MARY POPPINS

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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]

BITS OF CATCH-UP

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I know I need to get more regular in my blogging, my peeps.  But I’m just running around so much.  So I’m just going to wander a bit, but you know what, it’s my blog.  ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa.
So let’s deal with the fact that I  have been in a helicopter twice since I wrote to you all.  WHAT???!!!  Yes, it’s true.  The first time was Sept. 23. I took some pics to show you. We arrived at the pick-up site which was on the grounds of the Hildebrand Winery and the actual copter (that’s what we professional helicopterers call the helicopter – oh, yeah, I’m very connected) is not very big as you can see.

 

As soon as we arrived, we met our pilot, Ben . . .  who looked 14, which did not build my confidence.  But he was 21 and a very “nice young man”.  Gentle Ben I shall call him henceforth.

Seriously, look at that face.  He still smelled like baby wipes …..and the CBC also sent one of their AM-ER-ZING online team to video and audio and photograph the experience.  Here is Kyle.

And he and the rest of that genius online team put together a vlog of the whole experience of getting me from Niagara-on-the-Lake at 5 to our live-to-the-east-coast taping of the show at 7.… [Continue reading]

NOT THE NEW NEWS YET – JUST GIDDY

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I’m so excited to have a blog back, I can’t tell you.  I feel like it’s been ages.  I looked this morning to see that my last post was November of last year.  What the “f”? Way too long.

Let’s do a little catch up.  So I finished Priscilla on Jan. 22 and the next day, went on a cruise for 5 days.  AWESOME AND NEEDED!!!

Didn’t get off the ship the first day so a lot of the ship was deserted while people went ashore.  Score!

 

Cozumel

Next three pics are the final morning at sea.  They serve a small intimate brunch . . . for 3000!

 

The last two shots are of the special dining room called the Olympia.  It’s named for the sister ship of the Titanic.  Yeah, it’s the one that didn’t sink.  The dining room is named such because it actually has some of the wood of the original Olympia (or is it the Olympic ??  Oh well, I’m not the Encyclopedia Britannia – look it up if you’re so interested; Jeez!!)

 

After I got back, I came back to Toronto on Jan. 30. Weird to be back but good.  It was the first time I’d been in TO since had left almost 1 year ago. … [Continue reading]