As in all important selections, this can be a very subjective listing. The productions are in alphabetical order as a result of there’s not a primary amongst equals.
As previously, there are additionally a number of honourable mentions, and as at all times, there have to be one poor present that’s the backside feeder of the gene pool.
The High Ten
A Case for the Existence of God, written by Samuel D. Hunter, directed by Ted Dykstra (Coal Mine Theatre)
This totally shifting play chronicles the unlikely platonic friendship between two males, a working-class dude (Noah Reid) and a college-educated insurance coverage dealer (Mazin Elsadig), united by the love of their younger daughters and the person turmoil and traumas that they share. An unforgettable ending.
De Profundis: Oscar Wilde in Jail, tailored and directed by Gregory Prest, lyrics by Sarah Wilson, music by Mike Ross (Soulpepper)
A collision of strange bedfellow theatrical components, plus the beautiful appearing/singing abilities of Damien Atkins, got here collectively to create a present that was each poignant and exhilarating on the similar time. This manufacturing was a triumph of musical and theatrical experimentation and innovation.
Dana H, written by Lucas Hnath, directed by Les Waters (Crow’s Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Centre Theatre Group & Winery Theatre)
This exceptional play particulars Hnath’s chaplain mom’s harrowing captivity by a psychopathic ex-convict, Aryan Brother, and former affected person. American actress Jordan Baker lip-synced to Dana H’s precise voice based mostly on interviews long-established right into a play by her son. Verbatim theatre was taken to an entire new stage.
La Bête, written by David Hirson, directed by Dylan Trowbridge (Discuss Is Free Theatre)
This Barrie-based TIFT manufacturing dropped at Toronto a superb unique faux-Molière script in rhyming couplets, a blinding efficiency by Mike Nadajewski, who led a really robust forged, deliciously rambunctious physicality, and laughs galore – all underpinned by a severe argument concerning the nature of artwork.
Lifetime of Pi, based mostly on the novel by Yann Martel, tailored by Lolita Chakrabarti, directed by Max Webster (David Mirvish & Simon Pal)
A breath-takingly imaginative adaptation of Martel’s celebrated novel, propelled by magnificent puppets, beautiful video projections, a stirring cinematic rating, uber-clever units, costumes and lighting, to not point out a powerful British appearing firm. Who would have thought it attainable to stage this novel?
Enjoying Shylock, written by Mark Leiren-Younger, directed by Martin Kinch (Canadian Stage in affiliation with Starvox Leisure)
After an absence of a few years, distinguished movie and tv actor/director/author Saul Rubinek made a triumphant return to the Toronto stage, at age 76, performing a witty script that was half autobiography, and half mediation on cancel tradition, antisemitism, id and the ethos of artwork.
Roberto Zucco, written by Bernard-Marie Koltès, translated by Martin Crimp, directed by ted witzel (Buddies in Dangerous Occasions Theatre)
French playwright Koltès, who died of AIDS at 41, was thought-about the brand new Genet or Beckett, and a grasp of pessimistic absurdism. This play, which was given a powerful manufacturing by Buddies, is Koltès very idiomatic and engaging tackle real-life psychopathic Italian serial killer, Roberto Succo.
Rosmersholm, written by Henrik Ibsen, tailored by Duncan Macmillan, directed by Chris Abraham (Crow’s Theatre)
Ibsen’s 1886 masterpiece about progressive thought versus custom, and the blighted energy of girls, might by no means be extra related, and this splendid manufacturing with its spectacular appearing firm, held us in its thrall because the characters agonized over each their private demons and societal traumas.
The Caged Fowl Sings, written by Rouvan Silogix, Rafeh Mahmud and Ahad Lakhani, directed by Rafeh Mahmud (Trendy Occasions Stage Firm & The Aga Khan Museum (in affiliation with Theatre Artaud)
This daring manufacturing, a radical tackle Rumi, the revered 13th century Persian Sufi mystic and poet, and his magnum opus, The Masnavi, used very up to date dialogue, acted out by three very earthy characters, as a metaphor about releasing the bodily physique to pursue a religious journey.
Two Performs written and directed by George Walker: Ladies Undesirable (The King Black Field) and Fierce (Moss Theatre Collective)
These two impartial productions came about in numerous elements of the town, however each have been classic Walker by way of brilliantly creating memorable characters via excellent appearing. The primary involved three troubled ladies in a midway home, whereas the latter featured a recovering drug addict and her psychiatrist. For sure, each have been harrowing.
Honourable Mentions
Massive Stuff, written and carried out by Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus, co-created and directed by Kat Sandler (Crow’s Theatre)
This comedian married couple crafted a play that was humorous and poignant by turns about what occurs after the lack of a cherished one.
Pricey Robert, written by Jim Garrard, directed by Aviva Armour-Ostroff, and, Particular Supply, carried out by JD “Jack” Nicholsen and Laska Sawade (VideoCabaret Double Invoice)
An enthralling play a couple of younger lady (Rebecca Gibian) who writes some startling letters, was adopted by a intelligent musical act of songs about letters.
Goblin: Macbeth, devised by Rebecca Northan and Bruce Horak, music by Ellis Lalonde (Tarragon Theatre & A Spontaneous Theatre Creation)
An outrageous romp as Goblins placed on a manufacturing of Macbeth, making for a hilarious immersive expertise for the viewers.
Phantasmagoria 3D, carried out and created by Kira Corridor, Michelle Urbana and Eric Woolfe, written by Eric Woolfe, 3D created by Micha Dahan and Coal Mine Theatre (Eldritch Theatre)
Eldritch Theatre makes a speciality of horror with a sly and ironic contact, and Woolfe’s weird story was made much more bizarrely comedian by the primitive 3D.
The Inheritance, Components 1 and a pair of, written by Matthew Lopez, directed by Brendan Healy (Canadian Stage)
A fancy epic play that examines the publish AIDS era of homosexual males impressed by E.M. Forster’s 1910 basic novel Howard’s Finish.
And particular point out:
Come From Away, e book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, musical staging by Kelly Devine, directed by Christopher Ashley (David and Hannah Mirvish & The Nationwide Arts Centre)
This beloved Canadian musical detailing Gander’s kindness to the aircraft passengers trapped there by 9/11 continues to be a fascinating journey of laughter and tears.
R.I.P. and Finest Forgotten
Timon of Athens, written by William Shakespeare, directed by Max Ackerman (William Shakespeare & Buddies Collective with assist of Dandelion Theatre)
I don’t like discouraging bold younger corporations, however when the one that is the dialogue coach is meaningless in Shakespearean speech, ‘nuff mentioned. The dialogue was mush, and whereas veteran actor Brian Smegal as Timon had sense of character, he stored calling for “Line”. A tragic and sorry night.
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Paula Citron is a Toronto-based freelance arts journalist and broadcaster who hosts her personal web site, paulacitron.ca. For over 25 years, she was senior dance author for The Globe and Mail, affiliate editor of Opera Canada journal, arts reviewer for Classical 96.3 FM, and dance previews contributor to Toronto Life journal. She has been a visitor lecturer for numerous cultural teams and universities, notably on the function of the critic/reviewer, and has been a panellist on COC podcasts. Earlier than assuming a full-time journalism profession, Ms. Citron was a member of the drama division of the Claude Watson Faculty for the Arts.
