CUISINE & CONFESSIONS
I have to admit, at first I did not want to go and tried to give my ticket to Jordana. She declined so I figured I had to attend. Still, I was convinced I would not enjoy the performance. In the end though, we both loved the show.
COME FROM AWAY
Number Two is definitely better. While Come from Away was the second play in this year’s subscription season, it was the better show. The story was captivating and the music was great. The theatre was sold out and when the play ended, everyone in attendance took to their feet to give the cast a standing ovation as the musicians took to the stage and played some beautiful Celtic tunes. The play is heading to Broadway after it concludes its Toronto run. You know if a play is heading or coming from New York it has to be great. That’s the case with this show. If it doesn’t wow the Americans, than nothing will. This was the first play being performed in the renovated Royal Alex and the changes are noticeable. There is more leg room and the seats are wider. I have always loved the theatre, but hated the seats. Now, it’s two thumbs up!
THE AUDIENCE
For over sixty years, Queen Elizabeth II has met with each Prime Minister in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. No one knows what they discuss, not even their spouses. Canada’s very own television, screen and stage star, Fiona Reid will take the throne in this riveting new play by Peter Morgan, the writer of the Academy Award®-nominated film, The Queen. THE AUDIENCE takes theatregoers behind the walls of Buckingham Palace and into the private chambers of Queen Elizabeth II as she meets with each of her Prime Ministers through her 60 year reign, from when she was a young mother to now as a Great Grandmother. From the old warrior Winston Churchill, to the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher, through the charm offensive of Tony Blair right up to today's meetings with the current incumbent David Cameron, the Queen advises her Prime Ministers on all matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch. We both enjoyed it. I like to see a non-musical once in a while. Still, with the accents, it was sometimes hard to make out what the "Queen" was saying. It was an interesting look back on history and the role Queen Elizabeth has played on advising her government. She definitely is one of the most important people in the world. I gave the play 7, Lisa a 6, so I guess it's 6.5 out of 10.
February/May 2017 THE BODYGUARD, the award-winning musical based on the smash-hit film, comes to Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre this February for a limited engagement. The Canadian premiere will feature the entire London West End company starring the Queen of British Soul BEVERLEY KNIGHT as Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge - what they don’t expect is to fall in love. We both loved it, great story and the songs were fantastic. Knight really belts the songs out. Would recommend this for all ages. I gave this play a 9, simply because I felt the ending was a bit too cinematic. Also there were some plot points that are not explained, like how did the "villan" get the security codes when he is in the star's house. Also, the son vanishes and then reappears without any explanation. Lisa gave it a 10, so our combined score for this production is 9.5.
March/April 2017 It’s London, 1937, and recently widowed eccentric, Laura Henderson, is looking for a way of spending her time and money when her attention falls on a run down former cinema in Great Windmill Street. Hiring feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm to look after the newly renovated Windmill Theatre, the improbable duo present a bill of non-stop variety acts. But as war looms something more is required to boost morale and box office... When Mrs Henderson comes up with the idea of The Windmill Girls — glamorous young women posing as nude statues — audiences flock. Originally, Lisa and I were to see this production just prior to Passover. However, the timing was not right so we moved our tickets to the final performance. It turns out that neither date was good for me, as I had surgery at the start of April and was still recuperating at the end of the month. As a result, Lisa and Jordana went to see the play. While they both enjoyed the play (and afternoon together), Lisa gave this production a six, as she found there was too much nudity. Jordana rated it slightly higher, at a seven, for a combined rating of 6.5. Definitely not one of the best of the season.
April/June 2017 Right or wrong, I decided to pass on seeing this production. So Lisa asked our friend Jenny to accompany her to the theatre. Both said they enjoyed the play and Lisa rated it 9 out of 10.
June/September 2017 BEAUTIFUL — The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. The name of the final show of the season, says it all, Beautiful, simply beautiful. The music was fantastic and the performances top notch. Chilina Kennedy is fantastic as Carole King. We rate this production 10/10.
FINAL COMMENTS:
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November/December 2016
November 2016/January 2017
January/February 2017
THE BODYGUARD
MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS 
STRICTLY BALLROOM: THE MUSICAL
BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL