Totally Wicked

Well, the Birthday festivities concluded yesterday, just in time for Halloween. Which is perfect, because last night my Mom and I went to see Wicked.

I’m a little bit of a theatre buff. In my former life I actually went to a play a week and wrote reviews – thank you student ticket pricing. Naturally, as a dramatic closeted hopeless romantic, my favourite musical will always be Phantom of the Opera. I love everything about it, including the feeling that I get “singing” Think of Me while sitting in the Pantages (it is the Pantages, not the Canon – deal with it). Although, I have to admit, I received tickets for my 13th birthday and had to leave during intermission as I was scared silly. I actually believed the phantom would come through my mirror into my room at night. I still kind of believe that, and for that reason, I still don’t have a single mirror in my bedroom. I digress.

Wicked was wonderful. I had heard from friends that it was their favourite musical of all time. Excuse me? Do we now have another addition to the Les Mis/Phantom “top of the pack” group. Those have always been the front-runners, and you never love both – one or the other. So, needless to say, I was surprised that Wicked was selected as top dog. I can now see why. From Glinda (or Ge-linda) to Elphaba – I truly enjoyed the music, the costumes, the set and of course – learning about the Witches of Oz.

So Torontonians, take flight. Get on your broomstick, or hop in a cab, whichever, and fly on down to see Wicked. It may not be the Phantom, but it warmed my tin man heart.

P.S. – the lead changed during half-time (wow, sports enthusiast much?) I mean, intermission. Odd, I have never seen that happen before. Must have been planned, as who sits around backstage in green make-up?

Nothing Short of a Production

The streets will be alive tomorrow in Toronto with sounds of signs being unveiled.  Ed Mirvish, Theatre impresario and Honestly one of Toronto’s most well-known philanthropists, will be honoured on Duncan Street at noon.  My fondest childhood memories come from sitting amidst fellow theatre buffs being amazed by the spectacle produced by Mirvish Productions.  It is locations such as the Pantages (now known as the Canon Theatre), Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatre that spawned my devotion to smaller theatres such as Buddies, Berkley Theatre and Factory Theatre.  While I never frequented Honest Ed’s, or dined at one of his many restaurants, I will forever be grateful to him for introducing me to an extraordinary passion in my life – the theatre.

The production that made the Pantages an iconic fixture in Toronto and to me is in a league of its own.

Thank you Ed Mirvish.