Artist turns passion into a grand exhibit

There’s an old adage that says you can’t go home again, but don’t tell that to Bill Hagan.

After nearly 25 years as an industrial designer in the Toronto area, Hagan, who originally hails from Galt, is bringing his life-long passion for painting, photography and the Grand River to the Edissi Fine Arts Gallery in Kitchener next month with an exhibit called “Grandiose,” a visual exploration of the Grand River watershed …Read more

Rent is right up young actors’ alley

Given the musical he’s directing, Gord Davis had no shortage of young performers auditioning for parts. In fact, The Singer’s Theatre had the largest turnout ever for Rent, which will be staged Aug. 20-22.

Since its debut in ’96, Rent has struck a chord with young people, drawing huge crowds of those not usually associated with live theatre. It’s a natural fit, then, for a group that offers intensive workshop training for young people, a two-week grind that culminates in performances before an audience …Read more

Theatre transformed into a Cabaret

A play based on a book becomes another play, which becomes an award-winning smash hit. It becomes a movie. Another hit. More awards. A revival on Broadway ensues. More accolades. Life really is a Cabaret, and you can find out why when the JM Drama production of the iconic musical hits the stage next week at the Registry Theatre …Read more

Woman’s tale shines light on Palestine

If the way to tell a complicated story is to personalize it, then My Name is Rachel Corrie does just that in explaining the plight of Palestinians living in areas occupied by Israeli soldiers.

Corrie, a 23-year-old American peace activist, was killed – some say murdered – on Mar. 16, 2003 by an Israeli Army bulldozer as she and some colleagues tried to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home. Her death made headlines worldwide and inspired more than 30 songs, two plays, and a documentary, …Read more

Sunday music showcase set to go live

A tireless musician, songwriter, producer and record collector, Lynn Russwurm now wears another musical hat: organizer of the summer showcase concert …Read more

Stratford returns to theatricality

Picturesque Stratford has undoubtedly enjoyed an influx of visitors brought in by the early arrival of spring, but the tourist season shifted into high gear this week as the Stratford Shakespeare Festival officially launched its 59th season.

The kickoff was Monday night’s gala opening of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, directed by the festival’s …Read more

Band members find their Second Wind

Jonathan Sauder first played with the band Second Wind when he was about eight years old.

His parents, Wendy and Brian, were friends with the band members and had been bringing him to their shows since he was five, smuggling him into bars over the supper hour. Jonathan had a natural talent on drums and one night, while playing in St. Clements, they brought him up on stage for a song …Read more

Show blossoms from the roots of music

The Folk Night at the Registry wraps up its fourth season next weekend with two Canadian musical legends, Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley. Given the number of years the two veterans have collaborated, it’s sure to feature polished music and plenty of banter.

“We have this back-and-forth thing that we do,” laughed Scarlett down the line from his Toronto home.
His shows are said at times to resemble finely executed pieces of theatre (albeit, sometimes, the theatre of …Read more

It’s the ladies’ turn to hoist the Jolly Roger

The stage at the ETC facility on Howard Avenue has been transformed into a pirate ship, ready to take theatergoers out on the high seas … and back in time. Specifically, to the era of swashbuckling pirates. More specifically, lady pirates. Singing, dancing and sword-fighting lady pirates, to be precise …Read more

Jazz in the key of old school

Growing up in a musical family, John Tank was exposed to a variety of instruments, including the violin and the piano. It wasn’t until he picked up a saxophone, however, that he found his calling, one that has made him something of a jazz legend more than 45 years down the road.

“I think the saxophone chose me – it was a mutual love affair,” said the K-W native who’s called New York City home for the last three decades …Read more