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 Script Tease Project (The National Theatre of the World)

by George Perry

The National Theatre of the World is currently undertaking an ambitious project at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, The Script Tease Project. Over the course of six days, the improvisational troupe will be performing 10 “different” plays.

They will be performing 10 different plays in a week which they are largely improvising.

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Review: Under Milk Wood (The Empty Room)

By George Perry

The Cast of Under Milk Wood

Under Milk Wood played at Toronto’s Abrams Studio Theatre. The play was written by Dylan Thomas and is considered by many a masterpiece. The Empty Room offered a fresh and relevant revisit.

Thomas worked on this play for over ten years.  He read two parts in the first production. The play was intended for radio.  The BBC first broadcast Under Milk Wood in 1954 with Richard Burton as the character First Voice. In 1972 a movie version was made, staring Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter O’Toole.

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Review: Montparnasse (Groundwater Productions)

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By George Perry

Maev Beaty and Erin Shields in Montparnasse

Montparnasse (Groundwater Productions) is a brave play that is currently onstage at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille.  It is the story of two bold women who relocate from Canada to Montparnasse, a Bohemian haven in Paris in the 1920’s.

The play was created by Maev Beaty, Erin Shields and Andrea Donaldson.  All characters, famous or not,  are fearlessly performed by Beaty and Shields.

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