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The Clandestine Marriage; loved the cast…hated the play Review by Danny Gaisin Mar. 12th ‘10 Clandestine, according to Merriam-Webster means surreptitious; or done, made, or acquired by stealth. The Garrick/Colman 18th century comedy is based on one aspect of primogeniture, eldest child- in this case – daughter, gets first marital ‘at-bats’. However, the ‘on-deck’ sibling is already secretly wed; and somewhat below her social station. Number one’s suitor actually prefers the next-in-line; as does his uncle who also outranks him in the nobility scale. In the 1700’s (as today) the money aspect is tantamount. I don’t know who originally coined the phrase:- Siskel and Ebert used it repeatedly; but “Loved him; hated her” is now part of the lexicon. In this instance – I loved the cast…hated the play! Overlong by about an hour; tedious beyond acceptance; and repetitious to a point where there are more ‘Madams’ per sentence than there are ‘like’s’ in today’s teen-speak. This is closely followed by omnipresent ‘Sir John Melvil’s’ as if the honorific is as politically mandated as is ‘Mr. Speaker’ in Parliament. If director Peter Van Wart had cut this down- we’d have been out thirty minutes earlier. As well, the cast would have had their interminable speeches abbreviated. ‘Nough said:- now to the love. Photo courtes of Jim Smagata  suitor Kevin Owen with Alexandre & O'Connor |
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“DOUBT”…its hit status – a certainty! Review by Danny Gaisin Mar. 11th ‘10 Superior theatre should – by definition, affect; educate, disturb, and/or entertain, John Shanley’s “DOUBT: A PARABLE” undoubtedly accomplishes those first three and thus meets the qualification of worthwhile entertainment. The playwright, an Oscar winner for MOONSTRUCK, is also an accomplished director [and successful composer] so DOUBT would naturally be a test for anyone attempting to stage this endeavour. Marcia Kash; who’s “Diary of Anne Frank” made this paper’s Top Ten for 2009 is assuredly meticulous and her scrupulous attention to detail manifests itself in just about every aspect of this THEATRE AQUARIUS presentation. Even if one has seen the Streep movie; this is unquestionably a Must-See. Briefly:- the plot deals with 3½ characters; an older nun- principal of a religious school; the local priest; a neophyte teacher from the same order; and the minor role- the parent of one of the students. Photo courtesy of Kristy Marasco
.  Father Flynn [Hughes] being braced by Sister James [Kolinas] |
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Opera York Presents Verdi’s classic “Rigoletto” Review by Frank Spezzano March 7th, 2010 The story of good and evil are not always easily identified, as Verdi’s Opera about the court jester Rigoletto makes it clear. Based on the play by Victor Hugo- Rigoletto had troubles with the censors when it premiered in 1851 but it has gone on to become one of the most widely performed Operas. It includes some of Verdi’s most beautiful music like: the tenor aria “La donna è mobile” and the famous act III quartet “Bella figlia dell’amore”. The story is originally set at the Duke of Mantua’s court, Italy, where the duke finds amusement in an unsavory way. His court jester, Rigoletto, fulfills his pleasures. To amuse his patron- he’s willing to abduct, rape, even murder his victims. |
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SOME MUST SEE ARTS LISTINGS  Mar. 14th, '10 Growing older:- " You sing along with 'elevator music'!"
"DOUBT, a Parable" John Shanley's intense drama about a suspicious nun; the local priest and a young black kid. At Theatre Aquarius with regular stage presentations until Mar. 26th. See review- page 1 "CLANDESTINE MARRIAGE" 18th century comedy:- secretly married & already knocked-up, Daddy wants to marry her off. THEATRE ERINDALE brings this delightful [but long] exploration of mores to Mar.20th. Call 905-569-4369 "A CHORUS LINE" Postponed !!!
CARIBBEAN NIGHT Enjoy the Steel Band - VIBES as well as dinner for only $30.00 at St. Lukes Church, 1382 Ontario St. in Burl'n. Saturday Mar. 27th |
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