“Hell’s Kitchen”, Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, ON

This afternoon I saw Hell’s Kitchen with Franca and Ann at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Welcome to HELL’S KITCHEN, the hit musical from 17-time Grammy Award winning Alicia Keys - inspired by her life, her music, and her community.

Your journey begins with Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. Along the way, you’ll meet the musical mentor who changes her life, her dynamic family, and the neighbourhood that helps her grow. Relatable, raw, and refreshingly fun, HELL’S KITCHEN is a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up.

More than watching a performance, this experience pulls you out of your seat and has you buzzing when you leave, wondering who to tell about it first. The music—a mix of Keys’ greatest hits and new songs written exclusively for the show - is brought to life through exhilarating choreography. It’s a soundtrack of rebellion, life, and love that speaks to you no matter where you’re from, where you’ve been, or where you’re going.

It was loud and lively. The singers had excellent voices. I'm not overly familiar with Alicia Keys' songs, though I did recognize a few.

“Sleuth”, The Fleck, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw the Shaw Festival production of Sleuth at The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre. An 11am show is an odd time but we thought we’d check it out as we like 1pm shows. There were lots of twists and the main actors were good.

A love letter to the classic crime thriller, Sleuth is packed with razor-sharp dialogue and psychological games that will keep you guessing until the very end. When a celebrated mystery writer invites his wife’s lover to his secluded English country estate, what begins as a seemingly civilized encounter quickly spirals into a dangerous contest of wit and manipulation. But who is really in control and who is playing whom?

Directed by Peter Fernandes, this gripping production stars Patrick Galligan as Andrew Wyke and Sepehr Reybod as Milo Tindle, delivering a riveting battle of intellects in one of the most acclaimed suspense plays ever written.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of whodunits or discovering Sleuth for the first time, don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a Shaw Festival production that honours the enduring legacy of classic suspense theatre.

"Monks", Tarragon Theatre, Toronto, ON

This evening Gord and I saw Monks. It’s been sold out the last two times it’s been playing. Gord had seen it a year and a half ago at The Theatre Centre and said it was a hoot so we bought tickets as soon as we saw it was scheduled. 

In this monastery of mayhem, nothing is sacred … The monks who reside in the hilltop monastery have always lived in total isolation. But when the Abbot ventures into town, two medieval Brothers seize the chance to invite a wagon full of strangers into their austere abode.

Across this one-hour clown epic, the monks’ daily rituals — counting lentils, caring for their donkey, and keeping the monastery from collapse — become the quest of a lifetime.

Accept their invitation and step inside this shockingly dumb, interactive journey, packed with daring physical comedy, unbridled chaos, and every possible interpretation of the word ‘ass’.

It’s hilarious! Lots of craziness, improv and audience participation. This evening was the first show and it runs until November 15 (extra shows have been added).

"Come From Away", Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown, PEI

Gord and I saw Come From Away at the Conferation Centre of the Arts this evening. 

Come From Away is based on the true story of a small town that welcomed the world. What started as an average day in Gander, Newfoundland turned into a historic moment when 38 planes carrying thousands of people were diverted there on September 11, 2001. 

Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but the East Coast community welcomed these “come from aways” into their lives with open arms; uneasiness turned into trust, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Come From Away tells a heartwarming story of kindness in the face of unprecedented circumstances.

It was sooooo good! The performers were excellent. It’s the fourth time I’ve seen it (3 times in Toronto) and it never disappoints. And it's a very nice theatre.

"110% Wizard”, Fringe Festival, Native Earth's Aki Studio, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw 110% Wizard with Keith Brown, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival, this afternoon. We discovered Keith at Fringe in 2022 and have been going to see him every year since. His show is a combo of magic and storytelling.

"Celine and Cher: Divine Divas”, Fringe Festival, Factory Theatre, Toronto, ON

I saw Celine and Cher: Divine Divas, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival, this afternoon. It was free to see for volunteers. 

Marysia told stories about Celine and Cher and encouraged us to sing some of their songs with her.

"Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 - Shakespeare: Say It!”, Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I saw Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 - Shakespeare: Say It!, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival, this afternoon. It was free to see for volunteers.

It was a fun way to experience Shakespeare. There was lots of audience participation since we read aloud as a group the conversations and did what was in the screen. Plus we were given individual parts if we wanted (I was the nurse and Lord Capulet) and read aloud when they “spoke”. Dana was amazing acting out the bits in between.

Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering at The Toronto Fringe Festival (my last of four shifts) at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in the Distillery District.

I ushered and got to see Sincerely, E and Cult Following.

“Tango After Midnight”, The Toronto Fringe Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw Tango After Midnight, part of the Toronto Fringe Festival, this evening at the Tarragon Theatre (north of Bathurst Street and Dupont Street).

The two dancers were fabulous! There was an accompanying video that explained the story as they went along and it could have been brighter.

"Medusa", Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

Gord and I saw the world premiere of Medusa this afternoon at Soulpepper.

The first and second acts were so different from each other and didn’t work for me and seemed disconnected. The use of headphones in the first act was an interesting way into Medusa’s thoughts. 

A fearless immersive headphone experience that places audiences inside Medusa’s mind. Before the serpents, before the legend, there was a woman in a world that feared her power. From ancient myth into a modern-day Rage Room, Medusa is a raw, electrifying story about female rage, power and transformation. Through whispered voices and immersive sound delivered into audience headphones, you’re drawn directly into Medusa’s thoughts as the action unfolds live on stage. 

Unflinching, immersive and deeply theatrical, Medusa reimagines one of Greek mythology’s most iconic and feared figures in a bold & thrilling new way. It might just release your inner serpents—or turn you to stone.

"Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story", Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I used a voucher I got for voluntering and saw Evie and Alfie: A Very British Love Story, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival. It was cute and well done.

"Jon Bennett: American’t", Fringe Festival, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, ON

I used a voucher I got for voluntering and saw Jon Bennett: American't, part of The Toronto Fringe Festival. It was a funny show.

Fringe Festival, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering (my third of four shifts) at The Toronto Fringe Festival at Theatre Passe Muraille (Ryerson Avenue, north of Queen Street W).

I ushered so got to see The Wounds of Love and Other Gifts and A Non-Canonical Musical Adventure With Pookamhura: Mistress Of B-Roll.

Fringe Festival, Sweet Action Theatre, Toronto, ON

I spent the afternoon volunteering (my second of four shifts) at The Toronto Fringe Festival at Sweet Action Theatre at Youngspace (Shaw Street, north of Queen Street W).

I ushered so got to see Tortoise, the Hare and the Truth and El Jefe.