Arrabal - Toronto - Theatre Review

Arrabal - Toronto - Theatre Review

Earlier this month, Arrabal had its world premier at the Panasonic Theatre. Mystery and romance follow Arrabal, the coming of age heroine, in Buenos Aires' underground tango clubs. On a quest to find the truth about what happened to her father many years ago during Argentina's political upheaval in the 1970s, Arrabal learns the lurid details of her father's shocking murder. Through her journey, she meets seedy characters and loses her innocence while trying to fit in.

The story of Arrabal is told entirely through dance and the enthralling music of Gustavo Santaolalla and his band, Bajofondo. The use of striking images of Argentina's political violence is very powerful. A visually arresting image of some of the 30, 000 dissidents who were murdered or missing during the military regime is quite a sobering sight. Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys and Memphis) and Julio Zurita, the show features talented performers in dynamic and complex routines. Explosive combative sequences are brilliantly choreographed and danced with high energy. Each one of the dancers oozes sensuality as they cavort through the stage dancing the intense and fervent tango. Arrabal's father, Rodolfo (Julio Zurita), visits her in a dream and they dance a beautiful and ethereal number together.

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Heartbeat of Home Reverberates Through Toronto!

Heartbeat of Home Reverberates Through Toronto!

The music and dance spectacular, Heartbeat of Home, had its North American premiere in January and the audience was very receptive to it. Conceived by the producers behind RiverdanceHeartbeat of Home features Irish, Latin, and Afro-Cuban dancers and musicians that rock the stage with their immense talent. From the very first dramatic toe tap, you will be drawn into a mesmerizing theatrical dream voyage.

World-class performers take you on a perilous, yet exhilarating journey as they travel through time and space over sea and through the desert. Different cultures are explored and Irish dancing is fused with Afro-Cuban and Latin styles. The mélange of converging styles may seem incongruent, but the brilliant choreography by David Bolger and John Carey blend them beautifully in an utterly seamless fashion. 

The Irish dancers are strong and are masters of their craft, each dancing in perfect unison. Displaying their athleticism, they leap on and off the stage in a graceful manner. Featured Irish dancer, Bobby Hodges possesses pure star quality and strength in the effortless way he dominates the stage. The iconic photograph of New York City construction workers sitting atop a girder with no safety harnesses is brought to life. The Irish hard shoe performersprecariously dance on the edge of the girder. Each one tries to outdo the other, which provides for great comic relief. 

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Once is Simply Grand

Once is Simply Grand

The musical adaptation of the film, Once won a slew of awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2012. All of the actors in the musical play their own instruments, making it a truly unique theatre experience. Although the theatre is expansive, an intimate mood was created on stage. Prior to the show commencing, audience members could order beer on stage in the setting of an Irish pub, while enjoying lively music performed by the cast members. 

Once tells the story of a Dublin singer (Guy), played brilliantly by Stuart Ward, who has had his heart broken. Ready to give up on his dreams of success, he finds encouragement and the motivation to pursue his music through a charming young Czech woman (Girl) he meets by happenstance. Ward gives a raw, passionate performance with an honesty that draws you in completely.  

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