Three longtime Shaw actors, Sharry Flett, Patrick Galligan and Sanjay Talwar, sat down to chat with theatre critic Anthony Chase about their journeys as actors and careers at the Shaw. The result? "They shared a love and total commitment to what they are doing," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Who were these famous and groundbreaking Jewish women? What did they have to overcome to succeed? What drove them forward? Ambition, drive, resilience for certain," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
With quality performances from its two leads, superb production value and creative direction from Philip Akin, Adrienne Kennedy's story of love and betrayal is well-realized at the Shaw, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
The 65th season will feature Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "South Pacific," "The Color Purple," "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Grimm Tales," among 11 productions across three theatres in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
"I left feeling detached, that form had superseded content, that the visceral theatricality that Shaffer so brilliantly offers by his gifts of storytelling had been denied," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
Musicians Patrick McManus and Beau Dixon are reuniting for a special Mother’s Day gig at Oast House in Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 11: ""Bring your kids, bring your mom, or bring your kid’s mom," says McManus.
With its first stage show of the new year, the production company is also celebrating its 10th anniversary since it opened its door in Niagara-on-the-Lake to aspiring young performing artists.
The project aims to highlight the value of small-town experiences in Canada, offering insights into how senior citizens can rediscover where they reside and rekindle a sense of pride and nostalgia, said one of its producers, a media production student at Toronto Metropolitan University.
“It’s a nice little event to break up the winter blues," says executive producer Jeff Paul. Tickets are on sale now for every show except the sold-out Saturday night show.
The church is hosting a Christmas concert Dec. 22, called "A Christmas Homecoming: A Festive Celebration of Story and Song." The goal is to invoke a feeling of being at home for the holidays.
"The delight of this production owes much to its buoyant, genuine performances, fine direction, imaginative minimalist staging, creepy sounds and lively puppets," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"In this triangle of love, originally described by Bernard Shaw as 'a mystery,' Candida must choose which of the two men will be her future," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"'One Man, Two Guvnors' is a ribald, rollicking, raucous, roaring hit. To dismiss it with disdain, as some have, is beyond chacun à sans goût — it is to miss the point," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
Tickets are on sale now for an exclusive fundraiser being hosted this fall for supporters of the annual Shaw Festival.
The Shaw Guild's Autumn Soiree...
The Niagara 5000 car show saw Queen Street shut down for regular vehicle traffic on Aug. 9 and make way for dozens of big-ticket Porsches, McLarens, Austin-Healeys and other flashy automobiles.
"'It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing' and swing audiences certainly did when Duke Ellington composed this jazz classic with lyrics by Irving Mills in 1931 and performed it at Harlem's famous Cotton Club," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson, highlighting one of several standout show at the Shaw Festival's Spiegeltent this summer.
In "Turbulence," her exhibition of drawings, watercolours and digital prints at RiverBrink in Queenston, artist Millie Chen focuses attention on past and present, on historical events and memory.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Gate Street Studio hosted a rejuvenating artist workshop retreat Saturday, offering a vibrant space for creativity and community.
"THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND"
*** (out of 5)
Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, 2 hours 30 minutes, one intermission. Ends Oct 12. Writer: Marcus Gardley....
This year’s St. Davids Lions Carnival was met with sunny skies after a rainy run last year. Among the usual attractions including carnival games, rides, bingo, a nickel sale and a Toronto Argonauts kickoff, the ever-so-popular dog show made its return.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is welcoming the public to learn about local history in an expanded celebration of its annual Past is Present Heritage Festival, which is being held this year on the civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 5.
More than 120 people who often find it daunting to visit a theatre were able to enjoy a special relaxed performance of "The Secret Garden" at the Royal George Theatre last Thursday evening.
"The nocebo effect refers to the occurrence of harmful effects from consciously or unconsciously anticipating symptoms, one example of which was the June bug incident of 1962," writes Dr. William Brown.
"Themes of revenge, sacrifice, filial duty, honour, love, mortality and morality become powerfully new in this pared down riveting adaptation and gripping production," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
Ukrainian refugees Victoria Biliak Katz and Olga Noskiv celebrated their heritage and the power of music at Music Niagara Festival on July 20, wearing traditional attire for the "Glory to Ukraine" concert.
