Review: (Ottawa / Theatre) Frankenstein

poster art

Right Choices, but...
by Jim Murchison 
@JimMurchison

First of all I have to apologize to The Algonquin theatre class for arriving late. I tried to take a short cut to building N and got myself lost. For that I am dreadfully embarrassed. I was accommodated even though they were sold out and I was very pleased to see that. I love it when a theatre is full.

Mary Shelley's story is a classic tale of science gone wrong, society's preoccupation with appearance over substance of character, fear, ambition and revenge. Director Zach Counsil spent a lot of time trying to find the right version and as fortune would have it, veteran actor Walter Learning had co authored with Alden Nowlan an exceptional version faithful to Mary Shelley’s vision. The play and the version were the right choice.

Review: (Ottawa) The Laramie Project

The art of collective story telling. 
by Keely Kwok

The Laramie Project is not for the faint of heart. The play tells the story of the aftermath in Laramie, Wyoming after the brutal beating and tragic death of twenty-one year old Matthew Shepard. He was Gay. 

A theatre company known as the Tectonic Theatre Project, based in New York City and helmed by award-winning playwright Moisés Kaufman, traveled to Laramie a month after Matthew’s death in 1998 to interview the residents. From their mouths to our ears, those interviews resulted in The Laramie Project.  

Review: (Ottawa) 33 Swoons

Chekhov's Heart
by Jim Murchison 
@JimMurchison

Well spring is here, so it's only appropriate that you get out your Chekhov shorts. The big problem with a lot of Chekhov productions is that they don’t understand his intense sense of humour. To my mind everyone that wants to do The Seagull or Uncle Vanya should be required to read his short stories or one act plays first.

Fortunately for students at Algonquin, director Mary Ellis has used three hilariously insightful pieces that allow them to play and learn the fine art of Chekhov. In the right hands, Chekhov is more than just funny, he’s hilarious: and he’s in good hands here.

Review: (Ottawa) Theatre of Film Noir

Walker's World

by Jim Murchison

I got a message that the Algonquin College needed some feedback on a little matter that was going down at the Studio theatre. The source was solid. She's the kind of doll that when she gives you a heads up you follow up on the lead, so I decided to check it out . Past experience had told me that the theatre was in building N. I walked up to the box office and the little honey sitting there doled over the tickets. Yeah, I was in the right place alright.