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‘Beauty & the Beast’:- “I loved it!” Review by Danny Gaisin  Jan. 27th, ‘12 Disclaimer: This scribe grew up in Quebec and vaguely remembered a French fable “Belle et Bête” written by Gabrielle Villeneuve in the 18th century… never made the connection to the play cum cartoon cum stage musical 250 years later. Last night seated at the rear of Meadowvale Theatre next to Ursula & Les who were kind enough to reiterate the modern version, thus prepping me for what THEATRE UNLIMITED was about to offer. Alan Menken, Howard Ashman & Tim Rice collaborated on a musical adaptation of the Disney interpretation that is rather far removed from my childhood recollection. But, it’s actually a more interesting & imaginative story. Director Richard Henry exhibits an amazing penchant for detail, and has certainly motivated his forty-odd cast members to fully explicate all aspects of their individual roles. The set is intricate and creative, the costumes are first-rate and the 12-piece orchestra led by Jan Stapleton is so talented as to perform faultlessly.  the cast of BEAUTY & THE BEAST |
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String Extravaganza – “Couples” Review by Judith Caldwell  Jan. 23rd, ‘12 On Sunday afternoon at 1st Unitarian Church in Hamilton we were treated to six very accomplished string players introducing us to some new music and a lovely older work by Brahms.The concert began with Caitlin Boyle, viola and Rachel Desoer, cello, playing a Duo by Walter Piston, a 20th century American composer who taught at Harvard. This work is in three movements ending with a lively playful Molto vivace.Our next Duo were Yehonatan Berick, violin and Rachel Mercer, cello who playedTwo Choros bis (1928) by Heitor Villa-Lobos. These represented a new form of musical composition, synthesizing different types of Brazilian, Indian and popular music’ according to the composer when he first showcased the pieces.  the Berick Mercer duo |
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“Goodnight Desdemona; good morning Juliet”, @ UTM Review by Danny Gaisin  Jan. 21st, ‘12 “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything!” Marty McFly – ‘Back to the Future’. In the 1988 comedy GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET, author Ann-Marie MacDonald has her pathetic heroine fall down a rabbit-hole à la ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to confront Othello’s wife and Romeo’s love in hopes of proving that their stories should have been comedies if only…! THEATRE ERINDALE’S innovative rendering of the story is directed by Daniel Levinson in what is a most creative and re-focused progression. The result is sexy, vulgar, very contemporary and overall –funny. Knowledge of the original Shakespearean tragedies is certainly an asset, but Levinson and his extremely competent cast imbue the presentation with a stand-alone quality that is both entertaining and even has a somewhat Coles Notes™ acquiescence to Eng. Lit. 101. Photo courtesy of Jim Smagata  Nash keeps Lloyd from jabbing Cresswell |
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Jan.27th '12 "AVENUE 'Q' " The most amusing street in Manhattan! This semi-puppeted musical has been an audience delight since its inception. Lower Ossington Theatre will stage it to Feb. 4th 8pm curtain.. 100A Lower Ossington Ave.just North of Queen. 416-915-6747 ‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST’ Wilde’s parody of manners & prevarication is still a hoot after 115 years. Staged by the McMaster Thespian company, Jan. 26-28th @ Baltimore House. Book seats at- macthespians.webs.com/reservetickets.htm “GOOD NIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET” @ Theatre Erindale (UTM). A-M. MacDonald’s drama runs until Jan. 29th. 905-569-4369 “BEAUTY and THE BEAST” This family-oriented musical, presented by Missa’s Theatre Unlimited, on stage at Meadowvale – Montevideo Dr., To Jan. -29th. Call 905-615-4720 for tickets "CREATION"musical by Peter Anderson; directed by Peter Hinton, about how God (or Big Bang Theory) started it all!. Jan. 30th - Feb. 20th At Ottawa;s Nat'l Arts Centre. Studio theatre. Tickets $21-$39 call 1-888-991-2787 |
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