Grey with blackened edges. Mark Hughes’ life reads like a modern reboot mashup of Lost Weekend, Reefer Madness, The River’s Edge and Sleepers. Or maybe Breaking Bad with less horrific murder.

Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy was dramaturged by TJ Dawe, whom Hughes considers his mentor in getting this riveting monologue together. From the opening narration that describes the imperfect social construct that is the corrections and criminal justice system, to Hughes’ willingness to work with the reaction of his audience, this is an experience that few will forget or fail to be moved by.

It’s almost hard to...

HUMANbeing is a sweet, poetic piece about a celestial being who decides to make the Earth its home.

Enchanting and great for kids, this simple story lacks pretension, weaving fart jokes, whimsy and wonder together into an innocent tapestry.

The opening images were the strongest. Live music in the dark and great use of practical lighting. I would have like to have seen even more of that creative atmosphere throughout the show.

Performers and co-creators Sarah Roa and Andrea Ashton's strength and full commitment carry the show. There were moments where Roa's heavy breathing and larger than life children's theatre voice felt a little pushed....

Arts Umbrella—a perfectly intimate stage for this beautiful and tragic monologue that I think everyone with a family will relate to. A single airplane seat is perched at the front of the room/theatre, where sits writer and performer, Dolores Drake. She has nervously buckled herself in, ready to set out on her first plane trip to visit her granddaughter in Toronto. It’s been five years. Drake’s character is playfully chatty with the type of spice that we love.

Her portrayal of a hardworking and well-intentioned maritime matriarch is spot on. You will...

I have to admit, I was expecting a fair bit of cheesiness, but I was resolved to watch The Vaudevillian politely. I figured there would be kids and slapstick and corny jokes and maybe I’d crack a smile or two. Well, smack me upside the head with a rubber chicken! This show was delightful and not at all like the 4 year old’s birthday party I’d hoped it wouldn’t be.

For those who aren’t in the know, Vaudeville is a form of variety...