Mark Andrew Lawrence - Page 3

Leave it to Theatre Erindale to unearth a relatively unknown recent play and turn it into a brilliant showcase for the female members of the school's acting ensemble. A String of Pearls is a fascinating and funny piece that is highly recommended, with the caveat that there is some strong language and adult situations involved. * * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

It will never be regarded as one of Broadway's greatest, the show Footloose can be fun and entertaining when the production features an energetic and youthful cast and a charismatic leading man. Meadowvale Music Theatre's production scores on both of these points, and even if the production occasionally falters, the energetic performances help compensate. * * * (OUT OF 5)

Birdland Theatre has joined forces with Barrie's Talk is Free Theatre to present a mesmerizing production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's darkly comic piece Assassins. Fans of the show will no doubt want to see it, but others are well advised to take this scary ride and see for themselves. * * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Amicus Productions presentation of Noel Coward's comedy Fallen Angels proves to be a real crowd pleaser thanks to its leading ladies. * * * * (OUT OF 5)

If you have fond memories of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books or the popular 1970's TV series, steer clear of the Canon Theatre because your expectations sure to be foiled. The same applies if you are a musical theatre fan out to see this new musical adapted from the novels. Despite a few fine performances the show as a whole just does not work. * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Caitlynne Medrek gives an incandescent performance as the title character in Encore Entertainment's engrossing staging of the 1997 version of The Diary of Anne Frank. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Patty Jamieson, Jacquelyn French and Jeff Lillico head a superb cast in a ravishingly beautiful production of The Light in the Piazza playing a limited 3-week run at the Berkeley Street Theatre. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Shaw's classic play is given a fine revival by Stage Centre Productions. * * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Caryl Churchill's once daring play has lost some of its edge over the past three decades, but thanks to a terrific cast and solid direction, it still entertains. * * * 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Dixie Longate brings her Tupperware Party to Mississauga sending the crowd in the RBC Theatre at the Living Arts Centre into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Dixie - we love your cups! * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Senior students at University of Toronto's Erindale Campus Theatre program tackle Richard Wilbur's translation of Jean Racine's 17th Century play and come up with a powerful production. * * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Theatre Unlimited offers a generally fine community production of the classic Arthur Laurents-Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheim musical Gypsy - but undoes it but cutting the final scene!! * * 1/2 (out of 5)

Some high-energy performers backed by a terrific band make the new revue at Stage West Dinner Theatre an enjoyable if somewhat overpowering smorgasbord. * * * (out of 5)

The Broadway Tour of Rent provides Toronto audiences with a fairly close facsimile of the true original - as opposed to the hand-me-down tours that have previously played the city. The show, however, remains problematic. * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

Encore Entertainment's first show of the season is a winner, the very funny - and at times quite campy Ruthless. Thanks to a terrific cast and brisk pacing, the laughs never let up.

Dancap scores another Toronto victory with the hilariously over-the-top camp musical 'The Toxic Avenger.' Production values are Broadway caliber for this off-Broadway show, and with a top-notch cast headed by Louise Pitre, Evan Alexander Smith and Brittany Gray, the show should continue ricking The Music Hall for many months to come. * * * * (OUT OF 5)

Nightwood Theatre, in co-production with The Canadian Stage Company, is proud to present the Canadian premiere of That Face, opening Thursday night at thw Berkeley Street Theatre.

Altar Boyz has been extended one more week at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Show now closes October 18. (Ruthless will open there the following week.)

Scarborough Music Theatre (SMT) presents the tony Award winning musical 'Nine' at Scarborough Village Theatre, November 5 to 21.

Sondheim in September. a charity event benefiting The Actors Fund Of Canada, will be presented at Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto on Monday September 21, Monday September 28 and Monday October 5. Tickets for each program are $25 or buy all 3 for $60. Available online at www.sondheiminseptember.com or by calling Ticketline: (647) 367-8477.