Sondheim and his Assassins

Photo: Susan Benoit

SondheimFest is nigh upon us, celebrating the work of the man who dragged the traditional musical ("kicking and screaming"or "dancing and singing" if you will) into the modern age.

I don't go in for many musicals, frankly. Too often the songs, dances and (typically) high production values are covers for shoddy storytelling and broad acting. And Sondheim agrees, which is probably why I enjoy his works so much. From West Side Story to Sweeney Todd to Assassins, Sondheim has insisted on the musical carrying its weight as an art form.

All that to say, if you want to see a musical with me, let's head out to SondheimFest together; there's a number of productions by tremendous local indy companies I want to see. I promise to leave my grumpy face at home.

Oh — and here's a preview piece I wrote for the Projector on one of the shows. Cheers!

Assassins exposes dark side of the American dream

ShawFest - Ready, Set, Go

When I signed up for college this year, I knew I'd have to cut down on performing; my class schedule is too intense. And of all years, the year the Master Playwright is Shaw! I love Shaw (at least what I've read) and his epic, witty tacklings of politics, religion, business and the human spirit (usually in the same play). So I was bummed I'd be sitting on the sidelines.

But no! I got the call (or was it a tweet?) from RMTC to blog this year. I get to contribute to your festival experience, you hearty Winnipeg theatre-goer, you!

And I get to be an official cheerleader for the groups participating. Which is good, because these are crazy days they're living. They're pulling together costumes and lights; doing final runs; reaching out to potential audiences. With time running low and budgets thin, the thread is usually stretched to the breaking point.

Now, I love me the RMTC. Their generous sharing of resources, expertise and enthusiasm make this festival happen (and I'm sure their production of Mrs. Warren's Profession will knock it out of the park). But I'm more excited for the indy companies. Not just because shoestring theatre done almost exclusively for the love of art is inspiring. But - to paraphrase a character from Slings & Arrows - I think the most exciting things happen just before the thread snaps.

Welcome to the festival.

ShawFest - Get Your Irish Playwright On

RMTC has asked me to blog about this year's Master Playwrights Festival; something I was planning to do anyways, but now there's a pleasant fire under me bum to keep my focus from wandering. I'll be posting on the official Festival website (along with a few other Winnipeg theatre folk) as well as on AutoMattic Transmission.

So prepare yourself, good reader - things are going to get theatrical around here for awhile.