The King and I - Theatre Review

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The King and I - Theatre Review

Imagine yourself on a boat, pulling along the shore of Bangkok in 1862. You’re a windowed mother of a young son, about to embark on a new job – schoolteacher for the children of the King of Siam (currently known as Thailand). This is where the King and I begins its story; the titular “I” being the character of Anna Leonowens. 

The classic musical, written by the brilliant, multiple-award winning duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is, at its heart, a tale of clashing cultures. British born Anna has lived in the Eastern hemisphere most of her life, but only in countries under the British rule. Siam, much like its King, is still fiercely independent and lives by its own rules. Or rather, the rules of the King – a headstrong man who believes women are beneath him, and only exist to pleasure him and bear his children. When the equally headstrong Anna enters his life, he’s forced to reconsider this view.

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Theatre Review: Wicked - Toronto

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Theatre Review: Wicked - Toronto

The highly successful Broadway musical, Wicked has made its return to Toronto at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. The smash hit musical is the winner of three Tony awards, as well as a Grammy award. I have had the pleasure of seeing Wicked three times, and it keeps getting better.

Set in the mythical land of Oz, Wicked tells the back story of Elphaba and her ascent to infamy as the Wicked Witch of the West. It is an exploration of how people can easily be misjudged, misunderstood, and how events can be misconstrued and distorted in the struggle for power.

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Flashdance: The Musical - Theatre Review

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Flashdance: The Musical - Theatre Review

The smash hit movie, Flashdance has been adapted as a musical and had its premier last month in Toronto. The show features some of the biggest anthems of the '80s, including Flashdance...What a Feeling, Maniac, Gloria, and I Love Rock & Roll. Flashdance tells the story of Alex Owens, a young woman who works as a welder by day and who moonlights as a nightclub dancer. With big dreams of attending a prestigious ballet school, Alex finds encouragement and motivation from her friends and mentor. 

Sydney Morton is absolutely sensational as Alex, the ambitious and hardworking steelworker and talented dancer. Morton dominates the stage with her incredibly honed dance technique, melodic voice, and indomitable spirit. Corey Mach plays Alex's boss and love interest, Nick, who falls a little flat. The chemistry between Morton and Mach is sorely lacking, which makes it difficult to be drawn into their love story. Mach gives a slightly wooden performance and is easily upstaged by Morton. Kiki (Kyra Da Costa) plays Alex's confidante and she is one of the show's scene stealers, with her powerful vocals bringing down the house in her superb rendition of Manhunt. Her stage presence and vocal prowess is mesmerizing.

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