Previews of all shows follows Spotlight

Spotlight: Skin Deep.
Body & Soul looks at beauty and aging through the stories of 13 women.

For playwright/director Judith Thompson, it was a beautiful gamble, helping to create a project that would have thirteen ordinary women telling their own stories from their beginnings to the present day.

Produced by Uniliver's Dove Pro-Age, the cosmetic company that launched its worldwide "Campaign for Real Beauty" back in 2006, among the Canadian components was Dove's commissioning of a theatrical work "to help change society's attitude toward beauty and aging." The result is Body & Soul, Dove's first ever stage production which debuts on May 10 and plays for 8 performances until May 17 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

Dove's mandate was that all of the women be "extraordinary in their ordinariness," says Thompson, "women who had never acted or performed before." After putting out a casting call in Toronto and environs for women to audition by writing a letter to their Body and sending in a picture, 40 applicants were asked to come in and come up with a three minute piece on something they felt strongly about. Thompson then asked them to do an improvisation with three others to watch how they worked in an ensemble.

"After I cast those eight ," says Thompson, another call was put out, this time across the country, for four more women. Thousands came. It was amazing. Women came from Nunavut, Resolute Bay, Northern B.C. - everywhere."

The finished product is the result of their stories being "coaxed out" by Thompson, with the women using their own words and telling their true life stories. Thompson then edited them, at times exploring them further until "the story shone." The final step was shaping the piece and bringing in music and some dance. "Constant movement," says Thompson. "The women are on stage all the time."

The women from ages 48 to 78, are indeed are the star of the show according to Thompson, who says that the Collective Creation is about "the second act of a woman's life. These are real women and real stories. I am so deeply honored and humbled by their courage, their strength, their suffering, and joy."

Body & Soul plays at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Baillie Theatre. 55 Mill St. in the historic Distillery. For tickets phone: 416-866-8666.


Previews

Alias Godot

Alias Godot by Brendan Gall is a clever and comic counterpoint to Samuel Beckett's classic exploration of hope in Waiting for Godot. After a harrowing night on the beat, corrupt detective Vincent and his bumbling partner Edward retreat to a forgotten interrogation room in a dank New York City precinct with a baffling suspect – a foreigner named Godot. As their attempts to interrogate him are thwarted by their own ineptitude and paranoia – and the surprise interruptions of Rocko and Linus of the hapless Domestic Terrorism Unit – Vincent and Edward slowly realize that Godot is far more unusual than they first suspected. Their clumsy questions are no match for Godot, whose disarming honesty, blather about a mysterious package, and vexing preoccupation with a pressing appointment completely derails the detectives. Tarragon Theatre presents the North American premiere of Brendan Gall's Alias Godot, directed by Richard Rose and starring Paul Braunstein, David Ferry, Tony Nappo, Alon Nashman and Geoffrey Pounsett. It plays at the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace from April 22 (opens April 30) to June 1. 30 Bridgman Ave. Box office: 416-531-1827. www.tarragontheatre.com/
Photo: by Cylla von Tiedemann. Alon Nashman in Alias Godot.
For the Review of Alias Godot please click here


Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America's cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world's stages.  The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers.  Beauty, spirit, hope and passion know no bounds.  That is the power of Ailey. AAADT returns to the Sony Centre for three performances;  each show will be comprised of a distinct set of pieces from the company's repetoire, culminating in the signature ‘Revelations'. Programme: Programme: May 16, 8pm  Firebird/The Groove to Nobody's Business/Unfold/Revelations: May 17 2pm. Love Stories/The Groove to Nobody's Business/Treading/Revelations; May 17 8pm. The Winter in Lisbon/Phoebe Snow/Revelations.  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is presented May 16 and 17 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (formerly The Hummingbird Centre). One Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario.Tickets through Ticketmaster by phone at 416-872-2262, online at www.ticketmaster.ca ,


The Barber of Seville

The Canadian Opera Company's spring run continues with Gioacchino Rossini's opera buffa, The Barber of Seville .  A comedy of mischievous mayhem and delightful absurdities, Rossini's The Barber of Seville is eternally popular for its frothy charm and irresistible melodies.   Director Michael Patrick Albano , last with the COC for the critically acclaimed Ensemble Studio production of Swoon, returns to stage this production. The Barber of Seville follows the young Count Almaviva who is in love with the charming Rosina.  She is a prisoner in the home of her elderly guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who intends to marry her himself.  To gain access to Rosina, Almaviva hires the services of Figaro, the irrepressible barber who spends as much time scheming as he does shaving.  Last performed by the COC in 1999, this production brings together set designer John Stoddart and lighting designer Stephen Ross .  Beloved characters and sparkling arias make The Barber of Seville one of the world's most popular and frequently performed operas.   Singing the role of Rosina, the young and beautiful ward, is Albanian soprano Enkelejda Shkosa .  Macedonian tenor Blagoj Nacoski , is her admirer, the ardent Count Almaviva.  Both Ms Shkosa and Mr. Nacoski make their company debuts.   Recently appearing with Welsh National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, Russian baritone Rodion Pogossov makes his COC debut as the mischievous barber, Figaro. The Barber of Seville runs April 16, 19, 25, May 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 21 and 23,and is sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. 145 Queen St. West. Single tickets: www.coc.ca or 416-363-8231.
Photo: by Michael Cooper. Enkelejda Shkosa as Rosina and Rodion Pogossov as Figaro in the COC's production of The Barber of Seville .

Bella Donna

Burning Passions Theatre and Some Strange Reason Theatreworks presents David Copelin 's 2005 Fringe Festival hit Bella Donna .Set in Renaissance Italy, Copelin's clever and darkly funny script about the sexual, political and religious intrigues surrounding history's notorious Lucrezia Borgia gets a new and provocative production directed by Sue Miner .Excommunicated by her father's successor as Pope, weary of her husband's infidelities, Lucrezia finds passion with Giovanni, a young soldier she meets while both are in disguise. As war looms, the irony of unintended consequences reveals a long-buried secret that tests everyone in the play. Sharp, satiric, full of hot-blooded characters, David Copelin's Bella Donna dramatizes a world where religious faith takes surprising forms, lies fuel history, and gossip might as well be truth. Winner of the 2005 Fringe Festival Best Play Award , a shorter version of Bella Donna became a Fringe Patron's Pick and played to sold-out houses. This new Toronto production follows the highly successful run at the RCA Theatre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador in April 2007. Bella Donna features a cast of accomplished actors including Francoise Balthazar , Daniel Chapman-Smith , Lindsay McMahon , Mimi Mekler and Stephen Sparks. Bella Donna runs at The Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs from May 16 to June 7, 2008 at the The Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs, 26 Berkeley St., Toronto (416) 368-3110.


Breakfast

Marnie, a middle-aged, single, depressed and lonely woman, is trying out a self-help programme in an attempt to “move ahead” in her life. The audience is invited into her kitchen, as voyeurs to Marnie's morning rituals. But her breakfast preparations begin to take a bizarre turn, as the self-help guru slowly becomes increasingly personal: asking her to perform strange tasks and to engage with difficult memories from her past. When she is interrupted by an unexpected visit, the audience is left to ask whether magic has entered the room, or if they are being subjected to a mind that has crossed over from reality into delusion. What must Marnie do to truly transform her life? Breakfast was conceived and developed by The Independent Aunties during their residency at Toronto 's The Theatre Centre. Breakfast expands on the company's absurdist and darkly humourous style but is a departure with regards to its theatrical vision and use of space. Audiences are invited to see the show multiple times during the run to witness the transformation of the production as director, designers, writers and performers continue to work days and play nights until the very last week. Created by: Anna Chatterton, Brendan Healy, Evalyn Parry, Karin Randoja; Written by: Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry. Directed by: Brendan Healy; Featuring: Karin Randoja, Anna Chatterton, Evalyn Parry. Breakfast plays at the Theatre Centre from May 14 (opens May 21)to June 1. 1087 Queen St. W. Box Office: 416-538-0988.


Dance of the Red Skirts

Theatre Columbus is proud to present their latest offering, a new comedy inspired by Paul Klee's 1924 darkly whimsical masterpiece, Dance of the Red Skirts . Created by the Company and scripted by Martha Ross , When Theatre Columbus Co-artistic Directors Leah Cherniak and Martha Ross attended École Jacques Lecoq in Paris, there was a component about paintings and painters in which they explored the physical dynamic of the colours, the paint quality, the forms/figures, etc ., and then they were required to create a short piece of theatre. The painting and the life story/philosophy of the painter informed the world of the characters and the stories they created. In Dance of the Red Skirts , the characters and the story will be painted by the painting and will help the Company find the play in Klee. Directed by Leah Cherniak, Dance of the Red Skirts will be performed by Maev Beaty , Greg Gale and Erin Shields. The Dance of the Red Skirts plays from May 3 (opening May 7) to May 25 at The Tarragon Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave. Box Office : 416.531.1827. www.theatrecolumbus.ca/
Photo: by John Lauener. L to R: Greg Gale and Maev Beaty.

erDead Ahead

Cory, Andrew, and Tiga are members of The Chaotic Crew. They are all avid players of the violent video game Dead Ahead . The goal of the game is ‘Gangland Supremacy in Mega City' where society's rules, mores, and morality have little currency. Life is cheap in Mega City. Chalmers and Dora Award-winning playwright Edward Roy uses a ‘game format' as a framing device for this teen thriller, which explores group dynamics, societal responsibility and, ultimately – teen homicide. As the drama unfolds, the play's characters are thrust into a moral dilemma when a member of “The Chaotic Crew” commits a murder. Is the murder justified? Is murder ever justified? Should they cover up the crime or call the police? Toronto's Topological Theatre announces a new focus on theatre for teen audiences as it gears up for the world premiere of Dead Ahead, produced in partnership with Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (LKTYP). Directed by Edward Roy, Dead Ahead features Eli Ham, Ben Lewis, and Sabryn Rock. Dead Ahead plays in the Nathan Cohen Studio at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People from April 28 to May 16. 165 Front St. E., Toronto Box Office:: 416 862-2222; Schedule and online tickets: www.lktyp.ca/
Photo: by David Hawe. L-R: Eli Ham, Ben Lewis, Sabryn Rock and Ashton Doudelet in a scene from Dead Ahead
For the Review of Dead Ahead please click here

The December Man

The Canadian Stage Company presents the award-winning play The December Man (L'homme de décembre) by Colleen Murphy in co-production with Edmonton's Citadel Theatre. The December Man (L'homme de décembre) examines the impact of a devastating tragedy on a working-class family in Montreal. Inspired by the massacre of 14 women at the École Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989, The December Man (L'homme de décembre) focuses on a family struggling to return to normalcy after being caught up in the tragic event. Kathleen and Benoît Fournier are at a loss as to how to help their son Jean cope with the rage and guilt of surviving. Jean becomes utterly unglued as he is consumed by thoughts of what he could have done to overpower the shooter and what he should have done to save the women. A searing drama about courage, heroism and despair, The December Man (L'homme de décembre) explores the long private shadow that an act of public violence casts.  The December Man ( L'homme de décembre ) won the 2006 Enbridge playRites Award and the 2007 Governor General's Literary Award for English Language Drama.   The co-production, directed by Micheline Chevrier stars multi-award-winning veterans Nicola Lipman and Brian Dooley, and introduces Jeff Irving in his Canadian Stage debut. The play is slated be part of the 2008-2009 season for Vancouver's Green Thumb Theatre. The December Man (L'homme de décembre) runs April 7 ( opens April 10) to May 17 at the Berkeley Street Theatre. 26 Berkeley Street. For tickets: 416-368-3110 or Ticketmaster 416-872-1111, online at canstage.com or in person at the Canadian Stage Customer Service Centres, 26 Berkeley Street or 27 Front St. East .
Photo: by Epic Photography, Ian Jackson. Front Page: Jeff Irving and Brian Dooley: top of Preview: Nicola Lipman.
For the Review of The December Man please click here


Dirty Dancing

The North American premiere of the stage adaptation of Eleanor Bergstein's 1980's hit film Dirty Dancing, begins its long awaited run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Bergstein, Dirty Dancing's writer and creator (for the stage version as well) follows the storyline of the film as the Houseman family take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny Castle. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'! The iconic film Dirty Dancing, which starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, was released in 1987 and has become the benchmark by which all 'chick flicks' are now judged. All the hits from the film's soundtrack, which includes Do You Love Me?, She's Like The Wind, and Time Of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. The story has been re-written for the stage, but includes all of the movies memorable moments and 20 brand new scenes written especially for the stage. Torontonian Jake Simons plays Johnny, the headstrong dance instructor who captures Baby's heart at Kellerman's where Dirty Dancing is set, emerging actor Monica West plays Frances 'Baby' Houseman, and Britta Lazenga, a former dancer with The Joffrey Ballet, is Penny, Johnny's mesmerizing but troubled partner. James Powell directs with choreography by Kate Champion. Dirty Dancing previews begins on Oct. 31 and runs until Aug. 31, 2008. The Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. West Toronto. Call TicketKing 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333 to book.
Photo: by David Scheinmann. Josef Brown ("Johnny") and Georgina Rich ("Baby") from the Original London Cast.
For the Review of Dirty Dancing please click here

The Eco Show

After an extensive workshop process, Daniel Brook's critically lauded play The Eco Show is making its Toronto premiere, presented by the Necessary Angel Company. Overpopulation, energy depletion, drought, mass extinction: these and other problems have arrived, or are on their way. People die, families die out, and entire civilizations end. Change on an enormous scale is inevitable. Described by Daniel Brooks as an elegy, The Eco Show examines how the ecology of one family is changed by the ecology of the world. The Eco Show received its world premiere in June 2007 at Montreal's highly esteemed Festival TransAmériques after a six-week workshop in Toronto.Written & Directed by Daniel Brooks, featured in the cast are Richard Clarkin, Joe Cobden, Fiona Highet, Geza Kovacs & Jenny Young; Designed by Ben Chaisson, Richard Feren, Julie Fox, Andrea Lundy & Barbara Sternberg. Hailed as a "near-perfect piece of contemporary theatre" by the Montreal Gazette , The Eco Show previews from May 13, opens May 15 and runs to June 1 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. 12 Alexander St. Box Office: 416-975-8555 or www.totix.ca / Information : www.necessaryangel.com /


Evil Dead: The Musical

Voted “Toronto's Favourite Show” (DORA Audience Choice 2007) Evil Dead: The Musical directed by Christopher Bond and Hinton Battle, returns for a bloody Valentine's. Based on Sam Raimi's 80's cult classic films, Evil Dead tells the tale of five college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. And although it may sound like a horror, its not! The songs are hilariously campy and the show is bursting with more farce than a Monty Python sketch. The cast features film and Broadway star Ryan Ward, reprising his critically acclaimed Off-Broadway performance as Ash. Since its beginnings in Toronto four years ago, Evil Dead: The Musical has continued its cult appeal and wowed its loyal ‘deadites' while simultaneously exciting an entirely new audience. One of the hottest shows this past summer, fans filled the ‘splatter zone' – the two front rows dedicated to audience members being sprayed with demon blood – and could be seen wearing their splattered shirts afterwards as a trophy on the streets of Toronto and as a testament to their bravery and devotion. Evil Dead: The Musical plays fom Feb. 14 to June 14 at The Diesel Playhouse, 56 Blue Jays Way. Diesel Playhouse Box Office ( 56 Blue Jays Way ), call 416.971.5656 or online at www.evildeadthemusical.com .
Photo: Ash and the Zombies.


Falling to Grace

A DanceWorks CoWorks/HOWDARESHE Productions co-presentation, Falling to Grace features new dance works by Toronto dance luminaries Tanya Crowder and Julia Sasso. In Falling to Grace, Crowder and Sasso take us on an unforgettable voyage to the dark edges of reality in three physically and emotionally charged dances. Swallowed Hollow, created and performed by acclaimed dancer/choreographer Tanya Crowder, with sound score by Valerie Calam, Swallowed Hollow explores the mind and body under duress. Inspired by her own mother's thirty-year struggle with manic depression, alongside her own battles for a balance of strength and sensual vulnerability, Swallowed Hollow depicts a woman beset by fear and delusion, disillusion and frustration. In Accidental Dances Sasso courageously weaves her spontaneous physical responses into choreography inspired by Ann Southam's sublime solo piano compositions. Unspeakable features Tanya Crowder in the world premiere of a riveting new solo by Julia Sasso. Falling to Grace is presented from May 13 to 18 at the Pia Bouman Studio Theater. 6 Noble St. (West of Queen and Dufferin). Reservations: 416 204 1082, Information/group rates: 415 556 0347 .


Free to Be. . . You and Me

The Randolph Younger Company of the Ranbdolph Academy will transport audiences to “a land where the river runs free, through the green country, to a shining sea” in a production of Free To Be … You and Me, May 9-19, 2008, at the Bathurst Street Theatre. Special performances include a benefit for Future Possibilities for Kids on May 10 at 7 p.m.; two Victoria Day Holiday Performances, May 19; and a special ticket offer for Mother's Day, May 11, for moms and grandmas. Free To Be … You and Me features kids between the ages of 8 and 14. Originally released as an audio recording in 1972 by Marlo Thomas and a prominent list of '70s entertainers, Free To Be is a mix of poetry, music, and skits that explore self-identity. Free To Be 's positive, life-enhancing messages about growth and change still resonate among kids and adults alike, even 35 years since its original release. With favourites from the original album, such as William's Doll , Parents are People , and It's All Right to Cry , Free to Be … You and Me is a salute to individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity. RYC Artistic Director Lawrence Axmith directs. Free to Be You and Me runs at the Bathurst St Theatre, 736 Bathurst St. Box Office: ( 416) 872-1111 or www.ticketmaster.ca.


I Am Not Neil Young

I Am Not Neil Young, the musical, is a new Canadian work, starring Frank Wilks as a performer with a history. It is a story of a musician from Toronto in the 1980s who led and played in the band: “Buffalo Springfield Revisited,” which featured Bruce Palmer and others from the legendary group: “Buffalo Springfield” after Neil Young and Steve Stills had moved on to other famous projects.The play contains songs and stories of Frank and the band playing at venues like the L.A Forum, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the 30 th Anniversary of Rock and Roll Tour and others. It also features anecdotes of time spent with the likes of Neil Young and Steve Stills .I Am Not Neil Young contains three motifs: first, the serendipity and insanity of becoming a rock star, second, the related descent into drugs and alcohol, heaven and hell with the climb back to redemption and third, living for a while under the shadow of a superstar like Neil Young and then moving on as Frank evolves into an artist and songwriter in his own right. Written by Frank Wilks and Don Lamoreux, This is a first look at the show which will tour Ontario Fringe Theatre Festivals: Windsor July 18-27, London July 31-August 10 and Hamilton August 15-24, 2008 before returning to Toronto. I Am Not Neil Young plays at the Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave. (near Broadview) Thursday 9pm, May the 15 th ,2008.


The Italian Straw Hat

Written by by Eugene Labiche and Marc-Michel and translated by Lynn and Theodore Hoffmann, The Italian Straw Hat is a renowned comedy with songs in the French 19th century farcical vaudeville tradition. The hero, M. Fadinard, is about to get married when an attractive lady and her irate lover pop up.  They announce that his horse has compromised her by eating her rare Italian straw showFive and that they will not leave the bridal chamber until Fadinard has produced an identical one.  The mayhem that ensues - mistaken identities, characters hiding behind closed doors, and all the other devices of French farce - create an evening of unparalleled hilarity.  And all embellished with song and dance! Designed and directed by L. Garth Allen, The Italian Straw Hat plays at the Fairview Public Library from May 1 to 17. 35 Fairview Mall Drive To order tickets call or click 416.299.5557 or http://www.stagecentreproductions.com/
Photo: by Andrew Oxenham. Will van der Zyl as M. Fadinard in The Italian Straw Hat.


Misery

The Canadian Stage Company wraps its 2007/2008 season with Misery , Simon Moore's critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's bestselling novel about fan adulation gone awry. Directed by David Storch and starring award-winning actors Nicola Cavendish and Tom McCamus, in this adaptation of King's unsettling thriller, award-winning romance novelist Paul Sheldon is at the top of his game when a car accident leaves him injured and stranded on a lonely Colorado road during a blizzard. He awakens to find himself at the mercy of a delusional and obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, a nurse with a suspect past, and so begins Paul's descent into a living hell. As Annie becomes increasingly unhinged, Paul struggles with the pain of his injuries as he fights for his sanity and for his life.“The story of Misery is a commentary on the cult of celebrity. It offers a look at the world of voyeurism and fan worship,” states Artistic Producer Martin Bragg. “In a society obsessed with celebrity, you need only look as far as Britney Spears to realize that fame can be destructive.” Misery previews begin May 5; the play opens May 8 and continues through to May 31 at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East. For tickets and information, contact416-368-3110 or canstage.com/
Photo: by Cylla von Tiedemann. Nicola Cavendish and Tom McCamus in Misery.


My Fair Lady

Dancap Productions lnc. is pleased to present Cameron Mackintosh and the National Theatre of Great Britain¹s acclaimed new production of Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady. My Fair Lady will be one of the first large-scale commercial musicals presented in the Toronto Centre for the Arts on the Main Stage in more than ten years. My Fair Lady originally opened at the National Theatre of Great Britain March 2001 before transferring to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on London's West End July 2001 where it ran for 2 1/2 years. The show opened to record-breaking advance sales and went on to win five Laurence Olivier Awards, including Outstanding Musical Production and Best Theatre Choreographer for Matthew Bourne.The North American tour of My Fair Lady brings together the original U.K.artistic team with direction by four-time Tony® winner Trevor Nunn, choreography and musical staging by two-time Tony® winner Matthew Bourne, production design by Anthony Ward and lighting design by David Hersey. My Fair Lady is adapted from Bernard Shaw¹s play Pygmalion and Gabriel Pascals motion picture and features one of Broadway¹s most beloved scores including The Rain in Spain, Wouldn't It Be Loverly?,I Could Have Danced All Night and Get Me to the Church on Time. My Fair Lady stars Christopher Cazenove as Professor Henry Higgins and Lisa O'Hare as Eliza Doolittle. My Fair Lady plays at the Toronto Centre for the Arts from May 8th to 31st, 2008. 5040 Yonge St. Tickets are available now by phone with Ticketmaster at 416-872-1111 or online at dancaptickets.com.
Photo: by Joan Marcus. Lisa O'Hare and Christopher Cazelnove in My Fair Lady.

My Fellow Creatures

Two men, serving time for the same crime, are forced to question the nature of their desires when their pasts become their present. Developed through Buddies In Bad Times Theatre's Ante Chamber Playwrights' Unit and the Banff Playwrights' Colony, My Fellow Creatures is an examination of the nature of adult men who love children.  Written and directed by Michael Rubenfeld, the play ventures into dark and explosive territory without offering simple answers. The story, told through the eyes of these men, compels its audience towards empathy, while laying bare the recurring cycle of pain and abuse which exists within this illicit world. A raw, honest and thoughtful portrayal, My Fellow Creatures asks us to face difficult questions about love, consent, vengeance and acceptance. My Fellow Creatures marks the first full-length mainstage production for writer/director and newly named SummerWorks Festival Director, Michael Rubenfeld . Rubenfeld co-founded Absit Omen Theatre with award-winning playwright Hannah Moscovitch in 2001. My Fellow Creatures features Terrence Bryant, Benjamin Clost and Richard Zeppieri, and plays at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace from May 15 (opens May 16)) until June 1. 16 Ryerson Ave. 416-504-7529.
Photo: by David Oiye.


'Night Mother

Marsha Norman's 1983 play, 'Night, Mother was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk, and four Tony Awards for its compassionate and heart wrenching examination of the relationship between a mother and daughter, Jessie, and her mother, Thelma. Although the topic of 'Night Mother is unhappiness that results in suicide, Norman manages to interject some macabre humor through sharp dialogue. Critics have lauded the play for its emotional honesty and realistic dialogue, with much of the praise focused on the play's unflinching depiction of a family—specifically a mother and daughter—in crisis. Yet, Norman's work is viewed by most as a depiction of a failed mother/daughter relationship, a chronical of the daughter's deep unhappiness, and, ultimately, her inability to deal with her lot in life. In this sense the play is valued as both a gritty work of fiction and a cautionary tale that has bearing on real life. Directed by Alisa Palmer, the real-life mother/daughter acting team of Dawn Greenhalgh and Megan Follows tackle the real life and death issues of this highly celebrated play. 'Night Mother is presented by the Soulpepper Theatre Company and plays at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts from May 13 to June 21. Opens May 20. The Historic Distillery, 55 Mill St. Box office: 416-866-8666.


The Sexual Practices of the Japanese

Spring fever hits The Factory Theatre with the second annual Performance Spring Festival. Independent theatre companies and artists from across Canada will take the Toronto stage by storm and premiere their cutting edge productions. Headlining Performance Spring is Vancouver's Theatre Replacement. In a scintillating peek at the world of sexual stereotypes surrounding Japanese culture, Theatre Replacement's trilogy of interweaving stories moves from a crowded commuter train to one of Tokyo's infamous love hotels. A standout success at Ottawa's Magnetic North Festival and Seattle's On The Boards Behnke Center For Contemporary Performance, this wittily irreverent must-see show touches on office politics, work parties and Seattle Mariners' star out-fielder (and Japanese icon) Ichiro Suzuki. The Sexual Practices of the Japanese is written by Maiko Bae Yamamoto, James Long, Manami Hara & Hiro Kanagawa and Directed by Maiko Bae Yamamoto and James Long. It plays from May 7th – May 18th 2008 at the Factory Theatre. 125 Bathurst St. Festival Passes and Tickets can be purchased by calling the Factory Theatre box office at 416-504-9971 or online at www.factorytheatre.ca/
Photo: by Tim Matheson. Maiko Bae Yamamoto in The Sexual Practices of the Japanese at the Factory Theatre.


Two Stroke Roll

David King performs two of his solo works in Two Stroke Roll. Song Telling and Once have their Toronto premier on the Factory stage in one musical and comedic evening of story telling. May 13 th – May 18 th , 2008 6 Performances only. A companion piece for Once, Song Telling consists of six monologues woven nto the music of Debussy, Benny Goodman, Faure, Benny Moten's Kansas City Orchestra, Dvorak as well as Beethoven. Once …is the true story of two young boys who went through the ice of the Assiniboine River in 1959. King creates a mostly fictional narrative encompassing autobiographical elements and drumming. The show is part of Factory Theare's Spring Performance festival. 25 Bathurst St. Festival Passes and Tickets can be purchased by calling the Factory Theatre box office at 416-504-9971 or online at www.factorytheatre.ca/