Review: (Montreal) Sherlock Holmes

Karl Graboshas (l), Jay Baruchel Photo by: Andrée Lanthier   

Not So Elementary
by Caitlin Murphy

Sherlock Holmes adaptations are in ready supply these days. With Guy Ritchie’s frenetic films, the modern-day BBC series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and the NYC-set Elementary, featuring Watson as a woman, we seem quite culturally obsessed at the moment with re-imagining Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic sleuth.  Not surprisingly, this populous terrain is hard to stand out in. Though the Segal Centre’s highly-anticipated production is sumptuous and boasts incredible technical prowess, its trail ultimately runs cold.

Set where Sherlock ‘belongs’ – London, end of the 19th century – the play revolves around a proposed controversial ban on opium, the era’s vice of choice, and the mysterious disappearances and murders that result.  The script was written as a Segal Centre commission, by the multi-talented impresario, Greg Kramer, who tragically passed away right as his play went into rehearsal.

Review: (Montreal) Trad

Graham Cuthbertson and Patrick Costello (photo credit: lucetg.com)

The Emerald City
by Caitlin Murphy

In a spirit of Samuel Beckett meets Father Ted, SideMart Theatrical Grocery’s production of Trad, by Irish playwright Mark Doherty, is riveting – beautifully staged and superbly performed; deliciously absurd, but deeply moving too.  Originally produced in 2007 at the Segal Centre’s Studio space, this dark comedy is currently on tap at the Centaur Theatre – and Montreal audiences should feel very very lucky that it is.

As its title suggests, Trad is a play about tradition, but also about how much can be truncated, lopped off or lost – from a word, a body, an identity, a nation – before what remains is no longer recognizable.  100-year-old Thomas has only one arm, and his Da has only one leg.  But in a sort of upside down Godot, the aged male duo sets off on a search for Thomas’ previously undisclosed son, whose name or whereabouts are unknown.  Stuck for so long in the past, the men’s quest becomes a symbolic last stab at the future.  As Thomas and Da, Graham Cuthbertson and Patrick Costello – with bald pates, furry ears and pleading eyes – deliver brilliant performances replete with vulnerability, wit and soul. 

Review: (Montreal) Scientific Americans

Michael Blake (photo credit: Andrée Lanthier)

Mighton by the Numbers

Sidemart at Segal examines issues and offers entertainment

by Chris Lane

We all know that working for the military can take over your life. And that they are always watching you. Or is it the Soviets who are watching you? Scientific Americans, by Canadian playwright John Mighton, presents numerous questions and possible answers in a sharp, witty and multifaceted depiction of a young scientist getting drawn into the harsh world of American military research.

Review: (Montreal) Whiteman’s Whiskey Comedy Revue: One of Everything for the Boys

Where The Boys Are

A Festive revue just in time

by Chris Lane

Sidemart Theatrical Grocery’s latest version of their Whiteman’s Whiskey Comedy Revue, entitled One of Everything for the Boys, is simple, charming and wonderfully entertaining. It is a witty and clever piece of satirical theatre which is hard not to like.