Review by Danny Gaisin
Prolific is certainly the right adjective to describe the literary output of Canadian author Norm Foster. For the second or maybe third time, this paper has had critiques of two different plays appear on our front page. This time, it’s ‘Looking’, and “OLD LOVE”. Authors are supposed to write about things they know or have experienced. Foster ain’t old; he’s barely sixty. That’s just upper middle age!
Varley and Carlin in OLD LOVE
Review by Danny Gaisin
A sure way for a playwright to attract attention is to make his or her subject matter relevant. DIVORCE PARTY, The musical does so – in spades. Our family has experienced divorces, males leaving the marriage for a male partnership, and especially, realize the importance of true camaraderie and support.
Mark Schwartz is a Broadway luminary with multiple Tony’s™ to his credit. Amy Botwinick is renowned for her series of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. Jay Falzone is a multi-faceted writer; lyricist & choreographer. This triumvirate have created a triumphant (sorry, couldn’t help myself) ode to indomitability and regeneration after a demoralizing and unexpected social upheaval.
the cast members being “BEST FRIENDS”
Review by Terry Gaisin
Something new; something exciting; something really worthwhile. Not a ‘new & improved dish-soap’ or yet another ‘miracle hair shampoo’ – but a cultural evening with a twist! The multi-talented composer/arranger/director/orchestrator par excellence, Charles T. Cozens,aided by local impresario Rick McKenzie (who did so much to rejuvenate the LYRIC theatre) is bringing a monthly concert experience to the Lincoln Alexander Centre.
l-r; Paton, Cozens & Lima
Review by Danny Gaisin
SEMTEX™ is a powerful explosive; but without a fuse or blasting cap; no more dangerous than putty. Great compositions are similar; monumental – but needing that igniting spark to be a volatile performance. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural 2012-13 Masterworks concert failed to ignite and was musically asymmetrical ranging from pedestrian, to boring, to immaculate.
Newman & Goodman under watchful eyes of Sitarski & Sommerville
Review by Danny Gaisin
Toronto: – its’ Taste of the Danforth; the Beaches – renowned jazz Festival; Oakville – ‘Midnight Madness, and HAMILTON — The James St. North ‘CRAWL’! Like those counterparts; ‘The Hammer’ shuts down the street to vehicle traffic and turns it over to 50,000 pedestrians [and oftimes – accompanying pets!] to see, to eat, and be entertained. In spite of our erroneous reputation as a lunch box town, we’ve culture up the kazoo and we display it every September. Today was no exception.
Avery & the H.P.O. ‘al fresco’
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Review by Danny Gaisin
Norm Foster’s comedy/drama about dating and singles’ existence for the over-forty crowd has the ability to touch its audiences; whether personally or through knowledge of ones’ contemporaries. Being Jewish, Terry & I have an ingrained urge to be matchmakers whenever we meet someone unattached. On rare occasions, we’re successful.
In “LOOKING”, four people; two of whom are interested in meeting a potential mate, drag along their best buds for moral support at their first ‘personal-ad’ blind-date
l-r: Lorraine & Michael Quast;Joe Balaz; Deb Dagenais ‘LOOKING’
