Grandma Noda’s Tigers, currently on as part of Victoria's Uno Fest, is one of those special little shows where everything seems to work supernaturally well. Never before have I seen a house so full on a pay-what-you-can opening night. Actor/writer Chris Little (who co-wrote the show from his wife Regina Fitzgerald’s first draft) seemed pleased with this, too – and quite deservedly.
It may be hard to believe, but that little guy wearing the checkered cook pants, white shoes, yellow shirt, black vest and white bow tie, playing the accordion, and rockin' the "jewfro" is one of Canada's most sadly underrated singer- songwriters.
It’s always a treat when adults and children alike can find joy in a live theatrical production, and Grandma Noda’s Tigers certainly delivers with this inventive and delightful piece of theatre currently on as part of the Uno Festival.
Writer/actor Jayson McDonald gets shot through the heart, flips the bird at who’s to blame, then, as detective Thom Phox, sets about cracking the case. So goes Gunpowder the very first show of this year’s Uno Fest, and it goes pretty well.
For the opening night of the explorASIAN Festival on May 8th, Co Erasga performed OrienTik/Portrait at the Frederick Wood Theatre at UBC. The performers included dancers Alvin Tolentino and Andrea Nann and taiko drummer Jordan Riley. Piano player Alison Nishihara was absent due to illness. Even with recorded piano and some obvious silent gaps, OrienTik/Portrait remained coherent and moving. Composed of distinct images, driven by bold energy and clear intention, it was a work of aesthetic simplicity in the best possible sense.
If, like me, you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with work and unable to do anything well because you’ve taken on too many things, then I suggest you head downtown to the salubrious surrounds of the Metro Parking Garage and take in Bridge Mix. It’s theatre with a serotonin kick and I guarantee you’ll come out feeling a whole lot better. Even if you’ve been feeling rather chipper, give it a go – we can always use a bit of body-induced sunshine.
After a long too long hiatus, the venerable PLANK Panel returns with their take on the Canadian Opera Company's current production of The Flying Dutchman, currently on at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto.
The Canadian Opera Company’s production of The Flying Dutchman. Photo Credit: Michael Cooper
