MARY POPPINS

Written by

So I directed a production of Mary Poppins at Young People’s Theatre in Toronto that opened on Nov. 8, 2018 (3 days ago) and I had to post something. I have been inspired to share some thoughts about it.

First of all, I always love working at Young People’s Theatre (YPT) because the entire crew, administration staff, custodial staff, box office staff are the nicest, most generous people ever.  And they are lead from the top by Allen MacInnis  (Artistic Director) and Nancy Webster (Executive Director) who are two of the most decent, thoughtful, funny, creative, helpful human beings in the business. Allen has been a friend for several years but in the last few years has become an unofficial directing mentor and he and Nancy have been two of my greatest supporters.

One of the many things I love about Allen is that he wants his theatre to reflect the cultural landscape of Toronto, so multicultural casting is always of the utmost importance.  As an actor/performer/now director of colour, I couldn’t be more on board with that.

Jump back in time with me for a second (insert flashback music).  I saw my first shows at Stratford when I was 14. … [Continue reading]

A NEW ERA

Written by

Hmmm  as I wrote the above title, I accidentally wrote “A NEW EAR” first and it made me think, “actually that is not inappropriate”.  I’m in New York, ready to start a new experience.  Well, many new experiences.  And I like the idea of a new ear, a new way to hear things, a better way of picking up signals.  Like an ear in music.  Hearing the natural way a melody should go.  I want to “hear” what the universe is actually telling me.  I feel a bit like I’ve been living the life beside my life for the last 32 years (how long I’ve been acting – in case anyone thought I was trying to pretend I’m 32).  I’ve had an amazing career.  Truly exciting and thrilling and filled with opportunities.  But I’ve always felt like I’ve been on a parallel path with my real life and its like the real life is on the other side of a very thin wall of rice paper – I can see the shadows, glimmers of the light but I don’t quite know what I’m looking at.

Well I feel so much closer to knowing now.  And being here in New York, I want some new adventures. … [Continue reading]

FAR TOO LONG – WINNIPEG I’M COMING

Written by

I apologize for  being so long away everyone.  Since we’ve talked I’ve finished Over the Rainbow,

ME IN OVER THE RAINBOW

done my concert at MCC, BROADWAY, MY WAY

BROADWAY, MY WAY

and my cabaret, SHUT UP, IT’S CHRISTMAS!  For the first act of which, I was me.  These two shows are from act two where I play Mrs. Claus – old and young.

ME AS MRS. CLAUS

ME AS LOLA KRINGLE

——–

Now,  we come to the next exciting project. I’m coming/going home to Winnipeg to do a concert.

ME AND MY TOWN: THOM ALLISON IN CONCERT

From Winnipeg to Broadway and Back

It’s part of the Sondheimfest that the city is participating.    So all of the songs in my hour and a half concert are from the  repertoire of the great theatre composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim.  Always a joy, honour and a gift to perform his music. My pianist is a gifted young musician, musical director named Scott Christian.  Remember that name.  You’ll be hearing it a lot.  I’m so excited.

$41 (+service charge)
January 20, 2013 at the Tom Hendry Warehouse, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre 8:00PM
140 Rupert Ave.

http://www.masterplaywrightfest.com/Production-List/Me-and-My-Town_zone41.aspx

It’s a fundraiser for a fantastic, innovative theatre company in Winnipeg – zone 41 – and was the brain-child of the company’s co-founder, Krista Jackson.… [Continue reading]

ETERNITY

Written by

Oh my children, it has been way too long.  I can’t really say nothing is happening but I can’t say something is happening either.  I can give you a couple of things that are pretty much confirmed for now.
1. I am doing a solo concert on FRIDAY, NOV. 30.  Mark it in your calendars.  It will be at Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson Ave., Toronto.  I’m just working out what it will consist of now.  I’m very excited.  It will be my first big solo gig since being back from Broadway.
2. I am doing a solo Christmas cabaret on SUNDAY, DEC. 16 at Tallulah’s Cabaret at Buddies In Bad Times.  I LOOOVE CHRISTMAS!!  It’s been years since I’ve done a Christmas show.  There will be some familiar songs done in unfamiliar ways.  A special visitor or two.  Some cheer, some camp, some laughs, some surprises. Come on, IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I hope everyone can come.  I will give more details of where and when as everything gets ironed out.  And if you’re wondering if it’s a lot of the same material in both . . . please, would I do that to you my children?  There may be a couple of tunes in common, but for the most part, they will be two very VERY different evenings.… [Continue reading]