A Night at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra: New Creations Festival

By: Saema Nasir

As the lights in Roy Thompson Hall dimmed and the excited chatter around me quieted, I wondered what to expect from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s concert, Two Memorials: Anton Webern & John Lennon. As it turned out I should have expected the unexpected. The concert was part of the TSO’s 12th annual New Creations Festival, which celebrates avant-garde contemporary music.

The evening started with Australian composer James Ledger’s tribute to Anton Webern and John Lennon. I expected some covers of John Lennon’s songs to be accompanied with some pleasant classical compositions. Instead, as the conductor raised his arms and as his body began to sway to the music, it was jarring, distinctive and powerful. Grandiose cacophony evoked emotions of fear, apprehension and excitement. The music sounded like it would have been perfect for the soundtrack of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller – mysterious and enthralling.

I had to rethink my perception of what I considered a symphony and it also opened my eyes to the work of Webern and Lennon. As the music crescendoed, I felt totally immersed in a musical world that was exuberant and anything but subtle. Lined up next was From the Vortex Perspective, a TSO commission in which the music of composer Paul Frehner and a film by Peter Mettler  were played simultaneously. What was unique about this segment of the evening was that the filmmaker and composer worked together to highlight the often close relationship between film and music and it strived to create music and visuals that worked hand in hand, complimenting each other. They certainly attained this, as both the film and the music matched in their eerie, heart-thumping and electrifying qualities. The audience seemed hypnotized by the artistic imagery that floated across the screen and by the raw and rousing beats they were hearing.

Next came Brett Dean’s trumpet concerto, which was performed by a Swedish soloist for whom is was specifically created. This piece of music aimed to explore the concept of the heroic figure and it did so wonderfully. The music rose, seemingly highlighting the soaring heights the hero reached with his or her victories. Then it took a softer tone, lulling to perhaps convey the hero’s more introspective moments where he or she contemplated the nature of their existence. This was a superbly performed piece and was highly stimulating.

This surprising evening at the TSO was worth it. This concert wasn’t Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor; indeed, the TSO truly opened my eyes (and ears!) to the various forms of music and aroused my senses with the electrifying nature of all the compositions. I was most impressed and can’t wait to hear what the TSO has in store for the future!

Photo by Malcolm Cook.

Saema Nasir is a marketing communications specialist who blogs, writes, paints & explores her beautiful city of Toronto. She has a Masters in Public Relations and also blogs at thecityquill.com. Follow her on Twitter @saemanasir. 

Theatre Review: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Toronto

Prolific playwright Christopher Durang's popular play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is about the dysfunctional lives of three siblings. In his Tony Award-winning play, Durang pays homage to Anton Chekhov by using the playwright's melancholic themes and names of characters in his play. The similarities in Chekhov's plays, The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, and The Seagull are quite apparent. The premise of Durang's play centers around the possibility of siblings Vanya and Sonia losing their family home complete with cherry trees, as their movie star sister, Masha returns with ideas of wanting to sell their beloved home. In dramatic fashion, she comes home to her family with her much younger and handsome boyfriend, Spike and announces that they will be going to a costume party. The family argues, hilarity ensues, and a dramatic cleaning lady, Cassandra who happens to be psychic, is thrown into the mix for good measure. 

Fiona Reid is a veteran actress of the Canadian stage and screen. Her comedic timing is impeccable and she is able to take the pathetic, self-effacing character of Sonia and convince us to root for her. I howled with laughter at Reid's impression of Dame Maggie Smith, which is spot on. In Act two, when Spike (Luke Humphrey) rudely interrupts Vanya's (Steven Sutcliffe) play reading, he becomes enraged and gives an impassioned monologue, yearning for a simpler time when Facebook and Twitter were unheard of. Vanya's outburst was unexpected as it was out of his complacent character for him to react so vehemently. Watching Sutcliffe deliver his monologue was one of the most intense experiences that I have witnessed on stage in recent memory. He was absolutely breathtaking and held my attention, as he bared his soul on stage. While Durang's play is certainly a side-splitting comedy, Vanya's monologue is serious and poignant. 

Jennifer Dale's Masha is over the top dramatic and is an attention-seeking lady that has to have it her way or the highway. As an aging actress, she tries to revive her youth by dating her superficial boy-toy, Spike. Spike's nonchalant arrogance and flagrant disregard for decorum is at once irksome and playful. Humphrey portrays Spike as uncouth and selfish and his upbeat demeanor is in stark contrast to the other characters' woe is me attitude. Much to the titillation of the audience, one of the most memorable moments of the play was when Spike performs a reverse striptease.

Even if some of the allusions to Chekhov's plays evade you, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a delightful comedy that all of us can relate to. The cast of quirkily named Chekhovian characters are exceptional as an ensemble and will have you bursting into peals of laughter! 

Starring Steven Sutcliffe, Fiona Reid, Jennifer Dale and Luke Humphrey.
Playwright Christopher Durang
Directed by Dean Paul Gibson
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike plays at the Panasonic Theatre until April 5, 2015.
Photos by Jeremie Andrew

Salt-Water Moon - Theatre Review

By: Saema Nasir

Anchored by a love story, David French's award-winning play, Salt-Water Moon is a raw look at Newfoundland’s history post-World War I. The story takes the audience through the trials and tribulations suffered by working class men and women both during and after the war. The heart of the story centers around a rocky reunion between two former lovers, Mary Snow and Jacob Mercer. Delving into the experiences of Newfoundlanders through their lenses, the play explores the former couple's passionate past, tempestuous present and uncertain future. 

Ravi Jain’s adaptation gives us an intimate look into the lives of Jacob and Mary by creating an ethereal, romantic space where their story unfolds. The bare-bones stage is alight with candles strewn all over and the young lovers are illuminated by them. The cast truly shines; from Kawa Ada’s charismatic portrayal of Jacob to Ania Soul’s moving narration and enigmatic singing voice. However, it is Mayko Nguyen who truly stands out with her depiction of a young woman coming into her own. She is both bitter and hopeful, steely and soft, hard-headed, yet a dreamer. Nguyen adds a level of depth to the character with her authentic and emotionally charged performance. 

Soul's narration of French's stage directions is a unique artistic choice that Jain employs. Almost everything she recites is contradicted by the actions of the characters. This element adds to the layers and complexities of the characters. While audiences may grapple with the thread-bare set design, it is the heart of the story that captures our imagination and holds our attention. French has created characters that we can truly care about. We wonder about their struggles, aspirations and potential. 

The rich storyline coupled with outstanding acting makes Salt-Water Moon a moving production that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of your first love. 

Salt-Water Moon plays at the Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street) until March 13, 2016. Tickets can be purchased online at www.factorytheatre.ca.

Photos: Joseph Michael Photography

Saema Nasir is a marketing communications specialist who blogs, writes, paints & explores her beautiful city of Toronto. She has a Masters in Public Relations and also blogs at thecityquill.com. Follow her on Twitter @saemanasir. 

Picasso at the Lapin Agile - Theatre Review

By: Saema Nasir

Steve Martin is usually front and center on the silver screen, making us giddy with laughter in his wildly hilarious films. You may be surprised to learn that he is the playwright of a fantastical play, which opened in Chicago over 20 years ago. Picasso at the Lapin Agile is a pleasant surprise that will engage, delight and amuse.

This intellectually stimulating comedy brings together two of the greatest minds and talents of the 20th century in one bohemian, ramshackle bar in Paris in 1904. Martin imagines a meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein as they exchange grand ideas about the universe and its relation to art.

Produced by Seven Sibling Theatre, the latest incarnation of the play stands out for one reason alone: the talent. The writing is brilliant and one can see Steve Martin’s comedic chops shine through the witty dialogue. However, it's the young ensemble cast that is bursting with talent and brings to life Martin's hilarious, yet thought-provoking work. 

The venue is quite unique: instead of a theatrical stage, the play is set at the Round, an intimate bar in Kensington Market, which is meant to be the Lapin Agile. The audience watching the great debate only serves to enhance the authenticity of the setting.

As a young Albert Einstein, Will King’s accent and mannerisms stayed steady throughout the 90 minute play. It would be easy to slip in and out of character and and veer into parody instead of a respectful depiction of Einstein. Indeed, I felt as if I was watching a young genius passionately speaking about ideas which would one day lead him to greatness. 

Just as excellent was Dylan Evans who portrayed the young, philandering and angst ridden Picasso. Bringing a vibrant energy to the stage from the moment he entered, Dylan’s Picasso was both infuriating as a heartless womanizer and endearing with his passionate drive for his art. 

Erin Burley, whose portrayal of Suzanne (among other characters) was restrained, sympathetic and authentic. I did not feel disdain for the woman hastily pursuing Picasso, but instead sympathy for her girlish infatuation.

The storyline is fairly simple, with various luminaries in history popping in for a drink at the bar, interacting with the colourful regulars, with conversation ranging from one’s place in history to women, science and art.

If you are looking for a stimulating evening where you will simultaneously laugh, think, and witness superb acting from the talented young cast, then go and see Seven Siblings Theatre's production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile plays at the Round (152A Augusta) until February 28. Tickets are $25.

Photo courtesy of Seven Siblings Theatre.

Saema Nasir is a marketing communications specialist who blogs, writes, paints & explores her beautiful city of Toronto. She has a Masters in Public Relations and also blogs at thecityquill.com. Follow her on Twitter @saemanasir. 

The Cantina by Campbell’s

By: Saema Nasir

Soup evokes warm memories for me. Whether it was grandma’s chicken noodle soup or that newly discovered pho place around the corner, thoughts of soup bring up visions of warmth, coziness and goodness.  One brand well-known for its hearty soups is Campbell’s. The iconic red and white can of tomato soup has been a go-to for moms, college students and young professionals for decades. 

With its new pop-up soup restaurant on Queen West in Toronto, The Cantina, Campbell’s is spreading the word about its new line of delicious soups, while also freshening up its brand.  

Celebrity Chef

I attended the launch of The Cantina by Campbell’s and was interested in learning about the concept, while sipping and savouring delicious soups. Campbell’s has collaborated with Matt Dean Pettit, owner of the popular Rock Lobster restaurants in Toronto. His high-energy and passionate advocacy of Campbell’s new soup kits brought vigour to the event. 

"I was inspired by the world and global cultures. I wanted to bring to life the idea that ‘we all soup,'" he enthused to the rapt crowd.

The soup kit ideas Dean Pettit helped create, which require you to combine the kits with your own fresh ingredients are reflective of the global village in which we as foodies live in. 

New Flavours

There are four new soup flavours available for tasting at The Cantina. The best part? They are all free! Here is my low-down on how they all taste and whether they live up to the hype:

• Thai Chicken and Rice Khao Soi – Although this soup comes out of a package, it didn’t taste like instant soup. Instead it has an earthy and tangy taste to it with a pleasant zing as well. You can expect Thai curry flavouring to the broth-based chicken and veggie soup. 

• Creamy Tomato Black Bean Taco Soup – This is not your mother’s tomato soup. Influenced by Mexican flavours, it is a creamy fusion dish, which has a thick consistency due to the pulses in it and is pleasantly acidic. Creamy and rich, this soup is perfect for our cold Canadian winters. 

• Roasted Beer Can Cream of Chicken Soup – This creative concoction was hands down my favorite and the very best soup of the night! The spicy, zingy soup incorporates roasted chicken and had a very creamy consistency. The depth of flavour was great and it exceeded my expectations of how soup could taste. 

• Spicy Vegetarian Ramen – The ramen soup had a strong flavour, which could turn off those not familiar with Asian flavours, but for those who love them, this soup is bang on. It’s fresh, authentic taste brought out notes of lemongrass, seaweed and the vegetable broth is earthy. 

Trendy Vibe

Brick and wooden accented walls combined with chic seating and chalk art make this space seem like the hippest cafeteria on the block. There is also a mosaic wall where guests can place a sticker to create pop art. What’s more is that Campbell’s is donating one can of soup to the Daily Bread Food Bank for each sticker that is placed on the wall. 

As I mingled with other guests, I could not help but think that all those present seemed really excited and engaged about a very simple, inexpensive meal: soup. Far from a boring meal, Campbell’s has made people excited to consume soup again.

Next time you want some warmth on a cold night and don’t have hours to make soup from scratch, grab a Campbell’s soup kit by heading over to The Cantina.  

The Cantina by Campbell’s is located at 501 Queen Street West and is open until February 21, 2016. Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. 8 p.m. & Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.   

Photos courtesy of Campbell's. 

Saema is a marketing communications specialist who blogs, writes, paints & explores her beautiful city of Toronto. She has a Masters in Public Relations and also blogs at thecityquill.com. Follow her on Twitter @saemanasir.