It’s a sin “To Kill a Mocking Bird” Reply

by • Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre, Uncategorized

Review by Danny Gaisin
One of my last dates before moving to Toronto in 1962 was to see Gregory Peck (& a young Mary Badham) in Universal’s ‘Hat Trick’ Oscar® winner – To kill a Mocking Bird. The movie had a narrator, but director Nigel Williams has opted to have a grown up Jean Louise Finch (aka ‘Scout’) on stage and even recite some of the more poignant dialogue with her younger self. The synchronizing between Irene Poole and Clara Poppy Kushnir dovetails with perfection and total effectiveness. Kushnir IS ‘Scout’ and with her brother ‘Jem’ ( Jacob Skiba) and Hunter Smalley as their friend ‘Dill’, are a powerhouse triumvirate.

Jonathan Goad & his adoring ‘Scout’

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“AN (almost) IDEAL HUSBAND” Reply

by • Comedy, Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre

Review by Terry Gaisin

The definition of ‘Ideal’ is [a] a conception of something in its perfection; [b] a standard of excellence; or [c] a person conceived as embodying such a conception. Oscar Wilde’s Lady Gertrude considers her husband Sir Robert just such an icon and his intense love for her pushes him to maintain such a lofty demeanour. Evidence of a youthful indiscretion leads to bribery and blackmail, which may blow away the very foundation of his studied character. Sophia Walker & Tim Campbell are the Chilterns and the interaction between them reflects such a penultimate emotional connection.

 Brad Hodder as AN IDEAL HUSBAND’s ideal friend

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“CORIOLANUS” a visionary new take on a political tragedy Reply

by • Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre

Review by Danny Gaisin
The protagonist of Shakespeare’s last tragedy – Caius Martius, receives the honorarium of Coriolanus in recognition of his conquering Coreoles, the capital city of Rome’s enemy. He’s a war hero whose mother pushes him into seeking political power. Think of a Dwight Eisenhower; with a Rose Kennedy materfamilias! Then add in a Pierre Trudeau distaining attitude toward the common electorate and one could then have a modern parallel of the original. Coriolanus is neither a hero nor a villain, he’s both and thus his enemies become more numerous than his supporters. He’s banished; joins Rome’s enemies; is seduced by family instinct; and gets assassinated for this second betrayal.

Andre Sills as a dynamic but faulted CORIOLANUS

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“THE MUSIC MAN”; Stratford & Feore ace Meredith Wilson Reply

by • Comedy, Festival, Musical, Play, Theatre

Review by Danny Gaisin

Classical musician, arranger and composer Meredith Wilson’s iconic Broadway musical THE MUSIC MAN may take place in 1902 small-town Iowa; but conning, stings; greed & ‘Peter Principle’ politics are just as current and eternal as love. The play has all of these ingredients and director/choreographer Donna Feore makes this iteration her own. The choreography, immaculate direction and even the subtle little touches are not only effective, but seem contemporary.
Director Feore; ‘Prof. Harold Hill’; and a certain youngster named Alexander Elliot are a powerhouse trio that own the production, but it is Feore’s input and focus that are a major contribution.

Daren A. Herbert & his River City adorables

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“Crystal” – a Cirque du Soleil tour du force Reply

by • Ballet, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Musical, Theatre

Review by Danny Gaisin

Canada is recognized internationally for inventing basketball; the ‘Canadarm’; snowmobiles; beating the U.S. In the War of 1812; and then punishing them further by exporting Shatner & Celine! We Canucks can also take pride in the World famous Cirque du Soleil – a worldwide phenomenon. Last night, a special media presentation of this iconic ensemble’s latest show highlighted something dear to us Leaf & Hab fans – ice & hockey, but with a plot & super effects.
Disclaimer: – like many of my press counterparts, an overabundance of visual events can jade one’s taste, and I admit to studiously avoiding figure skating competitions – live or on TV.

‘Crystal’ at school

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‘Folly in Love’; Hammer Baroque’s Art Week contribution Reply

by • Choir, Concert, Opera

Review by Judith Caldwell

As part of Hamilton Arts Week, Hammer Baroque presented an in-concert version of Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera “Folly in Love”, Alessandro is now less famous than his son Domenico, but back in the day he was celebrated as a major composer of opera in the period before Handel and Gluck.  His ‘Gli equivoci nel sembiante’ was composed in 1679 when he was only 18 years old,  it is a pastoral comedy of love and yearning, a mischievous and jealous sibling and a long lost brother who looks just like our hero.

The HAMMER BAROQUE ensemble musicians

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