“Hound of the Baskervilles”; drollery, my dear Watson! Reply

by • Comedy, Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre

Review by Danny Gaisin
Conan Doyle’s eponymous turn-of-the 20th century CSI-type detective Sherlock Holmes leaps off the book pages as a cheerless didactic with highly pedantic mannerisms. In other words, an arrogant and irritating Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon. Perhaps we, and the dictionary should have a new adjective – “Sheldonistic”.
In this year’s SHAW interpretation under the direction of Craig Hall, liberties are taken but given that Doyle died before Hall (or even I) was born; impropriety surely can’t be litigated. Thus, Hall and his dynamite cast have envisioned an opportunity to substantially lighten an almost science-fiction drama into a comedic possibility. It’s a hoot…also a howl!

Reid & Atkins aka Watson & Holmes —“the game’s afoot”

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“Grand Hotel- the musical”; smoke & mirrors Reply

by • Dance, Festival, Musical, Play, Theatre

Review by Terry Gaisin
Vicky Baum’s 1929 book that utilizes the vehicle of a luxurious Weimar hotel to outline some interacting plots, attracted Robert Wright, George Forrest & Luther Davis to reprise the success of their ‘KISMET’ and retell Baum’s story as a musical. The result is a fascinating piece of theatre that demands acting; singing and terpsichore talents from every cast-member. SHAW’s Eda Holmes direction emphasizes the play’s visual impact but does not sacrifice the intricacies of the various plot lines. She subtly leads her audience to subconsciously anticipate the reversal of status-quo that will befall the world in the next decade.   Photo courtesy of David Cooper

Daly & Therriault celebrating a windfall at the GRAND HOTEL

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“Zen & the Science of BBQ” Reply

by • Festival

Review by Terry & Danny Gaisin

Perhaps this column’s banner line should have read the ‘philosophy‘ rather than the science of barbecuing. Spending an evening at Hamilton’s Gage Park beer and rib festival is an experience. From the enticing odour one notices upon entering to the actual participation in victuals and sipping brews; it is a happening. This is the 5th local occasion for Northern Heat Rib Series to include our city among the seventeen locales the group has chosen for their annual caravan stops. Unlike many major events, this one does use the opportunity to gouge attendees; instead, the food is family priced and the quality is more Keg® level than Mickey ‘D’s.

The BBQ-meisters lined up and ‘cooking’

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Hamilton’s Festival of Friends; No. 42 Reply

by • Concert, Festival, Musical

Review by Danny Gaisin
We Gaisins have been Hamiltonian for a decade, but studiously avoided attending our city’s annual ‘Festival of Friends’; having erroneously thinking it was a Quaker religious retreat!. Nope, no affiliation with the 17th century Anglican offshoot started by George Fox. Instead, its an opportunity for neighbours to meet outdoors and have free access to music, creative arts, food, drink, and political candidate or organizational affiliation booths. One group of regulars even mentioned that back in their dating dates, it was a super ‘pick-up’ opportunity!
For us, this was an occasion to get out the tandem and bicycle over…something we old farts are usually looking for excuses NOT to utilize.

Sunday in the park…in Hamilton!

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‘The Toronto Fringe’ – a most worthwhile festival Reply

by • Comedy, Dance, Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre

EDITORIAL UPDATE  (7/12): A serious situation occurred very late Monday night that caused us to completely curtail attending, and even miss entry closings at some of our chosen Fringe offerings. To GEEK; Kabarrett; Andy Warhol; ‘2018 -a Sex Odyssey; & “Tee Shirt”. Our sincerest apologies. Perhaps some of the above are planning on re-staging their efforts at the Hamilton Fringe. If so, let us know!

The FESTIVAL is over; so this is our recap! The Hamilton/Toronto train rides are onerous; schlepping around downtown Toronto -tiring; taking our notes and then publishing same means 14-16-hour days. However, the efforts & thespian results make it all more than worthwhile…its a privilege!    HINT: – Watch for a major change in our ARTS REVIEW’s Top Ten in December.

 

High School Symphony -cast

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“THE TEMPEST” Brings many Sea-changes, woven by Martha Henry Reply

by • Drama, Festival, Play, Theatre

by Ellen S. Jaffe

The Tempest, probably Shakespeare’s final sole-authored play, is about magic – its power and its limitations – and about finding forgiveness, healing, and freedom through the breaking of spells and illusions. It is also about the magic and the power of theatre. Stratford’s current production of the play, beautifully directed by Antoni Cimolino (the Festival’s Artistic Director) and starring Martha Henry as Prospero, is one of the most magical and moving theatrical experiences I have had. Certainly a Tempest with a soul.  Martha Henry as Prospero, you say? Isn’t Prospero a “male” role? Well, yes – and no.

Martha Henry (Prospero) & Michael Blake (Calaban)   Photo by David Hou

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