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: Spin (Outspoke Productions)

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By George Perry

Photo of Evalyn Parry in Spin by Tanja-Tiziana, doublecrossed.ca

Spin, written and performed by Evalyn Parry, previewed at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on March 15 in Toronto.  I strongly suggest you cycle on over before it closes on March 27.

Spin is like nothing I’ve seen before. Part spoken word performance, part rock concert, part political manifesto, but completely awesome. It’s a play about passion; it’s a play about Lust For Life.

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Review: Mahmoud (Pandemic Theatre)

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By George Perry 

Tara Grammy
Tara Grammy in Pandemic Theatre's production of Mahmoud

Mahmoud, a Pandemic Theatre production, recently played at The Tarragon Theatre Extra Space.  It is a one-woman show showcasing its writer and performer, Tara Grammy.

 The performance comes in at just under an hour.  I recently commented to my friend Sam that sometimes these one hour plays seem like a week in hell, other times they seem like a five-minute coffee break cut short.  This one felt like ten minutes.

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Review: Odyssey (Co-production – Why Not Theatre and Theatre Ad Infinitum)

By George Perry

George Mann in Odyssey

An extraordinary and engaging interpretation of Homer’s Odyssey was recently onstage at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre Extra Space.   Why Not Theatre and Theatre Ad Infinitum have collaborated to bring this acclaimed one-man show to Toronto. There is only one artist on this black, desolate stage.  However, George Mann is compelling, with nothing more than his sheer talent and passion.

Mann gives an epic performance of an epic canon of Western literature.  His range of emotion, his ability to believably play so many characters is something that needs to be seen to be believed.  Fortunately, Ravi Jain, Artistic Director for Why Not Theatre has made sure that as many people as possible see and benefit from seeing this production.

Continue reading Review: Odyssey (Co-production – Why Not Theatre and Theatre Ad Infinitum) →