Modern World Theatre

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

I didn't see any of the productions in the Opera or Dance divisions, so as far as I'm concerned, each production definitely deserve to be nominated. I wish I could say the same about the theatre division.

This is my third Dora Awards, and I think this is the first time that I have wondered - WHY?

Here are some shows and performances that I feel were missed from the Nominations announced today:

Spamalot (Mirvish)

Outstanding Production Of A Musical

Michael Siberry - Outstanding Performance by a Male - Musical

The Chairs (Soulpepper)

Outstanding Production Of A Play

Oliver Dennis, Outstanding Performance by a Male - Play

Apple (Factory)

Outstanding Production Of A Play

Ken Gass, Outstanding Direction Of A Play

Sara Orenstein - Outstanding Performance by a Female - Play

Songs For A New World

Thom Allison - Outstanding Performance by a Male - Musical

MacHomer

Rick Miller - Outstanding Performance by a Male - Play

Hosanna

Salvatore Antonio - Outstanding Performance by a Male - Play

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

Vacations haven't been much of a priority for me. I enjoy work, I enjoy keeping myself busy. There comes a time though, that everyone has to step back from the day to day life and escape to recharge and refocus. I'm hoping that 7 days in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia will be enough to recharge me for the upcoming summer season.

I've got a jammed schedule from June through the end of August, as I will be seeing everything at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals (reviews to come!) plus SummerWorks, Luminato Festival, the Fringe Festival, and to top it all off, I'm stage managing a production of I Am My Own Wife for the Flower City Theatre Festival in Brampton this summer.

It's going to be hectic, but I'm looking forward to it.

I'll report back when I return from the west coast on May 29th.

Until then,

Mike

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

Everytime I log into suite101.com, I see the blogs I have written over the past few months, and I know that it's about time for me to write a new one. So here is a new one - I hope you like it.

The last couple of months have been endlessly busy, and now that the new theatre season has arrived, it's even busier. What I'm happy about though is that there seem to be an endless assortment of great shows going on in Toronto (my hometown), and there seems to be a lot of buzz circulating about moderntheatre.suite101.com. I'm happy that you're here to read my articles, reviews, and even these random blogs.

After a frenzied few weeks, things are on the verge of calming down, and I know it's only a matter of time before the start up again. That's the nature of the work I'm in. I accepted that a long time ago, and I know that I don't HAVE to see everything that comes across my desk. Someone once asked me why I see so much theatre. The easy answer is "I love it". It's true. I do love it. I love going to the theatre, meeting people, talking with people, and more times than naught, I go alone, just to spend some quality time with my mistress - the theatre. I do admit though that it's great to see theatre with friends, as it spawns a lot of insightful and thought prevoking conversations afterwards.

What am I most excited for in the coming months? New productions of Songs For A New World, Elegies, Thom Pain (Based On Nothing) and Pippin. These are all shows I've read and listened to over the years, and I think it's going to be great to see them up on stage for the first time. I'm excited. Can I say that? Well I just did.

Stay tuned, keep reading, and thanks for making my time with suite101.com really wonderful.

Until Next Time,

Mike

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

I never imagined that this summer would turn out like this. I don't want to sound anti-climatic, but it's been a summer that I am confident will be engrained in my mind for a long, long time.

Never before have I been involved in so much theatre, seen so much theatre, written about so much theatre, all the while working full time. The crazy thing is is that it's not over. I still have several summer shows to see before the Labour Day weekend, and then the 2006-2007 season will be upon us.

I was having a glance at some of the shows that will be in the Toronto area this fall, winter and next spring, and I have to admit I'm very excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for the upcoming theatre season.

It's good to be optimistic about the future. Yes. Yes it is. Here's hoping that optimism will lead to happiness. It's wishful thinking, but hey, I'm an optimist.

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

The Toronto Fringe Festival is well underway, with 2 days down already and 10 more to go. I'm excited to be heading out shortly to see the first of MANY shows that I will be attending in this years festival, and I just got an email from the Fringe in regards to "changes" to the schedule that have been made.

These changes are otherwise known as cancellations. Four shows that won spots in the coveted lottery back in January have pulled themselves from the festival, and have been replaced by 2 productions...leaving 2 spots open. I'm happy that there are 2 companies that have been able to pull a show together on such short notice to replace the ones that have pulled out.

While I don't know the reason why they have pulled out, and so this may be an unwarranted rant. I need to rant though.

I have never applied to be in the Fringe, but I have numerous colleagues who have applied year after year only to lose out in the lottery time and time again.

Why do companies or individuals, who pay their money and get into the Fringe do this?? It's infuriating.

Okay. That's enough.

Until next time,

Mike

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

I've been a long time reader of reviews and critical analysis of theatre productions. When I began working in theatre more and more, some people who were close to me suggested I look into the possibility of becoming a "critic". I balked at the idea, saying that I could never voice my opinion for all to see or hear. I could share my thoughts with friends, but with the public? Not a chance!

Now I sit at my computer screen, contemplating my next review, and writing this blog.

I heard Kevin Wallace (one of the producers of The Lord Of The Rings) talking about some of the reasons why LOTR will be closing on September 3rd earlier this week. One of the reasons mentioned was the critics response to the show. It was almost universally panned, which is never a good sign for a show.

While I understand his views on the media, I can't accept them.

The job of a critic is to look at a production and all its elements - from the performances, to the direction and design elements. We may not like certain elements or performances. In fact, it's possible we don't like anything about a production, but the thing is, is that it is OUR opinion.

Those of you who read my reviews and those of my colleagues in the newspapers or other media sources, shouldn't take what we have to say as the be all and end all. Read the reviews, read a plot summary, and then make a decision for yourself. You may be surprised at what you see.

There have been times (prior to me beginning to write critical reviews) that I have read reviews, seen a show anyway, and completely disagreed with the review that I had read. It is possible that the reviewer was wrong. Again, it's only one persons opinion. Don't let our reviews of show influence your decision to see a show or not...get out there and take a chance, and then form your own opinion of it.

Do I agree that the critics killed The Lord Of The Rings? No. Lack of audiences did.

Until next time,

Mike

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

It's been almost a month since my last blog, and I have to say that it's been a very busy month for me. I'm working on a show right now (stage manager) and rehearsals have been consuming a lot of my time. Combine that with a very active time in the theatre world, with Shaw and Stratford openings galore, and it's left me with very little time to write this blog.

I'm looking forward to July, and I must warn you in advance - be on the look out for a whole heep of reviews and news. I'm scheduled to see 35 shows (yes, 35) in the month of July, along with the shows I'm working on. It's going to be busy! But to tell you the truth, I can't imagine enjoying my summer more by working in and seeing lots of theatre.

Until next time,

Mike

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

I sit here mere hours after being part of a very special evening of theatre. While this may go better in the "musical theatre" section of suite101.com, I decided to write this because of what it gave me a glimpse into the future of theatre.

I have had extensive conversations with actors, directors, and theatre managers about the fact that the audiences in Toronto are aging, and that the youth of today aren't truly interested in theatre, for any number of reasons. Film, TV, other media sources and the internet consume the lives of young people today. They don't want to go to the theatre. Many of them feel that theatre is not a medium that they can relate to. Fair enough. Many of them have never been exposed to it, and so they are entitled to that opinion. How can you know you like something if you don't try it?

"One Song Glory" was an idea that came about as part of Acting Up Stage Company's mandate to connect with and expose young people to the genre of musical theatre. Tonight on the stage of the Diesel Playhouse (formerly the home of Second City Toronto) was gathered some of the most talented and enthusiastic young people, doing what they do best - singing. Singing songs that they relate to and understand. Some of the shows represented were: Footloose, A New Brain, Parade, Brooklyn, Seussical, RENT, Tick...Tick...Boom, The Wild Party and so many more.

In front of a sold out house of almost 400 people, young and old, these youth performed their hearts out, and I was so proud to be a part of it. To see the excitement in their eyes...to see the time they have committed to rehearsing and learning their songs was incredible.

I was not only proud of their accomplishments, but to see these kids who are so passionate about musical theatre was such a thrill for me.

I think the future of theatre is looking up...although we need to do more to get more young people into the theatre, and get them more involved - allow them the opportunity to develop that passion, and it will pay off in the long run for all of us.

Posted by Mike Mackenzie

Dear Reader,

It has been a whirlwind since coming on board with Suite101.com as the Modern Theatre Writer. Many thanks to Sarah Hood and Joy here on the site for all their help!

I'm very excited to be a part of this team, bringing you the news, reviews, interviews and discussions that will help you stay informed in the world of theatre.

If you have any suggestions or a story idea that you would like to see covered here, don't hesitate to contact me, and I will be happy to look into it! (moderntheatre@suite101.com)

With the summer theatre festival season fast approaching, I'm hoping that you will keep popping back to see what is new!

Until next time,

Mike