|
The Canadian Stage Company –
It’s a Wonderful Life
 The play is based on Frank Capra’s Academy Award-nominated holiday
classic film, adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, directed
by Donna Feore and set/costumes designed by Michael Gianfrancesco.
Need I say more? Top talent with Stratford or Shaw Festivals experience,
providing live theatre in downtown Toronto, appealing to boomers
and recalling memories from – perhaps – childhood?
Michael Gianfrancesco’s set takes us back to a 1940 radio station
studio, broadcasting a live Christmas show interspersed with live
singing commercials. Meanwhile the personnel are putting up decorations
and generally fooling around: after all the listeners cannot see
them, just hear their voices. The organ music transfers the audience
into the past era when the radio was the centre of entertainment
and the source of news in the family home. Ten actors have the total
of 63 speaking parts. It is an additional bonus to see how the sound
effects are produced on stage. This is a holiday tale coming to
life with the assistance of such actors as Mike Shara as George,
Patrick McKenna as Clarence, Marla McLean as Mary Bailey and Juan
Chioran as Mr. Potter.
It is a wonderful opportunity to see a play so fitting for Christmas
time played right here in Toronto till December 20. The tickets
are available both for evenings and matinees at 416-368-3110 or
www.canstage.com.
The Sound of Music at The Princess of Wales Theatre.
After all the excitement of the TV competition
to find the perfect Maria, massive promotion of the production,
reminiscences on the original movie including the interview with
Christopher Plummer who admitted he was half-drunk most of the time
while filming (oh, that schnapps!) – it is time to see the outcome.
The story of the von Trapp family singing success in 1938 in Austria
and their escape from Nazi occupied country through the Alps to
Switzerland and eventually America is well known. The romantic tale
of a very young convent- raised Maria taking the position of governess
in the von Trapp family – seven children, seven! – and then falling
in love with the father Captain von Trapp as much as it is true
– is as sweet as it is idealized.
The revival of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical as initiated by
Andrew Lloyd Weber is different from the well-known movie. Some
songs seem to be new or perhaps I do not remember them. Jeremy Sams
direction, dance and vocal arrangements by Trude Rittmann, and design
management of stage decors done by Robert Jones, all are absolutely
superb. Obviously much thought and effort went into the production.
Singing parts, be it the soloist Elicia MacKenzie or the nuns’ choir
are excellent and professionally arranged. I specially liked the
Gregorian singing of the nuns in the opening sequence. The von Trapp
children are charming, well behaved (ha-ha!) and the centre of the
action.
The part of Captain von Trapp was sung by Burke Moses, very well
indeed, but why bring an American actor for this role when so much
Canadian talent is available? Oh, well.
The Princess of Wales Theatre was really full and it is my understanding
the tickets are selling in unprecedented numbers. It is a great
Christmas gift opportunity for the family and children especially,
so do not hesitate to order and then enjoy it live on stage. The
box office number is 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333.
Other Holiday Season events in the Kitchener-Waterloo area:
Yuletide Spectacular KW Symphony concert with Brian Jackson,
December 18 and 19 in Centre in the Square, Kitchener.
Nutcracker (Ballet Jorgen) at Centre in the Square December
28, 2008
Salute to Vienna – January 3rd, 2009 at Centre in
the Square.
Centre in the Square box office 1-800-265-9877.
 A Lost & Found Christmas December 11,12,13 in Emmanuel United
Church in Waterloo, repeated on December 18 and 19 in UW School
of Architecture in Cambridge.
And have a great Christmas!
|
|
