderland</a></i></b> (Musical) - Bad Hats Theatre at Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/Angels-Atlas-Serenade" target="_blank">Angels' Atlas & Soul & Serenade</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/anything-goes/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank">Anything Goes</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Palace Theatre - Manchester, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/a-streetcar-named-desire/10-dec-2022-4-feb-2023" target="_blank">A Streetcar Named Desire</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.backtothefuturemusical.com/london/" target="_blank">Back to the Future The Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Adelphi Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/uploads/Shows/Playbills/2022/22-Bad-Parent-Playbill.pdf" target="_blank">Bad Parent</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/best-of-enemies-broadcast" target="_blank">Best of Enemies</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/billionaire-boy/liverpool-empire/" target="_blank">Billionaire Boy</a></i></b> (Musical) - Liverpool Empire - Liverpool, UK - **1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/blindness" target="_blank">Blindness</a></i></b> (Play) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/boy-falls-from-the-sky" target="_blank">Boy Falls From the Sky</a></i></b> (Musical) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/carousel" target="_blank">Carousel</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Regent's Park Open Air Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/carson-taylor-promise-do-bunch-flips" target="_blank">Carson and Taylor Promise To Do A Bunch of Flips</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Ada Slaight Hall in Daniels Spectrum - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.charlieputh.com/" target="_blank">Charlie Puth: One Night Only</a></i></b> (Concert) - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/chasing-hares" target="_blank">Chasing Hares</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Chicago" target="_blank">Chicago</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/show/choir-boy" target="_blank">Choir Boy</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company in the Bluma Appel Theatre at Meridian Hall - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://fallsviewcasinoresort.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events/the-choir-of-man.html" target="_blank">The Choir of Man</a></i></b> (Musical) - Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino Resort - Niagara Falls, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cock/ambassadors-theatre/" target="_blank">Cock</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Ambassadors Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/plays/cockroach/" target="_blank">Cockroach</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-collaboration" target="_blank">The Collaboration</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - **</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/learn/timelines/come-from-away-timeline" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">*****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/da-kink-in-my-hair" target="_blank">'da Kink in my Hair</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Bluma Appel Theatre at Meridian Hall - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://homemcr.org/production/double-murder/" target="_blank">Double Murder</a></i></b> (Dance) - Hofesh Shechter Company at Home - Manchester, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><i>Clowns</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><i>The Fix</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.bneproductions.ca/" target="_blank">Doubt</a>: A Parable</i></b> (Play Revival) - Breaking and Entering Theatre in The Church of the Holy Trinity - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/fishermans-friends-the-musical" target="_blank">Fisherman's Friend the Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/plays/post-democracy/" target="_blank">Gay for Pay with Blake & Clay</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre in the Studio Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON -<span style="color: red;"> ****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/plays/orphan-song/" target="_blank">Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Lyric Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet-cush-jumbo" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - **</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</a></i></b> (Play) - CAA Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://henryv.ntlive.com/synopsis/" target="_blank">Henry V</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/tour/#/" target="_blank">Imagine Dragons: Mercury Tour</a></i></b> (Concert) - Rogers Centre - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://studio180theatre.com/productions/indecent/" target="_blank">Indecent</a></i></b> (Play) - Studio 180 at CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/show/is-god-is" target="_blank">Is God Is</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company in the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/jesus-christ-superstar" target="_blank">Jesus Christ Superstar</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat" target="_blank">Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.joshgroban.com/tour" target="_blank">Josh Groban: Harmony Tour</a></i></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Stage - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/uploads/Shows/Playbills/2022/22-Kamloopa-Playbill.pdf" target="_blank">Kamloopa</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company and Native Earth Performing Arts in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.gatetheatre.ie/production/the-last-return/" target="_blank">The Last Return</a></i></b> (Play) - Druid at Gate Theatre - Dublin, IE - <span style="color: red;">*****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/show/little-dickens" target="_blank">Little Dickens</a></i></b> - Canadian Stage Company in the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://mandymoore.com/" target="_blank">Mandy Moore: In Real Life Tour</a></i></b> (Concert) - Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.scotiabankarena.com/events/detail/mariah-carey-merry-christmas-to-all" target="_blank">Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All!</a></i></b> (Concert) - Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.marypoppinsonstage.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a></i></b> (Musical) - Prince Edward Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://meangirlsonbroadway.com/tour/" target="_blank">Mean Girls </a></i></b>(Musical) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - **</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Miser" target="_blank">The Miser</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Theatre Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/sharing-the-stage/" target="_blank">National Ballet's Sharing the Stage</a></i></b> (Ballet) - Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.onerepublic.com/tour/" target="_blank">OneRepublic: Never Ending Summer Tour</a></i></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Stage - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/plays/orphan-song/" target="_blank">Orphan Song</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/plays/post-democracy/" target="_blank">Post-Democracy</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/season/public-enemy" target="_blank">Public Enemy</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company in the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/redvelvet" target="_blank">Red Velvet</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre in the Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.botg.ca/" target="_blank">Rent</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - The Burloak Theatre Group at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts - Oakville, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/room" target="_blank">Room</a></i></b> (Play) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.rosspetty.com/" target="_blank">Ross Petty's Peter's Final Flight! The Pan-Tastical Family Musical </a></i></b>(Panto) - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://tour.sarahmclachlan.com/" target="_blank">Sarah McLachlan</a></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Stage - Toronto, ON</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://thesharkisbroken.com/" target="_blank">The Shark is Broken</a></i></b> (Play) x2 - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/singin-in-the-rain" target="_blank">Singin' in the Rain</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x 2 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sister-act/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank">Sister Act</a></i></b> (Musical) - Palace Theatre - Manchester, UK - **1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/six-chick-flicks-or-legally-blonde-pretty-woman-dirty-danced-beaches-while-writing" target="_blank">Six Chick Flicks Or A Legally Blonde Pretty Woman Dirty Danced On the Beaches While Writing A Notebook On The Titanic</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/snow-white/" target="_blank">Snow White</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre on the Ada Slaight Stage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/statistics" target="_blank">Statistics</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Ada Slaight Hall in Daniels Spectrum - Toronto, ON - **1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/tammy-faye/11-oct-2022-3-dec-2022" target="_blank">Tammy Faye</a></i></b> (Musical) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/the-weir/" target="_blank"><i>The Weir</i></a></b> (Play Revival) - Abbey Theatre - Dublin, IE - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/welcome-back-to-the-future/" target="_blank">Welcome Back to the Future</a></i></b> (Comedy) - The Second City - Toronto, ON - ***1/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/uploads/Shows/Playbills/2022/22-WTBM-Playbill.pdf" target="_blank">Where the Blood Mixes</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company and Native Earth Performing Arts in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/shows/wildfire/" target="_blank">Wildfire</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>__________________________________________________________________<br /><b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br /><br /><b>Best of 2020 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/12/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2020.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2020</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2019 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2018 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2017 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2012</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2010</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2009</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html" target="_blank">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html" target="_blank">List Format</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Theatre of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Best Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br /><br /><br />Photo of <i>The Last Return </i>by Ste Murray<br />Photo of <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> and <i>Doubt: A Parable</i> by Dahlia Katz</div><div>Photo of <i>Red Velvet</i> by John Lauener<br />Photo of <i>Kamloopa </i>by Tim Matheson</div><div>Photo of <i>Best of Enemies</i> by Wasi Daniju<br />Photo of <i>Carousel</i> by Johan Persson<br />Photo of <i>The Weir</i> by Ros Kavanagh<br />Photo of & Juliet from press materials.</div>
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-17673504741456056122020-12-29T15:44:00.001-05:002022-12-30T12:49:43.295-05:00Stageworthy - Best of Stage 2020<div class="separator">We know. It's been a year. And a devastating year for live performing arts. None which need reminding. </div><div>Still, there were some shining moments before the world shut down. I managed to see 32 different shows (for a total of 37 times. The multiples were on a ship incidentally when Pandemic was declared) and still managed to see shows in Toronto, London, New York, and Dublin, before the world stopped (and moved online) and I stayed at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm not going to debate whether online zoom theatre is theatre or not, as I saw a lot of wonderful online workshop and readings and Zoom plays and even by the end of the year, some plays that were designed to be seen online (<i>acts of faith</i> from Factory Theatre, <i>Hags</i>, <i>Contractions</i>, <i>What Do We Need To Talk About? </i>from the Public Theatre, <i>Oedipus El Rey</i> from CGTLA, <i>Heroes of the Fourth Turning</i> etc.) and NT Live, the Shows Must Goes On series, Hampstead Theatre, Stratford Festival, and many other theatres opened up their archives to show past shows filmed for viewing. However, I didn't keep track of them all after watching a ton of them, and I found it hard to judge some of these online theatre sometimes with technical difficulties and such so I've kept this list and archive of the shows still to the shows I saw live on stage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Any shows (same production version) I had seen in previous years are ineligible for this year's list.<br />For previous years Best of Stage Lists:</div><div><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a> <br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> <br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (including Hamilton) <br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And alas, despite seeing far less shows than a typical year, there were still many worthy of particular mention. Granted some are London productions of shows that I missed in NYC in previous years, some are shows that opened at the end of 2019 but I only finally saw in 2020, and one was a show I missed year after year and finally caught why it kept getting remounted. Alas...</div><br />
<b>Here's the Best of Stage 2020:</b><br /><br /><b>1. <i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/fairview" target="_blank">Fairview</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - Main House - London, UK<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury, Directed by Nadia Latif</span><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68S39xpvMk_6hw9ES77tkl8rLHLSucDQlXcD2WPoeK3KUCBhmiklUjewnoxjs4vsAgr6a7_3B2EydD2s7SUqkw2712fW4rCcvULx_yMFccUXul3v2pLXg9hJdbZZJLFmoAGs5TQ/s1365/Fairview+Young+Vic+Theatre+Nicola+Hughes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1365" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68S39xpvMk_6hw9ES77tkl8rLHLSucDQlXcD2WPoeK3KUCBhmiklUjewnoxjs4vsAgr6a7_3B2EydD2s7SUqkw2712fW4rCcvULx_yMFccUXul3v2pLXg9hJdbZZJLFmoAGs5TQ/w400-h266/Fairview+Young+Vic+Theatre+Nicola+Hughes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It's difficult to speak about this play without revealing any spoilers, and one should go in knowing as little as possible, but I will say the very divisive reactions from it, was partly what me love it. While I was thoroughly enjoying the play, there's a moment in the play that splits the audience and the uncomfortable tension made me laugh even more. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b>2. <i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/7415/teenage-dick/?qitq=cf3bee53-8ada-4bde-94d7-e80cb428c996&qitp=bad956c9-9e97-44ce-99c6-8c975b98e9c8&qitts=1609226607&qitc=donmarwarehouse&qite=mlblindnesspublic2&qitrt=Safetynet&qith=245f371c76430ff87190074e0b92f9cc" target="_blank">Teenage Dick</a></i></b> - Donmar Warehouse - West End - London, UK -<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mike Lew, Directed by Michael Longhurst</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI2ciHjIceJHx755eTBcrSehv0UKLnaaAAHDoKmzZDtGjYxqTr5rVwZG-Z4rGujmNBOSRMHz72JOmAQeHhHir7m22yM4DKOsiUE-hjwj2GZluALfBq0qQRo8wilPwPGy2mMq-gg/s512/Teenage+Dick+Donmar+Warehouse+Daniel+Monk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="512" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI2ciHjIceJHx755eTBcrSehv0UKLnaaAAHDoKmzZDtGjYxqTr5rVwZG-Z4rGujmNBOSRMHz72JOmAQeHhHir7m22yM4DKOsiUE-hjwj2GZluALfBq0qQRo8wilPwPGy2mMq-gg/w400-h300/Teenage+Dick+Donmar+Warehouse+Daniel+Monk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Richard II was a dick even as a teenager, in Mike Lew's teenage update of the Shakespeare tragedy. And while the premise allows for many clever and funny comparisons, Lew doesn't skimp on the darkness within this teenage Dick II, with a star making performance by Daniel Monks. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. <i><a href="https://badhatstheatre.com/peter-pan" target="_blank">Peter Pan</a></i></b> - Bad Hats Theatre at Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted by Fiona Sauder and Reanne Spitzer, Music by Landon Doak, Directed by Severn Thompson</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6wYFf9Ff5C9OaZp3DLZx73K5b9NNgVwD0_IW7E5WnrQxHUlfiYZuZ3mPfXjapFFvRq3trwL3fu5d45bAZHtNp4Im3SPKcMmUFyK4c6-52WorOaK9yZ_JK3-KB-KEIpfs_zfIjQ/s1000/Peter+Pan+Bad+Hats+Theatre+pNicholas+Porteous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6wYFf9Ff5C9OaZp3DLZx73K5b9NNgVwD0_IW7E5WnrQxHUlfiYZuZ3mPfXjapFFvRq3trwL3fu5d45bAZHtNp4Im3SPKcMmUFyK4c6-52WorOaK9yZ_JK3-KB-KEIpfs_zfIjQ/w400-h266/Peter+Pan+Bad+Hats+Theatre+pNicholas+Porteous.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I missed this Bad Hats production year after year and finally caught it in what seems like an annual winter holiday run and I finally got to see why. A fun and imaginative take on the classic tale of Peter Pan, with a joyous cast and splendid original music, it's truly a magical ride for boys and girls of all ages, even those that ended up growing up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/Cambodian-Rock-Band.aspx" target="_blank">Cambodian Rock Band</a></i></b> - Signature Theatre in the Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY </div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Lauren Yee, Featuring Songs by Dengue Fever, Directed by Chay Yew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwiXIfgCUNUVffWKPQrHFm4IR9SIs6nW8mOobBje1gQnaxC7QJR1KTkNHtzuVQ0rcy7w858yZXYDvqHSqeWAu4ximzETKZrKzJBRZyB951THv8QZd3Vzzv2lhiERzhFNc27bkFw/s700/Cambodian+Rock+Band+Signature+Theatre+pJoan+Marcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="700" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwiXIfgCUNUVffWKPQrHFm4IR9SIs6nW8mOobBje1gQnaxC7QJR1KTkNHtzuVQ0rcy7w858yZXYDvqHSqeWAu4ximzETKZrKzJBRZyB951THv8QZd3Vzzv2lhiERzhFNc27bkFw/w400-h268/Cambodian+Rock+Band+Signature+Theatre+pJoan+Marcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span><br />Things seem muddled at first, but as the songs by Dengue Fever rock out, stories and characters clear up in a father and daughter who find a new understanding as secrets from the past in Cambodia are discovered. Once the show finds its rhythm, the beats are loud and bang on, with a rocking score that counterpoints the tragic story. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b>5. </b><b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-41" target="_blank">We're Gonna Die</a></i></b> - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Young Jean Lee, Directed and Choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOf3X_WRPyDgmVWyGsiC5oSDAmgfnl3-JiEavC_QvImB6G6Duo0LWezHdsaznWmTn03cKCBNO-OKT1ZM7QLY8rwD_Qg_llvKMxr8flG9a225Y7MD8k56JB6jXOcDWGYla8abGCQ/s800/Were+Gonna+Die+2nd+Stage+Debbie+Christine+Tjong+Freddy+Hall+Ximone+Rose+Janelle+McDermoth+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="800" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOf3X_WRPyDgmVWyGsiC5oSDAmgfnl3-JiEavC_QvImB6G6Duo0LWezHdsaznWmTn03cKCBNO-OKT1ZM7QLY8rwD_Qg_llvKMxr8flG9a225Y7MD8k56JB6jXOcDWGYla8abGCQ/w400-h198/Were+Gonna+Die+2nd+Stage+Debbie+Christine+Tjong+Freddy+Hall+Ximone+Rose+Janelle+McDermoth+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span><br />A play? A concert? A musical? Whatever you call it, Young Jean Lee, with the help of some musicians, and Raja Feather Kelly, have created a theatrical extravaganza on the musings of death, and in the process, of life. A lyrical performance that still beats with humour and heart (and awesome beats) with a central anchoring performance by Janelle McDermoth.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/The-Hot-Wing-King.aspx" target="_blank">The Hot Wing King</a></i></b> - Signature Theatre in the Griffin Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Katori Hall, Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4JftZOSWiIWsxfct1_MV0Luja2o2tCtNPWdQDOXBTGKEq1yjBzH98HmK65K5o31ec_BV03g54R6AuHnj48YKggNeW3MJpH3bnCEI5qumNwMOjuG5IvNYBi1PNmvnNpv2BAHikw/s700/The+Hot+Wing+King+cast+Katori+Hall+Signature+Theatre+pMonique+Carboni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="700" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4JftZOSWiIWsxfct1_MV0Luja2o2tCtNPWdQDOXBTGKEq1yjBzH98HmK65K5o31ec_BV03g54R6AuHnj48YKggNeW3MJpH3bnCEI5qumNwMOjuG5IvNYBi1PNmvnNpv2BAHikw/w400-h280/The+Hot+Wing+King+cast+Katori+Hall+Signature+Theatre+pMonique+Carboni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span><br />A saucy and delicious funny new play about a group of gay Black men on their way to a hot wing barbecue competition. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b>7. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.gaietytheatre.ie/events/the-lieutenant-of-inishmore/" target="_blank">The Lieutenant of Inishmore</a></i></b> - Gaiety Theatre - Dublin, IR<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Martin McDonagh, Directed by Andrew Flynn</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iSfH1wi9yt-bxIagbb5D_DHmLsXP5pRbrjaCX3qLZqp0JWPsvYbOmtp5qe4sWSzS7qRvLnLwWm81Qy1ZKfrKNXAw1WzBR8avRI-daUjS4GZOP5ktU-I4EexDAYfDyJ3i9YBRHQ/s1024/Lieutenant+of+Inishmore+Paul+Mescal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1024" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iSfH1wi9yt-bxIagbb5D_DHmLsXP5pRbrjaCX3qLZqp0JWPsvYbOmtp5qe4sWSzS7qRvLnLwWm81Qy1ZKfrKNXAw1WzBR8avRI-daUjS4GZOP5ktU-I4EexDAYfDyJ3i9YBRHQ/w400-h259/Lieutenant+of+Inishmore+Paul+Mescal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Having never seen this McDonagh play before, I figured what a better way than to see it in Dublin in a local production with an actual Irish cast, who probably would hit the odd tone of this dark comedy, and it did not disappoint. I looked up this terrific cast for this post, only to discover the handsome lead as Mad Padraic was none other than Paul Mescal, whose <i>Normal People</i> have made gained him worldwide fame since this production in February. </div><div> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. <i><a href="https://www.nativeearth.ca/1920season/this-is-how-we-got-here/" target="_blank">This Is How We Got Here</a></i></b> - Native Earth at Aki Studio - Toronto, ON<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and Directed by Keith Barker</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3XwoRul44I24VAsi-XuRhh7QbhTtoFTz58PRaxSEh8Jfe1zUlB6iNeMxp6xugzPPsP-box-XEQNTtJ_P4-6IRubZi2TW3vLtiWuRzzfIf4VtPmG1slPDKWX3gkbkisbFz2AkVg/s893/This+is+How+We+Got+Here+Native+Earth+Michaela+Washburn+Kristopher+Bowman+pChristie+Wong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="893" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3XwoRul44I24VAsi-XuRhh7QbhTtoFTz58PRaxSEh8Jfe1zUlB6iNeMxp6xugzPPsP-box-XEQNTtJ_P4-6IRubZi2TW3vLtiWuRzzfIf4VtPmG1slPDKWX3gkbkisbFz2AkVg/w400-h265/This+is+How+We+Got+Here+Native+Earth+Michaela+Washburn+Kristopher+Bowman+pChristie+Wong.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While this play was apparently not performed originally with an Indigenous cast, this revival has Indigenous writer Barker direct his own play with an Indigenous cast, and it gives it a whole new life and urgency, and gives the struggles of the four people a different slant and deeper understanding. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. <i><a href="https://cyranodebergerac.ntlive.com/" target="_blank">Cyrano de Bergerac</a></i></b> - The Jamie Lloyd Company at the Playhouse Theatre - West End - London, UK</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Edmond Rostand, in a new version by Martin Crimp, Directed by Jamie Lloyd</span><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL85wMVyl4D8Aw4ugdy21hXzbPa8C_grtBpY2O19sYyV1_YA5gPQcAr0J5ShIg4Li8KYmX2zenUhjEoVlghEj7S0EOOnpkMjxxvcue6dinZDTUlDBpwYddWqbftnI2z-hYprPSw/s2048/Cyrano+de+Begerac+James+McAvoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL85wMVyl4D8Aw4ugdy21hXzbPa8C_grtBpY2O19sYyV1_YA5gPQcAr0J5ShIg4Li8KYmX2zenUhjEoVlghEj7S0EOOnpkMjxxvcue6dinZDTUlDBpwYddWqbftnI2z-hYprPSw/w400-h266/Cyrano+de+Begerac+James+McAvoy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, if we can imagine James McAvoy as "ugly" in this reimagined, rapping, modernized Cyrano, it turns the poetry of the spoken word as the swords at play in this dark, sexy, and stylized minimal de Bergerac. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>10. <i><a href="https://www.pearleharbour.com/agitpop" target="_blank">Pearle Harbour's Agit Pop!</a></i></b> - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON -<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Pearle Harbour, Directed by Rebecca Ballarin</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99uHM9mQSCO-dFtREoh03lT3xFOeGxMvP19lEKVKR-Uvldf93prpBRoJGhoA8GmrIo1Mf663ij__3t8WoxwyNNHqHXwszC9Mc46PfldUlgehLWMAh86IYoA60pP5Qrn66y5z-Sw/s1000/Pearle+Harbour+Agit+Prop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99uHM9mQSCO-dFtREoh03lT3xFOeGxMvP19lEKVKR-Uvldf93prpBRoJGhoA8GmrIo1Mf663ij__3t8WoxwyNNHqHXwszC9Mc46PfldUlgehLWMAh86IYoA60pP5Qrn66y5z-Sw/w400-h266/Pearle+Harbour+Agit+Prop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A cabaret musical act that has Pearle Harbour interpreting some classics in haunting new ways, but with a thread that ties this "cabaret" far more into musical territory and creating a haunting rumination on death and life in this apocalyptic world, with some biting zingers about the frightening things in our world, all as a method to calm us with her charms and soothing personality. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Honourable Mention:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/schools/you-and-i-parent-guide/" target="_blank">You and I</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre in the Studio - Toronto, ON </div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Maya Ardal, Directed by Allen MacInnis</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't officially give this a grade, since this play for "explorers" (toddlers) wasn't meant for me, but it was a soothing and playful introduction to live performance for REALLY young audiences and their wide eyed minds. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
<br />The cast of <i>The Hot Wing King</i>: Nicco Annan, Sheldon Best, Cecil Blutcher, Korey Jackson, Toussaint Jeanlouis, Eric B. Robinson Jr. <br /><br />
Kaleb Alexander in <i>Alphonse</i><br />Donna Banya in <i>Fairview</i></div><div>Pearle Harbour in <i>Pearle Harbour's Agit-Pop!</i></div><div>Janelle McDermoth in <i>We're Gonna Die</i></div><div>
Daniel Monks in <i>Teenage Dick</i><br />
Joe Ngo in <i>Cambodian Rock Band</i><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
<br />The cast of <i>The Lieutenant of Inishmore</i>: Desmond Eastwood, Cillian O Gairbhí, Aisling Kearns, Cillian Lenaghan, Paul Mescal, Alex Murphy, Pádraig O'Grady, Don Wycherley</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>Peter Pan</i>: Jocelyn Adema, Gabriella Albino, Ann Paula Bautista, Andrew Cameron, Landon Doak, Matt Pilipiak, Victor Pokinko, Paolo Santalucia, Fiona Sauder, Emerjade Simms, Reanne Spitzer</div><div><br /></div><div>The cast of <i>This Is How We Got Here</i>: Kristopher Bowman, Tamara Podemski, James Dallas Smith, Michaela Washburn</div><div><br /></div><div>Marcus Choi in <i>Hamilton</i><br />Frances Jue in <i>Cambodian Rock Band</i></div><div>
James McAvoy in <i>Cyrano de Bergerac</i><br />Courtney Reed in <i>Cambodian Rock Band</i><br /><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________________</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2020 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop, Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br />
<br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/entertainment/" target="_blank">5-Skies</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Princess Theatre on Princess Sky - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.theaturtle.com/alphonse.html" target="_blank">Alphonse</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Thea Turtle at Memorial Park - Toronto, ON - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.passemuraille.ca/19-20-season-shows/bug/" target="_blank">bug</a></i></b> (Play) - manidoons collective with Native Earth Performing Arts and Theatre Passe Muraille in the Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/Cambodian-Rock-Band.aspx" target="_blank">Cambodian Rock Band</a></i></b> (Musical) - Signature Theatre in the Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/drive-in-concerts.aspx" target="_blank">Concert in the Park(ing Lot): British Legends</a></i></b> (Concert) - Richmond Green - Richmond Hill, ON<br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://cyranodebergerac.ntlive.com/" target="_blank">Cyrano de Bergerac</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Jamie Lloyd Company at the Playhouse Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/dana-h/" target="_blank">Dana H.</a></i></b> (Play) - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.emojiland.com/" target="_blank">Emojiland</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Duke on 42nd - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/fairview" target="_blank">Fairview</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - Main House - London, UK -<span style="color: red;"> ****1/2</span><br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://hamiltonmusical.com/us-tour" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Tour at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/The-Hot-Wing-King.aspx" target="_blank">The Hot Wing King</a></i></b> (Play) - Signature Theatre in the Griffin Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span> <br /><br /><i><a href="https://www.princess.com/cruise-tips-vacation-ideas/video/onboard-experience/inspired-silliness.html" target="_blank"><b>Jim Henson's Inspired Silliness</b></a></i> (Play) - Vista Lounge on Princess Sky - ***1/2<br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://fringetoronto.com/next-stage/show/kitne-saare-laloo-yahan-pey-hain" target="_blank">Kitne Saare Laloo Yahan Pey Hain</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/shows/lady-sunrise/" target="_blank">Lady Sunrise</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.gaietytheatre.ie/events/the-lieutenant-of-inishmore/" target="_blank">The Lieutenant of Inishmore</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Gaiety Theatre - Dublin, IR - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="http://www.michaelmisko.com/" target="_blank">Michael Misko</a></i></b> (Magician) x3 - Princess Theatre on Princess Sky<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://miggysworld.com/" target="_blank">Miguel Washington</a></i></b> (Comedian) x2 - Princess Theatre on Princess Sky <br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://theminutesbroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Minutes</a></i></b> (Play) - Cort Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/my-mother%E2%80%99s-lesbian-jewish-wiccan-wedding" target="_blank">My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding</a></i></b> (Concert Musical Revival) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.pearleharbour.com/agitpop" target="_blank">Pearle Harbour's Agit Pop!</a></i></b> (Cabaret Musical) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br />
<b><i><a href="https://badhatstheatre.com/peter-pan" target="_blank">Peter Pan</a></i></b> (Play) - Bad Hats Theatre at Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roythomsonhall.com/tickets/tso-rachmaninoff-and-scheherazade-3/" target="_blank">Rachmaninoff and Scheherazade</a></i></b> (Symphony) - Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall - Toronto, ON<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/entertainment/" target="_blank">Rock Opera</a></i></b> (Concert) x2 - Princess Theatre on Princess Sky<br /><br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/sexual-misconduct-of-the-middle-classes/" target="_blank">Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/theatre/upcoming-shows/stars-of-mars" target="_blank">Stars of Mars</a></i></b> (Musical Workshop) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/7415/teenage-dick/?qitq=cf3bee53-8ada-4bde-94d7-e80cb428c996&qitp=bad956c9-9e97-44ce-99c6-8c975b98e9c8&qitts=1609226607&qitc=donmarwarehouse&qite=mlblindnesspublic2&qitrt=Safetynet&qith=245f371c76430ff87190074e0b92f9cc" target="_blank">Teenage Dick</a></i></b> (Play) - Donmar Warehouse - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.nativeearth.ca/1920season/this-is-how-we-got-here/" target="_blank">This Is How We Got Here</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Native Earth Performing Arts at Aki Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br />
<a href="https://tickets.tarragontheatre.com/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent596.html" target="_blank"><b><i>This Was the World</i></b></a> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.clubbedthumb.org/tumacho/" target="_blank">Tumacho</a></i></b> (Musical) - Clubbed Thumb at the Connelly Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-41" target="_blank">We're Gonna Die</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br /><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/women-at-plays-4-toronto-edition/" target="_blank">Women at Play(s)</a></i></b> (Short Plays) - Red Sandcastle Theatre - Toronto, ON<br /><i>an understanding of brown</i> (Play)</div><div><i>Many Happier Returns</i> (Play)</div><div><i>Blue Marty</i> (Play)</div><div><i>Queenie's Castle</i> (Play)</div><div><i>Flurescent Lights</i> (Play)</div><div><i>Splitting Eternity</i> (Play)</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/schools/you-and-i-parent-guide/" target="_blank">You and I</a></i></b> (Play for Young "Explorers") - Young People's Theatre in the Studio - Toronto, ON <br /><br /><br />__________________________________________________________________<br /><b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br /><br /><b>Best of 2019 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2020/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2019.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2019</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2018 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2017 List:</b><br /><a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2012</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2010</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2009</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html" target="_blank">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html" target="_blank">List Format</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Theatre of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Best Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br /><br /><br />Photos of <i>Cambodian Rock Band</i> and <i>We're Gonna Die </i>by Joan Marcus<br />Photos of <i>Cyrano de Begerac</i> and <i>Fairview</i> and <i>Teenage Dick</i> by Marc Brenner</div><div>Photo of <i>The Hot Wing King</i> by Monique Belani<br />Photo of <i>Pearle Harbour's Agit-Pop!</i> by Michael Cooper<br />Photo of <i>Peter Pan</i> by Nicholas Porteous <br />Photo of <i>This Is How We Got Here</i> by Christie Wong<br />Photo of <i>The Lieutenant of Inishmore</i> from the Gaeity Theatre website<br /><br />
<span class="fullpost">
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-20253139085373824112020-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:002020-01-01T06:57:14.872-05:00Stageworthy: The Best of Stage 2019Saw a little less shows than last year, and added a few concerts that I've included in the final tally. So 2019 I saw 153 different shows but 173 times (basically I did 20 repeats this year alone). (The full list of all the shows I saw is at the bottom of the post). This year I saw shows in Toronto and Stratford, London, NYC, Seattle, Los Angeles, and on a boat in the middle of the Caribbean.<br />
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Any shows (same production version) I had seen in previous years are ineligible for this year's list.<br />
For previous years Best of Stage Lists:<br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a> (including <i>What the Constitution Means To Me</i>, <i>Girl From the North Country</i>)<br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> (including <i><a href="https://waitresstour.com/" target="_blank">Waitress</a>, </i><a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/us/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts 1 and 2</a> )<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (including <i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i>)<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b><br />
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So this year I spent a lot of time rearranging the order of this list. Not because there were no standouts, but because it was a solid set and many of them had reasons to be on top. This may just be the final standings at the time I finally hit post, but I could probably convince myself to switch the order and put any of these unique shows on top. Although I didn't choose this on purpose, I noticed most were written by POC and/or women and/or LGBTQ writers!<br />
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<b>Here's the Best of Stage 2019:</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2018-2019/Octet.aspx" target="_blank">Octet</a></i></b> - Signature Theatre in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Chamber Choir Musical by Dave Malloy, Directed by Annie Tippe</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1bY4SdKYJ6gkUzvUdGNw_RGMddHBJvybrw7uJFVBzSPWgEEkOFS3VuqH399ITnTfjrdGnqPYGcV1T8ji71PeQi3ybCvyTVj7BYS5YpeRv0Gmf9-nnuWw45Drf6lol5529C3SFQ/s1600/Octet+Signature+Theatre+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="640" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1bY4SdKYJ6gkUzvUdGNw_RGMddHBJvybrw7uJFVBzSPWgEEkOFS3VuqH399ITnTfjrdGnqPYGcV1T8ji71PeQi3ybCvyTVj7BYS5YpeRv0Gmf9-nnuWw45Drf6lol5529C3SFQ/s400/Octet+Signature+Theatre+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8 souls singing in acapela about the addictions of technology. Dave Malloy's intricate and complex music and cheeky humour finally meshes in perfect harmony in this esoteric, and quirky little oddball of a musical that feels both specifically of our times, and yet surprisingly universal in our human desires for connection and purpose. The cast works in perfect balance (a weak link would let it all crash), and the intricacies of both the musical notes and emotions keep this musical therapy session finally connected me with a Malloy piece.<br />
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<b>2.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/green/" target="_blank">In the Green</a></i></b> - Lincoln Theater Center at LCT3 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A New Musical by Grace McLean, Directed by Lee Sunday Evans</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGyP73a2LM5d1XhWTn5PUVxs8yLd8xtJZXTyHGKD4x6HUFP0sWadkB7ZSapv47HM44IcCgtvg08T_4XZz_D4Y7OduqBsddNedH_F-o4vaYTAfsqCcIfmZnCn9DKtXT6BR6OchOg/s1600/In+the+Green+LCT3+pJulietaCervantes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="585" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGyP73a2LM5d1XhWTn5PUVxs8yLd8xtJZXTyHGKD4x6HUFP0sWadkB7ZSapv47HM44IcCgtvg08T_4XZz_D4Y7OduqBsddNedH_F-o4vaYTAfsqCcIfmZnCn9DKtXT6BR6OchOg/s400/In+the+Green+LCT3+pJulietaCervantes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A musical about a young Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval woman who would become a nun, healer, composer, theologist, exorcist, and saint. The musical however is specifically about Bingen as a young girl when she is locked up by her Catholic parents into a cell with her mentor Jutta for three decades, a cell space where women are declared dead from the outside world. This glimpse into what might have happened in that cell to make Bingen become the Medieval feminist and powerhouse that she later becomes is thrillingly told with Grace McLean's looping vocals (playing Jutta), using an electronic mic McLean performs into, layering herself into a score that the other female voices adds upon. To say this is weird is an understatement. It is beyond odd. And yet McLean's score is just as weird and exciting, sounding both modern and medieval, and matching the odd life Bingen lived through. Evans' production only adds to the bold storytelling with it's beautiful simple but bold towering set. The abrupt ending and narrative climax felt a bit messy and mysterious, matching the complexity of Bingen's own life story. Fascinating and unlike anything I've seen or heard in a musical before.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/the-light/" target="_blank">The Light</a></i></b> - MCC Theater in the Frankel Theater at the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Loy A. Webb, Directed by Logan Vaughn</span><br />
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It's beautiful to watch a loving beautiful Black couple on the brink of their next step in their relationship, but then the past comes to haunt what is supposed to be a momentous loving moment. Loy A. Webb's tight two-hander play is a whirl of emotions, with wrenching performances by Mandi Masden and McKinley Belcher III. In an era where we are finally acknowledging MeToo, toxic masculinity, and other damaging behaviours, seeing two people who recognize the society we live in who try hard to avoid the terribleness of it all, still falling victim to the culture of relationships in the modern era, is fascinating and gut punch that knocks the light out of the audience.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.totteringbiped.ca/air" target="_blank">Searching for Marceau</a></i></b> - Tottering Biped Theatre at Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Trevor Copp, Richard Beaune, and Robin Patterson</span><br />
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Might be biased here since Trevor Copp is a childhood friend, but even knowing his family and past, didn't prepare me for Copp's sort of auto-biographical (with some artistic license) about his artistic pursuit for miming (yes mime), and the reason for his pursuit of perfecting as an artist. Powerful yet with oddly funny moments, it's a memoir of an artist in search of a hero, and an ode to the artistic pursuit with all its highs and lows, and a glimpse at the reasons behind it.<br />
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<b>5.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/heroes-fourth-turning/" target="_blank">Heroes of the Fourth Turning</a></i></b> - Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Will Arbery, Directed by Danya Taymor</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRqeVhGezDHpUkRYI4wdGPP0qfz5VcJQZvIGbP7nef23sUIuhkwrjxI1ChZraWTHNsKKftur3tIYc89yxIx_9r59qmRzzlyu6djVLn8KsbDFSJmgczkXdb6fk0bC0adLmEMHAvQ/s1600/Heroes+of+the+Fourth+Turning+Playwrights+Horizons+John+Zdrojeski+Zo%25C3%25AB+Winters+Jeb+Kreager+Michele+Pawk+Julia+McDermott+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRqeVhGezDHpUkRYI4wdGPP0qfz5VcJQZvIGbP7nef23sUIuhkwrjxI1ChZraWTHNsKKftur3tIYc89yxIx_9r59qmRzzlyu6djVLn8KsbDFSJmgczkXdb6fk0bC0adLmEMHAvQ/s400/Heroes+of+the+Fourth+Turning+Playwrights+Horizons+John+Zdrojeski+Zo%25C3%25AB+Winters+Jeb+Kreager+Michele+Pawk+Julia+McDermott+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fact that Will Arbery managed to write a play about religious people in middle America with conservative politics and beliefs, and I still found them fascinating, and dare I say it, at times charming, is a testament to the play and the cast. The play's five characters are the exact types of people I would tend to avoid in real life, but it's a beautiful glimpse into their world and thoughts without, fleshing out a world far from my east-coast-liberal-city-slickers. It's a slice-of-America play that doesn't belittle its characters or treat them in contempt.<br />
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<b>6.</b> <b><i><a href="https://arsnovanyc.com/underground_railroad_game" target="_blank">Underground Railroad Game</a></i></b> - Ars Nova at Greenwich House Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Jennifer Kidwell and Scott R. Sheppard, Directed by Taibi Magar</span><br />
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Finally caught this as it toured back to New York on its journey to blaze and burn through what we are taught about America's history and the Underground Railroad. Created and performed by Jennifer Kidwell and Scott R. Sheppard, we go on a wild ride as two teachers teach a class audience about America's dark history using a teachable game, as things devolve into a surreal outrageous "lesson".<br />
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<b>7.</b> <b><i><a href="https://slaveplaybroadway.com/" target="_blank">Slave Play</a></i></b> - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jeremy O. Harris, Directed by Robert O'Hara</span><br />
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Trying to speak about this play without revealing what happens or why without a spoiler is almost impossible. I will say this surprisingly hilarious new play by Jeremy O. Harris takes many unexpected twists and turns as it knocks perceptions off their pristine white pedestals. Maybe it goes too far, and the final scene, while powerful, is it necessary? But it's bold, and on Broadway (via NYTW), with a cast fully on board, in a production that literally sticks a mirror to the audience to force us to look at ourselves and our reactions to Harris' audacious <i>Slave Play.</i><br />
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<b>8.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/antigone-cast-creative-team/" target="_blank">ANTIGONE: 方</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jeff Ho, Directed by Stephen Colella and Karen Gilodo</span><br />
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The Greek tragedy Antigone with allusions to the Hong Kong yellow umbrella movement and Chinese authoritarian state is a powerful statement. The spring production happened before the current Hong Kong protests started later this summer. Stephen Collela and Karen Gilodo's production, in Christine Urquhart's haunting set and costumes, feels both timeless and scarily a bit foretelling, in Jeff Ho's clever update that questions where alliances and family must stand amongst country and politics.<br />
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<b>9.</b> <b>America Verbatim:</b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://waterwell.org/production/courtroom/" target="_blank">The Courtroom</a></i></b> - Gordon Moot Courtoom at Fordham University of Law - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Transcripts Arranged by Arian Moayed, Directed by Lee Sunday Evans</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/is-this-a-room/" target="_blank">Is This A Room</a></i></b> - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Conceived and Directed by Tina Satter</span><br />
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Two new plays taken verbatim directly from transcripts, showing the harshness of the American justice system. Arian Moayed and Tina Satter have edited down court transcripts and FBI recordings, respectively, dissecting the injustices in the American system. The true cases of Elizabeth Keathley, legal immigrant who is ordered for deportation after a mistaken technicality, and the whistleblower Reality Winner, who leaked info of Russian interference in the last American election, are brought to tense and suspenseful reenactments in simple but taught productions by Evans and Satter. The Courtroom, presented around New York City in situ in courtroom settings, with a rotating cast that included Ruthie Ann Miles and Kathleen Chalfant at my performance, is simply presented as a court case being seen live, but with the audience allowed to watch the emotions that occurs behind the courtroom words. Satter, working with redacted FBI transcripts of Reality Winner's arrests, keeps the redacted moments into the plays, with dramatic black outs, punctuated by music and a lighting design that accentuate Emily C. Davis' fragile recreation of Winner's plight. Both plays give human faces to an unbudging law system that fails to see humanity behind the black and white letters of the law.<br />
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<b>10.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.rebelstheatre.com/pleasestandclear" target="_blank">Please Stand Clear</a></i></b> - Rebels Theatre at Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Ross Hammond, Directed by Raeburn Ferguson</span><br />
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Two men meet on a subway platform. One is about to jump. The other... seems interested in the results. A bizarre situation where one man lays his life and hope on the (subway) line while the other man acts even more bizarrely. Ross Hammond's bizarre yet fascinating and bizarrely funny script can be intense as it delves into the humanity of strangers and our duties to each other. Hammond as the odd man, and Anthony Di Feo as the possibly jumper, are a beautiful pairing of juxtapositions, in a terrifically acted gripping two-hander that draws us into each distinct man's life.<br />
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<b>Honourable Mentions (in alphabetical order):</b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/a-million-billion-pieces/" target="_blank">A Million Billion Pieces</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by David James Brock, Music by Gareth Williams, Directed by Philip Akin</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/a-very-expensive-poison" target="_blank">A Very Expensive Poison</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Lucy Prebble, Based on the Book by Luke Harding, Directed by John Crowley</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/supermarket/boy-falls-from-the-sky-jake-epstein-live-at-supermarket/283668935891051/" target="_blank">Boy Falls From the Sky</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Supermarket Restaurant and Bar - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jake Epstein, Directed by Robert McQueen</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/do-you-feel-anger/" target="_blank">Do You Feel Anger</a></i></b> - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mara Wilson-Greenberg, Directed by Margot Bordelon</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hadestown" target="_blank">Hadestown</a></i></b> - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music, Lyrics, and Book by Anaïs Mitchell, Directed by Rachel Chavkin</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/crows-theatre/the-huns-at-the-toronto-fringe-festival/2249398645096266/" target="_blank">The Huns</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Streetcar Crowsnest's Guloien Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Michael Ross Albert, Directed by Marie Farsi</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/productions/season/1819/mojada/" target="_blank">Mojada</a></i></b> - The Public Theatre in the LuEsther Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Luis Alfaro, Directed by Chay Yew</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/old-stock-a-refugee-love-story/" target="_blank">Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story</a></i></b> - 2b theatre company at Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Hannah Moscovitch, Ben Caplan, and Christian Barry</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/piafdietrich" target="_blank">Piaf/Dietrich</a></i></b> - CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Daniel Große Boymann and Thomas Kahry, Adapted by Erin Shields, From the Translation by Sam Madwar, Directed by Gordon Greenberg</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.sixthemusical.com/london" target="_blank">Six</a></i></b> - Arts Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/small-island" target="_blank">Small Island</a></i></b> - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted by Helen Edmundson, Based on the Novel by Andrea Levy, Directed by Rufus Norris </span><br />
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<b>Solid revivals of (in alphabetical order):</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/all-my-sons" target="_blank">All My Sons</a></i></b> - Headlong and The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2018-2019-season/arthur-millers-all-my-sons/" target="_blank">All My Sons</a></i></b> - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Arthur Miller, Directed at The Old Vic by Jeremy Herrin, Directed at Roundabout by Jack O'Brien</span><br />
<b><br /></b><b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/the-american-clock" target="_blank">The American Clock</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Arthur Miller, Directed by Rachel Chavkin</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/blood-wedding" target="_blank">Blood Wedding</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By Federico García Lorca, In a new version by Marina Carr, Directed by Yaël Farber</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2018-19-season/choir-boy/" target="_blank">Choir Boy</a></i></b> - Manhattan Theatre Club at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tarrell Alvin McCraney, Directed by Trip Cullman</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/death-of-a-salesman" target="_blank">Death of a Salesman</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Arthur Miller, Directed by Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://fiddlerwestend.com/" target="_blank">Fiddler on the Roof</a></i></b> - Menier Chocolate Factory at Playhouse Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Book by Joseph Stein, Directed by Trevor Nunn</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://fiddlernyc.com/" target="_blank"><i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> in Yiddish</a></b> - Stage 42 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Book by Joseph Stein, Directed by Joel Grey</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/Fires-in-the-Mirror.aspx" target="_blank">Fires in the Mirror</a></i></b> - Signature Theatre in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Anna Deavere Smith, Directed by Saheem Ali</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/productions/season/1819/much-ado/" target="_blank">Much Ado About Nothing</a></i></b> - The Public Theatre at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Kenny Leon</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://rosmersholmplay.com/" target="_blank">Rosmersholm</a></i></b> - Duke of York's Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Henrik Ibsen, In a New Adaptation by Duncan MacMillan, Directed by Ian Rickson</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/summer-and-smoke/10-nov-2018-19-jan-2019" target="_blank">Summer and Smoke</a></i></b> - Almeida Theatre at the Duke of York's Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tennessee Williams, Directed by Rebecca Frecknall</span><br />
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<b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
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The cast of <i>In the Green</i>: Rachael Duddy, Ashley Perez Flanagan, Grace McLean, Mia Pak, Hannah Whitney<br />
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The cast of <i>Octet</i>: Adam Bashian, Kim Blanck, Starr Busby, Alex Gibson, Justin Gregory Lopez, J.D. Mollison, Margo Seibert, Kuhoo Verma<br />
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The cast of <i>Please Stand Clear</i>: Anthony Di Feo, Ross Hammond<br />
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The cast of <i>Six</i>: Almie Atkinson, Vicki Manser, Alexia McIntosh, Millie O'Connell, Natalie Paris, Jarneia Richard-Noel<br />
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Andrew Bancroft in <i>Freestyle Love Supreme</i><br />
Gillian Bartolucci in <i>The Weight of It All</i><br />
Sophia Anne Caruso in <i>Beetlejuice</i><br />
Emily Davis in <i>Is This A Room</i><br />
Chris Dwan in <i>Enter Laughing</i><br />
Aneesa Folds in <i>Freestyle Love Supreme</i><br />
Andy Grotelueschen in <i>Tootsie</i><br />
Rob Houchen in <i>The Light in the Piazza</i><br />
Stephanie Hsu in <i>Be More Chill</i><br />
Eponine Lee in <i>The Winter's Tale</i><br />
Connor Lucas in <i>The Adventures in Pinocchio</i><br />
Arthur MacKinnon in <i>Lights! Camera! Odd Jobs!?</i><br />
Tiffany Martin in <i>The Winter's Tale</i><br />
Kyle McArthur in <i>Superhero</i><br />
Brenock O'Connor in <i>Sing Street</i><br />
Laura Piccinin in <i>Every Silver Lining</i><br />
Andy Sellers in <i>Touching the Void</i><br />
Tara Travis in <i>Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII</i><br />
Anjana Vasan in <i>Summer and Smoke</i><br />
Allison Wither in <i>Every Silver Lining</i><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
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The Chers of <i>The Cher Show</i>: Stephanie J. Block, Micaela Diamond, Teal Wicks<br />
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The main cast of <i>Gary; A Sequel to Titus Andronicus</i>: Nathan Lane, Kristine Nielsen, Julie White<br />
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The cast of <i>Heroes of the Fourth Turning</i>: Jeb Kreager, Julia McDermott, Michelle Pawk, Zoë Winters, John Zdrojeski<br />
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The cast of <i>The Huns</i>: Jamie Cavanagh, Breanna Dillon, Cass Van Wyck<br />
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The cast of <i>The Light</i>: McKinley Belcher III, Mandi Masden<br />
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The cast of <i>Lungs</i>: Claire Foy, Matt Smith<br />
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The cast of <i>Slave Play</i>: Ato Blankson-Wood, James Cusati-Moyer, Sullivan Jones, Joaquina Kalukango, Chalia La Tour, Irene Sofia Lucio, Annie McNamara, Paul Alexander Nolan<br />
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The cast of <i>Three Men on a Bike</i>: David DiFrancesco, Matt Pilipiak, Victor Pokinko<br />
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The cast of <i>Underground Railroad Game</i>: Jennifer Kidwell, Scott R. Sheppard<br />
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Eileen Atkins in <i>The Height of the Storm</i><br />
Hayley Atwell in <i>Rosmersholm</i><br />
Maev Beaty in <i>The Front Page</i><br />
Quincy Tyler Bernstine in <i>Marys Seacole</i><br />
Corbin Bleu in <i>Kiss Me Kate</i><br />
Alex Brightman in <i>Beetlejuice</i><br />
Danielle Brooks in <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i><br />
Tom Brooke in <i>A Very Expensive Poison</i><br />
Evan Buliung in <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i><br />
MyAnna Buring in <i>A Very Expensive Poison</i><br />
Tom Burke in <i>Rosmersholm</i><br />
Sharon D. Clarke in <i>Death of a Salesman</i><br />
Trevor Copp in <i>Searching for Marceau</i><br />
Joel Cumber in <i>The Adventures of Pinocchio</i><br />
Arthur Darvill in <i>Sweet Charity</i><br />
André De Shields in <i>Hadestown</i><br />
Sheldon Elter in <i>Bears</i><br />
Jake Epstein in <i>Boy Falls From the Sky</i><br />
Patsy Ferran in <i>Summer and Smoke</i><br />
Sally Field in <i>All My Sons</i><br />
Santino Fontana in <i>Tootsie</i><br />
Amber Gray in <i>Hadestown</i><br />
Julie Halston in <i>Tootsie</i><br />
Arinea Hermans in <i>The Adventures of Pinocchio</i><br />
Conrad Ricamore in <i>Soft Power</i><br />
Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer in <i>Beetlejuice</i><br />
James McArdle in <i>Peter Gynt</i><br />
Seana McKenna in <i>Yaga</i><br />
Jonny Lee Miller in <i>Ink</i><br />
Jayne Lewis in <i>Piaf/Dietrich</i><br />
Daniel MacIvor in <i>Let's Run Away</i><br />
Matthew Needham in <i>Summer and Smoke</i><br />
Eva Noblezada in <i>Hadestown</i><br />
Patrick Page in <i>Hadestown</i><br />
Annie Parisse in <i>Long Lost</i><br />
Wendell Pierce in <i>Death of a Salesman</i><br />
Louise Pitre in <i>Piaf/Dietrich</i><br />
Jeremy Pope in <i>Choir Boy</i><br />
Jonathan Pryce in <i>The Height of the Storm</i><br />
Jonelle Sills in <i>A Million Billion Pieces</i><br />
Steven Skybell in <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> in Yiddish<br />
Sarah Stiles in <i>Tootsie</i><br />
Corey Stoll in <i>Macbeth</i><br />
Alexis Nicolas Trudel in <i>Alegria: In A New Light</i><br />
Brandon Uranowitz in <i>Burn/This</i><br />
Benjamin Walker in <i>All My Sons</i><br />
Michael Benjamin Washington in <i>Fires in the Mirror</i><br />
Mary Elizabeth Winstead in <i>Dying City</i><br />
Charlayne Woodard in <i>"Daddy"</i><br />
Colin Woodell in <i>Dying City</i><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">______________________________</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2019 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop, Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/1887-ice-show" target="_blank">1887</a></i></b> (Ice Show) x2 - The Ice Rink on Harmony of the Seas - ***1/2<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/a-dolls-house-part-2" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a></i></b> (Play) - CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - **<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/the-adventures-of-pinocchio/" target="_blank">The Adventures of Pinocchio</a></i></b> (Musical) - Young People's Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria" target="_blank">Alegria: In A New Light</a></i></b> (Circus) x2 - Cirque de Soleil under The Big Top at Ontario Place - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/alice-by-heart/" target="_blank">Alice By Heart</a></i></b> (Musical) - MCC Theater in the Newman Mills Theater at the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://allabouteveplay.com/" target="_blank">All About Eve</a></i></b> (Play) - Noel Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/all-my-sons" target="_blank">All My Sons</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Headlong and The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2018-2019-season/arthur-millers-all-my-sons/" target="_blank">All My Sons</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/the-american-clock" target="_blank">The American Clock</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/a-million-billion-pieces/" target="_blank">A Million Billion Pieces</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://anastasiathemusical.com/tour/" target="_blank">Anastasia</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - National Tour at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/antigone-cast-creative-team/" target="_blank">ANTIGONE: 方</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2019/05/breaking-through-square-antigone-play.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/art/7093" target="_blank">Art</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/1920/as-you-like-it/" target="_blank">As You Like It</a></i></b> (Musical) - Seattle Rep in the Begley Wright Theatre - Seattle, WA - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/a-very-expensive-poison" target="_blank">A Very Expensive Poison</a></i></b> (Play) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.backstreetboys.com/events/past" target="_blank">Backstreet Boys: <i>DNA World Tour</i></a></b> (Concert) - Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/tour/" target="_blank">The Band's Visit</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Tour at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2018-19-season/bears/" target="_blank">Bears</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2018-19-season/beautiful-man/" target="_blank">Beautiful Man</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://beetlejuicebroadway.com/" target="_blank">Beetlejuice</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Winter Garden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.suzywilde.com/be-kind-rewind" target="_blank">Be Kind, Rewind</a></i></b> (Musical) - Edge of the Sky at Toronto Fringe Festival at Randolph Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/be-more-chill-519720" target="_blank">Be More Chill</a></i></b> (Musical) - Lyceum Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.benditmusical.com/" target="_blank">Bend it Like Beckham</a></i></b> (Musical) - Bluma Apel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.benplattmusic.com/" target="_blank">Ben Platt: <i>Sing To Me Instead</i></a></b> (Concert) - Meridian Hall - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.pinteratthepinter.com/the-plays/betrayal" target="_blank">Betrayal</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Harold Pinter Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/blood-wedding" target="_blank">Blood Wedding</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/supermarket/boy-falls-from-the-sky-jake-epstein-live-at-supermarket/283668935891051/" target="_blank">Boy Falls From the Sky</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Supermarket Restaurant and Bar - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/the-brothers-size/6178" target="_blank">The Brothers Size</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.thehudsonbroadway.com/whatson/burn-this/" target="_blank">Burn/This</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://campmorningwoodthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Camp Morning Wood: A Very Naked Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Peter Jay Sharp Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Music Theatre Project</a></b> (Musical Workshop) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<b><i><a href="https://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/rumspringa-break-an-am-ish-musical/" target="_blank">Grow</a></i></b> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="https://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/hoarders/" target="_blank"><b>Hoarding: A Musical</b></a></i> (Musical)<br />
<b><i><a href="https://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/pump-up-the-volume/" target="_blank">Pump Up the Volume</a></i></b> (Musical)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thechershowbroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Cher Show</a></i></b> (Musical) - Neil Simon Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2018-19-season/choir-boy/" target="_blank">Choir Boy</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Manhattan Theatre Club at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/clotheswap/clotheswap-at-the-toronto-fringe/2257102001218913/" target="_blank">Clothesswap</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at The Textile Museum of Canada - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/columbus" target="_blank">Columbus The Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - Royal Theater on Harmony of the Seas - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.comefindmemusical.com/york-theatre-company-to-present-developmental-reading-of-come-find-me-a-christmas-musical/" target="_blank">Come Find Me</a></i></b> (Musical Workshop) - York Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://comefromawaylondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Phoenix Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">*****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/come-from-away" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-convert" target="_blank">The Convert</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://waterwell.org/production/courtroom/" target="_blank">The Courtroom</a></i></b> (Play) - Gordon Moot Courtoom at Fordham University of Law - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/production/daddy/" target="_blank">"Daddy"</a></i></b> (Play) - The New Group in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/dear-evan-hansen" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - Royal Alexandria Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/death-of-a-salesman" target="_blank">Death of a Salesman</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://twusa.org/shows-artists/on-tour/dog-man/" target="_blank">Dog Man: The Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Theatreworks USA at the Lucille Lortel Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/do-you-feel-anger/" target="_blank">Do You Feel Anger</a></i></b> (Play) - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY -<span style="color: red;"> ****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/robert-gill-theater/drama-101-at-the-toronto-fringe-festival/314366102550771/" target="_blank">Drama 101</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Robert Gill Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-40" target="_blank">Dying City</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - 2nd Stage at the Tony Kisser Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://yorktheatre.org/on-stage/mainstage-series/enter-laughing" target="_blank">Enter Laughing</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - York Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EverySilverLiningMusical/" target="_blank">Every Silver Lining</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Theatre at Al Green Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://fiddlerwestend.com/" target="_blank">Fiddler on the Roof</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Menier Chocolate Factory at Playhouse Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://fiddlernyc.com/" target="_blank"><i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> in Yiddish</a></b> (Musical Revival) - Stage 42 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/the-fine-line" target="_blank"><i>The Fine Line</i></a></b> (Circus) x4 - Aqua Theater on Harmony of the Seas - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2019-2020/Fires-in-the-Mirror.aspx" target="_blank">Fires in the Mirror</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Signature Theatre in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/fool-for-love/7088" target="_blank">Fool for Love</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/frankie-and-johnny-in-the-clair-de-lune-521362" target="_blank">Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Broadhurst Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://freestylelovesupreme.com/" target="_blank">Freestyle Love Supreme</a></i></b> (Musical Improv) - Booth Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Front-Page" target="_blank">The Front Page</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/gary-a-sequel-to-titus-andronicus-519765" target="_blank">Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus</a></i></b> (Play) - Booth Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/girl-from-the-north-country" target="_blank">Girl From the North Country</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/grease" target="_blank">Grease</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x3 - Royal Theater on Harmony of the Seas - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hadestown" target="_blank">Hadestown</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/production/happytalk/" target="_blank">Happy Talk</a></i></b> (Play) - The New Group in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/us/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts 1 and 2</a></i></b> (Play) - Lyric Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2019-20-season/the-height-of-the-storm/" target="_blank">The Height of the Storm</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Club at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/heroes-fourth-turning/" target="_blank">Heroes of the Fourth Turning</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/hideaway-heist" target="_blank">Hideaway Heist</a></i></b> (Circus) - Aqua Theater on Harmony of the Seas - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/hillary-and-clinton-520344" target="_blank">Hillary and Clinton</a></i></b> (Play) - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/crows-theatre/the-huns-at-the-toronto-fringe-festival/2249398645096266/" target="_blank">The Huns</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Streetcar Crowsnest's Guloien Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/hurricane-diane/" target="_blank">Hurricane Diane</a></i></b> (Play) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/if-pretty-hurts-ugly-must-be-muhfucka/" target="_blank">If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be a Muhfucka</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2018-19-season/ink/" target="_blank">Ink</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Club at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/green/" target="_blank">In the Green</a></i></b> (Musical) - Lincoln Theater Center at LCT3 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/iskate" target="_blank">iSkate</a></i></b> (Ice Show) x2 - The Ice Rink on Harmony of the Seas - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/is-this-a-room/" target="_blank">Is This A Room</a></i></b> (Play) - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=moon&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=" target="_blank">I Swallowed The Moon Made of Iron</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage at the Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2018-2019-season/kiss-me-kate/" target="_blank">Kiss Me Kate</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-last-ship" target="_blank">The Last Ship</a></i></b> (Musical) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=lets-run-away&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=" target="_blank">Let's Run Away</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage at the Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.lifesucksplay.com/" target="_blank">Life Sucks</a></i></b> (Play) - The Wild Project at Wheelhouse Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/the-light/" target="_blank">The Light</a></i></b> (Play) - MCC Theater in the Frankel Theater at the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/126992-light-piazza-2019" target="_blank">The Light in the Piazza</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://kingtalent.com/f/arthur-mckinnon---excellent-review" target="_blank">Lights! Camera! Odd Jobs!?</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/lilies-or-the-revival-of-a-romantic-drama/" target="_blank">Lilies; Or, The Revival of a Romantic Drama</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-41" target="_blank">Linda Vista</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage at the Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.littleblackdressthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Little Black Dress</a></i></b> (Musical) - CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Little-Shop-of-Horrors" target="_blank">Little Shop of Horrors</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2018-19-season/long-lost/" target="_blank">Long Lost</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Company in New York City Center Studio Stage I - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2019/lungs" target="_blank">Lungs</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://classicstage.org/shows/2019/10/macbethcsc/" target="_blank">Macbeth</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/marys-seacole" target="_blank">Marys Seacole</a></i></b> (Play) - Lincoln Theater Center at LCT3 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://new-adventures.net/swan-lake" target="_blank">Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake</a></i></b> (Ballet) - New Adventures at Ahmanson Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=about&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=" target="_blank">Measure for Measure</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Canadian Stage Company in High Park Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2018-2019-season/merrily-we-roll-along/" target="_blank">Merrily We Roll Along</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company in the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/the-merry-wives-of-windsor-2019/" target="_blank">The Merry Wives of Windsor</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.mo5aic.com/" target="_blank">Mo5aic</a></b> (Concert) - Royal Theater on Harmony of the Seas<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/productions/season/1819/mojada/" target="_blank">Mojada</a></i></b> (Play) - The Public Theater in the LuEsther Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://moulinrougemusical.com/new-york/home/" target="_blank">Moulin Rouge!: The Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Al Hirschfeld Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/productions/season/1819/much-ado/" target="_blank">Much Ado About Nothing</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Public Theatre at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/my-bonnie-lass/" target="_blank">My Bonnie Lass</a></i></b> (Musical Workshop) - Theatre Sheridan in the Studio Theatre - Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Neverending-Story" target="_blank">The Neverending Story</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/693973677704947/" target="_blank">News Play</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.nightfeed.ca/" target="_blank">Night Feed</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://officiallondontheatre.com/show/the-night-of-the-iguana-tickets-111416133/" target="_blank">The Night of the Iguana</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2018-2019/Octet.aspx" target="_blank">Octet</a></i></b> (Musical) - Signature Theatre in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/old-stock-a-refugee-love-story/" target="_blank">Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story</a></i></b> (Musical) - 2b theatre company at Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2019/04/crossing-atlantic-old-stock-and-small.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.theatricalrights.com/show/other-josh-cohen/" target="_blank">The Other Josh Cohen</a></i></b> (Musical) - Westside Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://wptheater.org/show/our-dear-dead-drug-lord/" target="_blank">Our Dear Dead Drug Lord</a></i></b> (Play) - WP Theater at McGinn/Cazale Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/380676612543136" target="_blank">Ouvre La Porte, Fermez La Bouche</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://yorktheatre.org/on-stage/musicals-in-mufti" target="_blank">Panama Hattie</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - York Theatre's Musicals in Mufti - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/peter-gynt" target="_blank">Peter Gynt</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://us.thephantomoftheopera.com/" target="_blank">The Phantom of the Opera</a></i></b> (Musical) - Majestic Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/piafdietrich" target="_blank">Piaf/Dietrich</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://broadwaygoeswrong.com/tour.php" target="_blank">The Play That Goes Wrong</a></i></b> (Play) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rebelstheatre.com/pleasestandclear" target="_blank">Please Stand Clear</a></i></b> (Play) - Rebels Theatre at Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://ttdb.ca/shows/the-princess-is-the-pauper/" target="_blank">The Princess is the Pauper</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at St. Vladimir's Theatre - Toronto, ON - *1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.rascalflatts.com/" target="_blank">Rascal Flatts</a>: <i>2019 Summer Playlist Tour</i></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://beinvauxhall.com/whats-on/romance-romance-at-above-the-stag/" target="_blank">Romance Romance</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Above the Stag Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://rosmersholmplay.com/" target="_blank">Rosmersholm</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Duke of York's Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.commonbootstheatre.ca/scadding/" target="_blank">Scadding</a></i></b> (Play) - Common Boots at Toronto Fringe Festival at Scadding Court Community Centre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://seawallalife.com/" target="_blank">Sea Life/A Life</a></i></b> (Play Revivals) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<i>Sea Wall</i> - **1/2<br />
<i>A Life</i> - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.totteringbiped.ca/air" target="_blank">Searching for Marceau</a></i></b> (Play) - Tottering Biped Theatre at Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/seared/" target="_blank">Seared</a></i></b> (Play) - MCC Theater in the Frankel Theater at the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/sing-street/" target="_blank">Sing Street</a></i></b> (Musical) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.sixthemusical.com/london" target="_blank">Six</a></i></b> (Musical) - Arts Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.theskivviesnyc.com/shows.html" target="_blank">The Skivvies</a></i></b> (Concert) - Joe's Pub at The Public Theater - New York City, NY<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://slaveplaybroadway.com/" target="_blank">Slave Play</a></i></b> (Play) - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/small-island" target="_blank">Small Island</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2019/04/crossing-atlantic-old-stock-and-small.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/softpower" target="_blank">Soft Power</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Public Theater in the Newman Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soundinsidebroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Sound Inside</a></i></b> (Play) - Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.thespicegirls.com/news_articles/spiceworld2019-is-here/" target="_blank">Spice Girls: <i>Spice World 2019 Tour</i></a></b> (Concert) - Wembley Stadium - London, UK<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/square-go/" target="_blank">Square Go</a></i></b> (Play) - 59E59 Theaters in Theatre C - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/summer-and-smoke/10-nov-2018-19-jan-2019" target="_blank">Summer and Smoke</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre at the Duke of York's Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-40" target="_blank">Superhero</a></i></b> (Musical) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kisser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6990/sweet-charity/" target="_blank">Sweet Charity</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://takethat.com/live/" target="_blank">Take That: <i>Greatest Hits Live 2019</i></a></b> (Concert) - London, UK<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://outsidethemarch.ca/the-experiences/tapeescape/" target="_blank">The Tape Escape</a></i></b> (Experience) - Outside the March at Queen Video - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/thin-place/" target="_blank">The Thin Place</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://ttdb.ca/shows/three-men-on-a-bike/" target="_blank">Three Men On A Bike</a></i></b> (Play) - Pea Green Theatre Group at Toronto Fringe Theatre at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/til-death-the-six-wives-of-henry-viii-at-toronto-fringe/445893659312667/" target="_blank">Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://tinathemusical.com/uk/" target="_blank">Tina</a></i></b> (Musical) - Aldwych Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://tootsiemusical.com/" target="_blank">Tootsie</a></i></b> (Musical) - Marquis Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://officiallondontheatre.com/show/touching-the-void-tickets-111417622/?month=12%2F19" target="_blank">Touching the Void</a></i></b> (Play) - Duke of York's Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/tree" target="_blank">Tree</a></i></b> (Musical) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.totteringbiped.ca/2019-twelfth-night" target="_blank">Twelfth Night</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Tottering Biped Theatre at Royal Botanical Gardens' Shakespeare at the Rock - Burlington, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://arsnovanyc.com/underground_railroad_game" target="_blank">Underground Railroad Game</a></i></b> (Play) - Ars Nova at Greenwich House Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/past-shows/season-41" target="_blank">The Underlying Chris</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kisser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://waitresstour.com/" target="_blank">Waitress</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - National Tour at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/theatre-passe-muraille/the-weight-of-it-all-at-toronto-fringe/1150432111808543/" target="_blank">The Weight of It All</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.westlifeweb.com/westlife-tour-dates/twenty-tour-2019/" target="_blank">Westlife: <i>The Twenty Tour</i></a></b> (Concert) - O2 Arena - London, UK<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://constitutionbroadway.com/" target="_blank">What the Constitution Means To Me</a></i></b> (Play) - Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">*****</span> (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://willbarratt.uk/" target="_blank">Will Barratt</a></b> Vocal Showcase (Concert) - Jazz on 4 on Harmony of the Seas<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://shakespeareintheruff.com/productions/thewinterstale/" target="_blank">The Winter's Tale</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Shakespeare in the Ruff at Withrow Park - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/yaga/" target="_blank">Yaga</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
<b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2018 List:</b><br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/best-of-stage-2018.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2018</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2017 List:</b><br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2010</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2009</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html" target="_blank">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html" target="_blank">List Format</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Theatre of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Best Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Photo of <i>ANTIGONE: 方</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />Photo of <i>The Courtroom</i> by Maria Baranova</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Heroes of the Fourth Turning</i>, <i>The Light</i>, <i>Octet</i>, <i>Slave Play</i> by Joan Marcus<br />Photo of <i>In the Green</i> by Julieta Cervantes<br />Photo of <i>Is This A Room</i> by Carol Rosegg</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Underground Railroad Game</i> by Ben Arons Photography<br /><br />Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-81301185731937832732019-06-07T03:00:00.000-04:002019-06-09T15:23:39.492-04:00Laugh, Love and What She Wore - Little Black Dress - Musical Review<b><i><a href="https://www.littleblackdressthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Little Black Dress</a></i></b> - CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Amanda Barker, Natalie Tenenbaum, Danielle Trzcinski, & Christopher Bond</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Natalie Tenenbaum, Lyrics by Danielle Trzcinski, Book by Amanda Barker and Danielle Trzcinski, Directed by Christopher Bond</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Jun 9th 2019, Continues on tour.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Review based on a preview performance</span><br />
<br />
<br />
A new girls night out musical has been sewed together with elements of sketch comedy, a bit of improv, catchy music, heartwarming moments, and a little bit of raunch (well, actually a big lot of dirty talk AND a male stripper!). <i><b>Little Black Dress</b></i> the Musical has been fabricated for a perfect drunken night out with the girls, a bachelorette's party without the actual need to get married (especially if you never want to, which is also covered as a song in the show!).<br />
<br />
We meet Dee (a delightful Danni Davis) and her bff Mandy (always game Jennette Cronk) as they're introduced by Mom (Rachel McLaughlan) to the versatile little black dress as the one piece of clothing appropriate for any situation in life. Each song and scene brings us another piece of Dee and Mandy's lives with the little black dress as a threadbare link to a momentous time in their lives, as they weave through college, first interviews and jobs, first dates, bachelorette party, a wedding, pregnancy, parenthood, as the girls learn that life may not always live up to expectations, but the little black dress (and friendship), is all the support a girl needs. The scenes and songs have a sketch comedy structure but the songs about the little black dress strings it all together.<br />
<br />
A super game cast lead by Davis in the central role that threads the musical together is surrounded by the versatile ensemble of Cronk, McLaughlan and Hromsco who all do multiple duties of various roles, sometimes within the same scene! Hromsco is particularly hilarious as the lone man on stage and used both for his body as the stripper while also playing dad, boyfriend, gay salesman, and taking on the brunt of the male jokes in a show designed for women, specifically drunk women, and Hromsco seem game for it all. McLaughlan, under various hilariously bad wigs, has the most varied things to do in the female cast and tirelessly changing dresses and wigs at a spitfire speed.<br />
<br />
With some of the funniest songs working best when we see countering views (Like "I Knew It"(misconceptions of a first date), "Yes I Do" (to I do or not to I do), "F*ck All Night" (self explanatory) and "TV Birth vs Real Birth" (also self explanatory and cleverly directed with poor lone male actor Clint Hromsco running between both). The interludes probably had a extra beat at times due to the early preview (it was only the second performance) but I gather the pacing should improve as they get some more performances under their wings. The improv can be more self assured but with a winning Davis, there's a genuine charm and relatability to guide us on this silly fun girls night about a little black dress.<br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-43650755514652071822019-05-07T23:53:00.002-04:002019-05-07T23:54:15.742-04:00Breaking Through the Square - ANTIGONE: 方 - Play Review<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/antigone/" target="_blank">ANTIGONE: 方</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span> (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">out of 5 stars</span>)<br />
Written by Jeff Ho, Directed by Stephen Colella and Karen Gilodo<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until May 16th 2019</span><br />
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In an update of the Greek classic <i>Antigone</i>, Jeff Ho melds the old tale with allusions to Tiananmen Square and the Hong Kong Yellow Umbrella Movement in a haunting and chilling production being performed (and produced) by Young People's Theatre for its audience but reverberates for citizens of all ages.<br />
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In a transformed mainstage space with in-the-round seating, the high brick walls flanked by imposing red banners (are red banners ever not imposing?) and two giant loudspeakers surround the audience and square platform stage (方 from the title means square) lined with light patterns and a lighting design (by Rebecca Picherack) working seamlessly with Christine Urquhart's semi-futuristic, semi-timeless set and costume designs that mix apocalyptic future with hints of Communist China but leave it open to an anytime and place interpretation.<br />
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Adding to the mood with David Mesiha's sound design, Stephen Colella and Karen Gilodo's tone is set with the stark imagery of red umbrellas used as a prop that doubles as weapons, shields, bodies, in a tale of rebellion and and the law. With some subtle changes, Jeff Ho puts Antigone (Jasmine Chen) between her father Creon (John Ng) and her brothers Teo (Aldrin Bundoc) and Neikes (Jeff Yung) when Neikes finds himself opposing the injustice and violence incited by the state. When their mother gets taken and placed in re-education, family members begin taking different sides, as Creon follows the rule of law, with Teo finding himself fighting his own brother Neikes, who sees the truth behind the laws and fights to save the people's rights. The sisters, Antigone and Ismene (Rachel Mutombo) find their loyalties split, especially when a stranger, Haemon (Simon Gagnon) shows up at their door looking for help, and having information on Neikes while hiding from Creon.<br />
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Jeff Ho's new adaptation keeps us guessing on where the stakes lay as loyalties and ethical and moral sides begin taking shape under an oppressive regime. Watching the multicultural cast tell this tale is particularly exciting and gives the anytime/anyplace/future/now a particular urgency. The cast, made up of Toronto's talented pool, including John Ng (Kim's Convenience) and Soo Garay, and YPT's <i>Selfie</i> alums Rachel Mutombo and Christopher Allen, is a wonderful ensemble of actors to carry out Ho's complex retelling under Colella and Gilodo's tense and tight production.<br />
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This may be one of the more serious Young People's Theatre shows in recent times but it is not presented without humour. Ho has written a terrific new update on Antigone that manages to mix the elements of Greek Theatre, Chinese and Hong Kong history, and that also have hints of Toronto's G20 protests, that asks us as citizens to question what is the moral guideline one needs to follow, and is it ok to break out from the square peg?<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-22716119971700801532019-04-28T22:40:00.001-04:002019-04-28T22:40:04.522-04:00Crossing the Atlantic - Old Stock and Small Island - Theatre Reviews <b><i><a href="https://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/old-stock-a-refugee-love-story/" target="_blank">Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story</a></i></b> - 2b theatre company at Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">out of 5 stars</span>)<br />
Created by Hannah Moscovitch, Ben Caplan & Christian Barry<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until May 26th 2019</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/small-island" target="_blank">Small Island</a></i></b> - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">out of 5 stars</span>)<br />
Adapted by Helen Edmundson, based on the novel by Andrea Levy, Directed by Rufus Norris<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Aug. 10th 2019</span><br />
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<i><b>Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story</b></i> tells the deeply personal tale of Hannah Moscovitch's paternal great-grandparents and the entry into Canada at the turn of the century as they escaped Romania and found a new life in Montreal. But the journey, and the love story between Chaim (Dani Oore) and Chaya (Mary Fay Coady) isn't as straight forward as the romance we all hope for and to tell this little refugee love story, we have Ben Caplan as The Wanderer, who opens up a shipping container to tell of this beautiful, heartfelt tale with his booming voice and oddball humour.<br />
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From within the shipping container, Coady and Oore doubling up as musicians and playing Chaya and Chaim, and Graham Scott on keyboard and accordion and Jamie Kronick on drums, with Caplan leading the way, introduce us to two very different Romanian Jewish refugees as they land in Halifax, sending a spark through Chaim. They meet up again later in Montreal where Chaim has won over Chaya's father, but less so for Chaya, but she enters a marriage more for convenience and survival, and Coady plays Chaya's bluntness and side-eyes to perfection against Oore's naive smitten romantic notions.<br />
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The songs by Ben Caplan and director Christian Barry offer more side commentary than it does to move the story along, and the narration adds some humour to a tale that becomes increasingly dark as realities begin to derail what a sweet love story we all root for, and it gives the piece a balance that feels in spirit to the Jewish resilience. While it may be the specific tale of Hannah's great-grandparents, there's of course the universality, especially as Chaya and Chaim's love story must react to the realities of being refugees in a new country, one that may or may not live up to the refugees' expectations.<br />
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While Caplan's voice and songs are stirring and sometimes silly and sly, it's when we finally have moments where Chaim and/or Chaya duet, either with Caplan himself or saving the best for last, when they finally duet together, where we truly get the emotional peak of the story but also the theatrical presentation of this musical that felt like it may have held out too long for. While the musical runs only 90 minutes, it is in Chaim and Chaya's final duet where it all culminates into the special little show that Old Stock aims to be.<br />
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Over on <i><b>Small Island</b></i>, a large, epic sprawling tale of different lives collide in Britain after the war pulls Jamaicans who stay in the UK after helping with the war efforts. Based on Andrea Levy's novel, the new stage adaptation is pretty basic in its theatrical retelling, but the National Theatre production spares nothing with a large cast of 40 on its Olivier stage that sweeps us into the world of three lives that intertwine across the Atlantic.<br />
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This time, we follow the journey of Jamaicans crossing the other way over the Atlantic as war eventually brings Jamaican colonials to help in Britain's war efforts. Hortense (Leah Harvey), a Jamaican teaching assistant yearns to live in England, and while her childhood love Michael (CJ Beckford) has moved on to new loves and a new future by enlisting in the English army, she eventually meets Gilbert (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr), and marries him for the sake of convenience, and as an excuse to move to London. Meanwhile in England, White Brit Queenie (Aisling Loftus) escapes her family's farm in Lincolnshire to live with her forward-thinking Aunt Dorothy (Beatie Edney), then marries the stiff Bernard (Andrew Rothney) so that she can remain in London when her aunt dies. Lives intercross, the war takes its toll on everyone, and changes the lives forever, as each person tries to survive in their own way.<br />
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Hortense's expectations of London are abruptly shattered when she walks into Gilbert's tiny one-room apartment, rented from Queenie's house, as she's left to fend for herself when Bernard disappears in the war. Lives collide and Hortense naively discovers the racial divide still lurking about in England. There's a lot of story to tell but Norris and Edmundson manage to make the 3 hour 10 minute (including intermission) tale flow by with ease. It is wonderful storytelling at its purest, without any necessary fancy theatrical tricks, and I was enthralled the entire time.<br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-59094878774213473032018-12-31T09:12:00.004-05:002018-12-31T09:19:25.321-05:00Best of Stage 20182018 total: 190 Shows (including repeats) in Toronto (and surrounding), London, New York City, San Francisco, and Dublin.<br />
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As with any lists, I have my own made up rules for basically is what I deem best things I saw on stage for my first time in 2018. A ridiculous notion since what is best anyways, but alas, my dying blog, my rules, and thus my list of favourites. And was is even "first time"?<br />
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Anyways, again, any shows (same production version) I had seen in previous years are ineligible for this year's list (including )<br />
For previous years Best of Stage Lists:<br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a> (including <i>Angels in America</i>, <i>Network</i>)<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> (including <i>Waitress</i>, <i>Cacti</i>)<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (including <i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i>, <i><a href="https://hamiltonmusical.com/" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i>, <i>The King and I</i>)<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b> (including <i>Emergence</i>)<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b><br />
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Alas, here's my take from everything "new" I saw this year. Felt like I saw a lot of good stuff this year, though I was also catching up with a lot of acclaimed shows from previous years so maybe it's why I felt there was an abundance of great things on stage this year:<br />
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<b>Here's the Best of Stage 2018:</b><br />
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<b>1. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.rattlestick.org/20182019-season/2018/10/10/lewiston-and-clarkston" target="_blank">Lewiston/Clarkston</a></i></b> - Rattlestick Playwrights Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Samuel D. Hunter, Directed by Davis McCallum</span><br />
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I saw a workshop reading last year so I was already prepped and yet Samuel D. Hunter still slays me every time with his brutally honest and simple plays about the heart and loneliness of a bunch of lost souls searching for something in the middle of America. Like many of Hunter's plays, we are again in Idaho, with two separate plays taking place in the twin cities of Lewiston and Clarkston, where famed explorers once found themselves, much as their distant descendants now feel lost in.<br />
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In Rattlestick's beautifully simple double bill, the two plays are presented in one evening where the tiny theatre space becomes first roadside fireworks stand in Lewiston, where an estranged granddaughter has returned to claim her land, then we find ourselves later in a Costco warehouse as a new Clarkston transplant works side by side with a local as both figure out their futures. Each play charming and haunting on their own, but the thematic lost and found bookends only adds to the layers in this theatrical double bill.<br />
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<b>2. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/what-the-constitution-means-to-me/" target="_blank">What The Constitution Means To Me</a></i></b> - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By Heidi Schreck, Directed by Oliver Butler</span><br />
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I'm not even American yet Heidi Schreck's play that sounded at first like it was going to be a lecture but then turns out to be so much more, managed to enthral me in the US Constitution. She turned her grade school obsession with the Constitution into this breakdown of US politics and the structure America has created (and why it basically feels like it is currently breaking down). Schreck's enthusiasm highlights why our civic duties are so important, while weaving in personal stories of her family as examples of how country and the men governing the country have failed her, her mother, her grandmother, and women and Americans in this pursuit of Happiness who might have a Life and Liberty.<br />
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<b>3. </b><b><i><a href="https://humancargo.ca/?p=51" target="_blank">The Runner</a></i></b> - Human Cargo at <a href="https://www.passemuraille.ca/wp/18-19-season/the-runner/" target="_blank">Theatre Passe Muraille</a> Mainstage - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Christopher Morris, Directed by Daniel Brooks</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB-NLFFgwyU_9hrS8EmqLund5biA0EHG78VfzlE3v_cIJXj_lRkJEocUvA3h91zTkds_SqRXU-nobDZQzc6-ujmKBXcHPj88LZUndhMci2ahSX8e8k4E7W4M3BGeqaZZVueUB6Q/s1600/The+Runner+Human+Cargo+Passe+Muraille+pGrahamIsador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1168" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB-NLFFgwyU_9hrS8EmqLund5biA0EHG78VfzlE3v_cIJXj_lRkJEocUvA3h91zTkds_SqRXU-nobDZQzc6-ujmKBXcHPj88LZUndhMci2ahSX8e8k4E7W4M3BGeqaZZVueUB6Q/s400/The+Runner+Human+Cargo+Passe+Muraille+pGrahamIsador.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Gord Rand plays Jacob, a member of Z.A.K.A., an Orthodox Jewish volunteer force tasked to clean up the remains of Jews killed in accidents. While director Daniel Brooks puts Rand on a treadmill for the entire show, Rand's Jacob must contemplate the moral and ethical duties when he decides to save a woman's life. Shocking, exhausting, and harrowing, yet never running out of steam, this is an adrenaline rush in mind and body as it speeds through a vivid telling of a real life Z.A.K.A. member.<br />
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<b>4. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-inheritance" target="_blank">The Inheritance: Part 1 and 2</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK, and Young Vic Theatre at the Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Matthew Lopez, inspired by the novel Howards End by E.M. Forster, Directed by Stephen Daldry</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GcJSP71QQ0pf5UYc3kjN4T9gutDx8JnnoKjR2pN0nyUSoGuLM0b_PlxfhGiD7jp6THo-3qG65CUCtWxVXqtz4WCP923BudMIAzcZi8fiM3oX71YvmLRp6TI2yOIb4H-JesO2FQ/s1600/The+Inheritance+Samuel+D.+Levine+Kyle+Soller+Andrew+Burnap+pSimonAnnand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GcJSP71QQ0pf5UYc3kjN4T9gutDx8JnnoKjR2pN0nyUSoGuLM0b_PlxfhGiD7jp6THo-3qG65CUCtWxVXqtz4WCP923BudMIAzcZi8fiM3oX71YvmLRp6TI2yOIb4H-JesO2FQ/s400/The+Inheritance+Samuel+D.+Levine+Kyle+Soller+Andrew+Burnap+pSimonAnnand.png" width="400" /></a>
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A two part play about gays in New York City that stretches over 7hours and yes, there will be comparisons and expectations but when you let it all go and accept <i>The Inheritance</i> for what it is, and what it does with its inherited expectations (and yes, it still basically a play about fit white gays), there is much to savour and enjoy in Matthew Lopez's modern day homage to <i>Howards End</i>. This is not about millennium approaching, this is the state of (middle-ish class white) gays in New York City now (or at least 2016 to 2017) and the situation gays have currently inherited, for better or for worse, and as a result of losing almost an entire generation while fighting for gay rights. Weaved into some pointed political speeches is a poignant melodrama that follows E.M. Forster's <i>Howards End</i> as an outline. While Forster himself becomes a character in this play that toys with structure, Daldry's lean production plays around with the framing device and double casting in its lean (in more ways than one) all-male cast (save for a late-in-the-game cameo by the sole female cast member who happens to be Vanessa Redgrave who was in the film adaptation of <i>Howards End</i> and it is noted in the play). Still, for everything the play is not, it is rich with humour and poignancy and fun references that made me recognize our own stories represented on stage and it was beautiful.<br />
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<b>5. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=betroffenheit" target="_blank">Betroffenheit</a></i></b> - Kidd Pivot, Electric Company Theatre at Canadian Stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jonathon Young, Choreographed and Directed by Crystal Pite</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vpN-Gx3zS32JJ_DZZEIT2G6be6C8XK10i31qBUZvYYjxRCKbDj4dbVCWlBrpxvVpJ9ka_1fq0CjPRStMwnLey3R6KXo6fIGXIQTcTNA1kY2Q9yeQ5FwCbDewHAC2YgHmWFOCoA/s1600/Bettrofenheit+pWendyD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vpN-Gx3zS32JJ_DZZEIT2G6be6C8XK10i31qBUZvYYjxRCKbDj4dbVCWlBrpxvVpJ9ka_1fq0CjPRStMwnLey3R6KXo6fIGXIQTcTNA1kY2Q9yeQ5FwCbDewHAC2YgHmWFOCoA/s400/Bettrofenheit+pWendyD.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Shocking, erratic, pounding, and ultimately heartbreaking, I was finally able to catch Jonathon Young's very personal, now very public piece on his own family tragedy. Yet in Crystal Pite's choreography, this dance piece with words is exciting and gripping and strangely beautiful and peaceful piece of art.<br />
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<b>6. </b><b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Straight White Men</a></i></b> - 2nd Stage at the Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Young Jean Lee, Directed by Anna D. Shapiro</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUnzwzGR1TftsN9N9K28UPMslFHKCXx1cgLagcJD63wfwCs248_VOiDg1sklJW7y28icpIVfRqtsiavMrHVAjEPXc4o6oWlvEciik8oQRX6LKXl8OTCnx6NfKjcu__3tDiWvYMA/s1600/Straight+White+Men+2nd+Stage+Broadway+Stephen+Payne+Josh+Charles+Armie+Hammer+Paul+Schneider+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUnzwzGR1TftsN9N9K28UPMslFHKCXx1cgLagcJD63wfwCs248_VOiDg1sklJW7y28icpIVfRqtsiavMrHVAjEPXc4o6oWlvEciik8oQRX6LKXl8OTCnx6NfKjcu__3tDiWvYMA/s400/Straight+White+Men+2nd+Stage+Broadway+Stephen+Payne+Josh+Charles+Armie+Hammer+Paul+Schneider+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Finally a play about straight white men. Because we never knew them enough before. But no, Young Jean Lee's satire plays it basically... well... straight, with apparently a new framing device with the help of non-binary narrators who guide us into the poor ol world of four straight white men, as we study their behaviours as they interact with each other and see how they function in a world that seems catered to them. An entire company of, surprisingly, Broadway debuts (also with Stephen Payne, Josh Charles, Armie Hammer, and Paul Schneider), manages to keep the gentle satirical balance just right in Anna D. Shapiro's carefully calculated examination of an endangered species (or so the straight white men themselves seem to think). The brilliancy in Lee's satire is the group of straight white brothers and their father are not your easy targets but supposedly "woke" men who are actually "nice" guys, or try to be, but as one brother seems incapable of moving forward, the unraveling of the others in reaction starts showing what is behind a real man. Clever and funny in a gentle way (just like how straight white men need to be handled) and getting Josh Charles and Armie Hammer to dance is just bonus points.<br />
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<b>7. </b><b><i><a href="https://stannswarehouse.org/show/oklahoma/" target="_blank">Oklahoma!</a></i></b> - St. Anne's Warehouse - Brooklyn, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Richard Rodgers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, Directed by Daniel Fish, Choreography by John Heginbotham, New Music Arrangements by Daniel Kluger</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORzlyIl6G3f5_6I6YJwLsfjc-LAuyKf9I1JBTUudlmS74F00HmdSyqg22jkpLroeyRSJCclae22bzzj9x6fppgfplPiQrOaJ-i-v4SJZclguIGlYxGlpB6-1XI3nvUnIJPj3Tiw/s1600/Oklahoma+Rebecca+Naomi+Jones+Damon+Daunno+pTeddyWolff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORzlyIl6G3f5_6I6YJwLsfjc-LAuyKf9I1JBTUudlmS74F00HmdSyqg22jkpLroeyRSJCclae22bzzj9x6fppgfplPiQrOaJ-i-v4SJZclguIGlYxGlpB6-1XI3nvUnIJPj3Tiw/s400/Oklahoma+Rebecca+Naomi+Jones+Damon+Daunno+pTeddyWolff.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Turning a joyous American classic into a soulful brooding dark sexy by flipping the lights off, or with differing line interpretations makes the inherent darker elements that were always in <i>Oklahoma!</i> make much more sense. With Jud as an incel of sorts brooding in his cabin and even Curly and Laurey being sexually frustrated in a constant yearning that the times had demanded, Daniel Fish has flipped a musical classic into an intimate, haunting study of the nostalgic America we remember and the reality of what his hidden away in the darker cracks of the land.<br />
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<b>8. </b><b><i><a href="http://ttdb.ca/shows/good-morning-viet-mom/" target="_blank">Good Morning, Viet Mom</a></i></b> - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Franco Nguyen, Directed by Byron Abalos</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7If5LsbE6dFP-8TLe-gw9FrD2DwJYsRQwBARz5AT34t0G8tHn0tDBGdQXM-zhhvlqiGD4nvkBigxaa_VjAFar-YvjDmppPeMxpcy3au47t6KkfZiaNzrOw0ssEiklzlBoYqX64w/s1600/Good+Morning+Viet+Mom+Franco+Nguyen+pChristineUrquhart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1394" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7If5LsbE6dFP-8TLe-gw9FrD2DwJYsRQwBARz5AT34t0G8tHn0tDBGdQXM-zhhvlqiGD4nvkBigxaa_VjAFar-YvjDmppPeMxpcy3au47t6KkfZiaNzrOw0ssEiklzlBoYqX64w/s400/Good+Morning+Viet+Mom+Franco+Nguyen+pChristineUrquhart.png" width="400" /></a>
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Canadian born Franco Nguyen's trips back to Vietnam to visit his grandmother gives him new insight into his mom, who braved a new cold world to bring Franco up in Canada. From hilarious stories to moments of heartbreak and back, Nguyen's one-man solo show takes us on this personal journey that feels universal to any son trying to connect to his mother or anybody trying to connect to their immigrant parent.<br />
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<b>9. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/amadeus" target="_blank">Amadeus</a></i></b> - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Peter Shaffer, Directed by Michael Longhurst</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtX1rNUu9wuaN70ccGBE5NUIwW4yrFrQ4rNO17-92qMv1Eza_GMsVcGg9VfWEPE6sxrd8Jy7BQ_Wza-JSmeAkydjttUm7t9_oRy6l4HSWIL5g1O7nGCd4uJI-_WLUC75_ywwehA/s1600/Amadeus+Adam+Gillen+Christopher+Godwin+National+Theatre+pMarcBrenner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtX1rNUu9wuaN70ccGBE5NUIwW4yrFrQ4rNO17-92qMv1Eza_GMsVcGg9VfWEPE6sxrd8Jy7BQ_Wza-JSmeAkydjttUm7t9_oRy6l4HSWIL5g1O7nGCd4uJI-_WLUC75_ywwehA/s400/Amadeus+Adam+Gillen+Christopher+Godwin+National+Theatre+pMarcBrenner.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>10. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/translations" target="_blank">Translations</a></i></b> - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Brian Friel, Directed by Ian Rickson</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgtisMtkWQSwUrwv-wf4d2XqFsmjv4EbIS4CPpgYknpgLCxQHST61YQObS0QAgxPp_W9nCW4O22VZtduxnV9TXcZ_thNeULo223EtCfVobDQh1wwKR0C_cVzfYL84IYP907yew/s1600/Translations+National+Theatre+Adetomiwa+Edun+Colin+Morgan+Seamus+O%2527Hara+pCatherineAshmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1313" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgtisMtkWQSwUrwv-wf4d2XqFsmjv4EbIS4CPpgYknpgLCxQHST61YQObS0QAgxPp_W9nCW4O22VZtduxnV9TXcZ_thNeULo223EtCfVobDQh1wwKR0C_cVzfYL84IYP907yew/s400/Translations+National+Theatre+Adetomiwa+Edun+Colin+Morgan+Seamus+O%2527Hara+pCatherineAshmore.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>11. Unrelated London Revivals I Was Gonna Put In The Next 2 Spots And Then Realized Jonathan Bailey Was In Both</b><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6395/the-york-realist/" target="_blank">The York Realist</a></i></b> - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Peter Gill, Directed by Robert Hastie</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://companymusical.co.uk/" target="_blank">Company</a></i></b> - Gielgud Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth, Directed by Marianne Elliott</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhel9lbdnrCdYmvbzkLb95We4k55AKOoveLixVEgQSeWeE4xRooVrT_gulm4CRrOWyPVRHn2aqD9hlQ-Zb2RgNdwK1ljwyWiiBRyT6SSdWf5mOYa2fyLqzvEXTUhiibO3vcDUh4EA/s1600/The+York+Realist+Donmar+Warehouse+Ben+Batt+Jonathan+Bailey+pJohan+Persson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhel9lbdnrCdYmvbzkLb95We4k55AKOoveLixVEgQSeWeE4xRooVrT_gulm4CRrOWyPVRHn2aqD9hlQ-Zb2RgNdwK1ljwyWiiBRyT6SSdWf5mOYa2fyLqzvEXTUhiibO3vcDUh4EA/s400/The+York+Realist+Donmar+Warehouse+Ben+Batt+Jonathan+Bailey+pJohan+Persson.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrbdMInvdWQhvBKtccug-iRV5vrQm38o23x-ZKvUY9wdii0lT0ueMd9Cu7aBkisqS3W2ZerbrHXSa5uD83AtLEnra2Lj0H48CqASJI4kP0cIk36NjLc21W-msskvAZ88gUJJkAw/s1600/Company+West+End+Rosalie+Craig+Patti+LuPone+Jonathan+Bailey+Richard+Fleeschman+pBrinkhoffMogenburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1368" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrbdMInvdWQhvBKtccug-iRV5vrQm38o23x-ZKvUY9wdii0lT0ueMd9Cu7aBkisqS3W2ZerbrHXSa5uD83AtLEnra2Lj0H48CqASJI4kP0cIk36NjLc21W-msskvAZ88gUJJkAw/s400/Company+West+End+Rosalie+Craig+Patti+LuPone+Jonathan+Bailey+Richard+Fleeschman+pBrinkhoffMogenburg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>12. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/bang-bang/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">Bang Bang</a></i></b> - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and Directed by Kat Sandler</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQB03rpX1nAw8Dn_5Jmlt4de2CqUQYop2-k5jtUXo3TQsRxvfH4_yL1xlwX3OCsPqdaZmKJKAkLpQRw119pV6SlxFbroNR_RwbYhhG9N7AQGOzNOHAQK1PO5TIPi_NHGLFysxQw/s1600/Bang+Bang+Factory+Theatre+Karen+Robinson+Jeff+Lillico+pJosephMichaelPhotography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1086" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQB03rpX1nAw8Dn_5Jmlt4de2CqUQYop2-k5jtUXo3TQsRxvfH4_yL1xlwX3OCsPqdaZmKJKAkLpQRw119pV6SlxFbroNR_RwbYhhG9N7AQGOzNOHAQK1PO5TIPi_NHGLFysxQw/s400/Bang+Bang+Factory+Theatre+Karen+Robinson+Jeff+Lillico+pJosephMichaelPhotography.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>13. </b><b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/the-royale/6158" target="_blank">The Royale</a></i></b> - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Marco Ramirez, Directed by Guillermo Verdecchia </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpcm_v82zgzNcNGuGEMIpNXLIHZ6XwNoWM1dnWLPBMVbHw14W65qbt3Ke64pPz-z-WHgrXkgjSQrS6cpJPZ-5Ylec-daYEtQrD9Z-uvhylN5L7z2QJBkA2iELWsQvIK6CHM0YoA/s1600/The+Royale+Soulpepper+Alexander+Tomas+Dion+Johnstone+Diego+Matamoros+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpcm_v82zgzNcNGuGEMIpNXLIHZ6XwNoWM1dnWLPBMVbHw14W65qbt3Ke64pPz-z-WHgrXkgjSQrS6cpJPZ-5Ylec-daYEtQrD9Z-uvhylN5L7z2QJBkA2iELWsQvIK6CHM0YoA/s400/The+Royale+Soulpepper+Alexander+Tomas+Dion+Johnstone+Diego+Matamoros+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>14. </b><b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-wild-duck/15-oct-2018-1-dec-2018" target="_blank">The Wild Duck</a></i></b> - Almeida Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">After Henrik Ibsen, In a new version created by Robert Icke</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTtqomA-XIttVSeKC6_dZuKbYd22JOrMy_GC1_42WnfTPyCH3SOKd5rb2c9HlRb8DdwC3SA44yOWm7mb0RkGx-MmQYrnf4nvAuOkp4Er_SDqZ8ltIZ1n3OeYboMDMAllKknQRhA/s1600/The+Wild+Duck+Almeida+Lyndsey+Marshal+Edward+Hogg+Nicholas+Farrell+Clara+Read+pManuelHarlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1368" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTtqomA-XIttVSeKC6_dZuKbYd22JOrMy_GC1_42WnfTPyCH3SOKd5rb2c9HlRb8DdwC3SA44yOWm7mb0RkGx-MmQYrnf4nvAuOkp4Er_SDqZ8ltIZ1n3OeYboMDMAllKknQRhA/s400/The+Wild+Duck+Almeida+Lyndsey+Marshal+Edward+Hogg+Nicholas+Farrell+Clara+Read+pManuelHarlan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>15. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.girlfromthenorthcountry.london/" target="_blank">Girl From the North Country</a></i></b> - The Old Vic at the Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Bob Dylan, Written and Directed by Conor McPherson</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ONUZFKnKj8-WcUcKehCGAir6mFUCENdCsLS46P35reKOdps2QlN6hK8odAx-B8VByozrkA8jZO7mqF-eKeWN9GoS0jG68kK-tx5SSN6BlZyJ3FZ-O244vJk8fv4u5Yfsp0z1w/s1600/Girl+from+the+North+Country+Old+Vic+London+Sheila+Atim+Sam+Reid+Shirley+Henderson+Ciaran+Hinds+pManuelHarlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ONUZFKnKj8-WcUcKehCGAir6mFUCENdCsLS46P35reKOdps2QlN6hK8odAx-B8VByozrkA8jZO7mqF-eKeWN9GoS0jG68kK-tx5SSN6BlZyJ3FZ-O244vJk8fv4u5Yfsp0z1w/s400/Girl+from+the+North+Country+Old+Vic+London+Sheila+Atim+Sam+Reid+Shirley+Henderson+Ciaran+Hinds+pManuelHarlan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>16. Family Circus </b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.barelymethodicaltroupe.com/bromance/" target="_blank">Bromance</a></i></b> - Barely Methodical Troupe at the <a href="https://www.newvictory.org/Blog/February/%E2%80%8BBromance-s-Bromance" target="_blank">New Victory Theater</a> - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Beren D'Amico, Louis Gift, and Charlie Wheeller, in collaboration with Director Eddie Kay</span><br />
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<i><b><a href="http://7fingers.com/shows/creations/reversible" target="_blank">Réversible</a></b></i> - Les 7 Doights De La Main/The 7 Fingers at CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Directed by Gypsy Snider</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-QyyzHARK7NtnoKITosFkgLmEB4-lA1cPihz3_BGNdpN2v8Y01uYHxymlE8jXT8zMoLS2WwjV72K2zzSyB63VObGjDYG7Tboeq9zNqaDwsW-h8mouANyXL07LPpxqCqWTH7FQ/s1600/Bromance+Beren+DAmico+Louis+Gift+Charlie+Wheeller+pChrisNash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-QyyzHARK7NtnoKITosFkgLmEB4-lA1cPihz3_BGNdpN2v8Y01uYHxymlE8jXT8zMoLS2WwjV72K2zzSyB63VObGjDYG7Tboeq9zNqaDwsW-h8mouANyXL07LPpxqCqWTH7FQ/s400/Bromance+Beren+DAmico+Louis+Gift+Charlie+Wheeller+pChrisNash.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O3TmkMEne7xoM9dFiTrxJHAikdAtJZordnC7PH9SfVWyARJORBUt3tFIovQXLK-fTDw0LALSiwJ1uxqP9iN1a0B_scuynT5YXM9Y86aBzqT0O3BhR595upMKPdZ0yxUVusHvQg/s1600/7+Fingers+Reversible+pChantalLevesque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="960" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O3TmkMEne7xoM9dFiTrxJHAikdAtJZordnC7PH9SfVWyARJORBUt3tFIovQXLK-fTDw0LALSiwJ1uxqP9iN1a0B_scuynT5YXM9Y86aBzqT0O3BhR595upMKPdZ0yxUVusHvQg/s400/7+Fingers+Reversible+pChantalLevesque.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b>17. Who Run The World? Girls</b><br />
<b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/school-girls-or-the-african-mean-girls-play/" target="_blank">School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play</a></i></b> - MCC Theater at The Lucille Lortel Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jocelyn Bioh, Directed Rebecca Taichman</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Usual-Girls.aspx" target="_blank">Usual Girls</a></i></b> - Roundabout Theater Company's Roundabout Underground in the Black Box at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Ming Peiffer, Directed by Tyne Rafaeli</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-code/" target="_blank"><i>The Code</i></a></b> - <a href="https://www.greenthumb.bc.ca/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Theatre</a> in the Studio at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Rachel Aberle, Directed by Patrick McDonald</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/schools/resources-for-teachers/study-guides/selfie-study-guide/" target="_blank">Selfie</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre - Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Christine Quintana, Directed by Stephen Colella</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MywyZLXbd6Y6a500J4mP2bUthJ_YyX6qoMMbj_h8iLTKbF1dJ7nYoS-YcmOHrBfICSqzD2Q_uQ9E99phEgyMGjG6CE_EnAk238Q2KBIl8Megg38yoVUTZslj-yI2pBfhMohp_w/s1600/School+Girls+or+the+African+Mean+Girls+Play+MCC+Abena+Mensah-Bonsu+Mirirai+Sithole+Paige+Gilbert+Joanna+A+Jones+MaameYaa+Boafo+Latoya+Edwards++pCraigSchwartz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MywyZLXbd6Y6a500J4mP2bUthJ_YyX6qoMMbj_h8iLTKbF1dJ7nYoS-YcmOHrBfICSqzD2Q_uQ9E99phEgyMGjG6CE_EnAk238Q2KBIl8Megg38yoVUTZslj-yI2pBfhMohp_w/s400/School+Girls+or+the+African+Mean+Girls+Play+MCC+Abena+Mensah-Bonsu+Mirirai+Sithole+Paige+Gilbert+Joanna+A+Jones+MaameYaa+Boafo+Latoya+Edwards++pCraigSchwartz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPHC0TFHgnsFqjsNr6Ay6pW8leCEq-uLXWqWihuXgF9YwEmYlApwUObYcSMSlXUluVV-iwy1mip2xTZPLppVngcuoze3dvZKj6r8ugD4gv9TDzucZvybL_MmZ6m5gS_10CmV6jg/s1600/Usual+Girls+Roundabout+RTC+Ali+Rose+Rachis+Nicole+Rodenburg+Sofia+Black-D%2527Elia+Midori+Francis+Abby+Corrigan+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPHC0TFHgnsFqjsNr6Ay6pW8leCEq-uLXWqWihuXgF9YwEmYlApwUObYcSMSlXUluVV-iwy1mip2xTZPLppVngcuoze3dvZKj6r8ugD4gv9TDzucZvybL_MmZ6m5gS_10CmV6jg/s400/Usual+Girls+Roundabout+RTC+Ali+Rose+Rachis+Nicole+Rodenburg+Sofia+Black-D%2527Elia+Midori+Francis+Abby+Corrigan+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-V3sXD4Q3-Zd6DJ9aqQ6gR6gBeYJPyuxSWcROsobRuLa86LzgpcAyyqFJx6KO4rFF8LO-F-_lmg0K66w-UK9B4gw7qyQAQV-LeiZQQom3ezm6Yhk9lrxVgqbHrImfVr050c-pQ/s1600/The+Code+Elizabeth+Barrett+Nathan+Kay+Mason+Temple+pLeahGair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-V3sXD4Q3-Zd6DJ9aqQ6gR6gBeYJPyuxSWcROsobRuLa86LzgpcAyyqFJx6KO4rFF8LO-F-_lmg0K66w-UK9B4gw7qyQAQV-LeiZQQom3ezm6Yhk9lrxVgqbHrImfVr050c-pQ/s400/The+Code+Elizabeth+Barrett+Nathan+Kay+Mason+Temple+pLeahGair.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc70T6r6Zjjm9OIE40KOCITKNCpJGFA-aO03XkdJRmkaGuwj-WhpYzs7bS9i_2j4FDuQqXNLwDOGRmcm3PNZ38HlosBgjLCe4slpq29EQUYc57nzVCJm8MuwpEhla7ME1ji_KGA/s1600/Selfie+YPT+Caroline+Toal+Rachel+Mutombo+Christopher+Allen+pAliSultani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc70T6r6Zjjm9OIE40KOCITKNCpJGFA-aO03XkdJRmkaGuwj-WhpYzs7bS9i_2j4FDuQqXNLwDOGRmcm3PNZ38HlosBgjLCe4slpq29EQUYc57nzVCJm8MuwpEhla7ME1ji_KGA/s400/Selfie+YPT+Caroline+Toal+Rachel+Mutombo+Christopher+Allen+pAliSultani.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>18. </b><b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/bed-and-breakfast/5799" target="_blank">Bed and Breakfast</a></i></b> - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mark Crawford, Directed by Ann-Marie Kerr</span><br />
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<b>19. </b><b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/bunny/" target="_blank">Bunny</a></i></b> - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Hannah Moscovitch, Directed by Sarah Garton Stanley</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VKBRa9ZRelUEdmeJhQykGHQFjJlLvFtwa0oL1TY6faDJc4MF9j1EIst6-eSDb5v1UzpxoWwNJbrTLxUIyz7z_BoAYUON_UfG3CkoZH2KJ29V__ILKYkGdnnWYousP5C8S4A6Dg/s1600/Bunny+Tarragon+Theatre+Maev+Beaty+Matthew+Edison+Jesse+LaVercombe+Cyrus+Lane+Tony+Ofiori+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="610" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VKBRa9ZRelUEdmeJhQykGHQFjJlLvFtwa0oL1TY6faDJc4MF9j1EIst6-eSDb5v1UzpxoWwNJbrTLxUIyz7z_BoAYUON_UfG3CkoZH2KJ29V__ILKYkGdnnWYousP5C8S4A6Dg/s400/Bunny+Tarragon+Theatre+Maev+Beaty+Matthew+Edison+Jesse+LaVercombe+Cyrus+Lane+Tony+Ofiori+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<b>20. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/the-wedding-party" target="_blank">The Wedding Party</a></i></b> - Crow's Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest Guloien Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Kristen Thompson, Based on the characters created with Trish Lindström, Tony Nappo, Moya O'Connell, Tom Rooney, and Bahia Watson, Directed by Chris Abraham</span><br />
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<b>Honourable Mentions:</b>
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<b><i><a href="http://soupcantheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-carol-2/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> - The Three Ships Collective with SoupCan Theatre at Campbell House Museum - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">With an original text by Justin Haigh, based on the the story by Charles Dickens, Directed by Sarah Thorpe</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.page73.org/show-pages/catch-as-catch-can" target="_blank">Catch As Catch Can</a></i></b> - Page 73 at New Ohio Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mia Chung, Directed by Ken Russ Schmoll </span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/good-grief/" target="_blank">Good Grief</a> </i></b> - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Ngozi Anyanwu, Directed by Awoye Timpo</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.larkandwhimsytheatre.com/robert/" target="_blank">Robert.</a></i></b> - Lark and Whimsy Theatre Collective at Toronto Fringe Festival in St. George The Martyr - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Briana Brown, Directed by Rob Kempson</span><br />
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<b>Solid revivals of:</b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/antony-and-cleopatra?queueittoken=e_fridayrush21dec18~q_00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~ts_1545561734~ce_true~rt_afterevent~h_0d3a40f987432e14e5c21dc5365abbbbf8cd75aa843f6971c736a63cd08504a4" target="_blank">Anthony and Cleopatra</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Simon Godwin</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Coriolanus" target="_blank">Coriolanus</a></i></b> - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Robert Lepage</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://musicalstagecompany.com/production/past/fun-home/" target="_blank">Fun Home</a></i></b> - The Musical Stage Company at the CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron, based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel, Directed by Robert McQueen, Choreographed by Stephanie Graham</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/hamlet/" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Richard Rose</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/julius-caesar/" target="_blank">Julius Caesar</a></i></b> - The Bridge Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Nicholas Hytner</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/krapps-last-tape-by-samuel-beckett-extended/1297456410398449/" target="_blank">Krapp's Last Tape</a></i></b> - Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Samuel Beckett, Directed by Mac Fyfe</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Lobby Hero</a></i></b> - 2nd Stage at the Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Kenneth Lonergan, Directed by Trip Cullman</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.longdaystheplay.com/" target="_blank">Long Day's Journey Into Night</a></i></b> - Bristol Old Vic at Wyndham Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Eugene O'Neill, Directed by Richard Eyre</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/mary-poppins/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Book by Julian Fellowes, New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh, Directed by Them Allison, Choreographed by Kerry Gage</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6629/measure-for-measure/" target="_blank">Measure for Measure</a></i></b> - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By William Shakespeare, Directed by Josie Rourke</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Music-Man" target="_blank">The Music Man</a></i></b> - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music, Lyrics, and Book by Meredith Wilson, Story by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey, Directed and Choreographed by Donna Feore</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.onceonthisisland.com/" target="_blank">Once On This Island</a></i></b> - Circle in the Square Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Stephen Flaherty, Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Directed by Michael Arden, Choreographed by Camille A. Brown</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Rocky-Horror-Show" target="_blank">The Rocky Horror Show</a></i></b> - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music, Lyrics, and Book by Richard O'Brien, Directed and Choreographed by Donna Feore</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com/" target="_blank">To Kill A Mockingbird</a></i></b> - <a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/kill-mockingbird/" target="_blank">Lincoln Center Theater</a> at Shubert Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Aaron Sorkin based on the book by Harper Lee, Directed by Bartlett Sher</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/twelfth-night" target="_blank">Twelfth Night</a></i></b> - The Public Theater at Young Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub, Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Oscar Eustis</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://thewaverlygalleryonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Waverly Gallery</a></i></b> - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Kenneth Lonergan, Directed by Lila Neugebauer</span><br />
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<br />
<b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
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The cast of <i>Bromance</i>: Beren D'Amico, Louis Gift, Charlie Wheeller<br />
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The cast of <i>The Code</i>: Elizabeth Barrett, Nathan Kay, Mason Temple<br />
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The cast of <i>Réversible</i>: Maria Del Mar Reyes, Vincent Jutras, Jérémi Levesque, Natasha Patterson, Hugo Ragetly, Émilie Silliau, Julien Silliau, Emi Vauthey<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play</i>: MaameYaa Boafo, Latoya Edwards, Paige Gilbert, Joanna A. Jones, Abena Mensah-Bonsu, Mirirai Sithole, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Zenzi Williams<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Straight White Men</i>: Kate Bornstein, Josh Charles, Ty Defoe, Armie Hammer, Stephen Payne, Paul Schneider<br />
<br />
Ngozi Anyanwu in <i>Good Grief</i><br />
Sheila Atim in <i>The Girl From North Country</i> and <i>Othello</i><br />
Jonathan Bailey in <i>Company</i> and <i>TheYork Realist</i><br />
Ben Batt in <i>The York Realist</i><br />
Kenton Blythe in <i>The Princess of the Tower </i><br />
Gabrielle Brooks in <i>Twelfth Night</i><br />
Andrew Burnap in <i>The Inheritance</i><br />
Rachel Cairns in <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i> and <i>Bunny</i> and <i>Hamlet</i> and <i>Romeo and Juliet</i><br />
Belinda Corpuz in <i>Prairie Nurse</i><br />
Kelley Curran in <i>Mother of the Maid</i><br />
Edmund Donovan in <i>Clarkston</i><br />
Omari Douglas in <i>Wise Children</i><br />
Daniel Ellis in <i>Risky Phil</i><br />
Dylan Evans in <i>Entrances and Exits</i><br />
Sam Fogell in <i>The Comedy About a Bank Robbery</i><br />
Midori Francis in <i>Usual Girls</i><br />
Adam Gillen in <i>Amadeus</i><br />
Natalia Gracious in <i>The Secret Garden</i><br />
Gabe Grey in <i>After Wrestling</i><br />
Janelle Hanna in <i>Prairie Nurse</i> and <i>Robert.</i><br />
Joe Idris-Roberts in <i>Pinocchio</i><br />
Melissa James in <i>Wise Children</i><br />
Isabel Kanaan in <i>Prairie Nurse</i><br />
Arinzé Kene in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Hailey Kilgore in <i>Once On This Island</i><br />
Jesse LaVercombe in <i>Bunny</i> and <i>Hamlet</i><br />
Jeremy Legat in <i>The Last Party</i><br />
Samuel H. Levine in <i>The Inheritance</i><br />
Bonnie Milligan in <i>Head Over Heels</i><br />
Rachel Mutombo in <i>Selfie</i><br />
Bob Nasmith in <i>Krapp's Last Tape</i><br />
Franco Nguyen in <i>Good Morning, Viet Mom</i><br />
Jeremy Pope in <i>Ain't Too Proud</i><br />
Sam Reid in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Lauren Ridloff in <i>Children Of a Lesser God</i><br />
Heidi Schreck in <i>What The Constitution Means To Me</i><br />
Jack Shalloo in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Anthony Shim in <i>After Wrestling</i><br />
Ethan Slater in <i>Spongebob Squarepants</i><br />
Ordena Stephens-Thompson in <i>Risky Phil</i> and <i>Harlem Duet</i><br />
Benjamin Sutherland in <i>The Secret Garden</i><br />
Ephraim Sykes in <i>Ain't Too Proud</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> (The Three Ships Collective with SoupCan Theatre): Jim Armstrong, Makenna Beatty, Chloe Bradt, Alex Dallas, Christopher Fowler, John Fray, Tamara Freeman, Mike Hogan, Thomas Gough, Christopher Lucas, Margo MacDonald, Tiffany Martin, William Matthews, Amy Marie Wallace, Kholby Wardell<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Anywhere</i>: Courtney Ch'ng Lancaster, Cass Van Wyck<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Bed and Breakfast</i>: Gregory Prest, Paolo Santalucia<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Catch As Catch Can</i>: Jeff Biehl, Michael Esper, Jeanine Serralles<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Clarkston</i>: Heidi Armbruster, Edmund Donovan, Noah Robbins<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Fun Home</i> (Musical Stage Company): Evan Buliung, Laura Condlln, Cynthia Dale, Sara Farb, Hannah Levinson, Jasper Lincoln, Liam MacDonald, Eric Morin, Sabryn Rock<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>The Lehman Trilogy</i>: Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley, Ben Miles<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Lewiston</i>: Arnie Burton, Kristin Griffiths, Leah Karpel<br />
<br />
The Tyrones in <i>Long Day's Journey Into Night</i> (West End): Matthew Beard, Jeremy Irons, Rory Keenan, Lesley Manville<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Men on Boats</i> (A.C.T. SF): Arwen Anderson, Rosie Hallett, Lisa Hori-Garcia, Libby King, Amy Lizardo, Sarita Ocón, Annemaria Rajala, Katherine Romans, Liz Sklar, Lauren Spencer<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Morro and Jasp: Save the Date</i>: Heather Marie Annis, Amy Lee<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>The Rocky Horror Show</i> (Stratford): Dan Chameroy, George Krissa, Robert Markus, Trevor Patt, Erica Peck, Jennifer Rider-Shaw, Sayer Roberts, Steve Ross, and ensemble members Eric Abel, Gabriel Antonacci, Colton Curtis, Bonnie Jordan, Bethany Kovarik, Jason Sermonia<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street</i> (Tooting Arts Club Off-Bway): Stacie Bono, Michael James Leslie, Zachary Noah Piser, John Rapson, Thom Sesma, Billy Harrigan Tighe, Sally Ann Triplett, Delaney Westfall<br />
<br />
The main cast of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> (Broadway): Gbenga Akinnagbe, Jeff Daniels, Gideon Glick, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Dakin Matthews, Will Pullen, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Stark Sands, Frederick Weller, Erin Wilhelmi, Danny Wolohan<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>The Wedding Party</i>: Jason Cadieux, Virginia Griffith, Trish Lindström, Moya O'Connell, Tom Rooney, Kristen Thomson<br />
<br />
Marc Antolin in <i>Little Shop of Horrors</i><br />
Brooks Ashmanskas in <i>The Prom</i><br />
Hayley Atwell in <i>Measure for Measure</i><br />
Quincy Tyler Bernstine in <i>Our Lady of 121st Street</i><br />
Sara Bareilles in <i>Waitress</i><br />
Maev Beaty in <i>Bunny</i><br />
Ashley Botting in <i>Ashley with a Y</i><br />
Gerard Carey in <i>Twelfth Night</i><br />
Lana Carillo in <i>The Princess of the Tower</i><br />
Adam Chanler-Berat in <i>Saint Joan</i><br />
Glenn Close in <i>Mother of the Maid</i><br />
Rosalie Craig in <i>Company</i><br />
Damon Daunno in <i>The Lucky Ones</i> and <i>Oklahoma!</i><br />
Robin De Jesús in <i>The Boys in the Band</i><br />
Raúl Esparza in <i>The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui</i><br />
Ralph Fiennes in <i>Anthony and Cleopatra</i><br />
Freddie Fox in <i>An Ideal Husband</i><br />
Russell Harvard in <i>I Was Most Alive With You</i><br />
Shirley Henderson in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Daren A. Herbert in <i>The Music Man</i><br />
Ciarán Hinds in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Geordie Johnson in <i>The Children</i><br />
Dion Johnstone in <i>The Royale</i><br />
Debbie Kurup in <i>Girl From the North Country</i><br />
Beth Leaves in <i>The Prom</i><br />
Hannah Levinson in <i>Fun Home</i> and <i>The Preposterous Predicament of Polly Peel</i><br />
Caissie Levy in <i>Frozen</i><br />
Jeff Lillico in <i>Bang Bang</i><br />
Laura Linney in <i>My Name Is Lucy Barton</i><br />
Jack Lowden in <i>Measure for Measure</i><br />
Patti LuPone in <i>Company</i><br />
Elaine May in <i>The Waverly Gallery</i><br />
David Morrissey in <i>Julius Caesar</i><br />
Lucian Msamati in <i>Amadeus</i><br />
Michael Nathanson in <i>Oklahoma!</i><br />
Alex Newell in <i>Once On This Island</i><br />
Lesley Nicol in <i>The York Realist</i><br />
Sophie Okonedo in <i>Anthony and Cleopatra</i><br />
Laurie Paton in <i>The Children</i><br />
Gord Rand in <i>The Runner</i><br />
Noah Reid in <i>Hamlet</i><br />
Karen Robinson in <i>Bang Bang</i><br />
Sabyrn Rock in <i>Fun Home</i> and <i>The Royale</i><br />
Jenna Russell in <i>Fun Home</i><br />
Vanessa Sears in <i>Mary Poppins</i><br />
André Sills in <i>Coriolanus</i><br />
Kyle Soller in <i>The Inheritance</i><br />
Corey Stoll in <i>Othello</i><br />
Ali Stroker in <i>Oklahoma!</i><br />
Uma Thurman in <i>The Parisian Woman</i><br />
Grace Van Patten in <i>Mother of the Maid</i><br />
Tony Yazbeck in <i>The Beast in the Jungle</i><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">____________________________________________________<br /><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2018 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://soupcantheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-carol-2/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> (Play) - The Three Ships Collective with SoupCan Theatre at Campbell House Museum - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/after-wrestling/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">After Wrestling</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2 (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/03/dazzled-and-confused-after-wrestling.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/aint-too-proud" target="_blank">Ain't Too Proud</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/963719370470070/" target="_blank">A Kev 'n Cal Mystery</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/allelujah/" target="_blank">Allelujah!</a></i></b> (Play) - The Bridge Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/amadeus" target="_blank">Amadeus</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=9AA788E3-2539-4D75-8697-A409A6C9F7CB&menu_id=02C8A186-F556-4D21-9E19-0C21B45732A2&sToken=1%2Cbd2465ce%2C5c24ed1c%2C79578C0F-DFE5-4244-88ED-16391A2FA561%2Clyf4klmwPoqcbizLW6woN0oaJWo%3D" target="_blank">A Midsummer Night's Dream</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Canadian Stage Company in High Park Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/a-monster-calls" target="_blank">A Monster Calls</a></i></b> (Play) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/an-american-in-paris" target="_blank">An American in Paris</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Tour at Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/angels-america-broadway" target="_blank">Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre at the Neil Simon Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://officiallondontheatre.com/show/an-ideal-husband-111407138/" target="_blank">An Ideal Husband</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Vaudeville Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/animal-farm/4090" target="_blank">Animal Farm</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2018-19-Season/Anna-Karenina" target="_blank">Anna Karenina</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/annie" target="_blank">Annie</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/antony-and-cleopatra?queueittoken=e_fridayrush21dec18~q_00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~ts_1545561734~ce_true~rt_afterevent~h_0d3a40f987432e14e5c21dc5365abbbbf8cd75aa843f6971c736a63cd08504a4" target="_blank">Anthony and Cleopatra</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://toronto.carpe-diem.events/calendar/7258295-anywhere-by-michael-ross-albert-at-the-toronto-fringe-festival-at-factory-theatre/" target="_blank">Anywhere</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Ashley with a Y</i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-very-very-very-dark-matter/" target="_blank">A Very Very Very Dark Matter</a></i></b> (Play) - The Bridge Theatre - London, UK - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/bang-bang/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">Bang Bang</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/the-beast-in-the-jungle/" target="_blank">The Beast in the Jungle</a></i></b> (Play) - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/bed-and-breakfast/5799" target="_blank">Bed and Breakfast</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Bernhardt-Hamlet.aspx" target="_blank">Bernhardt/Hamlet</a></i></b> (Play) - Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=betroffenheit" target="_blank">Betroffenheit</a></i></b> (Dance) - Kidd Pivot, Electric Company Theatre at Canadian Stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/407672193041847/" target="_blank">Bikeface</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://boysintheband.com/" target="_blank">The Boys in the Band</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Booth Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.bridgeteverett.net/" target="_blank">Bridget Everett</a></i></b> (Concert) - JFL at the Winter Garden Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.barelymethodicaltroupe.com/bromance/" target="_blank">Bromance</a></i></b> (Circus) - Barely Methodical Troupe at the <a href="https://www.newvictory.org/Blog/February/%E2%80%8BBromance-s-Bromance" target="_blank">New Victory Theater</a> - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/bunny/" target="_blank">Bunny</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/events/cabaret/" target="_blank">Cabaret</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Fallsview Casino Resort Theatre - Niagara Falls, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/theatre-hub/canadian-music-theatre-project.aspx" target="_blank">Canadian Music Theatre Project</a></b> (Musical Workshop) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/erik-with-a-k/" target="_blank">erik with a k</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/in-real-life/" target="_blank">In Real Life</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/kelly-v-kelly/" target="_blank">Kelly vs. Kelly</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/stars-of-mars/" target="_blank">Stars of Mars</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Cardinal</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kisser Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - *1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/carousel-515791" target="_blank">Carousel</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Imperial Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.page73.org/show-pages/catch-as-catch-can" target="_blank">Catch As Catch Can</a></i></b> (Play) - Page 73 at New Ohio Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.charlieonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Tour at Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ** (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/11/sugar-highs-and-lows-mary-poppins-and.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.charlieputh.com/tour" target="_blank">Charlie Puth: The Voicenotes Tour</a></i></b> (Concert) - Budweiser Stage - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=children&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=" target="_blank">The Children</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company in the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/children-of-a-lesser-god-515596" target="_blank">Children Of a Lesser God</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/production/clueless-the-musical/" target="_blank">Clueless The Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - The New Group in The Griffin Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-code/" target="_blank"><i>The Code</i></a></b> (Play) - <a href="https://www.greenthumb.bc.ca/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Theatre</a> in the Studio at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/12/code-grey-code-play-review.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.thecomedyaboutabankrobbery.com/" target="_blank">The Comedy About A Bank Robbery</a></i></b> (Play) - Criterion Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/come-from-away" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">*****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/comefromaway/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> - Abbey Theatre - Dublin, IE - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.dimokimfactory.org/about-1" target="_blank">Comfort Women</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Playwrights Horizons - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://companymusical.co.uk/" target="_blank">Company</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Gielgud Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://playwrightsguild.ca/event/compulsion/" target="_blank">Compulsion</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Coriolanus" target="_blank">Coriolanus</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/dance-nation/27-aug-2018-6-oct-2018" target="_blank">Dance Nation</a></i></b> (Play) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/current-production/days-of-rage" target="_blank">Days of Rage</a></i></b> (Play) - 2ndStage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=69E87C1D-19F8-4A5A-97A4-595A7E36F61E&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::" target="_blank">Declarations</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage at the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2018-19-Season/the-dream" target="_blank">The Dream and Being and Nothingness</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<i>Being and Nothingness</i> - ***<br />
<i>The Dream</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://musicalstagecompany.com/production/past/dr-silver/" target="_blank">Dr. Silver: A Celebration of Life</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Musical Stage Company at the Heliconian Hall - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.eltonjohn.com/stories/farewell-yellow-brick-road" target="_blank">Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road</a></i></b> (Concert) - Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://howlandcompanytheatre.com/shows/entrances-and-exits/" target="_blank">Entrances and Exits</a></i></b> (Improv Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://escapetomargaritavillemusical.com/" target="_blank">Escape from Margaritaville</a></i></b> (Musical) - Marquis Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://theevolutionofmannmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Evolution of Mann</a></i></b> (Musical) - the cell - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/archive-2018/the-fall/" target="_blank">The Fall</a></i></b> (Play) - National Youth Theatre at Southwark Playhouse - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/fanny-alexander" target="_blank">Fanny and Alexander</a></i></b> (Play) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://frozenthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Frozen</a></i></b> (Musical) - St. James Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://musicalstagecompany.com/production/past/fun-home/" target="_blank">Fun Home</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - The Musical Stage Company at the CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/fun-home" target="_blank">Fun Home</a></i></b> (Musical) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://gayplayday.blogspot.com/2018/06/gay-play-day-lgbtq-theatre-festival-2018.html" target="_blank">Gay Play Day - Pink Shows</a></i></b> (Play) - The Alumnae Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<i>Fade to Black</i> (Play) - ***1/2<br />
<i>Labels</i> (Play) - ***<br />
<i>Diamonds on Plastic</i> (Play) - **<br />
<i>Point and Click</i> (Play) - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.girlfromthenorthcountry.london/" target="_blank">Girl From the North Country</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Old Vic at the Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.vineyardtheatre.org/good-grief/" target="_blank">Good Grief</a></i></b> (Play) - Vineyard Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://ttdb.ca/shows/good-morning-viet-mom/" target="_blank">Good Morning, Viet Mom</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.hofesh.co.uk/productions/grand-finale/" target="_blank">Grand Finale</a></i></b> (Dance) - Hofesh Schecter Company at Canadian Stage Company in the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GrassAstrodome/about/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">The Grass is Greenest at the Houston Astrodome</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Freedom Factory - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://hamiltonmusical.com/london/" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Victoria Palace Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/hamlet/" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/harlem-duet/" target="_blank">Harlem Duet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://headoverheelsthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Head Over Heels</a></i></b> (Musical) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://hellodollyonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Hello, Dolly!</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Shubert Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/idomeneus/4089" target="_blank">Idomeneus</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1777057595713916/" target="_blank">Inescapable</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-inheritance" target="_blank">The Inheritance: Part 1 and 2</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - Part 1 x 2.3x, Part 2 x3,<br />
Young Vic Theatre at the Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - Part 1 x1 - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/i-was-most-alive-you/" target="_blank">I Was Most Alive With You</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons Mainstage - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/production/jerry-springer-the-opera/" target="_blank">Jerry Springer the Opera</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - The New Group in the Linney Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/jimmys-hall/" target="_blank">Jimmy's Hall</a></i></b> (Play) - Abbey Theatre - Dublin, IE - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/JudasStarSupersong/about/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Judas Star Supersong</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at St. Stephen-in-the-Fields - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/julie" target="_blank">Julie</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/julius-caesar/" target="_blank">Julius Caesar</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Bridge Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-jungle-west-end" target="_blank">The Jungle</a></i></b> (Play) - Young Vic Theatre at the Playhouse Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://thekinganditour.com/" target="_blank">The King and I</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - National Tour at Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=774C30E5-C4E5-48DA-820E-4BF41670177B&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=" target="_blank">Kiss of the Spider Woman</a></i></b> (Play) - Menier Chocolate Factory - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/krapps-last-tape-by-samuel-beckett-extended/1297456410398449/" target="_blank">Krapp's Last Tape</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Last-Party-782752331915684/about/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">The Last Party</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://latinhistorybroadway.com/" target="_blank">Latin History for Morons</a></i></b> (Play) - Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-lehman-trilogy" target="_blank">The Lehman Trilogy</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.rattlestick.org/20182019-season/2018/10/10/lewiston-and-clarkston" target="_blank">Lewiston/Clarkston</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Rattlestick Playwrights Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/light-shining-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank">Light Shining in Buckinghamshire</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on-2018/the-little-matchgirl" target="_blank">The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales</a></i></b> (Play) - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/little-shop-of-horrors" target="_blank">Little Shop of Horrors</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Regent Park's Open Air Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Lobby Hero</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - 2nd Stage at the Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.longdaystheplay.com/" target="_blank">Long Day's Journey Into Night</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Bristol Old Vic at Wyndham Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://arsnovanyc.com/the_lucky_ones" target="_blank">The Lucky Ones</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ars Nova at the Connelly Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2017-18-Season/Made-in-Canada" target="_blank">Made in Canada</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>The Dreamers Ever Leave You</i> - ***1/2<br />
<i>The Four Seasons</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>Emergence</i> - <span style="color: red;">***** </span>(<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/mankind/" target="_blank">Mankind</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons Mainstage - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - *<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Mary Page Marlowe</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage at the Tony Kisser Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/mary-poppins/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/11/sugar-highs-and-lows-mary-poppins-and.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://meangirlsonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Mean Girls</a></i></b> (Musical) - August Wilson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6629/measure-for-measure/" target="_blank">Measure for Measure</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.act-sf.org/home/box_office/1819_season/men_on_boats.highResolutionDisplay.html" target="_blank">Men on Boats</a></i></b> (Play) - A.C.T. American Conservatory Theater's Strand Theater - San Francisco, CA - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on-2018/shakespeares-globe-on-tour" target="_blank">Voter's Choice: <i>The Merchant of Venice</i></a></b> (Play Revival) - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/miles-mary/" target="_blank">Miles for Mary</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons in the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/Tickets/Calendar/PlayDetailsCollection/17-18-Season/Mlimas-Tale/" target="_blank">Mlima's Tale</a></i></b> (Play) - The Public Theater in Martinson Hall - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/the-monument/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">The Monument</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/mood-music" target="_blank">Mood Music</a></i></b> (Play) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2050941485225529/" target="_blank">Moonstruck</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-save-the-date.html" target="_blank">Morro and Jasp: Save the Date</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.publictheater.org/Tickets/Calendar/PlayDetailsCollection/18-19-Season/Mother-of-the-Maid/" target="_blank">Mother of the Maid</a></i></b> (Play) - The Public Theater in the Anspacher Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Music-Man" target="_blank">The Music Man</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/my-name-is-lucy-barton/" target="_blank">My Name Is Lucy Barton</a></i></b> (Play) - The Bridge Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.shawfest.com/about/history/" target="_blank">Mythos: A Trilogy - Gods. Heroes. Men</a></i></b> (Play) - Shaw Festival in the Festival Theatre - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/network" target="_blank">Network</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a>)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i><a href="https://stannswarehouse.org/show/oklahoma/" target="_blank">Oklahoma!</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - St. Anne's Warehouse - Brooklyn, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.onceonthisisland.com/" target="_blank">Once On This Island</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Circle in the Square Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://edgeofthesky.ca/shows-productions/" target="_blank">One Small Step</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Randolph Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.publictheater.org/Tickets/Calendar/PlayDetailsCollection/SITP/Othello-2018/" target="_blank">Othello</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Public Theater at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on-2018/othello" target="_blank">Othello</a></i></b> (Play Revival) x2 - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2017-2018/Our-Lady-of-121st-Street.aspx" target="_blank">Our Lady of 121st Street</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Signature Theatre in The Diamond at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=overcoat" target="_blank">The Overcoat: A Musical Tailoring</a></i></b> (Musical) - Tapestry Opera and Vancouver Opera at Canadian Stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.thehudsonbroadway.com/whatson/the-parisian-woman/" target="_blank">The Parisian Woman</a></i></b> (Play) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - London, UK - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2017-18-Season/Cacti" target="_blank">Paz de la Jolla & The Man in Black with Cacti</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>Paz de la Jolla</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>The Man in Black</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>Cacti</i> - <span style="color: red;">***** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=picnic" target="_blank">Picnic in the Cemetery</a></i></b> (Musical) - Canadian Stage at the Berkeley Street Upstairs Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/pinocchio" target="_blank">Pinocchio</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - *** (<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/02/knotty-children-secret-garden-and.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/prairie-nurse?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">Prairie Nurse</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://musicalstagecompany.com/musical-notes/tag/the-preposterous-predicament-of-polly-peel/" target="_blank">The Preposterous Predicament of Polly Peel</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1811790299115949/" target="_blank">The Princess of the Tower</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at George Ignatief Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://theprommusical.com/" target="_blank">The Prom</a></i></b> (Musical) - Longacre Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.puffstheplay.com/" target="_blank">Puffs</a></i></b> (Play) - New World Stages in Stage 5 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.gatetheatre.ie/past-productions/" target="_blank">The Red Shoes</a></i></b> (Play) - The Gate Theatre - Dublin, IE - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.classicstage.org/shows/2018/11/the-resistible-rise-of-arturo-ui-2/" target="_blank">The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://7fingers.com/shows/creations/reversible" target="_blank">Réversible</a></b></i> (Circus) - Les 7 Doights De La Main/The 7 Fingers at CAA Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-large/the-rink/" target="_blank">The Rink</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Southwark Playhouse in The Large - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/risky-phil/" target="_blank">Risky Phil</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/04/nervy-playmaker-risky-phil-play-review.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.larkandwhimsytheatre.com/robert/" target="_blank">Robert.</a></i></b> - Lark and Whimsy Theatre Collective at Toronto Fringe Festival in St. George The Martyr - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Rocky-Horror-Show" target="_blank">The Rocky Horror Show</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=9AA788E3-2539-4D75-8697-A409A6C9F7CB&menu_id=02C8A186-F556-4D21-9E19-0C21B45732A2&sToken=1%2C1af58c5f%2C5c24ea01%2CF7717254-41E3-4149-B98E-C7F445E72A6E%2CHCeOUTxd1F0QFD2Z5l8Q%2BsI4kXk%3D" target="_blank">Romeo and Juliet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Canadian Stage Company in High Park Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/the-royale/6158" target="_blank">The Royale</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://colleenandakiva.com/portfolio/rumspringa-break/" target="_blank">Rumspringa Break!</a></i></b> (Musical) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://humancargo.ca/?p=51" target="_blank">The Runner</a></i></b> (Play) - Human Cargo at <a href="https://www.passemuraille.ca/wp/18-19-season/the-runner/" target="_blank">Theatre Passe Muraille</a> Mainstage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2017-18-season/saint-joan/" target="_blank">Saint Joan</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://mcctheater.org/tix/school-girls-or-the-african-mean-girls-play/" target="_blank">School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play</a></i></b> (Play) - MCC Theater at The Lucille Lortel Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://ustour.schoolofrockthemusical.com/?_ga=2.1718257.1919450562.1545109971-1468453417.1545109971" target="_blank">School of Rock</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Tour at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/schools/resources-for-teachers/study-guides/secret-garden-study-guide/" target="_blank">The Secret Garden</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/02/knotty-children-secret-garden-and.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/schools/resources-for-teachers/study-guides/selfie-study-guide/" target="_blank">Selfie</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre - Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2018/05/taking-deeper-look-selfie-play-review.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/sisters/5790" target="_blank">Sisters</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Skintight.aspx" target="_blank">Skintight</a></i></b> (Play) - Roundabout Theatre Company in the Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://smokeyjoescafemusical.com/#home" target="_blank">Smokey Joe's Cafe</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stage 42 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://spongebobbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Spongebob Squarepants</a></i></b> (Musical) - Palace Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows" target="_blank">Straight White Men</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - 2nd Stage at the Helen Hayes Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.sweeneytoddnyc.com/" target="_blank">Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - The Tooting Arts Club at the Barrow Street Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://sextrexcomedy.com/swordplay/" target="_blank">Swordplay: A Play of Swords</a></i></b> (Play) - Sex-T-Rex at Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/sylvia-%202" target="_blank">Sylvia</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/flat-earth/" target="_blank">This Flat Earth</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons Mainstage - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/events/thoroughly-modern-millie/" target="_blank">Thoroughly Modern Millie</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Fallsview Casino Resort Theatre - Niagara Falls, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com/" target="_blank">To Kill A Mockingbird</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - <a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/kill-mockingbird/" target="_blank">Lincoln Center Theater</a> at Shubert Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/To-Kill-a-Mockingbird" target="_blank">To Kill A Mockingbird</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Company in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/translations" target="_blank">Translations</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Travesties.aspx" target="_blank">Travesties</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/true-crime" target="_blank">True Crime</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at the Streetcar Crowsnest Studio - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/twelfth-night" target="_blank">Twelfth Night</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Public Theater at Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-twilight-zone/5-dec-2017-27-jan-2018" target="_blank">The Twilight Zone</a></i></b> (Play) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Usual-Girls.aspx" target="_blank">Usual Girls</a></i></b> (Play) - Roundabout Theater Company's Roundabout Underground in the Black Box at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://waitressthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Waitress</a></i></b> (Musical) - Brooks Atkinson Theater - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thewaverlygalleryonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Waverly Gallery</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6450/the-way-of-the-world/" target="_blank">The Way Of The World</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - *<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/the-wedding-party" target="_blank">The Wedding Party</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest Guloien Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/what-i-call-her" target="_blank">What I call her</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest Studio - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/what-the-constitution-means-to-me/" target="_blank">What The Constitution Means To Me</a></i></b> (Play) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/the-wild-duck/15-oct-2018-1-dec-2018" target="_blank">The Wild Duck</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.publictheater.org/Tickets/Calendar/PlayDetailsCollection/18-19-Season/Wild-Goose-Dreams/" target="_blank">Wild Goose Dreams</a></i></b> (Play) - The Public Theater in Martinson Hall - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/wise-children" target="_blank">Wise Children</a></i></b> (Play) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rosspetty.com/current-show/" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz: A Toto-ly Twisted Family Musical!</a></i></b> (Musical Pantomime) - Ross Petty Productions in the Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-wonder-pageant/" target="_blank">The Wonder Pageant</a></i></b> (Improv Play) - Coal Mine Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/6395/the-york-realist/" target="_blank">The York Realist</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
<b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best of 2017 List:</b><br />
<a href="https://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-stage-2017.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2017</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2010</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2009</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html" target="_blank">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html" target="_blank">List Format</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Theatre of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Best Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html" target="_blank">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Photo of <i>Amadeus</i> by Marc Brenner<br />
Photo of <i>Bang Bang</i> by Joseph Michael Photography<br />
Photos of <i>Bed and Breakfast,</i> <i>Bunny</i>, and <i>The Royale</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />
Photo of <i>Bettrofenheit</i> by Wendy D<br />
Photo of <i>Bromance</i> by Chris Nash<br />
Photo of <i>The Code</i> by Leah Gair<br />
Photo of <i>Company</i> by Brinkhoff Mogenburg<br />
Photos of <i>Girl from the North Country</i> and <i>The Wild Duck</i> by Manuel Harlan<br />
Photo of <i>Good Morning, Viet Mom</i> by Christine Urquhart<br />
Photo of <i>The Inheritance</i> by Simon Annand<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Lewiston/Clarkston</i> by Sandra Coudert Graham<br />Photo of <i>Oklahoma!</i> by T</span>eddy Wolff<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Rév</i></span><i>ersible</i> by Chantal Lévesque<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Th</i></span><i>e Runner</i> by Graham Isador<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play</i> by Craig Schwartz</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Selfie</i> by Ali Sultani</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Straight Whit</i></span><i>e Men</i>, <i>Usual Girls</i>, and<span class="fullpost"> <i>What th</i></span><i>e Constitution Means To Me</i> by Joan Marcus<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Translations</i> by Cath</span>erine Ashmore<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Th</i></span><i>e Wedding Party</i> by Guntar Kravis<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>The York Realist</i> by Johan Persson</span>
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-289509322814736232018-12-10T11:03:00.000-05:002018-12-10T11:03:07.640-05:00Code Grey - The Code - Play Review<b><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-code/" target="_blank"><i>The Code</i></a> - <a href="https://www.greenthumb.bc.ca/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Theatre</a> in the Studio at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars) </span><br />
Written by Rachel Aberle, Directed by Patrick McDonald<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Dec. 14th 2018, continues on tour. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0mR6qIenMgpbHREBENT_mFw4IkHJ_axUGbSQm6Acwb4GU8jHlogy8UQjFPeJv1Ih3C9Pme5pEg2kGumAkbC-LmKVIDtX_vPn1wV1IQqPMkmIN98n9P3AzltQI_Xzr5rrY34VLQ/s1600/The+Code+Elizabeth+Barrett+Nathan+Kay+Mason+Temple+pLeahGair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0mR6qIenMgpbHREBENT_mFw4IkHJ_axUGbSQm6Acwb4GU8jHlogy8UQjFPeJv1Ih3C9Pme5pEg2kGumAkbC-LmKVIDtX_vPn1wV1IQqPMkmIN98n9P3AzltQI_Xzr5rrY34VLQ/s400/The+Code+Elizabeth+Barrett+Nathan+Kay+Mason+Temple+pLeahGair.jpg" width="266" /></a>
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<i><b>The Code</b></i> starts off with three friends in high school, 2 guys and 1 girl, as they react to a new school dress code policy. Through insinuations spreading through social media, Moira, is somehow blamed by the student body. In an attempt to clear her name, Moira, with the help of her best friends Simon and Connor, help start a protest, which unfortunately has unintended consequences which fracture the trio of friends. When Simon also learns his crush on Moira is not reciprocated, his reaction and actions causes a chain reaction that questions his loyalty and what true friendship ever is.<br />
<br />
In the short span of the 55 minute play, Aberle manages to lay out some complicated issues in a very logical, plausible and realistic way, in a plot that twists and turns in its brief and efficient running time. Without clear answers, this issues driven play meant for teens, doesn't feel like a lesson plan but brings up interesting issues of loyalty, friendship, and more importantly, an ethics code especially in a world further complicated by social media and the internet.<br />
<br />
In a particularly interesting, and often unexplored in a truly honest way in any play or show, Aberle delves into the "good guy" and the way men are often excused in their entitlement and terrible expectations just because they had acted as the "good guy" friend. When Simon finds out things are not going the way he had hoped, he does some terrible things. He isn't painted as an automatic villain, and still clings onto a good guy image, but Aberle lets things play out in a grey zone before we truly see what kind of man Simon really is, all while Moira learns of the reality of her friendship. The hidden misogyny and sexism, as well as male entitlement comes to light in this sharply written play as both Moira and Connor realize the broken trust as well as figuring out the next reactionary steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZPSG-m4VSsx56byzDAVc6yMM8VJAe3Knh8C5ypIWDIAfXyx3R3kRG3nI2zBTAw44Zo8X_fWue_GvJNi6E6XNetp_Mj-unz0z92aDXczs1S0MBjt_kam_GJHk61XILuJIMMMl6g/s1600/The+Code+Mason+Temple+Nathan+Kay+pLeahGair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZPSG-m4VSsx56byzDAVc6yMM8VJAe3Knh8C5ypIWDIAfXyx3R3kRG3nI2zBTAw44Zo8X_fWue_GvJNi6E6XNetp_Mj-unz0z92aDXczs1S0MBjt_kam_GJHk61XILuJIMMMl6g/s400/The+Code+Mason+Temple+Nathan+Kay+pLeahGair.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<br />
The cast from Vancouver, consisting of Elizabeth Barrett as Moira, Nathan Kay as Simon, and Mason Temple as Connor, are all terrific, and I hope to see more of these young actors on this side of Canada. With only a cast of three, we still feel the haunting wrath of this unseen student body, with McDonald efficiently directing the play in front of a simple brick wall and benches and some terrific lighting design (by Martin Conboy) that easily convey a school yard setting.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-21316030697538363012018-11-25T19:00:00.000-05:002018-11-25T23:12:30.868-05:00Sugar Highs and Lows - Mary Poppins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Musical Reviews<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/mary-poppins/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a></i> - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Book by Julian Fellowes, New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh, Directed by Them Allison, Choreographed by Kerry Gage</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Runs until Jan. 6th, 2019</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.charlieonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a></i> - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - **</b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Book by David Greig based on the book by Roald Dahl, Directed by Jack O'Brien, Choreographed by Joshua Bergasse</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Runs in Toronto until Jan. 6th, 2019, continues on tour.</span><br />
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A tale of two "family" musicals (based on films based on books) playing in Toronto, and while not quite the best of musicals or the worst of musicals, the fact that both are currently running during this holiday season makes for an interesting comparison of these London import. With one in a local production at YPT with its more limited budget yet with shear talent, exuberant energy, and clever designs, enlivens the new, slightly darker take on Disney's <i>Mary Poppins</i> (and slightly more in tune with the original Travers book). On the other end, the big budget national tour of the Broadway version of Warner Bros.' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory looks far more polished yet seems to miss the soul of Roald Dahl's book, and feels more like a corporate cash grab in a musical that just plods along and somehow continuously flattens any wonder and surprise in a story full of pure imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoadbzLhLWPlQxgtQOdRVAYGrxuV2g61aByEoNjrhwABI1LIEWz6cZXL0-SNj6IXZrOnHwYXEnuvjOeAHdLlghnetrmzPZTew2PADr2e8vhfOJNfquekS9lljMA5MEHEgdkNqjQg/s1600/YPT+Mary+Poppins+Vanessa+Sears+Kyle+Blair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="624" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoadbzLhLWPlQxgtQOdRVAYGrxuV2g61aByEoNjrhwABI1LIEWz6cZXL0-SNj6IXZrOnHwYXEnuvjOeAHdLlghnetrmzPZTew2PADr2e8vhfOJNfquekS9lljMA5MEHEgdkNqjQg/s400/YPT+Mary+Poppins+Vanessa+Sears+Kyle+Blair.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Young People's Theatre's <b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/mary-poppins/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a></i></b> has a beautifully imposing simple set of the Banks' house (designed by Brandon Kleiman) where the naughty Banks children drives out yet another nanny before the wind calls for Mary Poppins to appear. The new revised stage version by Julian Fellowes took Travers' darker tone and while it tries to deepen the issues with overworked Mr. Banks and his patriarchal authority, there is a bit of an uneven pacing with the tone that didn't work on Broadway and still does not, even in this shortened version. And while I can be nitpicky about the book, it's hard to complain about the famous Sherman Brother songs. While the new additions by Stiles and Drewe are not as familiarly ingrained in our heads as those from the film, they fit in quite seamlessly and have the same joyously cheeky tone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hpKxpU-Lan1Z4LcuoDCO3XtlmUV9Uemol4h7EElTxGe5UdotT5UhoFNGPamZXBVkYnNw0qOY7IvTWJhLhohK_0V3Kb2iSk_cBvAcWiVnq1QCF1zoYRN3sFN-zDNu6dKvi4VGZw/s1600/YPT+Mary+Poppins+Jessie+Cox+Vanessa+Sears+Hailey+Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="624" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hpKxpU-Lan1Z4LcuoDCO3XtlmUV9Uemol4h7EElTxGe5UdotT5UhoFNGPamZXBVkYnNw0qOY7IvTWJhLhohK_0V3Kb2iSk_cBvAcWiVnq1QCF1zoYRN3sFN-zDNu6dKvi4VGZw/s400/YPT+Mary+Poppins+Jessie+Cox+Vanessa+Sears+Hailey+Lewis.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Whatever qualms I still had with the revised stage version of the beloved Disney film, all is cured with a spoonful of sugar and a superb cast lead by superstar in the making <b>Vanessa Sears</b> (<i>Brantwood</i>, <i>Kinky Boots</i> Toronto) as Mary Poppins. Sears has just the right tone of stern authority, mischievous heart and then there is her soaring voice that flies higher than a magical umbrella could ever take a magical nanny. Sears is simply superb and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as Mary and her performance alone would have made this production soar. Sears however is joined by <b>Kyle Blair</b> (<i>A Man of No Importance</i>) as Bert and <b>Jewelle Blackman</b> (<i>We Will Rock You, Caroline or Change</i>) as Mrs. Bank and while both have done well with stints at Shaw or Stratford, hearing their beautiful voices just reminded me that we don't see enough of Blair and Blackman in Toronto musical theatre. It's also always nice to see Shane Carty as Mr. Banks, and Kyle Golemba, amongst a uniformly excellent ensemble (all dressed beautifully by William Layton's costumes).<br />
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The best thing about <b><i><a href="https://www.charlieonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a></i></b> was on our night, Rueby Wood as Charlie Bucket. Everything else seemed like a fascinating mix of all the wrong ingredients in a miscalculation of what a corporation's idea in forming a musical. The amazing thing is this touring version, based on the Broadway production, is a complete retooling of the London production. Despite a new book, a new director (Sam Mendes out, Jack O'Brien in, tho maybe not for the better), new sets, and apparently new songs (I saw the London production but could not tell you what changed since the songs were so unmemorable then, and still are), this new Broadway version is actually somewhat of an improvement from London. So that's the golden ticket lining?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDxdg84fhsfoSt5flu6M8NtN8W6lMciNCG6ah6CsiIMf1OLPoR0ENUQvaOCC-wU-mVWKYA7NEYPSmiVoTID9ZJkSxv4SfANVYWTJ33e38bYTqZxlF1Ft60Wt3_9fj3sKvL5Aiw/s1600/Charlie+and+the+Chocolate+Factory+Tour+Noah+Weisberg+and+company.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDxdg84fhsfoSt5flu6M8NtN8W6lMciNCG6ah6CsiIMf1OLPoR0ENUQvaOCC-wU-mVWKYA7NEYPSmiVoTID9ZJkSxv4SfANVYWTJ33e38bYTqZxlF1Ft60Wt3_9fj3sKvL5Aiw/s400/Charlie+and+the+Chocolate+Factory+Tour+Noah+Weisberg+and+company.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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By mostly re-structure the musical book by introducing Willy Wonka right from the opening number, in doing so, adds to more problems for the book in other ways. From there, moments that should be inherently wondrous and climatic seem to fizzle with little fanfare (like when Charlie finally finds the winning Golden ticket) thanks to O'Brien's lacklustre direction and a "stripped down" set that relies heavily on projection screens (though when there are sets, it was an improvement over the busy but ugly London sets). The tone is still confused and doesn't know what to do with Dahl's darkness amongst the candy coated storyline and Shaiman and Wittman's derivative songs do not help sugar coat a show designed for families and kids but then brutally maul four of its child characters (played by young adults I guess to soften the blow). Dahl's story always had the nasty tone built in but is played off cheekily, and while the production sometimes approaches Dahl's imaginative level, like the Oompa Loompas, or the Veruca Salt squirrel scene which verges on the level of nuttiness that is both surreal and inspired, even if it ends in some horrific horror movie level ending. Unfortunately as a whole, the musical even dampens the only good song "<i>Pure Imagination</i>" (and the only song not by Shaiman and Wittman, taken directly from the film) with an uninspiring, unimaginative retelling of a beloved childhood book.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Mary Poppins</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />Photos of <i>Charli</i></span><i>e and the Chocolate Factory</i> by Joan Marcus<br />
<span class="fullpost">Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-12760332760178228472018-05-03T13:31:00.000-04:002018-12-07T13:28:17.281-05:00Taking a Deeper Look - Selfie - Play Review<b><i><a href="https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/selfie/" target="_blank">Selfie</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre - Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Christine Quintana, Directed by Stephen Colella</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until May 11th 2018</span><br />
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<b><i>Selfie</i></b> is a self assured new play by Christine Quintana, apparently a rare success story of an unsolicited script that made it through all the levels to be fully staged at YPT. With #MeToo discussions being brought to light, the issues of he said/she said stories is presented here in such a grey zone, where intentions are good, and social media complicates things even further, that Quintana's play becomes ever more timely.<br />
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Sadly, the issues of consent, especially under the blurred haze of drunken alcohol, has always been an issue, but there is finally more public discussions and admittance to the occurrences. Quintana future complicates things by carefully laying out the relationships between 3 teenagers who all mean well, but whose hormone driven, socially awkward, naive confusion, splits off resulting in different people reacting to the situation very differently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1crPQCtD3zGCDWS1to0TDDBqsI1pwqKh5FTVqbIxTej0OdJteFpyHFmvkTb4CFVwrotKSwKWUbhrSvHkvFKy_H8EkTZz9ZPevjspYOUllJ-Fvftg__qnZZpBjmNmXFwNBh8Ghg/s1600/Selfie+Christopher+Allen+Rachel+Mutombo+YPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1crPQCtD3zGCDWS1to0TDDBqsI1pwqKh5FTVqbIxTej0OdJteFpyHFmvkTb4CFVwrotKSwKWUbhrSvHkvFKy_H8EkTZz9ZPevjspYOUllJ-Fvftg__qnZZpBjmNmXFwNBh8Ghg/s400/Selfie+Christopher+Allen+Rachel+Mutombo+YPT.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<i>Selfie</i> follows Lily, her football star brother Chris, and Lily's best friend Emma. Lily is addicted to her Instagram, and each of the three presents themselves publicly far differently than how they are in real life. When Lily gets whiff that Emma has had a long-time crush on her brother, she tries to play matchmaker, setting off a series of events that culminates at a house party Lily and Chris throw. Quintana carefully sets us up, perhaps a bit too delicately, but we know exactly how each person feels. Until we don't, when Emma wakes us after the party confused. What should have played out like a romantic comedy begins to take a turn when Emma questions her own reaction, despite Chris having had the best intentions. It's an extremely delicate issue and deftly handled by Quintana, leaving us in the grey zone with only hints that pushes us to one side or another. It's less about taking sides, than it is about listening to Emma's story, but as in real life, the frustration of what to do next is palpable.<br />
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The cast, with Christopher Allen getting the unenviable job as Chris, Caroline Toal as Lily, and Rachel Mutombo as Emma, are uniformly excellent. A creative team of scenographer Claire-Allison Hill, projection designer Daniel Oulton, lighting designer Oz Weaver let the cast play out in a beautifully simple space, with a great way to represent social media in a theatrical setting. There are moments the pacing and the set up is held back to prevent us from getting to the moment that turn things around, but Allen, Toal and Mutombo are a pleasure to spend time with.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos by Ali Sultani<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-79756480170453662102018-04-16T06:08:00.000-04:002018-05-03T12:49:46.491-04:00Nervy Playmaker - Risky Phil - Play Review<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/risky-phil/" target="_blank">Risky Phil</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Paula Wing, Directed by Stewart Arnott</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until April 27th 2018</span><br />
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"Risky" Phil is a cautious young black teen who lives with his hairdresser Aunt Gigi, who has a deal to play hockey and attend practice if he continues helping around his aunt's salon. The set up does not even hint at the ensuing drama, deftly handled by the delicate hands of Paula Wing, with touches of comedy and lots of heart, when teens Risky Phil and his best friend Jamie each encounter life changing decisions that affect their own family dynamics.<br />
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Phil's absent father, who Phil did not even know existed, shows up unannounced looking for his dead mother, Aunt Gigi does everything to protect Phil from his unreliable father who has just finished rehab and is trying to make amends. Phil's one outlet of escape, his hockey practice with his best friend Jamie, but while Phil is committed to hockey, Jamie is more interested in eating and hanging out, much to the chagrin of Jamie's father, who is also their coach David. Meanwhile, David has just landed an opportunity of a lifetime to play pro-hockey in Estonia, a decision which would mean leaving Jamie and divorcing his mother while David pursue's his life-long dream.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggh_FW9qzDj_HzjFpjDgfkiXp5wE6BABR_MM128nJgzhwF4cfijB_2xzxsYKAI2eTqtcEewOgokK_eDTnKSldbno9TwbIZEuDhTTelJx7Tv9cuy9y_xdr1q2x-uAdxS4reKtqhg/s1600/Risky+Phil+Daniel+Ellis+Tal+Shulman+Bisson+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggh_FW9qzDj_HzjFpjDgfkiXp5wE6BABR_MM128nJgzhwF4cfijB_2xzxsYKAI2eTqtcEewOgokK_eDTnKSldbno9TwbIZEuDhTTelJx7Tv9cuy9y_xdr1q2x-uAdxS4reKtqhg/s400/Risky+Phil+Daniel+Ellis+Tal+Shulman+Bisson+pCyllavonTiedemann.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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The parallel tracks of sons and absent fathers, one returning and one leaving, have heavy affects on the teen boys, still trying to navigate and understand the world they're in, but while Aunt Gigi is there, doling out advice that Phil doesn't particularly want to hear, she herself holds some secrets that will further affect her own relationship with Phil.<br />
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It's quite the risk for a young person's theatre to put on a play with such heavy themes but in the hands of Arnott, Wing and a terrific cast of five, <i><b>Risky Phil</b></i> the play feels heartfelt and is often funny (especially thanks to ace performances from Ordena Stephens-Thompson as Aunt Gigi and a very amusing Tal Shulman as Jamie). Brian Bisson as David and Jamie Robinson as Junior, Phil's biological father, each portray men whose selfish decisions ultimately affect their sons, but it's a testament to Bisson and Robinson that as frustrating these characters are, these fathers feel familiar and understandable in their own personal pursuits.<br />
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It's also nice to see a deliberate story of a black boy playing such a "Canadian" sport, and telling stories of his newly formed, if small and tight, family, played against Jamie and David's white family, and where race is integral to the story but not the crux of the drama. While the play had some pacing issues, despite some well choreographed scene changes, the stories of two different Canadian families felt real and representative of families we see in the cities.<br />
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Finally, there's a terrific Daniel Ellis as Phil, who has the most dramatic heavy lifting, and keeps the centre of the play well balanced. Definitely not a cautious performance.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-21250148011545683952018-03-06T04:33:00.004-05:002018-03-06T04:34:01.198-05:00Dazzled and Confused - After Wrestling - Play Review<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2017-18-season/after-wrestling/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">After Wrestling</a></i></b> - Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - ***1/2 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Bryce Hodgson and Charlie Kerr, Directed by Bryce Hodgson </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Mar. 18th 2018</span><br />
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To be honest, I have a limited understanding of mental health issues and have been trying to learn and be more open minded about issues surrounding mental health. It's quite the daunting issue and subject and After Wrestling, a new play by Bryce Hodgson and Charlie Kerr, delves into the messy lives of four different people slowly intwined by a suicide.<br />
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The play slowly reveals itself in tidbits, in quick succession of scenes that add to the confusing mystery, only to later explain why certain characters felt uneven or unbelievable at first. It may be part of the structure to mirror the thinking of its confused characters, who try to deal with their friend's suicide. The living friends try to grapple with their own reaction and and their own mental stability while trying to understand what happened to their friend. The confusion adds to the frustrating nature of the play (though seemingly intentional), but the terrific cast lends credibility to elements that seem at first uneven (but is sometimes later explained).<br />
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While the show first seemingly wants to focus on siblings Leah and Hogan, who are both in different depressive and angry states, we are also introduced to Hogan's best friend Gibby in ghost form (but hilariously and fascinatingly done) who committed suicide. Meanwhile, Jaggy, a cop who saves Hogan from a breakdown, ends up asking out recluse Leah. The plot points speed by in the quick scenes but it's the discovery of the characters and their mindset that propels the play, even if we don't truly understand all that makes them up, which the characters themselves, probably are trying to figure out too.<br />
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While Charlie Kerr co-wrote the play, his Hogan seems the most underwritten, but is to Kerr's acting credit that we feel his anger and his reactions. As frustrating and annoying as Hogan's sister Leah's character can be, Libby Osler infuses a trapped and confused soul in Leah's toxic decisions. Osler brings us along for the ride, despite Leah constantly pushing against it, and against Jaggy, who seems smitten with her for his own reasons.<br />
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Anthony Shim is mesmerizing as Gibby, who appears to Hogan as a radio jockey and has some fun with his interplay with Hogan's mindset. Shim gets to have the most fun with the dead Gibby, which then adds to the truly shocking nature of seeing still-alive Gibby in a flashback in the time before his suicide. Numb to the world on the drugs doctors have prescribed him, Shim makes the days leading up to the suicide feel real and lived in, and reveals a whole other story behind Gibby's ghost we only get a faint whiff at that Leah and Hogan had been alluding to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3D7uo-5YQ7E-MmpjS6uW2Q2NAcAxlk2R5f-fY2yxFxeFYoP0IqyaAxNfV6ppE93Fz0F5Z8-AwncILpZNRoYgecg8KcVlftbzylw_KirGMBvS8iLr4npNLVTsoAZYJzD0ejOfXQ/s1600/After+Wrestling+-+Leah+Osler%252C+Gabe+Grey+-+photo+by+John+Gundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3D7uo-5YQ7E-MmpjS6uW2Q2NAcAxlk2R5f-fY2yxFxeFYoP0IqyaAxNfV6ppE93Fz0F5Z8-AwncILpZNRoYgecg8KcVlftbzylw_KirGMBvS8iLr4npNLVTsoAZYJzD0ejOfXQ/s400/After+Wrestling+-+Leah+Osler%252C+Gabe+Grey+-+photo+by+John+Gundy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jaggy, who is our intro into these three people in various mental states, has his own issues, but is also the positive light into Leah life (and somewhat by extension, Hogan's) and into this play, with his hobbies karaoke and wrestling partially giving the literal title to the play. It seems odd for what first seems like a side character, but the play dances best between Leah and Jaggy's building relationship, and is easily sustained with Gabe Grey's luminous performance.<br />
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The characters are fascinating, even if some of the plotting tends to contradict the characters (at first), and while this makes for dramatic plot reveals, it takes energy from the more fascinating aspects of the play and the characters we've been introduced to. The star-making cast keeps the story grounded in an exciting and promising production of this fascinating oddball play of oddballs trying to grapple with some serious issues.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos by John Gundy<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-47708376692209139542018-02-16T04:34:00.001-05:002018-02-16T04:34:04.111-05:00Knotty Children - The Secret Garden and Pinocchio - Theatre Reviews<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-secret-garden/" target="_blank">The Secret Garden</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Paul Ledoux, adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Directed by Allen MacInnis</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Mar. 17th 2018</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/pinocchio" target="_blank">Pinocchio</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Dennis Kelly, with songs from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington and Paul J. Smith, Directed by John Tiffany</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Apr. 10th 2018</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dpn6DObfLrxIO_BKeAWM6HqGYlV6W8d14bp_zXNh_2f68X26eA0vhgvfKzzEQDyJR5b3DBv9mySBcqsBrC3gO4AhWpl5mwZYms0APHZQTDzNvWNnEGEAkxOpOmHJ1vyzc_0THQ/s1600/Geppetto+and+Joe+Idris-Roberts+Pinocchio+National+Theatre+Disney+Photographer-Manuel-Harlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dpn6DObfLrxIO_BKeAWM6HqGYlV6W8d14bp_zXNh_2f68X26eA0vhgvfKzzEQDyJR5b3DBv9mySBcqsBrC3gO4AhWpl5mwZYms0APHZQTDzNvWNnEGEAkxOpOmHJ1vyzc_0THQ/s400/Geppetto+and+Joe+Idris-Roberts+Pinocchio+National+Theatre+Disney+Photographer-Manuel-Harlan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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The latest stagings for some kids classics gets some extra layers that deepen the stories and bring back some complexity to stories that had been simplified over the years. Tales of naughty children in <i><b>The Secret Garden</b></i> is given some extra shading with the casting of an Indian Mary at the centre of Frances Hodgson Burnett's original story. While Mary had always been born in India, it was written as a British child born away and returns home after the loss of her parents, but with the switch in ethnicities, and returning to a relative's English household, thus making Colin part Indian as well, gives the story an added aspect of colonialism. Over at the National Theatre, a new version of Disney's second film <i><b>Pinocchio</b></i> by Dennis Kelly, accentuates the darkness and creepiness more in tune with the original Carlo Collodi than the Disney film. Kelly, who turned Roald Dahl's Matilda into a successful musical, seems in opposition to the Disney aesthetics. Kelly's version of <i>Pinocchio</i> definitely ramps up the naughty children and, while still keeping Pinocchio on Disney's strings by melding the classic songs from the film, into this darker, slightly more adult version, helmed by John Tiffany. It's kudos to Disney Theatricals for allowing their properties to be given this chance to grow up, but like their stage version of <i>The Jungle Book</i> helmed by Mary Zimmerman (which yielded a far more spiritual, zen version of that classic), it often makes for an odd entity under the guise of Disney.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q1egmpoBrvkiZHWKcroXh858Krp4hHWJ0g0xISJ3z4X8LVCEMkBa6DrASRRtu29WbeqrpjSrATXHQOtAavuZPb5YlpdgGVMm-UqXYkcNk-Upd3YIocjq5jOkSyPpp9a3bK0Wg/s1600/Natalia+Gracious+and+Vivien+Endicott-Douglas+in+The+Secret+Garden+Young+People%2527s+Theatre+Photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1q1egmpoBrvkiZHWKcroXh858Krp4hHWJ0g0xISJ3z4X8LVCEMkBa6DrASRRtu29WbeqrpjSrATXHQOtAavuZPb5YlpdgGVMm-UqXYkcNk-Upd3YIocjq5jOkSyPpp9a3bK0Wg/s400/Natalia+Gracious+and+Vivien+Endicott-Douglas+in+The+Secret+Garden+Young+People%2527s+Theatre+Photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann..jpg" width="400" /></a>
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YPT's <i><b>The Secret Garden</b></i> is a nice slow and patient version with a wonderful Natalia Gracious as Mary, with Gracious managing to make the precocious, entitled, and selfish Mary a worthy heroine when it could have easily been cloying or annoying. She's eventually joined by a lovely Vivien Endicott Douglass as Martha, a servant, and a charming Benjamin Sutherland as Dichon, the village boy Mary befriends as they discover the mysteries of the house and the secret garden within it. Jack Runeckles plays Colin, Mary's hidden sick cousin, who like Mary, acts like a naughty entitled brat, but whom Runeckles somehow manages to make likeable. Simon Branken is great as both Lord Craven and Dr. Craven, while Dan Lett and Sarah Mennell round out the adult help of the manor.<br />
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There is a peacefulness to the production on Teresa Przybylski's simple but effectively changing set, as the mystery of the manor as Mary adjusts to her new life in England is slowly revealed. The story feels like a slow burn, and the added switch in Mary's origin, which changes little in the overall story, gives the play some added diversity and brings into the question of Indian colonialism, and even giving it a bit of a switch here, where the Indian children end up being in a higher class system than the caucasian folks working around the manor. It also gives Colin's story a greater dimension, as his father ignores him particularly as a reminder to his dead Indian mother and their similar features.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuAoDLH1KmZ9rtJgQWPif5C7LJJp1exr2VhJH0RnLwuKaVYrKfiyHD41e_ixmZnhcDk4quuq3iNflZy8q-8pZahgrQThUMI7Cel2OErDF25M4H6a7dRPrRVv7SnVgOfmGgegmGQ/s1600/National+Theatre+Stromboli+Joe+Idris-Roberts+Pinocchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuAoDLH1KmZ9rtJgQWPif5C7LJJp1exr2VhJH0RnLwuKaVYrKfiyHD41e_ixmZnhcDk4quuq3iNflZy8q-8pZahgrQThUMI7Cel2OErDF25M4H6a7dRPrRVv7SnVgOfmGgegmGQ/s400/National+Theatre+Stromboli+Joe+Idris-Roberts+Pinocchio.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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In John Tiffany's staging of <i><b>Pinocchio</b></i>, a joyously charming Joe Idris-Roberts plays our wooden boy Pinocchio as a life-size boy, while Toby Olié's giant puppet heads on Bob Crowley's oversize sets (and costumes) creates an oversized adult world that Pinocchio years to become a part of. With Dennis Kelly's added twisted tone, and some mutations of some of the famous songs, including a reprise of a morphed version of "<i>When You Wish Upon A Star</i>" during Pinocchio's introduction to fame, reminds us that this lesson on becoming a real man is a bumpy, and episodic journey. It's part of the nature of Collodi's original story, but the episodic nature of Pinocchio's journey doesn't necessarily make for a smooth experience as a stage entity, but Tiffany and the stage magic he creates, certainly makes it for an entertaining experience. And with Idris-Roberts centre stage, he pulls our heartstrings without showing any of the threads.<br />
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Audrey Brisson is a female Jiminy Cricket, and David Langham plays the Sly Fox, as they guide, or manipulate Pinocchio through this journey of life, but while Brisson and Langham are terrific in their roles, the characters as written seem like they are on differing paths, with Jiminy sounding far too modern at times, while the Sly Fox's villainous streak seem divorced from the overall arch, despite having the plot points directly affected by his machinations. As I had similar problems with Kelly's book for Matilda, I found while he manages to convey the dark tone he's yearning for, the emotional points never quite come through as he's working hard to hit all the plot points, and in Pinocchio's case, all the numerous adventures and troubles the wooden boy falls into. The plot strings are pulled but alas, all the emotional strings are purely from the hands of Idris-Roberts, who reminded me of the innate charm of Daniel Radcliffe.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Pinocchio</i> by Manuel Harlan </span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>The Secret Garden</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-47168407696000246912017-12-28T18:11:00.001-05:002017-12-31T10:27:23.663-05:00Best of Stage 20172017 total: 160 Shows (though 7 of those were for <i>Come From Away</i>, and a few other repeats).<br />
Though this year only in Toronto (and surrounding), London, and New York City.<br />
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Saw a lot of shows I had seen in previous years and thus ineligible for this year's list (including <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i>, and <i>1984</i>)<br />
For previous years Best of Stage Lists:<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a> (including <i><a href="https://www.groundhogdaymusical.com/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></i>,<i> <a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</a></i>)<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (including <i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i>,<i><a href="http://www.significantotherbroadway.com/" target="_blank"> Significant Other</a></i>)<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> (including <a href="http://www.curiousonstage.com/" target="_blank"><i>Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</i></a>) </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html">Best of Stage 2008</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a></span></b><br />
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<b>Here's the Best of Stage 2017:</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/yerma" target="_blank">Yerma</a></i></b> - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Simon Stone after Frederico Garcia Lorca, Directed by Simon Stone</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTdR7PNWDL_1q1j38G9Q9PjFXschTX2-Pnk0nrPwVcw0YjUyiCP8XnjQtpBnNqqciLxJrcX6rpHDpbXwUFizVD1NtzSV8iauCm5h7zHfloxjSkF8WluFCVaUNTDIKP40Em-VVqw/s1600/Billie+Piper+Yerma+Young+Vic+Photo+by+Johan+Persson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTdR7PNWDL_1q1j38G9Q9PjFXschTX2-Pnk0nrPwVcw0YjUyiCP8XnjQtpBnNqqciLxJrcX6rpHDpbXwUFizVD1NtzSV8iauCm5h7zHfloxjSkF8WluFCVaUNTDIKP40Em-VVqw/s400/Billie+Piper+Yerma+Young+Vic+Photo+by+Johan+Persson.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Billie Piper lays her soul for us all to voyeuristically watch as she's entrapped between glass panels and a marriage unable to give her the child she yearns for. Ultimately a tragedy but the build up sounds all too familiar in this modern take of Lorca, in a staging that keeps us at a distance with it's glass walls and projected audio and blaring rock musical segues, which only adds to the lore. Add in magical set transformations within the tight space, and watching Piper's Yerma slowly unravel is painstaking to watch but ever gripping in its strange familiarity.<br />
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<b>2.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/mary-jane/" target="_blank">Mary Jane</a></i></b>- New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Amy Herzog, Directed by Anne Kauffman</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGGKOGG0lKuwAfSNk9TS8QnQC-CjjCEWUzOTRx4nZfe4lMvXJqdl9OMH3mVlPTQnraeETli7epNd9cfd0b9XQbSnRtzlKP9mDy4VvaZ_0GwjCaXjmd3Gkp0G1tIqavWz_SNW0bQ/s1600/Mary+Jane+Carrie+Coon+Susan+Pourfar+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="710" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGGKOGG0lKuwAfSNk9TS8QnQC-CjjCEWUzOTRx4nZfe4lMvXJqdl9OMH3mVlPTQnraeETli7epNd9cfd0b9XQbSnRtzlKP9mDy4VvaZ_0GwjCaXjmd3Gkp0G1tIqavWz_SNW0bQ/s400/Mary+Jane+Carrie+Coon+Susan+Pourfar+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Mary Jane has a son who requires constant medical attention and with the aids of nurses, cares for him in a simple apartment with her limited resources. We see Mary Jane struggle with her situation yet always remaining in high spirits and a positive outlook, even helping another mother who finds herself in a similar situation. The situation is dire and yet the humanity in Amy Herzog's play shines through, with an extraordinary cast lead by a glowing Carrie Coon.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/hamlet/16-feb-2017-22-apr-2017" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> - Almeida Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Robert Icke</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3VjteXCoUhhxTYFVYb8hF6NrsTXhbg-3-sbpUyCaZ_hg6mBxeDoUPcoHFqx2R6zWznR2yFK6qpJbCj7kYKv1xaRGPk43wF0hgZzWGfgrPivQZ20hCgZGCeMnK0R5hLnZjUyDhg/s1600/Hamlet+Andrew+Scott+Photo+by+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="875" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3VjteXCoUhhxTYFVYb8hF6NrsTXhbg-3-sbpUyCaZ_hg6mBxeDoUPcoHFqx2R6zWznR2yFK6qpJbCj7kYKv1xaRGPk43wF0hgZzWGfgrPivQZ20hCgZGCeMnK0R5hLnZjUyDhg/s400/Hamlet+Andrew+Scott+Photo+by+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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It's still <i>Hamlet</i> but the first time I think I fully understood it all, with an incredible Andrew Scott as the soulful conflicted central figure. Jessica Findlay Brown as an Ophelia whose descent into madness is understandable, and Juliet Stevenson is perfection as a manipulative Gertrude. Icke's staging, with ghosts seen through security cameras and layers of glass in the sleek modern decor makes all the interactions, overheard conversations, and secrets seem plausible.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b><i><a href="http://indecentbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Indecent</a></i></b> - Cort Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Paula Vogel, Directed by Rebecca Taichman</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3AYS-LW7VGVP4ZgxsPnfpEi18hpyFx75vKZ_JJ39GFDXv78ZX4urMZEiG9pbUK6t2B3A828da6RW6vvxLxRP7oetr8Y-YewYZgWjjdXH3nDYI27-8VgYP2Qw-ZvDtSZhSnUsNg/s1600/Indecent+Broadway+Katrina+Lenk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3AYS-LW7VGVP4ZgxsPnfpEi18hpyFx75vKZ_JJ39GFDXv78ZX4urMZEiG9pbUK6t2B3A828da6RW6vvxLxRP7oetr8Y-YewYZgWjjdXH3nDYI27-8VgYP2Qw-ZvDtSZhSnUsNg/s400/Indecent+Broadway+Katrina+Lenk.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Rebecca Taichman's beautiful staging of Paula Vogel's clever play about a controversial play is intelligent and inspired. With a small cast in multiple roles, we trace the trajectory of Sholem Asch's Yiddish play <i>God of Vengeance</i> as it gets produced all over, before being banned for lesbian kiss. The company was indicted for indecency but we follow the artists as they try to tell their story of a Jewish brother owner whose daughter falls in love with one of his prostitutes. It's about artists giving their work life, as Taichman's production does the same for this behind the scenes story.<br />
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<b>5.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/flight-pattern-by-crystal-pite" target="_blank">Flight Pattern</a></i></b> - The Royal Ballet - Royal Opera House - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Choreographed by Crystal Pite </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6fRkzmK7sXAASSYutuWDKrKPQu-pjs639gHV8AF9t_aPI6svfSu-E9hMVf_O8QpMbKD0lSO_gXzrw1pFu1MhOCyEVMr3X8p0R8ONDFGYpzKwJY7AATtbc39HbvYYFZ4ES7vL5A/s1600/Flight+Pattern+Royal+Ballet+Crystal+Pite+Photo+by+Alastair+Muir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6fRkzmK7sXAASSYutuWDKrKPQu-pjs639gHV8AF9t_aPI6svfSu-E9hMVf_O8QpMbKD0lSO_gXzrw1pFu1MhOCyEVMr3X8p0R8ONDFGYpzKwJY7AATtbc39HbvYYFZ4ES7vL5A/s400/Flight+Pattern+Royal+Ballet+Crystal+Pite+Photo+by+Alastair+Muir.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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A stunning dance piece about the plight of refugees that is both beautiful and haunting.<br />
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<b>6. </b><b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/angels-in-america" target="_blank">Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tony Kushner, Directed by Marianne Elliot</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_lCdtpkk-e2of6vojlJMsfEL_uGWtVF-xkUoO3O0Y8swWdrI5bCM9agMfi3DB_Q-KDpb8zTjqbl-LKPIBiND0DkrO1vyGn7WGkiGewjW1f8E5Gjc-6BJ6T45cqC9zUN52MYNA/s1600/Angels+in+American+National+Theatre+Denise+Gough+Andrew+Garfield+Photo+by+Helen+Maybanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1289" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_lCdtpkk-e2of6vojlJMsfEL_uGWtVF-xkUoO3O0Y8swWdrI5bCM9agMfi3DB_Q-KDpb8zTjqbl-LKPIBiND0DkrO1vyGn7WGkiGewjW1f8E5Gjc-6BJ6T45cqC9zUN52MYNA/s400/Angels+in+American+National+Theatre+Denise+Gough+Andrew+Garfield+Photo+by+Helen+Maybanks.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Nathan Lane as Roy Cohn, Andrew Garfield as Prior Walter, James McArdle as Louis Ironson, Denise Gough as Harper Pitt, Russell Tovey as Joe Pitt, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Belize, Amanda Lawrence as The Angel, Susan Brown as Hannah Pitt. Enough said.<br />
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<b>7.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.classicstage.org/shows/2017/04/pacific-overtures/" target="_blank">Pacific Overtures</a></i></b> - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by John Weidman, Additional Material by Hugh Wheeler, Directed by John Doyle </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nFR7TxX0ipfwAwl5uhALG2MeM4a_eX14qrY9GnEbQfMjyvyVlZgYHLh3RdNMF82q8jPZ2r6fpn4Aaa-jgHJ2x0VH0VTySHfe7mkp9Pz_F4ERYH4LSiErAtMAOg9ix4YB89fdUQ/s1600/Pacific+Overtures+Classic+Stage+Company+Orville+Mendoza+Steven+Eng+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nFR7TxX0ipfwAwl5uhALG2MeM4a_eX14qrY9GnEbQfMjyvyVlZgYHLh3RdNMF82q8jPZ2r6fpn4Aaa-jgHJ2x0VH0VTySHfe7mkp9Pz_F4ERYH4LSiErAtMAOg9ix4YB89fdUQ/s400/Pacific+Overtures+Classic+Stage+Company+Orville+Mendoza+Steven+Eng+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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The usual simplicity with John Doyle's musical staging matches in tune with Japanese minimalism in this beautiful revival of <i>Pacific Overtures</i>. A cast that proves that there is no lack of incredible Asian musical actors.<br />
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<b>8.</b> <b><i><a href="https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/theferrymanwestend/" target="_blank">The Ferryman</a></i></b> - Royal Court Theatre in the Gielgud Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jez Butterworth, Directed by Sam Mendes</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcnUyunDBl_R-g8eG5vw-V4uGxYHIe275TKEKsGgRfHqAKm44klN32SHHPC8tGJCcJKHEQyI3cD5iNyrkFFsct6lZ2u_6GlC3FNMK1yQhbl2RStSnvAoFlzh-OKfLQotD1PrANg/s1600/The+Ferryman+West+End+Royal+Court+Theatre+Photo+by+Johan+Persson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcnUyunDBl_R-g8eG5vw-V4uGxYHIe275TKEKsGgRfHqAKm44klN32SHHPC8tGJCcJKHEQyI3cD5iNyrkFFsct6lZ2u_6GlC3FNMK1yQhbl2RStSnvAoFlzh-OKfLQotD1PrANg/s400/The+Ferryman+West+End+Royal+Court+Theatre+Photo+by+Johan+Persson.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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A taut thriller, a family drama, a country harvest moment, and so much more in Jez Butterworth's epic new play that remains intimate, despite it's giant cast and long running time. At its heart is a family preparing for the yearly harvest, all while the 1981 Irish hunger strike is happening and the hatred towards Brits comes to a boil when sides are divided amongst a Northern Ireland.<br />
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<b>9.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/network" target="_blank">Network</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted by Lee Hall, based on the film by Paddy Chayefsky, Directed by Ivo van Hove</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE1aeKmYbYoAXZr_6v8z8PYaUoqhexJDFXf8NK7b84553afKH-814NJGS5eMOBw3Xb-gSdbxRupx11AWGqIo2oGoENcpcu6o1LpO5QS0tDFLEaCIxKBFmXH2HRm3yA-G230lMmQ/s1600/Network+Bryan+Cranston+Photo+by+Jan+Versweyveld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1289" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE1aeKmYbYoAXZr_6v8z8PYaUoqhexJDFXf8NK7b84553afKH-814NJGS5eMOBw3Xb-gSdbxRupx11AWGqIo2oGoENcpcu6o1LpO5QS0tDFLEaCIxKBFmXH2HRm3yA-G230lMmQ/s400/Network+Bryan+Cranston+Photo+by+Jan+Versweyveld.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Bryan Cranston screaming out "I'M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE"and making the audience scream it out too. Michelle Dockery throwing a fit in a glass sound booth. Ivo van Hove using his Ivo tricks to turn the film into a live theatrical frenzy with live filming, using the language of live news media and the way television is portrayed in film and counterpointing that with the live nature of the stage. Plus there's a working restaurant on stage!<br />
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<b>10.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/a-christmas-carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A new version written by Jack Thorne, Directed by Matthew Warchus</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw8lL816PLGnp9ASXzjBDPR_eR2JUi0op8YrwBAH0ktIxt2Q1fb-gapw2Dw2L1D78wsT18wJ6-VoS7ddqpiE0tM9re-mEqn1k9tZwbIOeO1uuYiN0EZIh3KXq1fMODg_AVjKa6g/s1600/A+Christmas+Carol+The+Old+Vic+Rhys+Ifans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw8lL816PLGnp9ASXzjBDPR_eR2JUi0op8YrwBAH0ktIxt2Q1fb-gapw2Dw2L1D78wsT18wJ6-VoS7ddqpiE0tM9re-mEqn1k9tZwbIOeO1uuYiN0EZIh3KXq1fMODg_AVjKa6g/s400/A+Christmas+Carol+The+Old+Vic+Rhys+Ifans.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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A haunting and spirited new version of the Dicken's classic with a terrific Rhys Ifans at the center of a reconfigured Old Vic as his psychologically damaged Scrooge. The three ghosts include women from Scrooge's past, that explains how he became such a miser, and it makes Ifans transformation all the more joyous, using the transformed theatre-in-the-round in all its glory, filled with sounds of beautiful bells and a beautiful score. You will be filled with the Christmas spirit by the end of Warchus' elegant production!<br />
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<b>11.</b> <b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/albion/10-oct-2017-24-nov-2017" target="_blank">Albion</a></i></b> - Almeida Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mike Bartlett, Directed by Rupert Goold</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVtcrlv47-hGYjEGr22Grn64uSasjGlAtKVyF6pyg1znLKJPFzfyZWDAmOtL-5nJ2vKtL1ET7Z_SmNPEhqidxRSJRfleANZ8HNa1XmcjH6Nd5alLfOJek4wnTbifUVu8HIAMGeQ/s1600/Albion+Nicholas+Rowe+Victoria+Clark+Almeida+Theatre+Photo+by+Marc+Brenner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVtcrlv47-hGYjEGr22Grn64uSasjGlAtKVyF6pyg1znLKJPFzfyZWDAmOtL-5nJ2vKtL1ET7Z_SmNPEhqidxRSJRfleANZ8HNa1XmcjH6Nd5alLfOJek4wnTbifUVu8HIAMGeQ/s400/Albion+Nicholas+Rowe+Victoria+Clark+Almeida+Theatre+Photo+by+Marc+Brenner.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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We watch an entire garden grow and die at the centre of a reconfigured Almeida Theatre in an allegory of Britain post-Brexit. in this play about a city woman who buys a historical plot of land in the countryside in the hopes of reviving it and recreating the glory of its historic British garden. Meanwhile, in her determination to create her dream, she shuts out the community beyond the walls, her family, and the help, each with their own stories, their own threads, and their won reasons for wanting the garden to succeed. Fascinating, with Victoria Hamilton at the charge in constant determination to make things succeed to her liking, but at whose costs?<br />
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<b>12.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.halfasixpence.co.uk/" target="_blank">Half a Sixpence</a></i></b> - Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Book by Julian Fellowes, Original Music and Lyrics by David Heneker, Original Musical by David Heneker and Beverley Cross, Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRorbvo4YhHgRBgTXVcOOxVzWteBOUQ03HxmdC51Wdi7_XC3OiK0uK10qh60DQ_1A3gHSr6_J8-vBAaVCPRTX864GUmBKc8gJ1JEFUyRJJy2QYSj0lPMTk2v4w3ZEouYTRVzhnow/s1600/Half+a+Sixpence+Charlie+Stemp+photo+by+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="950" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRorbvo4YhHgRBgTXVcOOxVzWteBOUQ03HxmdC51Wdi7_XC3OiK0uK10qh60DQ_1A3gHSr6_J8-vBAaVCPRTX864GUmBKc8gJ1JEFUyRJJy2QYSj0lPMTk2v4w3ZEouYTRVzhnow/s400/Half+a+Sixpence+Charlie+Stemp+photo+by+Manuel+Harlan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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A sweet old-fashioned, very British musical about class and money in a rags to riches to rags to riches story with a love triangle split between the classes to top it all off. A star making performance by Charlie Stemp (and just as wonderful alternate Sam O'Rourke who usually delightfully plays Buggins) keeps up the tempo and manages to charm us in this silly musical that still slips in the plight of the working class within the big toe-tapping banjo playing dance numbers.<br />
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<b>13.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.playbill.com/production/the-glass-menagerie-john-golden-theatre-2016-2017" target="_blank">The Glass Menagerie</a></i></b> - Belasco Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tennessee Williams, Directed by Sam Gold</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UVpbzKYnEngZqRNWeK9pLPxnoPtS0ySZpMWn7rltLwZxOCDe72yCDrJxgtB1yU6e0hn5exCknseS13ZhDZ54nm4CQ766s26Q8c0k7a6pUwnFOv7_JWIpUdIJ0PVgyn3zqpn_Qg/s1600/The+Glass+Menagerie+Broadway+Madison+Ferris+Sally+Field+Joe+Mantello+Photo+by+Julieta+Cervantes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UVpbzKYnEngZqRNWeK9pLPxnoPtS0ySZpMWn7rltLwZxOCDe72yCDrJxgtB1yU6e0hn5exCknseS13ZhDZ54nm4CQ766s26Q8c0k7a6pUwnFOv7_JWIpUdIJ0PVgyn3zqpn_Qg/s400/The+Glass+Menagerie+Broadway+Madison+Ferris+Sally+Field+Joe+Mantello+Photo+by+Julieta+Cervantes.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Just when you thought you knew <i>The Glass Menagerie</i> and had enough of it, in comes Sam Gold to readjust our view of the classic play in his re-envisioned production. Challenging the text in a stripped down production, putting an older Tom by way of Joe Mantello makes the memory play feel fresh, with a commanding central performance by Sally Fields that makes us see Amanda Wingfield in a new angle. Casting Madison Ferris, an actress who requires a wheelchair, as Laura, presents Laura's limp in a dramatic new light. Pitting her against a bouncy delighted Finn Wittrock's Gentleman Caller only adds to how we see his presence changes the dynamics with Tom and Laura. It truly heightens the tragedy without changing a word, and while Gold's direction may have angered the traditionalists, it opened up an already-favorite play of mine into a new dimension.<br />
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<b>14. Bands on Broadway:</b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://bandstandbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Bandstand</a></i></b> - Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Richard Oberacker, Lyrics and Book by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor, Directed by Andy Blankenbuehler</span><br />
<b><i><a href="https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Band's Visit</a></i></b> - Ethel Barrymore Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek, Book by Itamor Moses, Directed by David Cromer</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DkfRnrsB5drmlG4db2c_FRV3IcXeL_6T_Ig18HEajW3gDw5_mBsNAaB6wFeUdjoPFIl5uAxu9_xed2qbb3tT52fE05OzsRHxB5O4K5yrtrbT0MKGcHKBGwaz91aRkIbH-kb8zw/s1600/Bandstand+Broadway+Corey+Cott+Laura+Osnes+Photo+by+Jeremy+Daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DkfRnrsB5drmlG4db2c_FRV3IcXeL_6T_Ig18HEajW3gDw5_mBsNAaB6wFeUdjoPFIl5uAxu9_xed2qbb3tT52fE05OzsRHxB5O4K5yrtrbT0MKGcHKBGwaz91aRkIbH-kb8zw/s400/Bandstand+Broadway+Corey+Cott+Laura+Osnes+Photo+by+Jeremy+Daniel.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOBjZd_PDAP3vXAVZ95V6PKVW7nR7Yk-cCzUKZ7jGd1F_eP6vfmCGQYLu67_cPmTVn5R2W48kTk1TRul2gaH8RfxOAli8NEFLfsEoeaGWSsnrfq5TVC6Ah29Nj-PelIOugyKG5A/s1600/The+Band%2527s+Visit+Broadway+Katrina+Lenk+Tony+Shalhoub+Photo+by+Matthew+Murphy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOBjZd_PDAP3vXAVZ95V6PKVW7nR7Yk-cCzUKZ7jGd1F_eP6vfmCGQYLu67_cPmTVn5R2W48kTk1TRul2gaH8RfxOAli8NEFLfsEoeaGWSsnrfq5TVC6Ah29Nj-PelIOugyKG5A/s400/The+Band%2527s+Visit+Broadway+Katrina+Lenk+Tony+Shalhoub+Photo+by+Matthew+Murphy.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<i>The Band's Visit</i> got all the acclaim and <i>Bandstand</i> quietly popped up on Broadway and then sadly disappeared far too soon. <i>The Band's Visit</i> beautifully tells its tale simply with a gorgeous evocative score by David Yazbek, while <i>Bandstand</i> is slightly overblown new musical that takes on a deeper issue about PTSD and the lives of vets post-war, but has the heart and spirit that makes it emotionally thrilling. <i>Bandstand</i> could have been edited down to focus on its core story, moving to that emotional impact a tad sooner, and <i>The Band's Visit</i> could have extended itself to explore some of the characters more and give us more time for an emotional connection, but while both shows lacked in opposing flaws, they both excelled equally in their own strengths. Here's to the Band's playing on.<br />
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<b>15.</b> <b><i><a href="http://theflea.org/shows/syncing-ink/" target="_blank">Syncing Ink</a></i></b> - The Flea Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by NSangou Njikam, Directed by Niegel Smith</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw0l8aC__URMQov7Vlb9bOOo7lvAPf-XWexPTTR3lr6QzjPuSxvvjrrFKifTNjqKYT6L4M5jwHMJAoOI2tZJabFPjKDyvEcoPXwn7Jp0gqbnylQkm26dWGc7AWCGbwJmTOWJYlA/s1600/Synching+Ink+NSangou+Njikam+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1000" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw0l8aC__URMQov7Vlb9bOOo7lvAPf-XWexPTTR3lr6QzjPuSxvvjrrFKifTNjqKYT6L4M5jwHMJAoOI2tZJabFPjKDyvEcoPXwn7Jp0gqbnylQkm26dWGc7AWCGbwJmTOWJYlA/s400/Synching+Ink+NSangou+Njikam+Photo+by+Joan+Marcus.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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It's another coming of age/finding your voice tale that sort of doubles as the history of hip-hop and rap, in this thrilling vibrant new musical play. The clever staging and choreo and the rhymes pulsate that culminates in a thrilling (apparently improvised) showdown. While it's a tad overlong, the thrilling cast keeps the simple story moving and imprints the sound of a Black American .<br />
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<b>16.</b> <b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/vimy/1998" target="_blank">Vimy</a></i></b> - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Vern Thiessen, Directed by Diana Leblanc</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FGiOVENFwVyvQC3gilWZLAmmIA72P_Psfh1e6ZJOBOG_rAUSWW5a1vSFIfu9QytQLwiejoYdDLQBt__rz3uYxCNnSXSx1B3fSqxM4t7tp61LQW0t9TcVZxLI8Ws5EQ7zvxNeg/s1600/Vimy+Soulpepper+Wesley+French+Photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FGiOVENFwVyvQC3gilWZLAmmIA72P_Psfh1e6ZJOBOG_rAUSWW5a1vSFIfu9QytQLwiejoYdDLQBt__rz3uYxCNnSXSx1B3fSqxM4t7tp61LQW0t9TcVZxLI8Ws5EQ7zvxNeg/s400/Vimy+Soulpepper+Wesley+French+Photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Whereas the film <i>Dunkirk</i> was grand in scope, telling the individual tales from different sides of a historic moment, Vimy is an intimate look at the individual tales from a historical moment in France in the first World War. Leblanc's stunning staging lets this war play become intimately focused on the different soldiers' stories, bring an infamous moment in war and bringing it back to the perspective from the ground, from those that were right there. Harrowing and a young cast that brings it to life with verve and class.<br />
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<b>17.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Everybody's Talking About Jamie</a></i></b> - Apollo Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Dan Gillespie Sells, Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae, Directed by Jonathan Butterell</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMK2jnHqhs3XkUvrZcLynCC85vMD-mn42szwLa-m4t6rvhxCDsP6CbUoQxv0b4_qgzOQ-bAq4yR9WXceRw-hlpxbjjZPndaPf9qt50KBFKBzvIDI98arwove8z7p3znDJwHcsMQ/s1600/Everybody%2527s+Talking+About+Jamie+John+McCrae+Photo+by+Alastair+Muir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="888" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMK2jnHqhs3XkUvrZcLynCC85vMD-mn42szwLa-m4t6rvhxCDsP6CbUoQxv0b4_qgzOQ-bAq4yR9WXceRw-hlpxbjjZPndaPf9qt50KBFKBzvIDI98arwove8z7p3znDJwHcsMQ/s400/Everybody%2527s+Talking+About+Jamie+John+McCrae+Photo+by+Alastair+Muir.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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A fun fun fun new musical based on a documentary about a real life teen Jamie who chose to do drag, but while it feels like a spiritual sequel to <i>La Cage/Kinky Boots/Priscilla</i>, there's a far more progressive modern sensibility and reactions. This tends to diminish the drama (as his own acceptance about his queerness is established from the opening number), but heightens the positive attitude. Add in The Feeling's frontman Dan Gillespie Sells' endearingly catchy music, and a starmaking lead performance by John McCrea, and it's one of the most joyous new musicals to open in recent memory.<br />
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<b>18. Table Talk in Toronto</b><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/asking-for-it" target="_blank">Asking for It</a></i></b> - Nightwood Theatre, Necessary Angel and Crow's Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Ellie Moon, Directed by Brendan Healy</span><br />
<b><i><a href="http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/unholy/" target="_blank">Unholy</a></i></b> - Nightwood Theatre at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Diane Flacks, Directed by Kelly Thornton</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCg4XZOLu9e1OhdJstu7kYe0zpVSKbhX4M7LLCV1QO5yCDWbOTd99LV_gL7WZoXnA7fahmBHsZdWouRbrrqwkTOLQ9VqD9e-BTdsPHaiZ2nIkQf9xemjGmJi8BxYiprlPmoHcvQ/s1600/Asking+For+It+Crows+Theatre+Ellie+Moon+Steven+McCarthy+Photo+by+Jeremy+Mimnagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCg4XZOLu9e1OhdJstu7kYe0zpVSKbhX4M7LLCV1QO5yCDWbOTd99LV_gL7WZoXnA7fahmBHsZdWouRbrrqwkTOLQ9VqD9e-BTdsPHaiZ2nIkQf9xemjGmJi8BxYiprlPmoHcvQ/s400/Asking+For+It+Crows+Theatre+Ellie+Moon+Steven+McCarthy+Photo+by+Jeremy+Mimnagh.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZeUsxRVA8b4WmUDeVn_REIMD5qhYUSP1pzFIqZcI0LrfuHYHNj9LxS24Cp-g0ZhQG13-orpnPERvRbvhyc6b-Rx_sYIZwSsOD7-3A6WMBUR3z-qihypA9YSBwa1VQ_XzCjZhRw/s1600/Unholy+Buddies+in+Bad+Times+Theatre+Niki+Landau+Diane+Flacks+Barbara+Gordon+Bahareh+Yaraghi+Photo+by+John+Lauener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1200" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZeUsxRVA8b4WmUDeVn_REIMD5qhYUSP1pzFIqZcI0LrfuHYHNj9LxS24Cp-g0ZhQG13-orpnPERvRbvhyc6b-Rx_sYIZwSsOD7-3A6WMBUR3z-qihypA9YSBwa1VQ_XzCjZhRw/s400/Unholy+Buddies+in+Bad+Times+Theatre+Niki+Landau+Diane+Flacks+Barbara+Gordon+Bahareh+Yaraghi+Photo+by+John+Lauener.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<br />
2 new plays each with 4 actors sitting at 2 tables, each with a microphone. Discuss.<br />
Surprisingly theatrical, with each play spinning off from their discussions into scenes that fill out the controversial topics at hand. <i>Asking For It</i> begins with Jian Ghomeshi's case and continues with verbatim interviews about sexual harassment. <i>Unholy</i> concocts a panel of 4 women speaking about religion and feminism. Neither sound like enjoyable things to sit through yet both were something we needed to hear (with lots of surprising humour and humanity within).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>19.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1831678173715915/" target="_blank">The Seat Next To the King</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Steven Elliott Jackson, Directed by Tanisha Taitt</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFafRoE3B657RZW6i0xbTqrLL_Z74Yfv7upye5Ud9nMnH0UID4ymNClCW4v4PscwU3D0vPac2Tc9Gy3UFdvdUFW3H232fpVPOScfJwQxNArMOB5ALOrOT_W2yw0ewWYyYujinC2w/s1600/The+Seat+Next+to+the+King+Fringe+Toronto+Kwaku+Okyere+Conor+Ling+Photo+by+Foreshots+Photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFafRoE3B657RZW6i0xbTqrLL_Z74Yfv7upye5Ud9nMnH0UID4ymNClCW4v4PscwU3D0vPac2Tc9Gy3UFdvdUFW3H232fpVPOScfJwQxNArMOB5ALOrOT_W2yw0ewWYyYujinC2w/s400/The+Seat+Next+to+the+King+Fringe+Toronto+Kwaku+Okyere+Conor+Ling+Photo+by+Foreshots+Photography.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The imagined meeting between two real life figures who were both caught in gay public sex scandals in 1960s. MLK Jr.'s adviser Bayard Justin meets LBJ's top aid Walter Jenkins and what transpires is a tense yet emotionally revealing brief affair where race and sexuality and the coded behaviors of surviving in that time comes to blow. Taitt's direction in this simple Fringe production is beautifully evocative and Conor Ling and Kwaku Okyere's performances give this small tight play a grandeur the emotions in these secretive events deserve.<br />
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<b>20.</b> <b><i><a href="http://summerworks.ca/artists/the-smile-off-your-face/" target="_blank">The Smile Off Your Face</a></i></b> - Summerworks at Artscape Youngplace - Toronto, ON -<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Originally Created by Ontroerend Goed, Canadian Premiere by Re:Current Theatre, Directed by Brian Postalian
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhERsNiCgB9ivmpUiOnWRtjKs7_G1OMJwwf2ib6iG9vksohFhlRkyctAeWxHNVNfr6E9zlUka6n0K7h4omKBsfmqU-5flY-pu9vyqpaMMnGyNCH92ZSFjyQiaJRPK5g83haLokg/s1600/The+Smile+Off+Your+Face+Summerworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhERsNiCgB9ivmpUiOnWRtjKs7_G1OMJwwf2ib6iG9vksohFhlRkyctAeWxHNVNfr6E9zlUka6n0K7h4omKBsfmqU-5flY-pu9vyqpaMMnGyNCH92ZSFjyQiaJRPK5g83haLokg/s400/The+Smile+Off+Your+Face+Summerworks.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<br />
Theatre as an amusement park ride that tickles your senses and plays with your perception of what your senses makes you imagine. The twist is the starring role is the smile off your face, and then the discovery of what made that happened. Oh yah, you will also by blindfolded and tied to a wheelchair.<br />
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<b>Honourable Mentions: </b>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-aliens/" target="_blank">The Aliens</a></i></b> - Coal Mine Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Annie Baker, Directed by Mitchell Cushman</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/cost-of-living/" target="_blank">Cost of Living</a></i></b> - Manhattan Theatre Company in New York City Center Stage 1 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Martyna Majok, Directed by Jo Bonney</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.thegirlsmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Girls</a></i></b> - Phoenix Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music, Lyrics and Book by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, Directed by Tim Firth</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://stillyourfriend.com/henri/" target="_blank">The Life Henri</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Alliance Francais - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Adam Bailey</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/mr-shi-and-his-lover/" target="_blank">Mr. Shi and His Lover</a></i></b> - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Njo Kong Kie, Written by Wong Teng Chi and Njo Kong Kie, Directed by Tam Chi Chun</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Solid revivals of:</b>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/bakkhai" target="_blank">Bakkhai</a></i></b> - Stratford Festival in the Tom Patterson Theatre - Stratford, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Translator by Anne Carson from Euripides, Directed by Jillian Kelley </span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201617-season/banana-boys/" target="_blank">Banana Boys</a></i></b> - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Leon Aureus, Directed by Nina Lee Aquino</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.bam.org/theater/2017/the-beauty-queen-of-leenane" target="_blank">The Beauty Queen of Leenane</a></i></b> - Druid Theatre at BAM in the Harvey Theatre - Brooklyn, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Martin McDonagh, Directed by Garry Hynes</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/follies" target="_blank">Follies</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Goldman, Directed by Dominic Cooke</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b><i><a href="http://hellodollyonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Hello, Dolly!</a></i></b> - Shubert Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman, Book by Michael Stewart, Directed by Jerry Zaks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/current-production/torch-song" target="_blank">Torch Song</a></i></b> - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Harvey Fierstein, Directed by Moises Kaufman</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):
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<br />
The 'band" in <i>Bandstand</i>: Alex Bender, Joe Carroll, Brandon James Ellis, James Nathan Hopkins, Geoff Packard<br />
<br />
Caitlin Robson and Eric Miinch in <i>Caitlin and Eric Are Broken Up</i><br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Murder in the Cottonwoods</i>: Paul Aihoshi, Guy Bradford, Christy Bruce, Lance Byrd, Alexandra Hurley, Matt Nads, Colin Sharpe<br />
<br />
Kwaku Okyere and Conor Ling in <i>The Seat Next to the King</i><br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Syncing Ink</i>: McKenzie Frye, Nuri Hazzard, Elisha Lawson, NSangou Njikam, Adesola A. Osakalumi, DJ Reborn, Kara Young<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Vimy</i>: Sebastien Bertrand, Andrew Chown, Tim Dowler-Coltman, Wesley French, Christine Horne, TJ Riley<br />
<br />
Adam Bailey in <i>The Life Henri</i><br />
Jocelyn Bioh in <i>Everybody</i> and <i>In the Blood</i><br />
Nicola Correia-Damude in <i>Marine Life</i><br />
Jack DiFalco in <i>Torch Song</i><br />
Josh Epstein in <i>Onegin</i><br />
Beanie Feldstein in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i><br />
Maxwell Haynes in <i>The Aliens</i><br />
Lucas Hedges in <i>Yen</i><br />
Ashley D. Kelley in <i>Bella: An American Tall Tale</i><br />
January Lavoy in <i>Wakey Wakey</i><br />
Katrina Lenk in <i>Indecent</i> and <i>The Band's Visit</i><br />
Ben Mayne in <i>The View Upstairs</i><br />
John McCrea in <i>Everybody's Talking About Jamie</i><br />
Gregg Mozgala in <i>Cost of Living</i><br />
Sam O'Rourge in <i>Half a Sixpence</i><br />
Bryonha Marie Parham in <i>Prince of Broadway</i><br />
Andrew Polec in <i>Bat Out of Hell</i><br />
Randy Redd in <i>The View Upstairs</i><br />
Chris Reid in <i>The Merchant of Venice</i><br />
Michael Rosen in <i>Torch Song</i><br />
Lucie Shorthouse in <i>Everybody's Talking About Jamie</i><br />
Justice Smith in <i>Yen</i><br />
Cobie Smulders in <i>Present Laughter</i><br />
Danielle Steers in <i>Bat Out of Hell</i><br />
Charlie Stemp in <i>Half a Sixpence</i><br />
Luke Thallon in <i>Albion</i><br />
Bobby Conte Thornton in <i>A Bronx Tale</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):<br />
<br />
The principal cast of <i>Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches & Part Two: Perestroika</i>: Susan Brown, Andrew Garfield, Denise Gough, Nathan Lane, Amanda Lawrence, James McArdle, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Russell Tovey<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Of Kith and Kin</i>: Joanna Bacon, Donna Berlin, James Lance, Chetna Pandya, Joshua Silver<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Pacific Overtures</i>: Karl Josef Co, Marc Delacruz, Steven Eng, Megan Masako Haley, Ann Harada, Kimberly Immanuel, Justin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh, Orville Mendoza, Marc Oka, Thom Sesma, George Takei<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Unholy</i>: Diane Flacks, Barbara Gordon, Niki Landau, Blair Williams, Bahareh Yaraghi<br />
<br />
Annaleigh Ashford in <i>Sunday in the Park with George</i><br />
Kate Baldwin in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i><br />
Evan Buliung in <i>Guys and Dolls</i><br />
Kate Burton in <i>Present Laughter</i><br />
Corey Cott in <i>Bandstand</i><br />
Richard Coyle in <i>Ink</i><br />
Daniel Craig in <i>Othello</i><br />
Bryan Cranston in <i>Network</i><br />
Gavin Creel in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i><br />
Frenchie Davis in <i>The View Upstairs</i><br />
Janet Dacal in <i>Prince of Broadway</i><br />
Carson Elrod in <i>The Liar</i><br />
Sally Field in <i>The Glass Menagerie</i><br />
Alexis Gordon in <i>Guys and Dolls</i><br />
Cyrus Lane in <i>A Christmas Carol: The Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose</i><br />
Nathan Lee Graham in <i>The View Upstairs</i><br />
Sarah Greene in <i>The Ferryman</i><br />
Tamsin Greig in <i>Labour of Love</i><br />
Jake Gyllenhaal in <i>Sunday in the Park with George</i><br />
Rebecca Hall in <i>Animal</i><br />
Clare Halse in <i>42nd Street</i><br />
Victoria Hamilton in <i>Albion</i><br />
Rhys Ifans in <i>A Christmas Carol</i><br />
Jasna Ivir in <i>42nd Street</i><br />
Laura Linney in <i>The Little Foxes</i><br />
Tom Lister in <i>42nd Street</i><br />
Joe Mantello in <i>The Glass Menagerie</i><br />
Sharron Matthews in <i>Unapologetically Me: Sharron's Cabaret for Kids</i><br />
Anna Maxwell Martin in <i>Consent</i><br />
Bette Midler in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i><br />
Jeff Miller in <i>My Night with Reg</i><br />
Max Gordon Moore in <i>Indecent</i><br />
Marie Mullen in <i>The Beauty Queen of Leenane</i><br />
Stuart Neal in <i>42nd Street</i><br />
Cynthia Nixon in <i>The Little Foxes</i><br />
Jack O'Connell in <i>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</i><br />
Sophie Okonedo in <i>The Goat Or Who is Sylvia?</i><br />
Laura Osnes in <i>Bandstand</i><br />
Aisling O'Sullivan in <i>The Beauty Queen of Leenane</i><br />
David Oyelowo in <i>Othello</i><br />
Lisa Palfrey in <i>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</i><br />
Ashley Park in <i>Sunday in the Park with George</i><br />
Billie Piper in <i>Yerma</i><br />
Gray Powell in <i>My Night with Reg</i><br />
Anusree Roy in <i>Tartuffe</i><br />
Mercedes Ruehl in <i>Torch Song</i><br />
George Salazar in <i>The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical</i><br />
Helen Schlesinger in <i>Albion</i><br />
Andrew Scott in <i>Hamlet</i><br />
Saycon Sengbloh in <i>In the Blood</i><br />
James Smith in <i>Lessons in Temperament</i><br />
Juliet Stevenson in <i>Hamlet</i><br />
Corey Stoll in <i>Julius Caesar</i><br />
David Tennant in Don Juan in Soho<br />
John Douglas Thompson in <i>Jitney</i><br />
Richard Topol in <i>Indecent</i><br />
Taylor Trensch in <i>Hello, Dolly!</i><br />
Brandon Uranowitz in <i>Prince of Broadway</i><br />
Michael Urie in <i>Torch Song</i><br />
Josie Walker in <i>Everybody's Talking About Jamie</i><br />
Jonathan Wilson in <i>My Night with Reg</i><br />
Ruth Wilson in <i>Hedda Gabler</i><br />
Finn Wittrock in <i>The Glass Menagerie</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">____________________________________________________<br /><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2017 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/197481694077708/" target="_blank">4.48 Psychosis</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Centre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://theatretopikos.com/portfolio/5-guys-chillin/" target="_blank">5 Guys Chillin'</a></i></b> (Play) - Theatre Topikos at Kensington Hall - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/294061177720296/" target="_blank">32 Short Sketches About Bees</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://42ndstreetmusical.co.uk/" target="_blank">42nd Street</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Theatre Royal Drury Lane - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.thehudsonbroadway.com/whatson/1984-the-play/" target="_blank">1984</a></i></b> (Play) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://abronxtalethemusical.com/" target="_blank">A Bronx Tale</a></i></b> (Musical) - Longacre Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-need-for-musicalization-new-musicals.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/a-christmas-carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/12/a-tale-of-two-christmas-carols.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rosspetty.com/current-show/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: The Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose</a></i></b> - Ross Petty Productions at the Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><span style="color: red;"> </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/12/a-tale-of-two-christmas-carols.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/against/12-aug-2017-30-sep-2017" target="_blank">Against</a></i></b> (Play) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/albion/10-oct-2017-24-nov-2017" target="_blank">Albion</a></i></b> (Play) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-aliens/" target="_blank">The Aliens</a></i></b> (Play) - Coal Mine Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/09/reality-and-beyond-aliens-and-mary-jane.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.anastasiabroadway.com/" target="_blank">Anastasia</a></i></b> (Musical) - Broadhurst Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/angels-in-america" target="_blank">Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika</a></i></b> (Play Revival) x2 - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://atlantictheater.org/playevents/animal/" target="_blank">Animal</a></i></b> (Play) - Atlantic Theater Company at Atlantic Stage 2 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/asking-for-it" target="_blank">Asking for It</a></i></b> (Play) - Crow's Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-audience" target="_blank">The Audience</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/bakkhai" target="_blank">Bakkhai</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Festival in the Tom Patterson Theatre - Stratford, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201617-season/banana-boys/" target="_blank">Banana Boys</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Factory Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://bandstandbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Bandstand</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Band's Visit</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ethel Barrymore Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://batoutofhellmusical.com/" target="_blank">Bat Out of Hell</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ** or <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://beautifulonbroadway.com/tour/" target="_blank">Beautiful</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.bam.org/theater/2017/the-beauty-queen-of-leenane" target="_blank">The Beauty Queen of Leenane</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Druid Theatre at BAM in the Harvey Theatre - Brooklyn, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/bella/" target="_blank">Bella: An American Tall Tale</a></i></b> (Musical) - Playwrights Horizons - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1427450880627692/" target="_blank">Bendy Sign Tavern</a></i></b> (Musical) - Sex T-Rex at Toronto Fringe Festival at The Paddock Tavern - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/billy-bishop-goes-to-war/1999" target="_blank">Billy Bishop Goes To War</a></i></b> (Musical) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://edgeofthesky.ca/shows-productions/" target="_blank">Blood Ties</a></i></b> (Musical) - Edge of the Sky at Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1341620379193126/" target="_blank">Blue Remembered Hills</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - <a href="http://goodoldneon.ca/" target="_blank">Good Old Neon</a> at Artscape Youngscape - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-bodyguard" target="_blank">The Bodyguard</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bygonetheatre.wordpress.com/tag/caitlin-and-eric-are-broken-up/" target="_blank">Caitlin and Eric are Broken Up</a></i></b> (Play) - Bygone Theatre at Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/theatre-hub/canadian-music-theatre-project.aspx" target="_blank">Canadian Music Theatre Project</a></b> (Musical Workshop) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/bethune/" target="_blank">Bethune</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/cocksure-lads/" target="_blank">Cocksure Lads</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/my-bonnie-lass/" target="_blank">My Bonnie Lass!</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/starlight-tours/" target="_blank">Starlight Tours</a></i> (Musical)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof" target="_blank">Cat on a Hot Tin Roof </a></i></b>(Play Revival) - The Young Vic at the Apollo Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://cavalia.com/mississauga/" target="_blank">Cavalia: Odysseo</a></i></b> (Circus) - White Big Top - Mississauga, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rattlestick.org/2017/05/26/new-voicesnew-works-summer-readings/" target="_blank">Clarkston</a></i></b> (Play Reading) - Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://peagreentheatre.com/plays/clique-claque/" target="_blank">Clique Claque</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/consent" target="_blank">Consent</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Dorfman Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> (Musical) - Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY x5 , Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON x2 - <span style="color: red;">*****</span> (Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/cost-of-living/" target="_blank">Cost of Living</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Company in New York City Center Stage 1 - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.curiousonstage.com/" target="_blank">Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</a></i></b> (Play) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(Already in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a>)</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<b><i><a href="https://dearevanhansen.com/" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a></i></b> (Musical) - Music Box Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://fwyc.ca/campaigns/death-mrs-gandhi-and-beginning-new-physics-political-fantasy" target="_blank">The Death of Mrs. Gandhi and the Beginning of New Physics</a></i></b> (a political fantasy) (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.martindockery.com/delirium.html" target="_blank">Delirium</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/shows/don-juan-in-soho_113270/" target="_blank">Don Juan in Soho</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Wyndham's Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2016-2017/Everybody.aspx" target="_blank">Everybody</a></i></b> (Play) - Signature Theatre in the Irene Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Everybody's Talking About Jamie</a></i></b> (Musical) - Apollo Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/theferrymanwestend/" target="_blank">The Ferryman</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Court Theatre in the Gielgud Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=evelynfrost" target="_blank">five faces of evelyn frost</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company at Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/follies" target="_blank">Follies</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/fulfillmentcenter/" target="_blank">Fulfillment Center</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Company in New York City Center Studio Stage II - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.thegirlsmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Girls</a></i></b> (Musical) - Phoenix Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-need-for-musicalization-new-musicals.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.playbill.com/production/the-glass-menagerie-john-golden-theatre-2016-2017" target="_blank">The Glass Menagerie</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Belasco Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/the-goat-or-who-is-sylvia-haymarket-damian-lewis_43301.html" target="_blank">The Goat Or Who is Sylvia?</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Theatre Royal Haymarket - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.groundhogdaymusical.com/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - August Wilson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Guys-And-Dolls" target="_blank">Guys and Dolls</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.halfasixpence.co.uk/" target="_blank">Half a Sixpence</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/hamlet/16-feb-2017-22-apr-2017" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</a></i></b> (Play) - Palace Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hedda-gabler" target="_blank">Hedda Gabler</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://hellodollyonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Hello, Dolly!</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) x2 - Shubert Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/hieronymus%20bosch:%20the%20garden%20of%20earthly%20delights" target="_blank">hieronymus bosch: the garden of earthly delights</a></i></b> (Dance) - Canadian Stage in the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/academics/faculties/animation-arts-and-design/arts-festival-events/theatre-sheridan-how-to-suceed-in-business-without-really-trying" target="_blank">How To Succeed in Business Without Even Trying</a></i></b> (Musical - College Production) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College Studio - Oakville, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/mixed-programmes/the-human-seasons-after-the-rain-flight-pattern" target="_blank">The Humans Seasons/ After the Rain/ Flight Pattern</a></i></b> (Ballet) - The Royal Ballet - Royal Opera House - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-human-seasons-by-david-dawson" target="_blank">The Human Seasons</a> - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/after-the-rain-by-christopher-wheeldon" target="_blank">After the Rain</a> - <span style="color: red;">****</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/flight-pattern-by-crystal-pite" target="_blank">Flight Pattern</a> - <span style="color: red;">*****</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/shows-events/if-i-forget.aspx" target="_blank">If I Forget</a></i></b> (Play) - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Roundabout Theatre Company <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">at the Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Mirium Steinberg Center for Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***</span></b></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://indecentbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Indecent</a></i></b> (Play) - Cort Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/ink/17-jun-2017-5-aug-2017" target="_blank">Ink</a></i></b> (Play) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
The Red Letter Plays: <b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2017-2018/The-Red-Letter-Plays-In-The-Blood.aspx" target="_blank">In the Blood</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Signature Theatre in the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.hgjewishtheatre.com/201617_JazzSinger.html" target="_blank">The Jazz Singer</a></i></b> (Musical) - Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company in the Greenwin Theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/jitney/" target="_blank">Jitney</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://publictheater.org/Julius-Caesar/" target="_blank">Julius Caesar </a></i></b>(Play Revival) - The Public Theatre at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://labouroflovetheplay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Labour of Love</a></i></b> (Play) - Noël Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://outsidethemarch.ca/the-experiences/lessons-in-temperament/" target="_blank">Lessons in Temperament</a></i></b> (Play) - Outside the March in Situ - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rattlestick.org/2017/05/26/new-voicesnew-works-summer-readings/" target="_blank">Lewiston</a></i></b> (Play Reading) - Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.classicstage.org/shows/2016/01/the-liar/" target="_blank">The Liar</a></i></b> (Play) - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=life-after" target="_blank">Life After</a></i></b> (Musical) - Canadian Stage and The Musical Stage Company at the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://stillyourfriend.com/henri/" target="_blank">The Life Henri</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Alliance Francais - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.lightningthiefmusical.com/#home" target="_blank">The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Lucille Lortel Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/little-foxes/" target="_blank">The Little Foxes</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Manhattan Theatre Club in the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.maddiesparty.com/" target="_blank">Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Monarch Tavern - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows/season38" target="_blank">Man from Nebraska</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/marine-life/" target="_blank">Marine Life</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/mary-jane/" target="_blank">Mary Jane</a></i></b> (Play) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/09/reality-and-beyond-aliens-and-mary-jane.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.rbg.ca/shakespeare" target="_blank">The Merchant of Venice</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Tottering Biped Theatre at Shakespeare at the Rock in the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens - Burlington, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/midsummer-a-play-with-songs/" target="_blank">Midsummer (A Play With Songs)</a></i></b> - Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://54below.com/events/molly-pope/" target="_blank">Molly Pope in A Star Is Born</a></i></b> (Cabaret) - 54 Below - New York City, NY<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.martindockery.com/moonlight-after-midnight.html" target="_blank">Moonlight After Midnight</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-in-stupefaction.html" target="_blank">Morro and Jasp in Stupefaction</a></i></b> - Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/06/send-in-clowns-morro-and-jasp-in.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ALL-SEASONS-revised-Spring-2017.pdf" target="_blank">Munschtime!</a></i></b> (Play) - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2007135846181155/" target="_blank">Murder in the Cottonwoods</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>My Big Fat German Puppet Show</i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/mr-shi-and-his-lover/" target="_blank">Mr. Shi and His Lover</a></i></b> (Musical) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/my-night-with-reg" target="_blank">My Night with Reg</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Studio 180 at Panasonic Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://greatcometbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812</a></i></b> (Musical) - Imperial Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/network" target="_blank">Network</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/north-by-northwest" target="_blank">North by Northwest</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/the-object-lesson/" target="_blank">The Object Lesson</a></i></b> (Play) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/of-kith-and-kin/" target="_blank">Of Kith and Kin</a></i></b> (Play) - Bush Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=onegin" target="_blank">Onegin</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Musical Stage Company at the Berkeley Street Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://atlantictheater.org/playevents/on-the-shore-of-the-wide-world/" target="_blank">On the Shore of the Wide World</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Atlantic Theater Company in the Linda Gross Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/oslo" target="_blank">Oslo</a></i></b> (Play) - Lincoln Center Theater at the National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/othello/" target="_blank">Othello</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - New York Theatre Workshop - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.classicstage.org/shows/2017/04/pacific-overtures/" target="_blank">Pacific Overtures</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Pinocchio_media-release_final.pdf" target="_blank">Pinocchio</a></i></b> (Play) - Tout A Trac at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.playbill.com/production/present-laughter-st-james-theatre-2016-2017" target="_blank">Present Laughter</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - St. James Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2017-18-season/prince-of-broadway/" target="_blank">Prince of Broadway</a></i></b> (Musical) - Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1062066280562183/" target="_blank">Real Actors, Not People</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern" target="_blank">Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Old Vic - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://cmtp.sheridancollege.ca/projects/rumspringa-break-an-am-ish-musical/" target="_blank">Rumspringa Break! An Am-ish Musical </a> </i></b>(Musical Workshop) - Theatre Sheridan's Canadian Music Theatre Project at Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1831678173715915/" target="_blank">The Seat Next To the King</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/academics/faculties/animation-arts-and-design/arts-festival-events/theatre-sheridan-senza-luce" target="_blank">Senza Luce</a></i></b> (Musical - College Production) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College Studio - Oakville, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1086262908075594" target="_blank">Shakespeare's Ghostbusters</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.significantotherbroadway.com/" target="_blank"><b>Significant Other</b></a> </i>(Play) - Booth Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://summerworks.ca/artists/the-smile-off-your-face/" target="_blank">The Smile Off Your Face</a></i></b> (Play) - Summerworks at Artscape Youngplace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/past-shows/season38" target="_blank">Somebody's Daughter</a></i></b> (Play) - 2nd Stage Uptown - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/songbustermusic/" target="_blank">Songbuster</a></i></b> (Musical) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://sousatzkamusical.com/" target="_blank">Sousatzka</a></i></b> (Musical) - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-need-for-musicalization-new-musicals.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/100259290592990/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">Special Constables</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/strictly-ballroom-the-musical" target="_blank">Strictly Ballroom</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://passemuraille.ca/archives/current-season/stupidhead" target="_blank">Stupidhead!</a></i></b> (Musical) - Theatre Passe Muraille - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.thehudsonbroadway.com/whatson/sunday-in-the-park-with-george/" target="_blank">Sunday in the Park with George</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Hudson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://us.sunsetboulevardthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Sunset Blvd</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Palace Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.playbill.com/production/sweat-studio-54-2016-2017" target="_blank">Sweat</a></i></b> (Play) - Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://theflea.org/shows/syncing-ink/" target="_blank">Syncing Ink</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Flea Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Tartuffe" target="_blank">Tartuffe</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://2st.com/shows/current-production/torch-song" target="_blank">Torch Song</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - 2nd Stage in the Tony Kiser Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/plays/treasurer/" target="_blank">The Treasurer</a></i></b> (Play) - Playwrights Horizons in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://ttdb.ca/shows/true-north-mixtape/" target="_blank">True North Mixtape</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Randolph Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1083947121713707/" target="_blank">Two Truths and a Lie</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Antechamber - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/unapologetically-sharrons-cabaret-kids/" target="_blank">Unapologetically Me: Sharron's Cabaret for Kids</a></i></b> (Cabaret) - Young People's Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/10/sharron-music-and-jam-unapologetically.html" target="_blank">Blogpost</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/undercover/" target="_blank">Undercover</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/unholy/" target="_blank">Unholy</a></i></b> (Play) - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.theviewupstairs.com/#home" target="_blank">The View Upstairs </a></i></b>(Musical) - Lynn Redgrave Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-need-for-musicalization-new-musicals.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/vimy/1998" target="_blank">Vimy</a></i></b> (Play) - Soulpepper Theatre Company in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2016-2017/Wakey-Wakey.aspx" target="_blank">Wakey Wakey</a></i></b> (Play) - Signature Theatre in the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.warpaintmusical.com/" target="_blank">War Paint</a></i></b> (Musical) - Nederlander Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - *** (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-need-for-musicalization-new-musicals.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.thenewgroup.org/2015---2017.html" target="_blank">The Whirligig</a></i></b> (Play) - The New Group in the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://wickedthemusical.com/broadway-tickets" target="_blank">Wicked</a></i></b> (Musical) - Gershwin Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mcctheater.org/shows/16-17_season/yen/index.html" target="_blank">Yen</a></i></b> (Play) - MCC Theater at the Lucille Lortel Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/yerma" target="_blank">Yerma</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/young-marx/" target="_blank">Young Marx</a></i></b> (Play) - Bridge Theatre - London, UL - ***<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
<b>Previous Best-of Lists:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best of 2016 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2016</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2015 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br />
<br />
<b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html">Best of Music 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html">Best of Music 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html">Best of Television 2011</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html">Best of Music 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html">Best of Television 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html">Best of Stage 2010</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html">Best of Movies 2010</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html">Best of Music 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html">Best of Television 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html">Best of Stage 2009</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html">Best of Movies 2009</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html">List Format</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html">Theatre of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html">Best Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html">Television of the Decade</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html">Best of Music 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html">Best of Television 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html">Best of Stage 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html">Best of Movies 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos of <i>Yerma</i> and <i>The Ferryman</i> by Johan Persson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos of <i>Mary Jane</i>, <i>Pacific Overtures</i>, <i>Syncing Ink</i> by Joan Marcus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos of <i>Hamlet,</i> <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, <i>Half a Sixpence</i> by Manuel Harlan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Indecent</i> by Carol Rosegg</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos of <i>Flight Pattern</i>, <i>Everybody's Talking About Jamie</i> by Alastair Muir</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Angels in America</i> by Helen Maybanks</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Network</i> by Jan Versweyveld</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Albion</i> by Marc Brenner</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>The Glass Menagerie</i> by Julieta Cervantes</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Bandstand</i> by Jeremy Daniel</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>The Band's Visit</i> by Matthew Murphy</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Vimy</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Asking For It</i> by Jeremy Mimnagh</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>Unholy</i> by John Lauener</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>The Seat Next to the King</i> by Foreshots Photography</span><br />
<span class="fullpost" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of <i>The Smile Off Your Face</i> by Marlowe Porter</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /></span>
<span class="fullpost">Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-86765119404898250932017-12-04T03:18:00.001-05:002017-12-04T03:20:02.241-05:00A Tale of Two A Christmas Carols - A Christmas Carol Reviews<b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/a-christmas-carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
A New Version Written by Jack Thorne, Directed by Matthew Warchus<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Jan. 20th, 2018</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.rosspetty.com/current-show/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: The Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose</a></i></b> - Ross Petty Productions at the Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Written by Matt Murray, Directed by Tracey Flye<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Dec. 31st, 2017</span><br />
<br />
There seems to be productions of A Christmas Carol turning up every December but this year, it feels like theatres are doing Charles Dicken's classic more than ever (including another production at Shaw Fest, another at Soulpepper). A tale of a uncaring miser learning the errors of his ways with the help of four ghosts probably never gets old but seems ever more timely in our current political 2017 world. I happened to see two new productions of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> that are opposing ends of theatrical style, yet both anchored in terrific performances of Ebenezer Scrooge, and ultimately both delightfully joyous theatrical events.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-HWHkgHV4QSLn4yb39rATO0IEIJHQrh1heuVQ2pizT09YC_7LocxBCKitHlvvGLgvUSxEwD1Z_msbiltQQXJgB2-feS91eFGu-vDoM_VabBH9winCdNbH1ypgl6lj6JJhEflA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-04+at+3.12.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-HWHkgHV4QSLn4yb39rATO0IEIJHQrh1heuVQ2pizT09YC_7LocxBCKitHlvvGLgvUSxEwD1Z_msbiltQQXJgB2-feS91eFGu-vDoM_VabBH9winCdNbH1ypgl6lj6JJhEflA/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-12-04+at+3.12.31+AM.png" width="400" /></a>
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The Old Vic presents a new version of <b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/a-christmas-carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> by Jack Thorne (still riding high from writing the new megabit <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i>), with some socially modern elements (the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are women in Scrooge's life who control the narrative here). Some psychological explanations help develop our understanding of Scrooge's current behaviour (an abusive father, a terrible boss), but if this sounds all heavy, and despite a slight reliance on group narration (it never truly works unless the entire cast is perfectly in sync), director Warchus and Thorne manage to keep things beautifully haunting yet festive. This new take feels like the modernized version of a classy traditional tale thanks to Christopher Nightingale's gorgeously sweeping music, on Rob Howell's sparse but effective set that cuts through the Old Vic stalls with some surprises to spare.<br />
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Rhys Ifans, known best for his comedic roles in films (but was also a terrific Fool in the King Lear at Old Vic), gives a weighty dramatic heft to this psychologically damaged Scrooge, which also makes his transformation to the giddy joyous re-transformed Scrooge, all the more delightful. When we also see the women in his life, like Belle (Erin Doherty), the love of his life, move on away from Scrooge's scourge, living on their own terms, or Scrooge's little sister Little Fan (Melissa Allan) trying to save him for whatever it was worth, there's an element of showing how Scrooge's story can be damaging to those around him, but how they learned from his terrible ways to grow stronger. Ifans is also wonderfully contrasted with young Scrooge (Jamie Cameron, who runs back to the theatre boxes to plays in the band) whose innocence and naivety shows the sense of hope that had been lost (and then refound).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3Gr7wROxU5EuMDYIDa03VDlB9jbYFHIWq0FbwLKyq_mHqIO3S1hEpppXEL86XZqCSmeGxmhKr0H7WyOTBP4qOym_-phwwDO8u0Ft8LvkOGxhxo1IDFJ4mKWjbRzYF67V9Mh7RQ/s1600/Ross+Petty+Productions-A+CHRISTMAS+CAROL+-+Cyrus+Lane%252C+Dan+Chameroy+-+photo+by+Racheal+McCaig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3Gr7wROxU5EuMDYIDa03VDlB9jbYFHIWq0FbwLKyq_mHqIO3S1hEpppXEL86XZqCSmeGxmhKr0H7WyOTBP4qOym_-phwwDO8u0Ft8LvkOGxhxo1IDFJ4mKWjbRzYF67V9Mh7RQ/s400/Ross+Petty+Productions-A+CHRISTMAS+CAROL+-+Cyrus+Lane%252C+Dan+Chameroy+-+photo+by+Racheal+McCaig.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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On the flip side over at <b><i><a href="http://www.rosspetty.com/current-show/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: The Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose</a></i></b>, Ross Petty's annual Christmas Panto in Toronto finally takes a traditionally Christmas story and brings out the silliness of Scrooge's fate into a zany tale that includes some time travel, cell phone apps, and Petty Panto regular Plumbum (Dan Chameroy delightfully in Panto drag) who turns out to be all the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Add in the ladies of Ghost dusters (I'm guessing to avoid right issues), and Jane, a counterpart to Crachett, who realizes she's not getting equal pay to the men at Scrooge's company, and we have a clever modern take on a familiar story, with some very up-to-date pop music thrown in as a good Panto would do. The jokes, in keeping with Panto tradition, range from the puns (Scrooge's partner Marley is that of Bob with full rastafarian mode) to the topical (a few jibes at the current administration south of the border, with a particularly funny zinger at Kellyann Conway's expense) to the downright obscure references (the Jenni Burkenstocks did get a good laugh from the opening night theatre crowd).<br />
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Written by Matt Murray* (*friends via other theatre friends so thus maybe biased, tho I'm also a fan of his <i>Rumspringa Break!</i> and <i>Myth of the Ostrich</i>), and with Tracey Flye's zippy direction, this A Christmas Carol panto takes us on a kooky journey we've come to expect from a Pantomimed version of a classic yet still feeling fresh and clever in its execution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7fnKOPbSScpnMzPcUHz8gmyoQD0Ix04FtGHx2349s5zZepduLTPltS9OsmGenmkjejvXOPgaR3kBAxlwkVz1mnJlcmk9Ekv1a9GaC5IhlA8dD06Hj8MyFwgM6NoK-Mb1MqpPNA/s1600/Ross+Petty+Productions-A+CHRISTMAS+CAROL+-+Mariah+Campos%252C+Matthew+Pinkerton%252C+Eddie+Glen%252C+AJ+Bridel%252C+Cyrus+Lane%252C+Tristan+Hernandez+-+photo+by+Racheal+McCaig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="905" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7fnKOPbSScpnMzPcUHz8gmyoQD0Ix04FtGHx2349s5zZepduLTPltS9OsmGenmkjejvXOPgaR3kBAxlwkVz1mnJlcmk9Ekv1a9GaC5IhlA8dD06Hj8MyFwgM6NoK-Mb1MqpPNA/s400/Ross+Petty+Productions-A+CHRISTMAS+CAROL+-+Mariah+Campos%252C+Matthew+Pinkerton%252C+Eddie+Glen%252C+AJ+Bridel%252C+Cyrus+Lane%252C+Tristan+Hernandez+-+photo+by+Racheal+McCaig.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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It also helps having Dan Chameroy on hand, and AJ Bridel is back from last year as well to anchor the central female role of Jane, but it's Cyrus Lane, usually known for his dramatic theatrical performances, who runs with this loose Scrooge. It's fun to see Lane get silly and show off his comedic side (as well as some dance moves). Between Lane and Ifans, two terrific actors put in their natural opposing types, shows that putting serious actors in the Scrooge role can pay dividends.<br />
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Photo of <b><i><a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/a-christmas-carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a></i></b> at The Old Vic by Manuel Harlan<br />
<span class="fullpost">Photos of <b><i><a href="http://www.rosspetty.com/current-show/" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol: The Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose</a> </i></b>by Rachel McCaig</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-72494563231638226862017-10-09T10:52:00.000-04:002017-12-04T01:56:01.239-05:00Sharron, Music and Jam! - Unapologetically Me - Cabaret Review<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/unapologetically-sharrons-cabaret-kids/" target="_blank">Unapologetically Me: Sharron's Cabaret for Kids</a></i></b> - Young People's Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
Created and Performed by Sharron Matthews<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Oct. 21st 2017</span><br />
(*I have worked with Sharron Matthews previously so this is a biased review)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBq_lOszaBNSfIeMtNcZhxdtDVpi94PiT1ZlkoI_OdJKD5w4N6JUP4nnIZ6mVS46f3b1VFJIrgkSHzBic4WN_S9esi85gL2Ow9bEHDhEugewMilYaDEhEoTaziBYuWSVymYINng/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+11.00.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1118" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBq_lOszaBNSfIeMtNcZhxdtDVpi94PiT1ZlkoI_OdJKD5w4N6JUP4nnIZ6mVS46f3b1VFJIrgkSHzBic4WN_S9esi85gL2Ow9bEHDhEugewMilYaDEhEoTaziBYuWSVymYINng/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+11.00.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sharron Matthews was the woman who first convinced me cabarets could be great. Her night time cabarets for grown ups is unapologetically Sharron being her fabulous self, and now she's being <i>Unapologetically Me</i>, for kids! Sharron's mix of heartfelt and honest personal stories (this time of her youth) and singing rearranged pop songs that fit surprisingly well into her stories, is a perfect combo to bring to the young audiences of YPT.<br />
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Sharron has a special handle on the rambunctious kids who totally grooved to the songs while Sharron cleverly told intimate stories about her childhood days. With her body positive, confidence owning, anti-bullying stance, there's a positivity about the whole show that manages to crack through even some of the more cynical of the kids. Watching the kids and their natural sassiness, it almost seemed like they hadn't heard this type of uncynical positive optimism as you could see their minds churning in how to take in this messaging, all while they were tapping to the beats (and a few head bangers rocking to the grooves). Sharron seems a natural in guiding her show to the very unpredictable audience of kids, and in our showing, ultimately ended up in a big dance party after one particular dancing kid got into the whole proceedings and Sharron happily went with it. And the kids followed!<br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-38381776039601413432017-09-26T05:58:00.002-04:002017-09-26T05:58:44.911-04:00Reality and Beyond - The Aliens and Mary Jane - Play Reviews<b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-aliens/" target="_blank">The Aliens</a></i> - Coal Mine Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Annie Baker, Directed by Mitchell Cushman</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Oct. 8th 2017</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/mary-jane/" target="_blank">Mary Jane</a></i> - New York Theatre Workshop - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span></b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Amy Herzog, Directed by Anne Kauffman</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Oct. 29th 2017</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOJRaxAhxxB4spQtk8xcHzr2_KUNVWNNqTlbc9bhVczjTRlQPPmi8xBrMYLZzJP6Q8gNU-iEPigyO8uQvXUeq-kFQqCts-y5hSrIFBM4Nka9c50SJ0kiNfaQqC1yDlHedA02dtQ/s1600/+Coal+Mine+Theatre+presents+THE+ALIENS-2Will+Greenblatt%252C+Maxwell+Haynes%252C+Noah+Reid+photo+by+Tim+Leyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="468" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOJRaxAhxxB4spQtk8xcHzr2_KUNVWNNqTlbc9bhVczjTRlQPPmi8xBrMYLZzJP6Q8gNU-iEPigyO8uQvXUeq-kFQqCts-y5hSrIFBM4Nka9c50SJ0kiNfaQqC1yDlHedA02dtQ/s400/+Coal+Mine+Theatre+presents+THE+ALIENS-2Will+Greenblatt%252C+Maxwell+Haynes%252C+Noah+Reid+photo+by+Tim+Leyes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Watching these plays, <b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-aliens/" target="_blank">The Aliens</a></i></b>, an older Annie Baker play now brought to life by Coal Mine Theatre in Toronto, and Amy Herzog's newest play <b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/mary-jane/" target="_blank">Mary Jane</a></i></b> at NYTW, I sat there immersed in these stories and thought, these are not so much plot plays but about people thrown into bad situations and trying to deal with life, and damn is it heartbreaking. It's not obvious at first, but both Herzog and Baker's plays slowly reveal themselves by revealing the humanity in their characters as they deal with life's blows, but also reveal their strength, or "goodness" as we slowly figure out what Mary Jane's life is all about, or how two bro-ish straight "losers" hanging out in a backlot alley reserved for employees only find each other and lend whatever strengths they have to a newbie looking for connection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGL1e0s8mESGvGgwAGuPZIODnsRzfxbJ47Byq3GBXQnOsrzMY2wgyFg2tvucPOxQDKFFMaaG0YcyjKrIsAPR-Bx4uWdrR91V8_MYY1NcknT47g6x-pddYZB6LCDcQ1m19rVgTzw/s1600/+Coal+Mine+Theatre+presents+THE+ALIENS-1+Will+Greenblatt%252C+Noah+Reid%252C+Maxwell+Haynes+photo+by+Tim+Leyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="468" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGL1e0s8mESGvGgwAGuPZIODnsRzfxbJ47Byq3GBXQnOsrzMY2wgyFg2tvucPOxQDKFFMaaG0YcyjKrIsAPR-Bx4uWdrR91V8_MYY1NcknT47g6x-pddYZB6LCDcQ1m19rVgTzw/s400/+Coal+Mine+Theatre+presents+THE+ALIENS-1+Will+Greenblatt%252C+Noah+Reid%252C+Maxwell+Haynes+photo+by+Tim+Leyes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Much of what is revealed in <b><i><a href="http://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-aliens/" target="_blank">The Aliens</a> </i></b>is unspoken, in the awkward pauses or the silent moments that somehow bond KJ (Will Greenblatt) and Jasper (Noah Reid), two guys who found each other after life sort of failed them. They hang around the employees only backlot alley of someone else's workplace, where they deal with Jasper's latest relationship failure. When a new employee, an awkward 17-year-old Evan Shelmerdine (Maxwell Haynes), discovers the pair behind his new workplace, the older guys take a shine to the newbie and slowly develop a rapport with Evan as Evan answers back in awkward uneasy "cool" while trying to connect. Annie Baker nails the straight guys speak to awkward silence precision and it's in the slow reveals where the 2 older school-drop-outs show their artistic desires, as well as their band (last called The Aliens), who sort of school Evan in whatever advice they can give. It's a beautiful slow burn, and while parts tend to ramble on (much like in real life), it's a fascinating precursor to Baker's Pulitzer-winner <i>The Flick</i> and her latest play <i>john</i>.<br />
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Mitchell Cushman's production is beautifully set in the transformed Coal Mine Theatre space with a set by Anahita Debonehie and lights by Nick Blais that places the audience into the back alley (with a clever window detail for the stage manager). Sam Shouldice's sound design adds to the realism that lets Cushman bring Baker's ultra-realism theatre as we spend times with these guys we would normally overlook.<br />
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Will Greenblatt is particularly fun as KJ, the college-drop out with a drinking problem. Greenblatt's KJ exudes a cheeky bravado that masks his hidden disappointments and plays nicely against Maxwell Haynes shy awkwardness. Haynes, in a breakthrough debut, manages to convey so much of Evan's hopes and emotions in the very little actual dialogue he has, and his responses to KJ and Jasper help us learn to connect with the two "The Aliens". Noah Reid's Jasper is the "smarter" of the pair, but he seems less enthused by Evan while still showing he secretly cares underneath his cool loner exterior. Reid, who is naturally a warm likeable actor, tries hard to be the slightly hardened artistic type, and while at times his readings start to ramble (of Jasper's writings), it's obvious his Jasper wants to care about his friends, old and new.<br />
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There's a lot of talk about nothing (or what seems like nothing at first) but Baker's clever reveals slowly showcase the deep connections these guys have with each other, and their new found friends. They're ultimately depending on one another despite exuding loner independence as they try to exist and understand the reality they were given.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuNk5J1Fi6bykOowAredAI0SYWg8_JCbOHCqsvmvUuZOkxbu9qhH8-EHwbXXCv2wbbj-yE2qyzontR9IkpWe1-7PgZ4brQqIqNOoJ4CvifS62Ah_s8TRej4CcPfloEf0TaPTQVA/s1600/Liza-Colo%25CC%2581n-Zayas-Carrie-Coon-in-MARY-JANE-at-New-York-Theatre-Workshop-Photo-by-Joan-Marcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuNk5J1Fi6bykOowAredAI0SYWg8_JCbOHCqsvmvUuZOkxbu9qhH8-EHwbXXCv2wbbj-yE2qyzontR9IkpWe1-7PgZ4brQqIqNOoJ4CvifS62Ah_s8TRej4CcPfloEf0TaPTQVA/s400/Liza-Colo%25CC%2581n-Zayas-Carrie-Coon-in-MARY-JANE-at-New-York-Theatre-Workshop-Photo-by-Joan-Marcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In <b><i><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/mary-jane/" target="_blank">Mary Jane</a></i></b>, we slowly discover the daily life Mary Jane lives through right now, trying to take care of her highly sick son while surviving the reality of life and the health care system on a low income job that she's been rarely attending. In another hyper real setting with the awkward moments of silences and pauses as those around her try to help and understand but ultimately, Mary Jane's sad story is a good person in a terrible situation, and the play just displays that reality as the plot itself.<br />
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We see Mary Jane (Carrie Coon) in her apartment survive daily life with help from her super (Brenda Wehle), one of the various nurses (Liza Colón-Zayas) and the nurse's niece (Danaya Esperanza), and as she guides a fellow mother with a child with a similar case (Susan Pourfar). It should all be a big downer with little happiness or hope left in the story but Herzog imbues Jane's story with an internal sense of humour, as Jane's optimism, despite the lack of good news, buoys our own view of Mary Jane, both the person and the play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqkyzWMBldJWc2ZkZBHm41IlIDGVnvcGPKQAwp-UkWKLgdGvQi1MDgZn6iQhoNiHh_gPB1wm2ALCFF0BFt5TZuomt_R76VXqOxT7MHR1kZ8d87Tw_xlKgwNBX-TIfS9XlpdlsZg/s1600/Mary+Jane+NYTW+Carrie+Coon+Susan+Pourfar+pJoanMarcus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1420" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqkyzWMBldJWc2ZkZBHm41IlIDGVnvcGPKQAwp-UkWKLgdGvQi1MDgZn6iQhoNiHh_gPB1wm2ALCFF0BFt5TZuomt_R76VXqOxT7MHR1kZ8d87Tw_xlKgwNBX-TIfS9XlpdlsZg/s400/Mary+Jane+NYTW+Carrie+Coon+Susan+Pourfar+pJoanMarcus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The ensemble cast is unifyingly excellent and take on double roles that seem specifically geared to match their first roles. Colón-Zayas is a gentle angel as the home-nurse, but then seems particularly pointed and careful as a doctor on the case. Pourfar meanwhile breaks hearts twice as a mother of a newly diagnosed child, and then a Jewish mother of a child who seems to know the drill too well, and yet also does not. Esperanza is the plucky but heartfelt niece, and then returns as a genteel music therapist. Wehle is the snappy but understanding superintendent and then later doubles as a priest.<br />
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At the heart of it, Coon is refreshing as a no-nonsens Mary Jane who keeps advocating for her child without losing her optimism, but in doing so, slowly questions her place in the world, and how it all fits in.<br />
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Herzog's <i>Mary Jane</i> presents some very realistic moments in the title characters life, and through her interactions with others, we see the hidden heartbreak she tries to bury with an optimism that only enhances the emotional pull. While the realism is upended with a dramatic change to the story, it continues along moving from dealing with reality to questioning the beyond.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>The Aliens</i> by Tim Leyes</span><br />
<span class="fullpost">Photos of <i>Mary Jane</i> by Joan Marcus<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-3051288831408308622017-07-26T15:07:00.001-04:002017-07-26T15:21:12.041-04:00God Bless You For New Cast Recordings! I'm giving away more new cast recordings!<br />
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New recordings of lesser known shows are being released on CD by <a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/" target="_blank">Sh-K-Boom Records</a> Friday, July 28th 2017, giving us these shows for posterity with some incredible cast members.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkDnpLAAnrE5iR0Fmg5OszgUU202AsZbXFjfpxLxVia1KgxbEa0VSt4La7CQuRXc-sDOnSS2DOMb4iVgUbhxSE4HS1JVZdbJ7gkey1vEbdErWRwbytnEmpwWF-OKL1xcgtFt4iA/s1600/God+Bless+You+Mr+Rosewater+OBCR+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="736" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkDnpLAAnrE5iR0Fmg5OszgUU202AsZbXFjfpxLxVia1KgxbEa0VSt4La7CQuRXc-sDOnSS2DOMb4iVgUbhxSE4HS1JVZdbJ7gkey1vEbdErWRwbytnEmpwWF-OKL1xcgtFt4iA/s400/God+Bless+You+Mr+Rosewater+OBCR+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <b><a href="https://www.sh-k-boom.com/god-bless-you-mr-rosewater" target="_blank">Encores' Kurt Vonnegut's <i>God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater</i></a></b>, the first little heard musical by iconic duo Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (<i>Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid</i>) had a recent Encores presentation at New York City Center and now it's been recorded so that we can listen to early Ashman/Menken through the glorious voices of Santino Fontana, Skylar Astin, Brynn O'Malley, Rebecca Naomi Jones and even James Earl Jones!<br />
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A new musical based on the cult 2001 film is now a new musical <b><i><a href="https://www.sh-k-boom.com/bubble-boy" target="_blank">Bubble Boy</a></i></b> by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. It was presented as a special concert at Feinstein's/54 Below with a cast that includes Alice Ripley, A.J. Holmes, Matt Doyle, Richard Kind, Nehal Joshi, and Gerard Canonico. Now preserved wonderfully in this recording, also out Friday, July 28th 2017<br />
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Here's your chance to WIN a CD or digital copy of the musical cast recordings! Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy" target="_blank">@tapeworthy</a> and ReTweet the tweets linked below:<br />
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To win the <b><a href="https://www.sh-k-boom.com/god-bless-you-mr-rosewater" target="_blank"><i>God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater</i></a></b> PCR, retweet <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy/status/890288045060182016" target="_blank">this tweet</a> or any subsequent tweets about the contest.<br />
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To win the <b><i><a href="https://www.sh-k-boom.com/bubble-boy" target="_blank">Bubble Boy</a></i></b> OCR, retweet <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy/status/890290470022238208" target="_blank">this tweet</a> or any subsequent tweets about the contest.<br />
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The Details: -<br />
The <i>God Bless You Mr. Rosewater</i> PCR contest closes at 11:59pm PST on Sunday July 30th 2017.<br />
The <i>Bubble Boy</i> OCR contest closes at 11:59pm PST on Sunday, July 30th 2017.<br />
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Must be following <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy" target="_blank">@tapeworthy</a> on twitter to be eligible.<br />
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Only winners will be contacted directly the day following contest closing. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries. If winner does not respond within 5 days, another winner will be chosen.<br />
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Only one prize per person. - Contest is open to residents of USA and Canada for the CD copies. Worldwide for the digital copy. - There will be 2 winners, one for the <i>God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater </i>PCR contest, and one for the <i>Bubble Boy</i> OCR contest, each consisting of your choice of a digital copy or a CD copy. Tapeworthy is not responsible for the shipment of the prize and will solely pass on the shipping information to Sh-K-Boom Records.<br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-48139373511389109862017-07-09T19:55:00.000-04:002017-07-09T20:15:44.005-04:00Win the Holiday Inn Musical or War Paint OBCRs!I'm giving away some Original Broadway Cast Recordings! Thanks to <a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/" target="_blank">Ghostlight Records and Sh-K-Boom Records</a>, we're going to celebrate the release of the new CD cast recordings for new musicals <b><i><a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/war-paint" target="_blank">War Paint</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/holiday-inn" target="_blank">Holiday Inn</a>.</i></b> Both are currently available digitally, with <b><i>War Paint</i> OBCR</b> set for CD release on July 14, 2017, and the <b><i>Holiday Inn</i> OBCR</b> on CD out on July 21, 2017.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/holiday-inn" target="_blank"><b>Irving Berlin's <i>Holiday Inn</i> OBCR</b></a> stars Bryce Pinkham, Megan Lawrence, Danny Rutigliano, Megan Sikora and Corbin Bleu. The music is of course Irving Berlin's classic music from the film of the same name, now with a book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge.<br />
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You probably think of <i>Holiday Inn</i> being famous for its Christmas song "<i>White Christmas</i>" but the musical takes us through all the seasons and every major American holiday with some of Berlin's most famous classics including "<i>Easter Parade</i>", "<i>Blue Skies</i>", "<i>Stepping Out With My Baby</i>", and "<i>Holiday Inn/Happy Holiday</i>"!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/war-paint" target="_blank">War Paint OBCR</a></b> stars Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole, in a new musical with music by Scott Frankel, Lyrics by Michael Korie, and a book by Doug Wright.<br />
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The new musical from the writers of the musical <i>Grey Gardens</i>, "tells the remarkable story of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden—fierce rivals who defined 20th Century beauty. In creating an industry, they reinvented themselves and revolutionized how the world saw women."<br />
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Here's your chance to WIN a CD or digital copy of the musical OBCR's!:<br />
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To win a copy of <b><a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/holiday-inn" target="_blank">Irving Berlin's <i>Holiday Inn</i> OBCR</a></b>, Quote Retweet (or Retweet and reply) <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy/status/884200871352975360" target="_blank">this tweet</a> and tell me what your favourite holiday is, and include the hashtag #HolidayInnMusical<br />
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To win a copy of <b><a href="http://www.sh-k-boom.com/war-paint" target="_blank"><i>War Paint</i> OBCR</a></b>, Retweet <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy/status/884200733515563008" target="_blank">this tweet</a>.<br />
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The Details: -<br />
The <i>War Paint</i> OBCR contest closes at 11:59pm PST on Thursday July 13th 2017.<br />
The Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn OBCR contest closes at 11:59pm PST on Thursday, July 20th 2017.<br />
Must be following <a href="https://twitter.com/tapeworthy" target="_blank">@tapeworthy</a> on twitter to be eligible.<br />
Only winners will be contacted directly the day following contest closing. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries. If winner does not respond within 5 days, another winner will be chosen.<br />
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Only one prize per person.
- Contest is open to residents of USA and Canada for the CD copies. Worldwide for the digital copy. - There will be 2 winners, one for the <i>War Paint </i>OBCR contest, and one for the <i>Holiday Inn</i> OBCR contest, each consisting of your choice of a digital copy or a CD copy. Tapeworthy is not responsible for the shipment of the prize and will solely pass on the shipping information to Sh-K-Boom Records.<br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-83501617104315671342017-06-20T14:52:00.000-04:002017-06-20T14:52:40.943-04:00Send in the Clowns - Morro and Jasp In Stupefaction - Theatre Review<b><i><a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-in-stupefaction.html" target="_blank">Morro and Jasp in Stupefaction</a></i> - Guloien Theatre at Streetcar Crowsnest - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Created by Heather Marie Annis and Amy Lee, Directed and Dramaturged by Byron Laviolette</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Jun 29th 2017</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVb7vzI5NrAJltS_4pde6FBP7rtcvqeMBeMFcQcM_kWURja8NCDidC5-L7bT0cAhBIbrVauyZTtv29Wc-RKT-H8TXAqOfEP8k7fHafzKdZmdP0CjEt7vi51CdOI6GqFVFaaon4Q/s1600/1+Morro+%2526+Jasp+In+Stupefaction+-+Amy+Lee+and+Heather+Marie+Annis+-+Photo+Credit+by+Alex+Nirta+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="780" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVb7vzI5NrAJltS_4pde6FBP7rtcvqeMBeMFcQcM_kWURja8NCDidC5-L7bT0cAhBIbrVauyZTtv29Wc-RKT-H8TXAqOfEP8k7fHafzKdZmdP0CjEt7vi51CdOI6GqFVFaaon4Q/s400/1+Morro+%2526+Jasp+In+Stupefaction+-+Amy+Lee+and+Heather+Marie+Annis+-+Photo+Credit+by+Alex+Nirta+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our beloved clown sisters Morro and Jasp are back in their new show <i><a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-in-stupefaction.html" target="_blank">Stupefaction</a></i>. Still can't exactly explain what it's about and what happened (also, spoilers), but it's quite stupendous and there are snazzy special fx, projections (ooooh) and OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE SHOW! Or well not quite a show since Morro and Jasp enter the beautifully spacious new Guloien Theatre space at Streetcar Crowsnest as late coming audience members only to find themselves at the ire of the usher (Elliot Loran!) who tries to hurry the sisters into their seats. Shenanigans of course ensue until an technical problem ensues and Seften Jackson comes out to fix the mysterious electrical problem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii51uI2R21iIcI3lS0jTUCaquhUdDBf6ROquWDqFcGaeqwqYkADHUMFzV4waCJ5yx8FEcPE4CoVdVJARnMLdz61CX60aCvOCZGcMAKB8DDWhVhr7QSLVABkP1UnKBnVrytVVrsA/s1600/2+Morro+%2526+Jasp+In+Stupefaction+-+Amy+Lee+and+Heather+Marie+Annis+-+Photo+Credit+by+Alex+Nirta+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1564" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii51uI2R21iIcI3lS0jTUCaquhUdDBf6ROquWDqFcGaeqwqYkADHUMFzV4waCJ5yx8FEcPE4CoVdVJARnMLdz61CX60aCvOCZGcMAKB8DDWhVhr7QSLVABkP1UnKBnVrytVVrsA/s400/2+Morro+%2526+Jasp+In+Stupefaction+-+Amy+Lee+and+Heather+Marie+Annis+-+Photo+Credit+by+Alex+Nirta+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eventually Morro and Jasp find themselves in a deliriously surreal situation but their comic warmth (and hilarious asides) takes us along for the ride as the clowns try to figure out what and why this is all happening, eventually questioning a sort of existential theatrical raison d'être. It's a darker turn for the clown sisters, but after growing up and doing <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2009/07/fringing-in-toronto-theatre-reviews.html" target="_blank">Puberty</a>, becoming <a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/of-mice-and-morro-and-jasp.html" target="_blank">mice or Morro</a>, going <a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-9-5.html" target="_blank">to work</a>, <a href="http://www.morroandjasp.com/morro-and-jasp-go-bake-yourself.html" target="_blank">baking</a>, it seems natural in life's progression that the sisters reach that point in life where we question our positions in the world (or in the theatre space). The sisters continue to fight, and at one point Jasp becomes a bit of a dictator (well, more than usual), but all the while the amusement peaks through the darkness (with some help of some snazzy lighting effects).<br />
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Add in a Fedex guy (the always comical Anand Rajaram) trying to get a signature for a mysterious package, the zaniness slowly builds with a bit of audience participation and lots of cheezies. Stupefaction is less straightforward than our past encounters with Morro and Jasp but still just as heartwarming and smile grinning. Plus it made me so happy to see Elliot Loran a part of the Morro and Jasp universe (and spoiler: I do agree he should be part of a big Broadway musical with that talent)!<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos of Morro And Jasp: Stupefaction by Alex Nirta<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-53769255459731001762017-04-23T03:13:00.002-04:002017-04-23T03:15:00.284-04:00A Need to Travel?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoZlqcS5WEd3EKU-MvvIb4o-ra2kMk-fgO9e7v-JhO27SkBRczwhfPfTrRC9Hd0rlnJxwdsIrDLPddvps9lOkpokEcpYeDmxQu1Si9BzTtic9DHqzXM12Z3A5opATk4eX8S3VDA/s1600/Banana+Boys+Factory+Theatre+2017+Cast+Darrel+Gamotin+Matthew+Gin+Jeff+Yung+Miquelon+Rodriguez+Oliver+Koomsatira+pJosephMichael+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoZlqcS5WEd3EKU-MvvIb4o-ra2kMk-fgO9e7v-JhO27SkBRczwhfPfTrRC9Hd0rlnJxwdsIrDLPddvps9lOkpokEcpYeDmxQu1Si9BzTtic9DHqzXM12Z3A5opATk4eX8S3VDA/s400/Banana+Boys+Factory+Theatre+2017+Cast+Darrel+Gamotin+Matthew+Gin+Jeff+Yung+Miquelon+Rodriguez+Oliver+Koomsatira+pJosephMichael+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally saw the Canadian modern classic <i><b><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201617-season/banana-boys/?spektrix_bounce=true" target="_blank">Banana Boys</a></b></i> (pictured above with Darrel Gamotin, Matthew Gin, Jeff Yung, Miquelon Rodriguez, Oliver Koomsatira) for the first time with the remount of Factory Theatre's terrific Naked Season production and I finally understand why it's now a modern Canadian classic. Also saw Young People Theatre's adorable new show <i><b><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/munschtime/" target="_blank">Musnchtime!</a></b></i>, based on a collection of Robert Munsch stories, Canadian children's classics in themselves.<br />
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Both great shows from local Toronto companies and both also seemed like natural fits to tour and to bring these companies to a wider audience. Factory Theatre will be touring another Naked Season show <i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201516-season/salt-water-moon/" target="_blank"><b>Saltwater Moon</b></a></i> (including a transfer to a larger Toronto theatre for the <a href="https://www.mirvish.com/shows/salt-water-moon" target="_blank">Off-Mirvish season</a>) and I hope this begins to be a continued effort with the reinvigorated Factory Theatre under Nina Lee Aquino. In fact the Naked Season was so terrific I would highly advocate for a tour of <b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201516-season/a-line-in-the-sand/" target="_blank">A Line in the Sand</a></i></b> as well (which I placed in the top spot in my <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage from last year</a>).<br />
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Meanwhile Young People's Theatre has brought in many wonderful productions from other companies in other cities but I still love their home grown productions the most and wonder if they've had the opportunity to tour them. They've been able to remount some popular musicals (with <i><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/12/fruitful-escapism-james-and-giant-peach.html" target="_blank">James and the Giant Peach</a></i> and <i><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/11/holiday-sweets-cinderella-and-seussical.html" target="_blank">Seussical</a></i> returning this season alone), and while they build some impressive sets to fill the vast main stage at YPT, many could be easily scaled down to tour, including their current <i>Munschtime!</i> show (pictured above with Dov Mickelson and Lisa Nasson).<br />
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With <a href="https://www.soulpepper.ca/new-york/on-stage" target="_blank">Soulpepper</a> now bringing some of their faves to New York City this summer on their 42nd Street residency at Signature Theatre's space, and with the success of some Canadian shows in New York City, including both <i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i> and <i>Ride the Cyclone</i> both getting <a href="http://dramaleague.org/events/awards/nominees" target="_blank">Drama League nominations</a> this season, it feels like finally there is some movement of Canadian shows getting recognized and seem beyond our city limits. Even within Canada, it's thrilling to hear Obsidian Theatre/Shaw Theatre's fantastic <i><a href="http://www.obsidiantheatre.com/season/master-harold-and-the-boys/" target="_blank">Master Harold... and the Boys</a></i> (also on last year's <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/best-of-stage-2016.html" target="_blank">Best of List</a>) which already got mounted in both Niagara-on -the-Lake and Toronto, will now be seen at <a href="http://www.segalcentre.org/master-harold-and-the-boys/" target="_blank">Segal Centre in Montreal</a>.<br />
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There seems to be more networks of theatres building up and with the <a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/about/press-room/press-releases-and-photos/archive/2017/april/center-theatre-group-announces-partnerships-with-renowned-theatres/" target="_blank">announcement of the cross-Atlantic theatre network</a> to produce new plays with theatre giants CTGLA (Los Angeles), National Theatre (London), Royal Court (London), The Goodman Theatre (Chicago), Second Stage (NYC), seems like an exciting venture to share resources to present new works of theatre which Canadian Theatres could benefit from, or emulate.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo of <i>Banana Boys </i>by Joseph Michael</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo of <i>Munschtime!</i> by Cylla von Tiedmann</span><br />
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Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-28736344350768818672017-03-26T23:20:00.003-04:002017-03-27T13:35:21.666-04:00A Need for Musicalization? - New Musicals Reviews<b><i><a href="http://sousatzkamusical.com/" target="_blank">Sousatzka</a></i> - Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Music by David Shire, Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr., Book by Craig Lucas, Directed by Adrian Noble<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Apr. 9th 2017</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.theviewupstairs.com/" target="_blank">The Girls</a></i> - Phoenix Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, Directed by Tim Firth<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://abronxtalethemusical.com/" target="_blank">A Bronx Tale</a></i> - Longacre Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Chazz Palminteri, Directed by Robert DeNiro and Jerry Zaks<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.warpaintmusical.com/" target="_blank">War Paint</a></i> - Nederlander Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Music by Scott Frankel, Lyrics by Michael Korie, Book by Doug Wright, Directed by Michael Greif<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Preview performance)</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.theviewupstairs.com/" target="_blank">The View Upstairs</a></i> - The Lynn Redgrave Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(out of 5 stars)</span><br />
Book, Music and Lyrics by Max Vernon, Directed by Scott Ebersold<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YyMkaWN9tRtBJcDk_n_Tvs_25VkQm00TLBtYnmmyFRrrOYuPTrF1uGzqpv0Z8bF8upu1T2ZaamlfPAVeX6qLibykSZH2I3mZyYo5OGD2cLwR3jT_vE2_bZR9hzvPFk-7b-3H-g/s1600/SOUSATZKA_Jordan+Barrow+%2526+Victoria+Clark+1+photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YyMkaWN9tRtBJcDk_n_Tvs_25VkQm00TLBtYnmmyFRrrOYuPTrF1uGzqpv0Z8bF8upu1T2ZaamlfPAVeX6qLibykSZH2I3mZyYo5OGD2cLwR3jT_vE2_bZR9hzvPFk-7b-3H-g/s400/SOUSATZKA_Jordan+Barrow+%2526+Victoria+Clark+1+photo+by+Cylla+von+Tiedemann.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://sousatzkamusical.com/" target="_blank">Sousatzka</a></i></b>, the new musical from producer by Garth Drabinsky, seems to have enough intrigue behind the scenes for another show, but lets talk about the musical itself here. <i>Sousatzka</i> is an ambitious new musical that feels like it is from another era. With a cast of 57 trying to tell the tale of Holocaust survivor Madame Sousatzka, a brilliant piano teacher who has taken on Themba, a young prodigy who escaped from Soweto, Africa and brought to 1982 London to pursue his talent. Themba is torn between the world of classical music and strict training from Sousatzka and the ferocity of his mother, who was one of the leaders against Apartheid.<br />
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There is a compelling tight story with the clash of different worlds, and the unifying experience of survival. The musical tries to mine it, but then layers it with backstories for everyone, including Themba's father currently imprisoned in Soweto. Then just to keep padding the show, we get the colourful characters of a boarding house where Sousatzka lives, their lives, a look into the classist system in London and the ultimate attempt to get Themba his debut concert. There is a compelling tight story somewhere at the centre of this megasized show.<br />
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There are three musicals in the show and while the alternating musical styles could have been an interesting juxtaposition, especially between Sousatzka's classical ways compared to Themba's African musical roots, the creative team have also thrown more typical Broadway music to enrapture the era of early 80s London and moments that satirize the classist art world of the riche. All of which have little to add to our understanding of Sousatzka and Themba themselves (and I had to keep reminding myself that the show was apparently titled Sousatzka and who we were supposed to be focusing upon).<br />
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Still, in it's current form, we get to see the always wonderful Victoria Clark in a meaty central (if not focused) role, and Montego Glover in the underused and under examined role of Themba's mother. Judy Kaye, Fuschia!, and local/Stratford's Jonathan Winsby are terrific in their secondary, if unnecessary roles, while newcomer Jordan Barrow is extremely talented and tries to fill out Themba despite the sketch of the central role. Everyone sings gloriously, but many of the side characters get their own songs that add little to the central story.<br />
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Many of the songs are quite lovely, especially those for Victoria Clark, and the African music by Lebo M sound glorious with the large cast (although the staging with a rising sun and the music by Lebo M has been iconicized already in <i>The Lion King</i>). There is a compelling story buried somewhere in this gigantic show, but the emotional effectiveness may have worked better as a smaller, simpler chamber piece, with a smaller cast.<br />
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A few years back there was a stage play version of <i>Calendar Girls</i> based on the film based on a true story. Lacking the charms of the film version, the play felt like an unnecessary transition to the stage, and wondered why it wasn't at least turned into a musical, since it felt like it had all the right elements to become one. Well, Gary Barlow (Take That) and Tim Firth apparently felt the same and have written <b><i><a href="http://www.theviewupstairs.com/" target="_blank">The Girls</a></i></b>, the new musical version of the now famed story of a group of older women who decide to make a nude calendar for charity.<br />
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What results is an utterly charming musical that uses the calendar theme, a year in the life of this small town in Yorkshire, to follow a group of women struggling with various issues as they get older. The musical also makes the idea of the calendar as a rallying effort as the pinnacle of the first half, and then the courage to actually do the nude calendar as the pinnacle for the whole show, and dramatically it works far better than the play that had the calendar shoot in the middle of the show.<br />
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As a big fan of Gary Barlow and his boy band days with Take That, I was disappointed with his music for <i>Finding Neverland</i>, but he redeems himself here with a musical score that fits with the story.<br />
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The cast of Girls, with Joanna Riding and Claire Moore as the leaders of this calendar idea, and Debbie Chazen, Sophie-Louise Dann, Michelle Dotrice, and Claire Machin are wonderful, as well as Josh Benson, Ben Hunter and Chloe May Jackson as their teenage kids with their own problems.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://abronxtalethemusical.com/" target="_blank">A Bronx Tale</a></i></b> is a new musical based on Chazz Palminteri's play, but it also owes a lot to <i>Jersey Boys</i> and <i>West Side Story</i> (no seriously, how much are they paying in residuals?) and every Italian American cliché you can fit into a "new" musical that feels done. The show feels lazy with cheap laughs in a story about a young Italian boy whose devotion is torn between his father and a gangster but luckily sharp casting of Nick Cordero (<i>Waitress</i>) and Richard Blake (<i>Legally Blonde</i>) makes the most of what they can. The music by Alan Menken feels phoned it but it's still Menken music so still enjoyable.<br />
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Eyes kept rolling along with the clichés but then Ariana DeBose (<i>Hamilton</i>) appears as our young lead's potential love interest and her chemistry with Bobby Conte Thornton brings a new glow to the heavy handed show. Despite the hoary cliché´s and the lazy script and songs, watching Thornton and DeBose was enough to make the show enjoyable and I ultimately left the Longacre with a huge smile on my face.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.warpaintmusical.com/" target="_blank">War Paint</a></i></b> tells the story of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden's lifelong rivalry in the cosmetics industry and their contributions during the war. It's a fascinating story but this musical solely exists to see Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole diva-it out on stage as Rubinstein and Arden, respectively. As their male sales partners (gay BFF, husband respectively) swap bosses and allegiances, the drama of these two women moguls in a time of male dominance is nicely mined, with pleasant, if forgetable songs from Frankel and Korie (with songs that have more mainstream appeal than their <i>Grey Gardens</i>) that give LuPone and Ebersole chances to one-up each other until the characters finally meet in the end.<br />
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But for a musical called <i>War Paint</i>, with Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole as rival cosmetic icons, it's surprising that it takes until the end of the show before their characters appear in the same room together. It may be more true to life, but it makes the show a tedium of back and forth scenes between Rubinstein and Arden. While the creative team figure out a way for them to have some moments together, particularly with the final Act 1 song, it lacks any true fireworks you would expect about a rivalry between two divas.<br />
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Without LuPone or Ebersole in the main roles, there's a generic traditional musical at its core that is only skin deep. LuPone throws out the zingers but the show isn't fun and campy enough and tries to respect the story yet does not go deep enough to truly understand the characters. The show even starts with the rivalry already in place, and does not really try to explain how it all began. For such a colourful premise, <i>War Paint</i> feels surprisingly flat. It's beautiful to look at, with a beautiful set by David Korins and costumes by Catherine Zuber, but there's very little contour in the show.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.theviewupstairs.com/" target="_blank">The View Upstairs</a></i></b> is at its best when it regales in the regular patrons of a 70s gay bar the Upstairs Lounge in the French Quarters of New Orleans. The twist however throws a time-traveling loop, throwing a young millennial entitled fashion designer into the old bar as he learns what it's like to be gay when it wasn't as open as it is now. Lessons are learned and the future boy becomes a better person yada yada but the real fun is with the characters from the bar, especially when Frenchie Davis or Nathan Lee Graham speak or sing. And boy does the cast sing, with some lovely songs by Max Vernon, showing a lot of promise for the future of musicals. Michael Longoria, Ben Mayne, and Randy Redd are excellent as some of the other bar regulars.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photo of <i>Sousatzka</i> by Cylla von Tiedemann<br />
Photo of <i>The Girls</i> by Matt Crockett<br />
Photos of <i>A Bronx Tale</i> and <i>War Paint</i> by Joan Marcus<br />
Photo of <i>The View Upstairs</i> by Kurt Sneddon<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-74113036642497823882016-12-30T10:30:00.000-05:002019-12-26T19:47:03.127-05:00Best of Stage 20162016 total: 156 Shows (though 9 of those were for <i>Come From Away</i>, another 3 for <i>Groundhog Day</i> and a few other repeats).<br />
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Saw less in New York than usual, but saw my first non-English show with no translation in Amsterdam.<br />
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Saw a lot of shows I had seen in previous years and thus ineligible for this year's list.<br />
(For previous years Best of Stage Lists:<br />
<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a> (including <i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i>)<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a> (including <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i> and <i>The James Plays</i>)</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a> (including <i>Kinky Boots</i>) </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a> (including <i>Seussical</i>) </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html">Best of Stage 2010</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html">Best of Stage 2009</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html">Best of Stage 2008</a> (including <i>Cinderella</i>)</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a>)</span></b><br />
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So again, any new production I saw for the first time in 2016 is eligible and EVERYTHING I saw this year is listed at the bottom of the post.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's the Best of Stage 2016:</span><br />
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<b>1.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201516-season/a-line-in-the-sand/" target="_blank">A Line in the Sand</a></i></b> - Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Guillermo Verdecchia and Marcus Youssef, Directed by Nigel Shawn Williams</span><br />
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A beautiful production during Factory Theatre's "naked season" of a political play that is still pointed and relevant, but even more importantly, still emotionally heartbreaking and tragic. We watch as a Canadian soldier befriends a young local Palestinian teen during Desert Storm and the beautiful relationship possible from what begins as fear and a commercial transaction. Nigel Shawn Williams and his sound and design team provides a beautiful portrait of the many layers and many lines drawn between the two men left alone in the desert. Morgan David Jones and Danny Ghantous give gentle nuanced performances and John Cleland adds a tense twist in the dynamics of the three person play by Guillermo Verdecchia and Marcus Youssef. A harsh critique of the war and Canada's peacekeeping efforts as it draws from the portraits of two young men from different worlds who end up crisscrossing in life altering ways.<br />
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<b>2. <i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/people-places-and-things" target="_blank">People, Places and Things</a></i></b> - Headlong and National Theatre at the Wyndham's Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Duncan Macmillan, Directed by Jeremy Herrin</span><br />
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Another play about an actress? Another play about addiction? Groan. Right? Wrong.
Duncan MacMillan's intimate yet epically staged play goes into one actress' addiction spiral as she attempts to seek help. It's unsentimental but fully emotionally engrossing.
And then there is Denise Gough in the central role. DENISE GOUGH DENISE GOUGH DENISE GOUGH! A tremendous breakthrough performance filled with intelligence and wit, in a play full of thought and wit surrounding the harsh realities of addiction.<br />
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<b>3. <i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/groundhog-day/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin, Book by Danny Rubin based on his film, Directed by Matthew Warchus</span><br />
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The most fun I've had at a big mainstream musical in a long time.
The most fun I've had at a big mainstream musical in a long time. The most fun I've had at a big mainstream musical in a long time.<br />
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This is Andy Karl vs. a groundhog and the town of Punxsutawney, PA with the help of some extremely catchy and repetitive music from Tim Minchin, whose black humour and sarcasm is used to perfect use here. It's a joyous ode to small town life, the exact life Karl's Phil Connors wants to escape from but can't, and Minchin and Rubin find the right balance of darkness and heart to spin this repetitive tale into a new musical hit.<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/right-now/" target="_blank">Right Now</a></i></b> - Bush Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Catherine-Anne Toupin, Translated by Chris Campbell, Directed by Michael Boyd</span><br />
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I had to go all the way to London to catch an English production of Quebec playwright Catherine-Anne Toupin's very sly surreal, often funny and strange but ultimately heartbreaking play about a young couple and their wacky neighbours. To tell more would spoil the fun (and more) but THAT ENDING.
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<b>5. Female Fringe</b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/bright-lights/" target="_blank">Bright Lights</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and Directed by Kat Sandler</span><br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/cam-baby/" target="_blank">Cam Baby</a></i></b> - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jessica Moss, Directed by Charlotte Gowdy</span><br />
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Kat Sandler and Jessica Moss' plays at the Toronto Fringe were hilarious takes on dark subjects. While <i>Bright Lights</i> shone laughs at a meeting for alien abduction believers, it was a sly take on a darker side of culture (I'll try to avoid spoilers and my interpretation) and what we believe in people depending on who is saying it. <i>Cam Baby</i> took a less ethereal approach when a couple is filmed on camera without one knowing it and the fallout when the violated woman finds out.
Excellent Fringe plays that are ready to transfer to any main stage right now, but hopefully with the amazing Fringe casts that came along with it.<br />
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<b>6. <i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2015-2016-Season/Cacti" target="_blank">Cacti</a></i></b> - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Choreographed by Alexander Ekman</span><br />
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Part of an excellent selection of shorts that included repeats of ballet classics <i>Rubies</i> and <i>The Four Temperaments</i>, Cacti on the other hand was just plain kooky. Exhilarating and energetic, this weird piece basically mocks the world of dance and ballet and the language we use for it, and the meanings we try to impart on it. A critique of critiques of dance we could say. Also, there are cacti plants everywhere. Simply odd and totally joyous and hilarious.<br />
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<b>7.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</a></i></b> - Palace Theatre - West End - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jack Thorne based on a story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Directed by John Tiffany</span><br />
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A truly magical theatrical event. Using a mix of old school tricks and new technology, John Tiffany and the amazing creative team have created a jaw dropping spectacle that takes us on a ride to Hogwarts. As a grown up middle aged Harry Potter deals with his own kids, particularly as Albus Severus Potter embarks on his journey to Hogwarts for the first time. There's some truly poignant moments as Harry must deal with the parental life despite being an orphan. The plot however takes over and follows along Albus and Scorpius Malfoy in a new set of adventures that ultimately intertwines with some iconic moments from the books.<br />
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At times the plot feels like it's catering to the fans a bit too much, as the story is more in service to the stage event, trying to fit all our favourites from the books. Still, the theatrical event is quite the ride and we all sat enthralled with every plot twist and magical moments on stage.<br />
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<b>8.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.lct.org/shows/harvest/" target="_blank">The Harvest</a></i></b> - Lincoln Center Theater at LCT3's Claire Tow Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Samuel D. Hunter, Directed by Davis McCallum</span><br />
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Once again Samuel D Hunter takes us to middle America and our hearts are gripped by people we may recognize but might not really know. In <i>The Harvest</i>, we're in a church basement in Idaho as a group of evangelical Christian teens are about to embark on a mission to the Middle East, but Josh (a terrific Peter Mark Kendall) plans to stay there, a decision which reverberates into the lives of his sister, his best friend (Gideon Glick) and rest of the church group. Never condescending, Hunter and Davis lay out these kids thoughts and fears on life while showing how faith and religion make their marks on these souls while living in a poorer middle America. Refreshing and humbling.<br />
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<b>9. <i><a href="http://www.obsidiantheatre.com/season/master-harold-and-the-boys/" target="_blank">"Master Harold"... and the Boys</a></i></b> - Obsidian Theatre and Shaw Festival at the Toronto Centre for the Arts - Studio Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Athol Fugard, Directed by Philip Akin</span><br />
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A masterful revival that hits deep with a chillingly confident performance from James Daly as "Master Harold". Hally, the young white man who has grown up with "the Boys", the Black workers at his parents' diner, in 1950's South Africa thinks of the boys as part of his life but things begin to reveal themselves in the ultimate example of "white privilege". An excellent André Sills as the more outspoken "boys" Willie and Allan Louis who says so much with so little words as the other "boys" Sam, the trio skirt around the diner as issues of race and class are skirted around the conversations, but ultimately, the young handsome Hally's ugly attitude comes to a shocking display. Fugard's play may be a period piece but sadly seems to reverberate more than ever in 2016.<br />
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<b>10.</b> <b><i><a href="http://waitressthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Waitress</a></i></b> - Brooks Atkinson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles, Book by Jessie Nelson, Based on the film by Adrienne Shelly, Directed by Diane Paulus</span><br />
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Jessie Mueller Jessie Mueller Jessie Mueller! A magical musical theatre performer who whisks us into her world and into her heart as she lovingly sings Sara Bareilles new songs for the musical adaptation to the film <i>Waitress</i> (the wonderful film by Adrienne Shelly). Surrounded by a delightful cast, with the excellent Keala Settle and Kimiko Glenn as her fellow waitresses with love problems, the delicious Drew Gehling as a charming doctor, and the always delightful Christopher Fitzgerald as a blind date who won't go away. The all female creative team manages to bury the creep factors inherent within the story and maintain the air of romanticism and delightful comedy (for better or for worse). Bareilles' first foray into musical theatre is beautiful and subtle, though not helped by the band that buries the melodies under overemphasized drums, but ultimately it is the strong message of female empowerment and sexual confidence that wafts through the Atkinson Theatre.<br />
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<b>11.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.eclipsedbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Eclipsed</a></i></b> - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Danai Gurira, Directed by Liesl Tommy</span><br />
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Stressful to watch, but nothing compared to the stress the woman in the story have to deal with.<br />
The horrific lives that these woman must face as they are trapped in the Liberian war. As the women attempt to hide from the war, or become exploited in the battle, the five all-female cast, comprising of Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, Saycon Sengbloh, Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, and Zainab Jah are equally stupendous and empowering in their performances. A harrowing powerful tale of survival, but Gurira manages to interject humour into these lives and giving each of them their own hopes to survive the war.<br />
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<b>12.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/She-Loves-Me.aspx" target="_blank">She Loves Me</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Book by Joe Masteroff, Directed by Scott Ellis</span><br />
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One of my favourite old musicals with a dream team cast of Laura Benanti, Zachary Levi, Gavin Creel and Jane Krakowski. Add in the adorable Nicholas Barasch as Arpad.<br />
It's pure musical delight. Love <i>She Loves Me</i>!<br />
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<b>13.</b> <b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-deep-blue-sea" target="_blank">The Deep Blue Sea</a></i></b> - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Terrence Rattigan, Directed by Carrie Cracknell</span><br />
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Helen McCrory takes on Terrence Ratigan play of the unhappy housewife in an era when nosy neighbours and their opinions can smear everything and gossip may lead to ones' ruins. Under Carrie Cracknell's direction, this period piece still felt as suspenseful and earth shattering as it was probably originally meant to, and McCrory is devastating in her pursuit for her own happiness.<br />
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<b>14.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/jh/" target="_blank">Jekyll and Hyde</a></i></b> - The McOnie Company at The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Devised, Choreographed and Directed by Drew McOnie, Music by Grant Olding</span><br />
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Well, I did not expect a new dance show about a nerdy man who turns into a serial rapist and killer to be so much fun! Drew McOnie fluidly tells the tale in dance format, transferring the Jekyll and Hyde to 1950s London, with fantastic new music by Grant Olding, and they hit the right cheeky, fun, and creeping dark undertones in just the right balance. Daniel Collins is wonderfully gawky and winning as Dr. Jekyll, while Jason Winter filled in for Mr. Hyde and his swagger and chiselled build is extremely seducing (and I can't imagine someone else in the role). A beautiful cast fills in the ensemble with some really fun choreo from McOnie who manages to make this narrative dance play work in a thrilling way (and reminded me of the best Matthew Bourne dance shows).
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<b>15.</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2015/the-lorax/" target="_blank">The Lorax</a></i></b> - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Dr. Seuss, Adapted for the Stage by David Greig, Directed by Max Webster</span><br />
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A dark musical about the dangers of an environmental catastrophe that may only be fixed with the help of a small furry creature. Maybe a bit darker than Dr. Seuss imagined but this wonderful new musical with a game cast, including Simon Lipkin and a team of puppeteers as The Lorax brings an important message with whimsy and some clever staging.<br />
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<b>16. <i>Young Chekhov: <a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/platonov" target="_blank">Platonov</a></i></b> - The Chichester Festival Theatre's Production at National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Anton Chekhov, in a new version by David Hare, Directed by Jonathan Kent</span><br />
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Part of the Chichester Festival and National Theatre's trilogy of Young Chekhov, this lesser known earlier work manages to bring all the themes Chekhov later would hone, into a more playful piece. It's Chekhov but actually enjoyable and fun (and more in keeping with the "comedy" he's technically labeled with) with an ace cast lead by James McArdle and Nina Sosanya.<br />
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<b>17.</b> <b><i>Strangers in Between</i></b> - <a href="http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/" target="_blank">King's Head Theatre</a> - London, UK<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Tommy Murphy, Directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher</span><br />
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As a young gay man Shane comes to the big city in Sydney, he escapes small town life and the terror of his brother Ben and finds new bonds. An older gay man takes him under his wings while he falls for the hot Will. The simplicity in the story and the production is enhanced by clever use of the tiny set (in the tiny King's Head Theatre). Adding an additional layer, having Ben and Will played by the same actor (a mesmerizing Dan Hunter) parallels the emotional significance to Shane in his coming out journey. Surprisingly touching and fresh, with an added jolt of an excited performance by Roly Botha as Shane, <i>Strangers in Between</i> unexpectedly felt new and different despite the simple coming out premise.<br />
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<b>18.</b> <b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/three-men-in-a-boat/" target="_blank">Three Men in a Boat</a></i></b> - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Mark Brownell, Adapted from the travelogue of Jerome K Jerome, Directed by Sue Miner</span><br />
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3 men, in a boat, and a dog Montmercy, in this retelling of an 1889 travelogue. And it was hilarious and pure joy.<br />
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<b>19.</b><br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=botticelli" target="_blank">Botticelli in the Fire</a> </i></b>- Canadian Stage Company at Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Jordan Tannahill, Directed by Matjash Mrozewski </span><br />
<b><i><a href="http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/body-politic/" target="_blank">Body Politic</a></i></b> - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Nick Green, Directed by Alisa Palmer</span><br />
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Part of a double bill of one-act plays from new wonder kid Jordan Tannahill, <i>Boticelli in the Fire</i> is ambitious in style and substance. Despite some pacing issues and slow scene transitions in the direction, <i>Boticelli</i> the play felt fresh with its modernized storytelling of the artist Botticelli as he's forced to choose between his gay lifestyle and his loves or his own survival when religious fervour in the city seeks to burn homosexuals. The mix of contemporary speech and some modern elements with the historical tale invigorated the political message while allowing the soapy dramatic elements of the plot to flourish in the hands of the game cast.<br />
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Over at Buddies, this historical drama about the creation of the first local Toronto gay newspaper the <i>Body Politic</i> as a political act and its history turns out to be fascinating theatre. A modern day date interweaves through the historical tale and while at times it slows down the more fascinating journey of the creation of the original newspaper, it eventually helps enhance the importance of those defiant acts in the fight for gay rights the newspaper the Body Politic created.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>20. </b><b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/mockingbird/" target="_blank">Mockingbird</a></i></b> - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Written and Directed by Rob Kempson </span><br />
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<br />
The gossip in the teacher's lounge flies when rumours of a relationship between a teacher and student emerge. As taboo subjects and the secret lives of teachers get thrown on the chalkboard, this very funny new play manages to surprise, with both sympathy and shock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Honourable Mentions: </b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/chasse-galerie/2003" target="_blank">Chasse-Gallerie</a> </i></b>- Soulpepper<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/collapse/" target="_blank">Collapse</a> </i></b>- Toronto Fringe Festival<br />
<b><i><a href="http://shows.manhattantheatreclub.com/sell-buy-date/" target="_blank">Sell/Buy/Date</a></i></b> - Manhattan Theatre Club<br />
<b><i><a href="http://theatrecentre.org/?p=8746" target="_blank">This is the Point</a></i></b> - Ahuri Theatre at The Theatre Centre<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Solid revivals of:</b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/A-Chorus-Line" target="_blank">A Chorus Line</a> - </i></b>Stratford Shakespeare Festival<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www1.soulpepper.ca/performances/incident-at-vichy/640" target="_blank">Incident at Vichy</a></i></b> - Soulpepper<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-plough-and-the-stars" target="_blank">The Plough and the Stars</a></i></b> - National Theatre<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.eno.org/whats-on/sunset-boulevard/#prod-creative" target="_blank">Sunset Boulevard</a></i></b> - English National Opera<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/threepenny-opera" target="_blank">The Threepenny Opera</a></i></b> - National Theatre<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-wizard-of-oz/" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a> </i></b>- Young People's Theatre<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Breakthrough Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):</span></b><br />
<br />
The cast of <i>A Line in the Sand</i>: John Cleland, Danny Ghantous, Morgan David Jones<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Cam Baby</i>: Karl Ang, Ashley Botting, Andrew Cameron, Brandon Coffey, Beau Dixon, Christine Horne<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>The Circle</i>: Nikki Duval, Jakob Ehman, Daniel Ellis, Vivien Endicott-Douglas, Brian Solomon, Jake Vanderham<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Eclipsed</i>: Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, Lupita Nyong'o, Saycon Sengbloh<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour</i>: Caroline Deyga, Karen Fishwick, Kirsty MacLaren, Frances Mayli McCann, Joanne McGuinness, Dawn Sievewright<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Right Now</i>: Guy Williams, Dyfan Dwyfor, Lindsey Campbell, Sean Biggerstaff, Maureen Beattie<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>This is the Point</i>: Tony Diamanti, Liz MacDougall, Christina Serra, Dan Watson<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Three Men in a Boat</i>: Matt Pilipiak, Victor Pokinko, Scott Garland<br />
<br />
Elizabeth Adams in <i>False Start</i><br />
Matt Alfano in <i>A Chorus Line</i><br />
Cole Alvis in <i>Body Politic</i><br />
Sidney Iking Bateman in <i>Cuisine and Confessions</i><br />
Scott Beaudin in <i>Forever Plaid</i><br />
Jamie Beddard in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Corbin Bleu in <i>Holiday Inn</i><br />
Roly Botha in <i>Strangers in Between</i><br />
Anthony Boyle in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
Hubert Burton in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Jordan Cheng in <i>Mr. Shi and His Lover</i><br />
Sam Clemmett in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
Daniel Collins in <i>Jekyll and Hyde</i><br />
Cody Costro in <i>Dead Poets Society</i><br />
Frank Cox-O'Connell in <i>Hamlet</i><br />
James Daly in <i>"Master Harold"... and the Boys</i> and <i>Sleeping Beauty</i><br />
Elizabeth Debicki in <i>The Red Barn</i><br />
Jason DeRosse in <i>Twist Your Dickens</i><br />
Shakura Dickson in <i>Women</i><br />
Dylan Evans in <i>False Start</i><br />
Diane Flacks in <i>Body Politic</i><br />
Lora Lee Gayer in <i>Holiday Inn</i><br />
Denise Gough in <i>People, Places and Things</i><br />
Jonah Hauer-King in <i>The Entertainer</i><br />
Arinea Hermans in <i>Seussical</i><br />
Dan Hunter in <i>Strangers in Between</i><br />
Tyrone Huntley in <i>Dreamgirls</i><br />
Stephen Jackman-Torkoff in <i>Mockingbird</i> and <i>Botticelli in the Fire</i><br />
Lily James in <i>Romeo and Juliet</i><br />
Daniel Kaluuya in <i>Blue/Orange</i><br />
Isabel Kanaan in <i>Women</i><br />
Yolanda Kettle in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Debbie Kurup in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Kat Letwin in <i>Late Night</i> and <i>Chasse-Gallerie</i><br />
Hannah Levinson in <i>Matilda</i><br />
Simon Lipkin in Dr. Seuss' <i>The Lorax</i><br />
Simon Manyonda in <i>King Lear</i><br />
Julia McLellan in <i>A Chorus Line</i><br />
Luke Noris in <i>Blue/Orange</i><br />
Joe Paulik in <i>Stupid Fu**ing Bird</i><br />
Matias Plaul in <i>Cuisine and Confessions</i><br />
Joe Aaron Reid in <i>Dreamgirls</i><br />
Jennifer Rider-Shaw in <i>A Chorus Line</i><br />
Amber Riley in <i>Dreamgirls</i><br />
Judith Roddy in <i>The Plough and the Stars</i><br />
Conor Scully in <i>A Chorus Line</i><br />
Christopher Sears in <i>Stupid Fu**ing Bird</i> and <i>The Harvest</i><br />
Shaina Silver-Baird in <i>Chasse-Gallerie</i><br />
James Smith in <i>Chasse-Gallerie</i><br />
Jason Sudeikis in <i>Dead Poets Society</i><br />
Harrison Tanner in <i>Women</i><br />
Shannon Taylor in <i>Shakespeare in Love</i><br />
Kimberly-Ann Truong in <i>A Chorus Line</i><br />
Olivia Vinall in <i>Young Chekhov: Platonov</i>, <i>Ivanov</i> and <i>The Seagull</i><br />
Fionn Walton in <i>The Plough and the Stars</i><br />
Jason Winter in <i>Jekyll and Hyde</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Great Performances</b> (in alphabetical order):</span></b><br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Bright Lights</i>: Amy Lee, Heather Marie Annis, Chris Wilson, Peter Carlone, Colin Munch<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Disgraced</i>: Raoul Bhaneja, Karen Glave, Ali Momen, Michael Rubenfeld, Birgitte Solem<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>Falsettos</i>: Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Anthony Rosenthal, Tracie Thoms, Brandon Uranowitz, Betsy Wolfe<br />
<br />
The cast of <i>The Harvest</i>: Gideon Glick, Scott Jaeck, Leah Karpel, Peter Mark Kendall, Madeleine Martin, Christopher Sears, Zoë Winters<br />
<br />
Gabriel Antonacci in <i>A Chorus Line</i> and <i>A Little Night Music</i><br />
Nicholas Barasch in <i>She Loves Me</i><br />
Laura Benanti in <i>She Loves Me</i><br />
Kenneth Branagh in <i>The Painkiller</i> and <i>The Entertainer</i><br />
Andrea Brown in <i>False Start</i> and <i>Toronto, Mississippi</i><br />
Rob Brydon in <i>The Painkiller</i><br />
Tom Burke in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Glenn Close in <i>Sunset Boulevard</i><br />
Ron Cook in <i>Faith Healer</i><br />
Michael Cox in <i>Chasse-Gallerie</i><br />
Rosalie Craig in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Gavin Creel in <i>She Loves Me</i><br />
Cynthia Dale in <i>A Little Night Music</i><br />
Noma Dumezweni in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
Sara Farb in <i>A Little Night Music</i><br />
Jesse Tyler Ferguson in <i>Fully Committed</i><br />
Ralph Fiennes in <i>Richard III</i><br />
Christopher Fitzgerald in <i>Waitress</i><br />
Nick Fletcher in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Drew Gehling in <i>Waitress</i><br />
Alexis Gordon in <i>A Little Night Music</i><br />
Haydn Gwynne in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Mark Hadfield in <i>The Painkiller</i><br />
Nick Holder in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Jane Horrocks in <i>King Lear</i><br />
Luke Humphrey in <i>Shakespeare in Love</i><br />
Rhys Ifans in <i>King Lear</i><br />
George Ikediashi in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Glenda Jackson in <i>King Lear</i><br />
Derek Jacobi in <i>Romeo and Juliet</i><br />
Sarah Jones in <i>Sell/Buy/Date</i><br />
Stephen Kennedy in <i>The Plough and the Stars</i><br />
Rory Kinnear in <i>The Threepenny Opera</i><br />
Jane Krakowski in <i>She Loves Me</i><br />
Ian Lake in <i>Macbeth</i><br />
Nathan Lane in <i>The Front Page</i><br />
Richard Lee in <i>Acquiesce</i><br />
Zachary Levi in <i>She Loves Me</i><br />
Allan Louis in <i>"Master Harold"... and the Boys</i><br />
Jeigh Madjus in <i>Seussical</i><br />
Diego Matamoros in <i>Incident at Vichy</i><br />
James McArdle in <i>Young Chekhov: Platonov</i><br />
Helen McCrory in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Gina McKee in <i>Faith Healer</i><br />
Patrick McKenna in <i>Twist Your Dickens</i><br />
Harry Melling in <i>King Lear</i><br />
Jessie Mueller in <i>Waitress</i><br />
Jamie Parker in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
Bryce Pinkham in <i>Holiday Inn</i><br />
Alex Price in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
Mark Rylance in <i>Nice Fish</i><br />
Tyrone Savage in <i>Chasse-Gallerie</i><br />
Vanessa Sears in <i>The Wizard of Oz</i><br />
Keala Settle in <i>Waitress</i><br />
Megan Sikora in <i>Holiday Inn</i><br />
André Sills in <i>"Master Harold"... and the Boys</i><br />
Nina Sosanya in <i>Young Chekhov: Ivanov </i>and<i> Platonov</i><br />
Peter Sullivan in <i>The Deep Blue Sea</i><br />
Paul Thornley in <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Great Performances Again</b> (in alphabetical order):</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The cast of <i>Come From Away</i>: Petrina Bromley, Geno Carr, Jenn Colella, Joel Hatch, Rodney Hicks, Kendra Kassebaum, Chad Kimball, Lee MacDougall, Caesar Samayoa, Q. Smith, Astrid Van Wieren, Sharon Wheatley</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Gillian Anderson in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Graham Scott Fleming in <i>Kinky Boots</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ben Foster in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Vanessa Kirby in <i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Alan Mingo Jr. in <i>Kinky Boots</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">____________________________________________________<br /><b><br /></b><b>Here is every Stage Show I saw in 2016 in alphabetical order. All reviews are based on a 5 stars system (Workshop Labs, Readings, Concerts and Cabarets are not graded):</b></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/A-Chorus-Line" target="_blank">A Chorus Line</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201617-season/acquiesce/" target="_blank">Acquiesce</a></i></b> (Play) - Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/agamemnon/" target="_blank">Agamemnon</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201516-season/a-line-in-the-sand/" target="_blank">A Line in the Sand</a></i></b> (Play Revival) x2 - Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/A-Little-Night-Music" target="_blank">A Little Night Music</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/a-man-walks-into-a-bar/" target="_blank">A Man Walks Into a Bar</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://stannswarehouse.org/show/streetcar-named-desire/" target="_blank">A Streetcar Named Desire</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic at St. Ann's Warehouse - Brooklyn, NY - <span style="color: red;">***** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>) (Already in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage/backstage-in-biscuit-land-2/" target="_blank">Backstage in Biscuit Land</a></i></b> (Play) - Touretteshero at Harbourfront Centre Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/behold-the-barfly/" target="_blank">Behold, the Barfly!</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Monarch Tavern - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/blue-orange" target="_blank">Blue/Orange</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Young Vic Theatre - Main House - London, UK - ***1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stageworthy-may-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithGallery.do?pagename=allure_introduction" target="_blank">Blue Planet</a></i></b> (Variety) x2 - Amber Theater on Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/body-politic/" target="_blank">Body Politic</a></i></b> (Play) - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=botticelli" target="_blank">Botticelli in the Fire & Sunday in Sodom</a></i></b> (Plays) - Canadian Stage Company at Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs - Toronto, ON (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<i>Botticelli in the Fire</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>Sunday in Sodom</i> - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/bright-lights/" target="_blank">Bright Lights</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2015-2016-Season/Cacti" target="_blank">Cacti and Rubies and The Four Temperaments</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<i>Cacti</i> - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<i>Rubies</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>The Four Temperaments</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/cam-baby/" target="_blank">Cam Baby</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/theatre-hub/canadian-music-theatre-project.aspx" target="_blank">Canadian Music Theatre Project</a></b> (Musical Workshop) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College - Oakville, ON<br />
<i>The Journey That Saved Curious George</i> (Musical)<br />
<i>Small Wonder</i> (Musical)<br />
<i>Rumspringa Break! An Am-ish Musical</i> (Musical)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.cannibalonstage.com/" target="_blank">Cannibal the Musical</a></i></b> (Workshop Reading) - Masonic Temple - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.catsthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Cats</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Neil Simon Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://soulpepper.ca/performances/chasse-galerie/2003" target="_blank">Chasse-Gallerie</a></i></b> (Musical) - Storefront Theatre at Soulpepper in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=chimerica" target="_blank">Chimerica</a></b></i> (Play) - Canadian Stage at Bluma Appel Theatre - St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Toronto, ON - *** (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2016-17-Season/Cinderella" target="_blank">Cinderella</a> </i></b>(Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/11/holiday-sweets-cinderella-and-seussical.html" target="_blank">Review</a>) (Already in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html">Best of Stage 2008</a>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/the-circle/" target="_blank">The Circle</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Extraspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/collapse/" target="_blank">Collapse</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://comefromaway.com/" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ford's Theatre - Washington D.C. x1, Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON x8 - <span style="color: red;">*****</span> (Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=concord" target="_blank">Concord Floral</a></i></b> (Play) - Canadian Stage Company in the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://7fingers.com/shows/creations/cuisine-confessions" target="_blank">Cuisine and Confessions</a></i></b> (Circus) x2 - The 7 Fingers at Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.classicstage.org/season/dead-poets-society/" target="_blank">Dead Poets Society</a></i></b> (Play) - Classic Stage Company - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.signaturetheatre.org/shows-and-events/Productions/2016-2017/Death-of-the-Last-Black-Man.aspx" target="_blank">The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World AKA The Negro Book of the Dead</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Signature Theatre in the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-deep-blue-sea" target="_blank">The Deep Blue Sea</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.toneelgroepoostpool.nl/seizoen-2016-2017/demonen" target="_blank">Demonen</a></i></b> (Play) - Toneelgroep Oostpool at the Stadsschouwburg - Amsterdam, NL - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.disenchantedmusical.com/" target="_blank">Disenchanted</a></i></b> (Musical) - Dress Rehearsal at St. Michael's College - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mirvish.com/shows/disgraced" target="_blank">Disgraced</a></i></b> (Play) - Panasonic Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/theatre/upcoming-shows/the-enlightenment-of-percival-von-schmootz.aspx" target="_blank">Dogfight</a></i></b> (Musical - College Production) - Sheridan Theatre at Sheridan College Studio - Oakville, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.dreamgirlswestend.com/" target="_blank">Dreamgirls</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Savoy Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.eclipsedbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Eclipsed</a></i></b> (Play) - Golden Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/donmar-warehouse/on-now/2016/elegy" target="_blank">Elegy</a></i></b> (Play) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.branaghtheatre.com/the-entertainer/" target="_blank">The Entertainer</a></i></b> (Play Revival) x2 - Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company at the Garrick Theatre - West End - London, UK - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://evildeadthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Evil Dead the Musical</a></i></b> (Musical) - Randolph Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/donmar-warehouse/at-the-donmar/2016/faith-healer" target="_blank">Faith Healer</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Donmar Warehouse - London, UK - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.lct.org/shows/falsettos/" target="_blank">Falsettos</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Lincoln Center Theater at The Walter Kerr Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/false-start/" target="_blank">False Start</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at St. Vladimir Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.finis.com/" target="_blank">Finis Henderson</a></i></b> (Variety) - Amber Theater on Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.plaidisbackto.com/" target="_blank">Forever Plaid</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Panasonic Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://thefrontpagebroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Front Page</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Broadhurst Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fullycommittedbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Fully Committed</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Lyceum Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.toronto-theatre.com/theaters/royal-alexandra-theatre/gaslight.php" target="_blank">Gaslight</a></b></i> (Play Revival) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - *1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.agentlemansguidebroadway.com/" target="_blank">A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.rwb.org/whats-on/show/going-home-star" target="_blank">Going Home Star: Truth and Reconciliation</a></i></b> (Ballet) - Royal Winnipeg Ballet at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/schools/teacher-resources/goodnight-moon-study-guide/" target="_blank">Goodnight Moon</a></i></b> (Musical) - Seattle Children's Theatre at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/groundhog-day/" target="_blank">Groundhog Day</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i></b> (Musical) - Richard Rodgers Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span> (Already in<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.canadianstage.com/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=shakespeare_16.17" target="_blank">Hamlet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Canadian Stage Company at Shakespeare in High Park - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/ntlout15-hangmen" target="_blank">Hangmen</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Court at Wyndham Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two</a></i></b> (Play) - Palace Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.lct.org/shows/harvest/" target="_blank">The Harvest</a></i></b> (Play) - Lincoln Center Theater at LCT3's Claire Tow Theater - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www1.soulpepper.ca/performances/the-heidi-chronicles/639" target="_blank">The Heidi Chronicles</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Soulpepper in the Bailie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/Holiday-Inn.aspx" target="_blank">Holiday Inn</a></i></b> (Musical) - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://labtheater.org/events/homos-everyone-america/" target="_blank">Homos, or Everyone in America</a></i></b> (Play) - Labyrinth Theatre Company at the Bank Theatre - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i>How to Train Your Dragon on Ice</i></b> (Skating) - Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/The-Hypochondriac" target="_blank">The Hypochondriac</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i>Ice Games</i></b> (Skating) - Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://ifthenthemusical.com/" target="_blank">If/Then</a></i></b> (Musical) - Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www1.soulpepper.ca/performances/incident-at-vichy/640" target="_blank">Incident at Vichy</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Soulpepper in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Young Chekhov: <a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/ivanov" target="_blank">Ivanov</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Chichester Festival Theatre's Production at National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_TheJamesPlays" target="_blank">The James Plays</a></i></b> - National Theatre of Scotland at Luminato Festival in The Hearn - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span> (Already in <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a>)<br />
<i>James I: The Key Will Keep the Lock</i> - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<i>James II: Day of the Innocents</i> - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<i>James III: The True Mirror</i> - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/jh/" target="_blank">Jekyll and Hyde</a></i></b> (Dance) - The McOnie Company at The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stageworthy-may-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mirvish.com/shows/the-judas-kiss" target="_blank">The Judas Kiss</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Hampstead Theatre's Production at Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/king-lear/" target="_blank">King Lear</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mirvish.com/kinkyboots/" target="_blank">Kinky Boots</a></i></b> (Musical) x3 - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stageworthy-may-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>) (Already in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2015-2016-Season/La-Sylphide" target="_blank">La Sylphide</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.theatrebrouhaha.com/" target="_blank">Late Night</a></i></b> (Play) - Theatre Brouhaha at ZoomerHall - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://national.ballet.ca/Productions/2015-2016-Season/Le-Petit-Prince" target="_blank">Le Petit Prince</a></i></b> (Ballet) - National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i>Let Me Entertain You</i></b> (Circus) - AquaTheater on Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/life-after/" target="_blank">Life After</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i>Little Black Dress</i></b> (Musical Workshop) - The Second City's Studio - Toronto, ON<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2015/the-lorax/" target="_blank">The Lorax</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b>Cirque de Soleil's <i><a href="https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia" target="_blank">Luzia</a></i></b> (Circus) - Le Grand Chapiteau at the Portlands - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Macbeth" target="_blank">Macbeth</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Festival Theatre - Stratford, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://thejamielloydcompany.com/our-shows/the-maids" target="_blank">The Maids</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Jamie Lloyd Company at Trafalgar Studios - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/vanity/broadwayatsea" target="_blank">Mamma Mia</a></i></b> (Musical) x2 - Amber Theater on Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/themasterbuilder/" target="_blank">The Master Builder</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Old Vic Theatre - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.obsidiantheatre.com/season/master-harold-and-the-boys/" target="_blank">"Master Harold"... and the Boys</a></i></b> - Obsidian Theatre and Shaw Festival at the Toronto Centre for the Arts - Studio Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mirvish.com/matilda" target="_blank">Matilda</a></i></b> (Musical) - Ed Mirvish Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/schools/teacher-resources/mistatim-study-guide/" target="_blank">Mistatim</a></i></b> (Play) - Red Sky at Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/mockingbird/" target="_blank">Mockingbird</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.mrshenderson.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mrs. Henderson Presents</a></i></b> (Musical) - Noel Coward Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://summerworks.ca/2016/artists/mr-shi-and-his-lover/" target="_blank">Mr. Shi and His Lover</a></i></b> (Musical) - Summerworks at The Theatre Centre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/mustard/" target="_blank">Mustard</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.nicefishtheplay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nice Fish</a></i></b> (Play) - Harold Pinter Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithGallery.do?pagename=allure_introduction" target="_blank">OceanAria</a></i></b> (Circus) x3 - AquaTheater on Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://theatrecentre.org/?p=7063" target="_blank">Oraltorio: a Theatrical Mixtape</a></i></b> (Musical) - The Riser Project at The Theatre Centre - Toronto, ON - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/our-ladies-of-perpetual-succour" target="_blank">Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour</a></i></b> (Musical) - National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre at National Theatre's Dorman Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.branaghtheatre.com/the-painkiller/" target="_blank">The Painkiller</a></i></b> (Play) - Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company at the Garrick Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/people-places-and-things" target="_blank">People, Places and Things</a></i></b> (Play) - Headlong and National Theatre at the Wyndham's Theatre - West End - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/the-pirate-queen-of-the-stars/" target="_blank">The Pirate Queen of the Stars</a></i></b> (Musical) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - **<br />
<br />
<b><i>Young Chekhov: <a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/platonov" target="_blank">Platonov</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Chichester Festival Theatre's Production at National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-plough-and-the-stars" target="_blank">The Plough and the Stars</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - National Theatre in the Lyttelton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/the-realistic-joneses/" target="_blank">The Realistic Joneses</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainstage - Toronto, ON - **1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/red-barn" target="_blank">The Red Barn</a></i></b> (Play) - National Theatre in the Lyttelton Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/richard-iii/7-jun-2016-6-aug-2016" target="_blank">Richard III</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Almeida Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/right-now/" target="_blank">Right Now</a></i></b> (Play) - Bush Theatre - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****1/2</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.branaghtheatre.com/romeo-and-juliet/" target="_blank">Romeo and Juliet</a></i></b> (Play Revival) x2 - Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company at the Garrick Theatre - West End - London, UK - ***1/2<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/romeo-and-juliet-chainsaw-massacre/" target="_blank">Romeo and Juliet Chainsaw Massacre</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Randolph Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/running-wild" target="_blank">Running Wild</a></i></b> (Play) - Regent's Park Open Air Theatre - London, UK - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stageworthy-may-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://www.factorytheatre.ca/201516-season/salt-water-moon/" target="_blank">Salt Water Moon</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Factory Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
<br />
<b><i>Young Chekhov: <a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-seagull" target="_blank">The Seagull</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - The Chichester Festival Theatre's Production at National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - London, UK- ***<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://shows.manhattantheatreclub.com/sell-buy-date/" target="_blank">Sell/Buy/Date</a></i></b> (Play) - Manhattan Theatre Club in Stage II at NewYork City Center - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/seussical/" target="_blank">Seussical</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Young People's Theatre MainStage - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/11/holiday-sweets-cinderella-and-seussical.html" target="_blank">Review</a>) (Already in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a>) </span></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Shakespeare-in-Love" target="_blank">Shakespeare in Love</a></i></b> (Play) - Stratford Shakespeare Festival in the Avon Theatre - Stratford, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/Shows-Events/She-Loves-Me.aspx" target="_blank">She Loves Me</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/silk-bath/" target="_blank">Silk Bath</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Tarragon Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://luminatofestival.com/2016-Program/Events/Situation-Rooms" target="_blank">Situation Rooms</a></i></b> (Play) - Rimini Protokoll at Luminato Festival at The Hearn - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/stillfalling/" target="_blank">Still/Falling</a></i></b> (Play) - A Green Thumb Theatre at Young People's Theatre - Studio Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/12/opening-minds-stillfalling-play-review.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i>Sleeping Beauty</i></b> (Pantomime Musical) - <a href="http://rosspetty.com/" target="_blank">Ross Petty Productions</a> at the Elgin Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i>Strangers in Between</i></b> (Play) - <a href="http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/" target="_blank">King's Head Theatre</a> - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.pearltheatre.org/production/stupid-fuing-bird/" target="_blank">Stupid Fu**ing Bird</a></i></b> (Play) - The Pearl Theatre Co. - Off-Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/the-summoned/" target="_blank">The Summoned</a></i></b> (Play) - Tarragon Theatre Mainspace - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.eno.org/whats-on/sunset-boulevard/#prod-creative" target="_blank">Sunset Boulevard</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - English National Opera at London Coliseum - London, UK - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://theatrecentre.org/?p=8746" target="_blank">This is the Point</a></i></b> (Play) - Ahuri Theatre at The Theatre Centre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/next-stage-festival/archives/nstf-2016/three-men-in-a-boat/" target="_blank">Three Men in a Boat</a></i></b> (Play) - Next Stage Festival at Factory Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/threepenny-opera" target="_blank">The Threepenny Opera</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - National Theatre's Olivier Theatre - <span style="color: red;">****</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.outsidethemarch.ca/" target="_blank">TomorrowLove™</a> </i></b>(Play) - Outside the March at The Aorta - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.panfishproductions.ca/current-show/" target="_blank">Toronto, Mississippi</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - Panfish Productions at The Box - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://tuckeverlastingmusical.com/" target="_blank">Tuck Everlasting</a></i></b> (Musical) - Broadhurst Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - **1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.secondcity.com/shows/canadian/twist-your-dickens/" target="_blank">Twist Your Dickens</a></i></b> (Play) - The Second City in the Greenwin Theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/workspace-the-two-character-play-good-old-neon/" target="_blank">The Two-Character Play</a></i></b> (Play Revival) - good old neon. theatre at Tarragon Theatre Studio - Toronto, ON - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://waitressthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Waitress</a></i></b> (Musical) - Brooks Atkinson Theatre - Broadway - New York City, NY - <span style="color: red;">**** </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2016/wild/" target="_blank">Wild</a></i></b> (Play) - Hampstead Theatre - London, UK - ***<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/the-wizard-of-oz/" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a></i></b> (Musical Revival) - Young People's Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****1/2 </span>(<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/shows/women/" target="_blank">Women</a></i></b> (Play) - Toronto Fringe Festival at Annex Theatre - Toronto, ON - ***1/2<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/xtheplay" target="_blank">X</a></i></b> (Play) - Royal Court Theatre Downstairs - London, UK - ***1/2 (<a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2016/04/stageworthy-april-2016.html" target="_blank">Review</a>)<br />
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<span class="fullpost"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">_________</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">_________________________________________________________</span></b><br />
<span class="fullpost"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>Previous Best-of Lists:</strong></span></b></span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Best of 2014 List:</span></b></span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/12/best-of-stage-2015.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2015</a><br /><br /><b>Best of 2014 List:</b><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2015/01/best-of-stage-2014.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2014</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2013 List:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2014/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2013.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2013</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2012 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-music-2012.html">Best of Music 2012</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stageworthy-best-of-stage-2012.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2012</a><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2011 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-music-2011.html">Best of Music 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-of-television-2011.html">Best of Television 2011</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-of-stage-2011.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2011</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2010 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-music-2010.html">Best of Music 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-television-2010.html">Best of Television 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-stage-2010.html">Best of Stage 2010</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2011/01/best-of-movies-2010.html">Best of Movies 2010</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-music-2009.html">Best of Music 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-television-2009.html">Best of Television 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-stage-2009.html">Best of Stage 2009</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/best-of-movies-2009.html">Best of Movies 2009</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top.html">SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos)</a> - <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-sytycdworthy-ranking-top_15.html">List Format</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-theatre-of-decade.html">Theatre of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-best-films-of-decade.html">Best Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-favorite-films-of-decade.html">Favorite Films of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/decadeworthy-television-of-decade.html">Television of the Decade</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/12/decadeworthy-television-of-decade-1.html">Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2008 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-music-2008.html">Best of Music 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-of-television-2008.html">Best of Television 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-of-stage-2008.html">Best of Stage 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-of-movies-2008.html">Best of Movies 2008</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/07/best-of-tv-2007-2008-tv-season.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2007 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-music-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-television-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-movies-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-stage-2007.html" target="_blank">Best of Stage 2007</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2008/01/best-of-2007-final-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-of-tv-fall-2006-winter-2007-most.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2006 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-music-for-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Music 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/12/best-of-tv-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-movies-2006-and-everything-else.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/01/best-of-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of 2006</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/06/best-of-tv-fall-2005-and-winter-2006.html" target="_blank">Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best of 2005 Lists:</strong><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/02/things-you-need-to-know-about-vance.html" target="_blank">Best of Television 2005</a><br /><a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2006/03/countdown-to-oscars-1-best-picture-and.html" target="_blank">Best of Movies 2005</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photos of:</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><i>A Line in the Sand</i> and <i>Cam Baby</i> by Dahlia Katz</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><i>Body Politic</i> and <i>Mockingbird</i> by Jeremy Mimnagh</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><i>Bright Lights</i> by John Gundy</span><br />
<span class="fullpost"><i>Cacti</i></span> by Aleksandar Antonijevic<br />
<i>The Deep Blue Sea</i> by Richard Hubert Smith<br />
<i>Groundhog Day</i> and <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i> by Manuel Harlan<br />
<i>The Harvest</i> by Jeremy Daniel<br />
<i>The Lorax</i> by Tristram Kenton<br />
<i>People, Places and Things</i> by Johan Persson<br />
<i>Right Now</i> by Helen Murray<br />
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<span class="fullpost">
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161935.post-1446255070969565312016-12-01T11:54:00.002-05:002016-12-01T11:54:34.961-05:00Opening Minds - Still/Falling - Play Review<b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/stillfalling/" target="_blank">Still/Falling</a></i> - A Green Thumb Theatre at Young People's Theatre - Studio Theatre - Toronto, ON - <span style="color: red;">****</span></b> (out of 5 stars)<br />
Written by Rachel Aberle, Directed by Patrick McDonald<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runs until Dec. 9th 2016. Continues on Tour. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EvJDPF0YJJtyxsD4-Yl6K7vdbboyWXqZlB4azz7Ha5DoI8ArX8W_DxpABa4B1RGPj-aP2svNTv_0_xD_0U0uppRGbyaivIyhTg4qqVxc0JfEKgw8QLaWD8YQVJlEpYkKZGL18w/s1600/Green+Thumb+Theatre+Still-Falling+Olivia+Hutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EvJDPF0YJJtyxsD4-Yl6K7vdbboyWXqZlB4azz7Ha5DoI8ArX8W_DxpABa4B1RGPj-aP2svNTv_0_xD_0U0uppRGbyaivIyhTg4qqVxc0JfEKgw8QLaWD8YQVJlEpYkKZGL18w/s400/Green+Thumb+Theatre+Still-Falling+Olivia+Hutt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While a delightful <i>Seussical</i> warms the heart in the YPT downstairs theatre, upstairs in the studio in <b><i><a href="http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/stillfalling/" target="_blank">Still/Falling</a>,</i></b> actress Olivia Hutt is breaking hearts in her one-woman portrayal of of an angst-ridden, typical teenage girl trying to deal with anxiety and depression in a play by Rachel Aberle that presents mental health in a very matter-of-fact way.<br />
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The play, and Hutt, almost underplay things as she plays various roles in the life of a "normal" teenager. Presenting teenage girl Nina as someone who has friends, does well in school, and yet still has mental health issues, sets up a realistic portrayal of understanding of mental health, all while everyone else in her life is either blind to her anxiety attacks, or helpless in trying to help her along.<br />
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Hutt switches back from Nina to the people surrounding her life, from her perfect mom, glammed up therapist, annoying little brother, her friends, her boyfriend, and Hutt does a remarkable job of switching the emotions while keeping the narrative easily in check. With some great integration of video projections (by Cameron Fraser) on a beautiful simple unit set (by Ken MacDonald, that just hints enough of a tilt in an organized structure hinting at Nina's mind), the times and places are easily recognized in split second scene changes despite the simple directions of the play.<br />
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While we were told before the play that it deals with mental health in a non-suicidal manner, Aberle's play definitely goes deep and far more intensely then its calm set up and nicely underplayed manner hints it will. The play nicely presents without judgement how even this girl with normal issues and a seemingly normal life, can still be affected by mental health. While it does not offer solutions, <i>Still/Falling</i> opens our eyes to something that probably affects those around us as it goes on invisibly, unbeknownst to us. While the play is geared towards young people, it's a pretty good reminder and eye opener for those of any age that anybody can be afflicted with anxiety and despair and there is no easy solution, but understanding is the first step.<br />
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<span class="fullpost">Photo by Moonrider Productions<br />
Vance at <a href="http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/">http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0