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.

A Month In The Country – Soulpepper brings cottage country to downtown Toronto

By George Perry

Fiona Byrne is amazing as Natalya Petrovna, the matriarch in A Month in the Country. She reminds me of my Lithuanian mother-in-law.  This Soulpepper production is currently onstage at the Young Theatre in Toronto’s Distillery District. 

Fiona Byrne by Cylla von Tiedemann

Ivan Turgenev first wrote this play in 1855.  At first, the Russians censored it, then they ignored it for 17 years.  A Month in the Country didn’t gain popularity until Constantin Stanislavsky directed and acted in an interpretation in 1909. 

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The Waves… first tide (Harley Dog Productions)

By George Perry

The Waves prologueIf you’ve had a rough day at work, you’re tired and your stomach is a little upset.  If you’ve also had enough of the recent weather, then I know the cure for what ails you.  You need a prescription written by Viginia Woolf to see her play The Waves… first tide.  Take the prescription to Factory Theatre Mainspace at Adelaide and Spadina.  Have it filled by Harley Dog Productions.

You’ll need to arrive early for this play for two reasons.  First, the play will sell out.  You need to get your tickets early.  Second, there is the McAuslan Beer Patio to be enjoyed.  It’s a nice little garden and a great place to relax and forget about the 9-5 working world. 

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Killing Game (www.randolphacademy.com & www.redhanded.ca) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

By George Perry

Killing Time

Killing Game is currently playing at The Annex Theatre as part of Fringe Toronto.  There’s a lot of things to like about this play.  The cast includes more than 20 people, all of them very talented.  Choreography is so good that it is hard to believe at times.  Costumes and makeup are also sensational.

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Sia (Pyretic Productions) 2010 Toronto Fringe Review

By George Perry

Brendan McMurtry-Holett, Thomas Antony Olajide and Jajube Mandiela Sia is the story about a young student who travels to West Africa to do volunteer work.  It’s playing at St.Vladimir’s Theatre on Spadina during Fringe.

The venue is old and certainly nothing fancy.  It reminded me of being in a church auditorium.  This is quite fitting, because this play involves much soul searching.  It is very emotional and many people left with damp eyes.  At times the performance was as powerful as a religious experience.

Sia combines the birth and uncertainty of a new “friendship” of two men.  It’s actually a hostage situation, but there are undertones of a friendship.

Brendan McMurty-Howlett plays the Nick volunteer and Thomas Antony Olajide plays Abraham.  Olajide is particularly powerful.  His acting is especially convincing and his presence exceptional.  He holds a 2nd degree Black Belt, which pays huge dividends in terms of his confidence and non verbal communication.

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