There are a few productions that didn't make it onto my blog for pre or review, that I felt I should mention here and now before the year ends. I attended performances of these productions but didn't write about them earlier for a variety of reasons that don't matter now. Posthumously I felt that they still deserved mentioning. For the record...
Suddenly, Last Summer Play by Tennessee Williams, presented by Village Scene Productions at Players Theatre September 22nd to October 4th, directed and adapted by Davyn Ryall. Of course I won't be reviewing the production here, only to say thank you to all those who came out to see the production, your support is noted and appreciated. And of course a huge thank you to the loyal cast and devoted crew of designers who helped make it all happen.
Speak Truth To Power Voices From Beyond the Dark. Play by Ariel Dorfman was presented by Scotch and Cookies Theatre, at St-Georges Church at the end of August. The play deals with highly relevant human rights subject matters in today's current context. It is based on Kerry Kennedy's 2000 book of the same name. Director Bruce Lambie also directed this play at Bishop's University in 2006. In this production an ensemble of 9 local actors present the monologues, that intertwine the stories of 50 human rights activists from around the world, in an elaborate stage reading formate, with the added effect of some visual projection. Not my usual 'cup of tea' entertainment wise, but then theatre can also be used to effect change on society. Well presented and produced for the requirements of the play.
Souvenir by Stephen Temperley was presented in August as part of the 3rd edition of Next Wave Festival of New Musicals at the McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke W. According to Stephen Pietrantoni the artistic director the choice is clear: Canadians must support local musical theatre or face the monotonous cycle of Disney-produced Broadway. I tend to agree with him. This is more of a play than a musical, fortunately as the story focuses on the relationship between performer Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) and her accompanist, Cosme McMoon. Jenkins, a philanthropist, pursued a singing career despite the fact she couldn't sing a note. Featured: Nadia Verrucci and Chris Barillaro (This boy can act too.) I was completely enthralled with the production from start to finish. I left wondering why do all English productions get such short runs in Montreal? Especially such great ones like this which should be running for weeks if not months at some local cabaret styled room in a major DT hotel.
Bunbury: The Importance of Being Earnest/L'importance d'être Constant. Play by Oscar Wild. Presented by Village Scene Productions at TSC during the Pride week celebrations in August. Directed and adapted by Davyn Ryall. Presented in French and English by a bilingual cast of nine local brilliant performers. This adaptation, set in 1929 Montreal and North HATley, featured some eclectic music, movement and dance. I had enjoyed it so much when I saw it at McGill last season that I new I had to do it again, my way. I was even lucky enough to be able to cast Jessica Hill as Gwendolyn (she had played the part at McGill) which proved to be a brilliant addition to the ensemble. Thanks to all of them and to the production crew for standing by this project and making it happen.
I AM I, presented by Dancing Monkey Theatre at Players Theatre, McGill University. Play by Mike Czuba, directed by Larry Lamont. A staged conversation between an ordinary guy, his horny alter ego and a young woman who's not into either of them, says a lot about the 21st century scene. Featured the talents of: Patricia McKenzie, Tristan D. Lalla, and George Bekiaris. I particularly loved the musical compliment to the piece, original sound by the very talented Ti Timbers. (I was so impressed that I recruited him for our own production of Suddenly, Last Summer, presented in the same space in September.) The biggest flaw with this piece is it starts off great, with some great subtle humor, but then it drops off the edge and flops at the end. Also the time of year for presenting this piece was very questionable, July, for a play that is really directed to a 20'-30's audience, they missed the mark by producing it on campus when schools out.
My Pregnant Brother by Johanna Nutter, played during the Fringe at Geordie Space. It won this year's Centaur Theatre award for best English Language Production, -so it will be back, at the Wildside Festival in January of 2010. A piece of chalk is used to outline a stage design defining the areas that the story is located at. A few props are used sparingly to assist in the story telling. The story is told from the perspective of an older sister who is presumably the most the stable member of her family. It's about a women who grew up on the Plateau, in and around 'The Main', with a loose free spirited mom, and a rebellious sexually confused sister. The story gravitates to be about how her brother, formerly her sister, who gets pregnant (He, the brother, never had 'the operation' and remained fertile as well as confused about his / her sexual identity and preferences.) and then the resulting burdens that this creates for the older sister? I expected to love, and wanted to like, this production. I didn't, -not at all, for more reasons than I have time or space to list here. Some folks agree with my assessment, others disagree; 2 cents. -Hey, it's art, and everyone has an opinion. Mine is don't bother seeing 'Pregnant Brother', abort the mission! Or to see it, -you decide for yourself; I hope that it will have been greatly improved by then.
Perverts at the Fringe played at Theatre La Chapelle. A very riské piece of movement that pushes all the right bottons. One got more than an eye full of nudity and sexuality of all sorts leaving one to beg ging the question, 'Who were the real perverts?' Is it those who are portrayed debauched on the stage, or those of us that were in the audience enjoying the spectacle of eye candy frolicking and cavorting in the nude on stage? 4 cents.
HAIR, the musical, at Moise Hall, McGill University. Presented in Jan 29-31 and Feb 5-7. Hair was the 3rd annual AUTS, Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society production. It was an amazing experience; seated in our little private booth section, accompanied by my hubby and friends. It was absolutely delightful to return to this musical that once 'shocked' Broadway off its feet. Composed by Montrealer Galt MacDermot, who also worked on the music for McGill’s My Fur Lady in 1955, Hair burst onto Broadway in 1968, defining the rock musical genre and becoming a groovy, far-out, worldwide phenomenon. It is a little known fact that it actually got its start right here in Montreal in the late 60's. Even 'sans nu' the piece is joyful and still all too relevant with the good old USA still at war in far off foreign lands. Attending a musical when you know all the lyrics to all of the songs is always fun too 'À la Mama Mia'.
Suddenly, Last Summer Play by Tennessee Williams, presented by Village Scene Productions at Players Theatre September 22nd to October 4th, directed and adapted by Davyn Ryall. Of course I won't be reviewing the production here, only to say thank you to all those who came out to see the production, your support is noted and appreciated. And of course a huge thank you to the loyal cast and devoted crew of designers who helped make it all happen.
Speak Truth To Power Voices From Beyond the Dark. Play by Ariel Dorfman was presented by Scotch and Cookies Theatre, at St-Georges Church at the end of August. The play deals with highly relevant human rights subject matters in today's current context. It is based on Kerry Kennedy's 2000 book of the same name. Director Bruce Lambie also directed this play at Bishop's University in 2006. In this production an ensemble of 9 local actors present the monologues, that intertwine the stories of 50 human rights activists from around the world, in an elaborate stage reading formate, with the added effect of some visual projection. Not my usual 'cup of tea' entertainment wise, but then theatre can also be used to effect change on society. Well presented and produced for the requirements of the play.
Souvenir by Stephen Temperley was presented in August as part of the 3rd edition of Next Wave Festival of New Musicals at the McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke W. According to Stephen Pietrantoni the artistic director the choice is clear: Canadians must support local musical theatre or face the monotonous cycle of Disney-produced Broadway. I tend to agree with him. This is more of a play than a musical, fortunately as the story focuses on the relationship between performer Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) and her accompanist, Cosme McMoon. Jenkins, a philanthropist, pursued a singing career despite the fact she couldn't sing a note. Featured: Nadia Verrucci and Chris Barillaro (This boy can act too.) I was completely enthralled with the production from start to finish. I left wondering why do all English productions get such short runs in Montreal? Especially such great ones like this which should be running for weeks if not months at some local cabaret styled room in a major DT hotel.
Bunbury: The Importance of Being Earnest/L'importance d'être Constant. Play by Oscar Wild. Presented by Village Scene Productions at TSC during the Pride week celebrations in August. Directed and adapted by Davyn Ryall. Presented in French and English by a bilingual cast of nine local brilliant performers. This adaptation, set in 1929 Montreal and North HATley, featured some eclectic music, movement and dance. I had enjoyed it so much when I saw it at McGill last season that I new I had to do it again, my way. I was even lucky enough to be able to cast Jessica Hill as Gwendolyn (she had played the part at McGill) which proved to be a brilliant addition to the ensemble. Thanks to all of them and to the production crew for standing by this project and making it happen.
I AM I, presented by Dancing Monkey Theatre at Players Theatre, McGill University. Play by Mike Czuba, directed by Larry Lamont. A staged conversation between an ordinary guy, his horny alter ego and a young woman who's not into either of them, says a lot about the 21st century scene. Featured the talents of: Patricia McKenzie, Tristan D. Lalla, and George Bekiaris. I particularly loved the musical compliment to the piece, original sound by the very talented Ti Timbers. (I was so impressed that I recruited him for our own production of Suddenly, Last Summer, presented in the same space in September.) The biggest flaw with this piece is it starts off great, with some great subtle humor, but then it drops off the edge and flops at the end. Also the time of year for presenting this piece was very questionable, July, for a play that is really directed to a 20'-30's audience, they missed the mark by producing it on campus when schools out.
My Pregnant Brother by Johanna Nutter, played during the Fringe at Geordie Space. It won this year's Centaur Theatre award for best English Language Production, -so it will be back, at the Wildside Festival in January of 2010. A piece of chalk is used to outline a stage design defining the areas that the story is located at. A few props are used sparingly to assist in the story telling. The story is told from the perspective of an older sister who is presumably the most the stable member of her family. It's about a women who grew up on the Plateau, in and around 'The Main', with a loose free spirited mom, and a rebellious sexually confused sister. The story gravitates to be about how her brother, formerly her sister, who gets pregnant (He, the brother, never had 'the operation' and remained fertile as well as confused about his / her sexual identity and preferences.) and then the resulting burdens that this creates for the older sister? I expected to love, and wanted to like, this production. I didn't, -not at all, for more reasons than I have time or space to list here. Some folks agree with my assessment, others disagree; 2 cents. -Hey, it's art, and everyone has an opinion. Mine is don't bother seeing 'Pregnant Brother', abort the mission! Or to see it, -you decide for yourself; I hope that it will have been greatly improved by then.
Perverts at the Fringe played at Theatre La Chapelle. A very riské piece of movement that pushes all the right bottons. One got more than an eye full of nudity and sexuality of all sorts leaving one to beg ging the question, 'Who were the real perverts?' Is it those who are portrayed debauched on the stage, or those of us that were in the audience enjoying the spectacle of eye candy frolicking and cavorting in the nude on stage? 4 cents.
HAIR, the musical, at Moise Hall, McGill University. Presented in Jan 29-31 and Feb 5-7. Hair was the 3rd annual AUTS, Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society production. It was an amazing experience; seated in our little private booth section, accompanied by my hubby and friends. It was absolutely delightful to return to this musical that once 'shocked' Broadway off its feet. Composed by Montrealer Galt MacDermot, who also worked on the music for McGill’s My Fur Lady in 1955, Hair burst onto Broadway in 1968, defining the rock musical genre and becoming a groovy, far-out, worldwide phenomenon. It is a little known fact that it actually got its start right here in Montreal in the late 60's. Even 'sans nu' the piece is joyful and still all too relevant with the good old USA still at war in far off foreign lands. Attending a musical when you know all the lyrics to all of the songs is always fun too 'À la Mama Mia'.
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