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.

Kaspar & the Sea of Houses (twinwerks // zwillingswerk) 2011 SummerWorks Review

Kaspar & the Sea of Houses is the story of three over-worked Children’s Aid workers. It is a challenging SummerWorks play that deals with many provocative issues.

The play was written in German by Felicia Zeller as a response to the discovery of a two-year old boy’s body in his stepfather’s fridge. Child Welfare workers had been monitoring the situation which became known as the “Kevin case”.

Continue reading Kaspar & the Sea of Houses (twinwerks // zwillingswerk) 2011 SummerWorks Review

Review: Rocky Horror Show (The Randolph Academy)

The Randolph Academy has put a fresh spin on the 36 year old Rocky Horror Show. Toronto’s Bathurst Street Theatre is the perfect place to mount Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, as the theatre feels a lot like the old castle in the play.

The Drew Carey Show had a famous scene that gives a real feel of seeing Rocky Horror. Before flash mobs and Glee, there was The Rocky Horror Show. Continue reading Review: Rocky Horror Show (The Randolph Academy)

Trotsky & Hutch: On Patrol (Impatient Theatre Co.) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

Trotsky & Hutch: On Patrol did for comedy what real cops do on every shift. They accomplish the near-impossible. Trotsky & Hutch did it at Tarragon Theatre Extra Space. Real cops do it everywhere, all the time, all over the civilized world.

I’m not a fan of improv. For me it seems like a combination of old-school televised wrestling and cheap magic tricks. I’m more interested in watching Three-card Monte with my cuz in Times Square.

Continue reading Trotsky & Hutch: On Patrol (Impatient Theatre Co.) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review