All posts by George Perry

George has always been passionate about theatre, but didn’t know it. As a young boy he was mesmerized by professional wrestling. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was an early role model. Shortly thereafter, the explosive histrionics of Pete Townshend would supersede this Canadian icon. George’s attention later turned to American theatre. Jello Biafra became a seminal influence. The “Do It Yourself” ethic was firmly embraced by Perry, and he ventured into the vast repetoire of artists like Paul Westerberg and Steve Albini. As a young adult, he was re-introduced to the works of Townshend. His then girlfriend, Michelle, was hugely impressed by the theatrical production of The Who’s “Tommy”. He meandered through factories, schools, border towns and Michigan for a very long time afterwards. He eventually landed in Toronto. All these influences were brought together in one kettle when George discovered Mooney on Theatre. He understands and personifies that theatre is indeed for everyone. To further this end goal, he contributes.

Review: The Life And Times Of Mackenzie King (VideoCabaret)

The Life & Times of Mackenzie King

The Life and Times of Mackenzie King is currently onstage at The Cameron in Toronto. It is the story of Canada in the two decades between the World Wars, “The Roaring Twenties” and “The Dirty Thirties.”

Written by Michael Hollingsworth,  The Life and Times of Mackenzie King premiered in 1993. It is a highly-acclaimed play, the winner of many prestigious awards and often described as “mind-blowing.”

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Review: The Gentleman Caller (Zadkiel Productions)

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The Gentleman Caller is the second play of the season at The University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre. It is a fictional account of the private life of famed playwright Tennessee Williams.

I openly and freely admit that I am not very familiar with Williams’ work. I was literally in the dark while waiting for the TTC on the way to the play. Sadly, a streetcar was not included as part of my journey.

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Review: The Winslow Boy (Stage Centre Productions)

The Winslow Boy is currently on stage at Toronto’s Fairview Library Theatre. The play was written by Terrence Rattigan and is based on real life events. It is the story of a father who risks everything to prove the innocence of his young son.

I’d never been to community theatre before, which is a shame. Stage Centre Productions is a company of volunteers. If words like “community” and “volunteers” make you imagine inferior quality, think again. The Winslow Boy is their first play of their 35th season.

Stage Centre Productions do things right, and they’ve been producing great theatre for a long time!

Don Mills and Sheppard, the location of The Fairview Library Theatre, is a different world than I am used to. Together with the excellent production I really WAS transported across the pond to pre-war London.

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Review: Church Girl (Profile Entertainment)

Church Girl is a very ambitious play. Toronto’s Sony Centre For The Performing Arts hosted this important example of urban theatre on Labour Day Weekend. Church Girl is a play with a positive message. It is a very hopeful and life-affirming play.

Church Girl is a big and splendid production. It is the true story of a pastor’s daughter with a dirty secret. It was the first time I’ve been lucky enough to attend an urban theatre stage play. Hopefully it won’t be my last.

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