Ottawa Theatre Newsroom

What did our critic think of BEOWULF IN AFGHANISTAN at Great Canadian Theatre Company?

What did our critic think of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at Orpheus Musical Theatre?

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.

Reminiscent of classic British pantos, and blending physical comedy, quick-witted wordplay, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy will take the stage at the Victoria Theatre on Sunday, December 8 at 3 P.M.

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

Anniversary celebrations continue at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, with the second play of the season, Beowulf in Afghanistan, a world premiere by local playwright Laurie Fyffe, developed with support from GCTC’s Tributary Project. Learn how to purchase tickets.

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.

Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards. Don't miss Thursday's October 31st deadline!

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.

Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards. Don't miss next week's October 31st deadline!

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

There are just two weeks left to submit nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards. The 2024 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

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

GCTC announced its 50th Anniversary Season will open with the classic Canadian comedy THE ANGER IN ERNEST AND ERNESTINE, celebrating a milestone with a beloved play that explores relationships and humor.

Theatre Collingwood has announced a special ceremony at its office on Wednesday, September 11th, at 4:30 p.m.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Ottawa Awards. The 2024 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

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?

BC Culture Days celebrates its 15th anniversary this fall with hundreds of free and Pay-What-You-May events across the province, fostering cross-cultural understanding through the arts.

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.

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival will wrap up the 2024 season with Play On! A Shakespeare Inspired Mixtape, featuring local musicians and a mix of pop music and Shakespearean text.

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?