Courtney Castelino

Kanata Theatre opened its 56th season this week with Dangerous Liaisons, a steamy historical play set in pre-Revolutionary France, written by Christopher Hampton and directed here by Sarah Hegger. The play is based upon a novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, entitled Les Liaisons Dangereuses, published in 1782. Some audience members may also recall the 1988 film adaptation, featuring an all-star cast, including Glen Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. In Hampton’s play, former lovers, La Marquise de Merteuil (Megan LeMarquand) and Le Vicomte de Valmont (Stavros Sakiadis), conspire to conquest, seduce, and even assault individuals they desire or want to use as pawns for revenge against their foes. La Marquise and Le Vicompte treat everyone around them as disposable playthings, without realizing that actions invariably have consequences. With its themes of morality, lust, betrayal, and vengeance, Dangerous Liaisons is unusual in that its primary characters are less sympathetic than its secondary players. The audience feels more compassion for the innocent and naïve Cecile Volanges (Ava Gustine, in her acting debut), the sincerely smitten Presidente de Tourvel (the talented Lindsey Keene), and the foppish Chevalier Danceny (Thomas Jestin) as they are each used, abused, and secretly mocked by their tormentors disguised as concerned friends.

What did our critic think of SNOW IN MIDSUMMER at National Arts Centre?

Arthur Jamison (David McIntyre) wants nothing more than to kill his wife. A criminal attorney by profession, as he obsesses on the couch in his New York City townhouse, he realizes he has a big problem.

Ovation Productions presents one high quality musical theatre show per year in Ottawa. Last year’s presentation of Cabaret was outstanding, and I had high hopes for Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods this year. This production shares its run with Broadway Across Canada’s presentation of Disney's The Lion King. For any other company, this could have been unfortunate timing but, because of the quality of Ovation’s shows, Into the Woods can easily compete.

What did our critic think of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at National Arts Centre?

I had the privilege to speak with Darnell Abraham about his background and his role as Mufasa in the upcoming Broadway Across Canada presentation of Disney’s The Lion King, including some insight into the preparation that goes into such a physical role, favourite scenes, and the timelessness of the musical's themes.

What did our critic think of Chamber + Silent Tides + Bolero X at National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of FIRST MÉTIS MAN OF ODESA at National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of COME FROM AWAY at National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Ottawa?

Les Misérables hails itself as the world’s most popular musical. Although this statistic may be partially attributed to longevity, the new production of Les Mis, presented by Broadway Across Canada and currently on stage at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, is undeniably a feast for the senses. With incredible stage design, the set is further enhanced using technology to build depth and make the streets – and sewers – of Paris come alive.

What did our critic think of SOCIAL TANGO PROJECT at National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of HILDA'S YARD at Ottawa Little Theatre?

What did our critic think of YOU USED TO CALL ME MARIE... at the National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of AN ACT OF GRACE at Ottawa Little Theatre?

What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe?

What did our critic think of NAVY BLUE at National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of SIX at the National Arts Centre?

What did our critic think of BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at Kanata Theatre?

What did our critic think of THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK at Kailash Mital Theatre?