“Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools” is a Modern Arctic Gothic “Throngs erupted in cheering and chanting for hours, zealously celebrating the historic NBA team.” “'I'm living a dream': Raptors victory parade takes over Toronto,” CBC News, 2019 “The Arctic trails have their secret tales/ That would make your blood run cold.” “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” Robert W. … Continue reading “Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools” is a Modern Arctic Gothic
GCTC’s ” Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)” Glosses Over the Important Issues
by Sarah Haley The Great Canadian Theatre Company’s final show of the 2018-19 season, Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells), brings to the stage another pressing story about the interplay of power dynamics within heterosexual relationships. Written by Rose Napoli and directed by Eric Coates, it is a captivating play that keeps you glued to the … Continue reading GCTC’s ” Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)” Glosses Over the Important Issues
The Wedding Party: Shakespearean in Form but not in Finish
by Sarah Haley The Wedding Party, a comedy co-produced by Crow’s Theatre and Talk is Free Theatre, is a chaotic dramedy with clear Shakespearean influences. With mistaken identities and deception, marriage, miscommunication, and complex and intertwining storylines, it has almost all the markers of one of Shakespeare’s comedies. Yet the unresolved issues and the missing … Continue reading The Wedding Party: Shakespearean in Form but not in Finish
“Minding Frankie” Combats the Cold Weather by Warming Hearts
by Sarah Haley Maeve Binchy, the world renown Irish author, is well known for her ability to translate ordinary lives on to the page to reveal the true, extraordinary nature of each life. On stage, Minding Frankie, adapted by Shay Linehan, is no different. Under the direction of John P. Kelly, SevenThirty’s production remains faithful … Continue reading “Minding Frankie” Combats the Cold Weather by Warming Hearts
“Lungs” is an Honest Look at Humanity and the Human Condition
by Sarah Haley Tucked away in the library of the Arts Court, a 2018 Fringe favourite, Lungs, returns. Written by British Playwright Duncan Macmillan, Lungs tells the story of a couple discussing childbirth and its personal and ethical ramifications. Equally funny and heart-wrenching, this Cart Before the Horse remount is honest and emotional. Under the … Continue reading “Lungs” is an Honest Look at Humanity and the Human Condition
“The Hockey Sweater” at the NAC is a musical romp jam-packed with nostalgia
By Meaghan Brackenbury Within the zeitgeist of small Canadian towns, hockey culture is present and persistent in every aspect of life. Kids, parents, and community members alike all speak the same sporty language, punctuated by rituals: school days are to be used for studying, weeknights are spent practicing on the rink, and Saturday nights are … Continue reading “The Hockey Sweater” at the NAC is a musical romp jam-packed with nostalgia
“Counting Aloud” Orchestrates Feelings of Acceptance and Belonging Through Music and Storytelling
by Sarah Haley In Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, the Duke Orsino once said, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Persephone Production’s Counting Aloud endeavors to understand that relationship between music and love. Written and performed by Gabrielle Soskin and directed by Christopher Moore, Counting Aloud is an autobiographical love story between a … Continue reading “Counting Aloud” Orchestrates Feelings of Acceptance and Belonging Through Music and Storytelling
Orpheus’s “The Last Five Years” is all about finding its characters – and the show – along the way
By: Meaghan Brackenbury With its competing chronologies, musical storytelling, and a cast of only two people, The Last Five Years is a play that demands nothing less than the utmost attention to detail in order to properly explore the intricacies of the plot. The story revolves around Cathy and Jaimie, a young couple who are … Continue reading Orpheus’s “The Last Five Years” is all about finding its characters – and the show – along the way
GCTC production of “The Virgin Trial” brings slut-shaming from the Renaissance to Modern Day
By: Meaghan Brackenbury “Elizabeth the First was extraordinary.” This is how Canadian playwright Kate Hennig opens her Director’s Note for the Great Canadian Theatre Company’s production of her most recent theatrical venture, The Virgin Trial. In the second installment of her Queenmaker series which began with The Last Wife, following the story of Catharine Parr … Continue reading GCTC production of “The Virgin Trial” brings slut-shaming from the Renaissance to Modern Day
Ottawa Little Theatre’s “Sylvia” Showcases Strong Performances in Spite of Outdated Script
by Sarah Haley As humans, we have always had a fondness for dogs. Indeed, they are (wo)man’s best friend. Ottawa Little Theatre’s season opener, Sylvia by A.R. Gurney,is the story of the bond between a man and the stray dog he rescues. Billed as a comedy with a similar plotline to the musical Annie, it is … Continue reading Ottawa Little Theatre’s “Sylvia” Showcases Strong Performances in Spite of Outdated Script
The New Ottawa Critics 