Sweeney Todd by Sondheim, currently playing at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12, 2018, bristles with electricity and a terrible current of visceral vitality that keeps audiences spell-bound throughout. Daunting in scope for a small ensemble of ten players, this version of Sondheim’s cult hit—it’s been staged around the world since its original Broadway run in 1979, adapted as a movie in 2007 by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp … [Read more...]
Sweeney Todd at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12 2018. An interview.
July 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The behemoth that is Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd comes to the Roxy Theatre from July 31st- August 12th in Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s creative re-imagining. I met with Patrick Du Wors, set and lighting designer, and Graham McMonagle, costume designer, to discuss the many innovations they have employed to redefine the scenario while remaining true to Sondheim’s original intentions. “Sweeney Todd is extremely taxing, even for the largest … [Read more...]
Mom’s the Word 3: Nest 1/2 Empty at the Belfry Theatre. A review.
July 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The cultural phenomena that is the Mom’s The Word collective has landed, once again, at their “home away from home”, the Belfry Theatre , for the latest update in the uproarious saga--Mom's the Word 3: Nest 1/2 Empty. For twenty five years, relentless in their honesty, this quintet of actors and writers has turned selves, husbands, children and relationships into fodder for their remarkable comedic talents—and garnered an army of followers, not … [Read more...]
Hedwig and the Angry Inch by Atomic Vaudeville July 20-29, 2018. A review.
July 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Hedwig has fans, and so too does Griffin Leonard Lea, as attested by the long line snaking from the top of the stairs at the Upstairs Cabaret on opening night of Atomic Vaudeville’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Those waiting spoke of seeing productions in London, New Year, San Francisco, Toronto and then went on to compare Lea’s performances in not only Hedwig (this show is a reprise of the last year’s inaugural run at the Metro Studio) but also … [Read more...]
Theatre Al Dente presents Phantom of the Light Opera in Victoria BC. A review.
July 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Summer—a time for light reading, light clothing, light eating and—light entertainment, a welcome diversion from regular fare. Nothing too troubling or difficult—like the beach books we all love to read (even if we don’t want to admit it). Theatre Al Dente has it covered. For six season (2010-2015) a team helmed by the father/daughter duo of Gerald Schieven and Sasha Moriarty-Schieven (he directs, she writes and choreographs) produced a … [Read more...]
Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville. July 20-29 2018. Preview.
July 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville. July 20-29 2018. Preview. Media release. I ended my review of last year’s inaugural Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville with the prescient words “with its boisterous energy and cabaret vibe it is well on its way to cult-hit status. I’m already asking when they plan next year’s version.” Wait no more, loyal fans—Hedwig returns, this year to the Upstairs Cabaret … [Read more...]
SKAMpede celebrates 10 years July 13-15 2018 in Victoria BC
July 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
SKAMpede celebrates 10 years July 13-15 2018 in Victoria BC SKAMpede (originally known as Bike Ride) is Theatre SKAM's 10th annual outdoor live performance festival along the Galloping Goose in Victoria BC. And, for the very first time, and in celebration of ten years--it is FREE. Audiences gather at the HUB 360 Harbour Road, and take off in small groups to see up to 16 different mini shows (this can take up to four hours), ranging from … [Read more...]
Illicit A Shadow Story July 11 2018 at the Belfry Theatre
July 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
ILLICIT A Shadow Story July 11 2018 at the Belfry Theatre Victoria Performance & Dialogue on the Opioid Overdose Crisis A collective of frontline responders to the opioid crisis from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will share their community play, ILLICIT, at the historic Belfry Theatre’s Studio A on the evening of July 11, 2018. The play, which features stories and shadow theatre sourced from the actors’ lived experience, will be … [Read more...]
The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15. 2018. A review.
July 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15. 2018. A review. The Drawer Boy—written by award-winning playwright Michael Healey in 1996 about the experience of The Farm Show—an early (1972) experiment in community-based theatre, where actors created shows based on the lives of Ontario farmers—and currently at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre until July 15th, is a riveting homage to an homage—a modern re-telling of what has itself … [Read more...]
The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review.
July 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review. Under a lowering sky, brimming with the promise of pent-up rain, a feral being (an impressive Trevor Hinton as Caliban), clothed in rags and tatters, galumphs across a dry and rocky landscape—then, quickly seizing upon a small furry creature, proceeds to kill and eat it—raw. Welcome to The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. Director Chelsea Haberlin … [Read more...]
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