Top Left: “If I have to pick something lacking from our Canadian experience to improve upon, it’s the lack of downtime that was effectively filled to the brim with culture filled excursions, informative theatrical workshops, and enriching artistic experiences like seeing and meeting the cast of ‘Up to Low’. I would give up all the sleep and downtime in the world to do it all again. I’m greatly missing OUK Theatre, who now is an extension of my own family”
“I did not expect the wonder that awaited me when we came to see Ottawa’s own ‘Up to Low’. A family’s trip to their home in the mountains is enhanced by hauntingly beautiful musical as personable characters like meticulous Aunt Dottie (Kristina Watt) and loosely-strung Frank (Attila Clemann) come alive to entertain and tell the story of young Tommy discovering himself and helping a dear friend overcome her monsters. The alleyway staging was unique and welcoming, but actors could have projected more so that people on the other end of the stage could always hear. A noteworthy, singular picture of Low and its habitants is painted in the mind of each audience member by/through artistic dialogue, creative props, and never stopping, entrancing, soulful and[…] “
“‘The Magic Paintbrush’ by Once Upon a Kingdom Theatre in Ottawa was colorful, enrapturing, funny, and kind-hearted. The soft, enchanting lighting turns on to reveal a creative, beautiful set of whimsically painted doorways; doors that later reveal a person as dreams and wicked plots. Although I would have appreciated microphones in place for the whole cast, the eventful and suspensful story of the heir of a kingdom in turmoil kept me on my toes and touched my heart as characters like the Gardener, the Storyteller and the [unsure] Princess herself all fought for the justice they deserved.”
We are the New Ottawa Critics. A group of new theatre critics dedicated to reviewing the Ottawa theatre scene while promoting an academic and honest perspective. We strive for a high quality of criticism in hopes of helping the theatre community evolve and grow.
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