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When so much of the musical theatre available in Canada is based off of existing stories, what does it take to create a fully original musical? We hear from Britta Johnson, the composer and lyricist of the musical "Life After," which returns to Toronto at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textOn the heels of his debut as Mufasa in Mirvish's The Lion King last Friday night, Oren Williamson is here to chat all things creativity, collaboration and comedy! In this episode, you'll hear Oren's origin story moving through his non-linear creative journey. You'll hear him explain the process to play a role in The Lion King's production, as well as a moment-by-moment account of what was going on in his mind on stage as Mufasa for the first time.We talk all of my favourite topics: facing failure, combatting perfectionism, the necessity of vulnerability and the magic of curiosity. You'll also hear about the Wild West of theatre school, including crying day and naked day. Yes, naked day.I'm all about interesting projects with interesting people! Let's Connect on the web or via Instagram. :)
Tom Rooney is one of Canada's most beloved stage actors. Over the last three decades, he's taken on some of theatre's most memorable roles, from Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” to Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady.” But Tom has also played a big part in contemporary Canadian theatre, which is where we find him now. Currently, he's playing Majnoun in Mirvish's remount of “Fifteen Dogs,” based on the Giller Prize-winning book of the same name by André Alexis. The story follows a group of dogs who are given the gift of human consciousness and language. Tom drops by the “Q” studio to talk about his life in acting, his love of the craft, and what it takes to play a dog.
David and Hannah Mirvish discuss their company and the state of the performing arts in the city. And Toronto resident Samantha Fraser introduces us to Chappell Bone, a 12-foot skeleton decked out as the pop star on her front lawn.
This episode features a conversation with Jeff Newberry, a music director, composer, arranger, sound designer, and educator working in theatre, concert, and community spaces. For Mirvish, Jeff is the associate music director of Disney's The Lion King in Toronto. (Opening night is November 2!)In this conversation, Jeff describes his vision of strong creative leadership — a leader who isn't afraid to feel stuck, can embrace silence and scrap a plan when needed. We talk about the importance of learning names as a gateway to making others feel seen and the magic to be found in encouraging others to be ‘strong and wrong'. We also dive into education more broadly. The importance of agency, what student-centred learning actually looks like and ways in which traditional hierarchical structures should be re-examined for a truly collaborative process. I'm all about interesting projects with interesting people! Let's Connect on the web or via Instagram. :)
Welcome back to the 173rd episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 173rd episode we bring you a a Duet Review of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, directed by Jeremy Webb, presented in Toronto as part of the Off-Mirvish season (originally produced by Neptune Theatre), starring Lord of the Rings stars Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd as the titular duo. Join Ryan Borochovitz and Andrew Pawarroo, as they discuss the impact of celebrity casting, the legacy of Theatre of the Absurd, and the apparatus of squishy flesh. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is still running at the CAA Theatre (651 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) until April 6, 2024. Tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/rosencrantz-guildenstern-are-dead This review contains many SPOILERS for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead. It will begin with a general non-spoiler review until the [12:03] mark, followed by a more in-depth/anything goes/spoiler-rich discussion. If you intend to see the production, we recommend you stop watching after that point, or at least proceed at your own risk. Welcome to The Cup, a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. In episode 173, we bring you a Duet Review of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, directed by Jeremy Webb, presented in Toronto as part of the Off-Mirvish season (originally produced by Neptune Theatre), starring Lord of the Rings stars Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd as the titular duo. Join Ryan Borochovitz and Andrew Pawarroo, as they discuss the impact of celebrity casting, the legacy of Theatre of the Absurd, and the apparatus of squishy flesh. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is still running at the CAA Theatre (651 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) until April 6, 2024. Tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/rosencrantz-guildenstern-are-dead This review contains many SPOILERS for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead. It will begin with a general non-spoiler review until the [12:03] mark, followed by a more in-depth/anything goes/spoiler-rich discussion. If you intend to see the production, we recommend you stop watching after that point, or at least proceed at your own risk. Check out Liam Donovan's review of the show, which we discuss at length: https://nextmag.ca/review-mirvishs-rosencrantz-guildenstern-are-dead-hobbles-with-hobbits-to-the-finish-line/ Follow our panelists: Andrew Pawarroo – Instagram: @andrew.s.pawarroo Ryan Borochovitz – [Just send all that love to CoH instead; he won't mind!] Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre If you'd like us to review your upcoming show in Toronto, please send press invites/inquiries to coh.theatre.MM@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
Meet me at the Movies travels back in time and explore what may have happened to the lost 18 1/2 minutes of Richard Nixon tapes with director Dan Mirvish. Mirvish brings a "what-if story" to life, and on Meet me at the Movies 541, he covers the behind the scenes stories of the making of this film. 18 1/2 is available for home delivery with a special edition DVD complete with a 113 minutes "making of" doc, commentary track, live audience track from the world premiere at the Woodstock Film Fest and more. 18 1/2 stars Willa Fitzgerald and John Magaro.
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Life Coach and Bliss Expert Judy Librach is joined by author Sharon Neiss-Arbess, to talk about her fabulous new book "The Most Amazing Department Store". Sharon Neiss Arbess began her writing career working as a copywriter. After having children, she left the advertising world and began to write at her local coffee shop where she wrote her debut novel "Me and My So-Called Friends". Sharon's love for writing YA continued with her second book "Get Up", which contains a collection of meaningful short stories, functional exercises, and inspirational quotes from mentors.
This week on Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to understanding grief. Life Coach and Bliss Expert Judy Librach is joined by Ellen and Bevvy Schwartz to talk about their new book for children, "The Puddle Jumper". Ellen Schwartz is an elementary teacher, community leader, author, public speaker and advocate for research awareness and screening for neurodegenerative diseases. As founder of Project Give Back, she links her decades of teaching together with her personal passion for charitable causes. She also co-founded Jacob
Join us on this rich and provocative journey as we unravel the intricacies of the Toronto theatre scene with Joshua Chong, a seasoned reporter and performing arts critic from the Toronto Star. Our dialogue takes us into the heart of Toronto's performing arts world, uncovering how initiatives like ticket deals and special offers are opening doors for diverse audiences. We look at the struggles and triumphs of prominent companies like the Canadian Stage, Soulpepper, National Ballet, and Mirvish in their quest to broaden their appeal and make theatre more accessible. In this episode we talk about the challenges theatres faced during the pandemic, the decline in subscription audiences, and the pressing need to attract diverse viewers. With the rise in streaming services, we also discuss how to keep theatre relevant and make it a habit for people. We explore the risks and rewards of programming daring works and the need for the stage to reflect the diversity of the audience. Listen in for an enriching discussion on the future of theatre subscriptions, audience engagement, and a whole lot more! Bio Joshua Chong is a Toronto-based general assignment reporter and performing arts critic with the Toronto Star. His work can also be seen in the Globe and Mail, The Whole Note Magazine, The Dance Current, Intermission Magazine and Opera Canada Magazine. Joshua has earned two Youth Journalism International Awards for his criticism and a John H. McDonald Award for his investigative journalism. Too white, too old, too well-to-do: why Toronto theatre companies need to appeal to broader audiences https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/too-white-too-old-too-well-to-do-why-toronto-theatre-companies-need-to-appeal/article_dee3ddf9-79d5-5b0b-86c1-0017de63b6e3.html Twitter: @joshualdwchong Phil's thoughts on the article: https://philrickaby.substack.com/p/toronto-star-too-white-too-old-too Support Stageworthy Donate: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
On this episode, my guest is Chris Sutherland. Chris is the current drummer for Canadian classic rock legends Streetheart, and is known for his years playing with Kim Mitchell, Sass Jordan, Saga, The Road Hammers, Randy Bachman, George Canyon and many more. He was the drummer for the Mirvish theatre productions of &Juliet, Dear Evan Hansen, Kinky Boots, Bat Out Of Hell, The Bodyguard and the long running Toronto production of Mamma Mia. He is an in demand musician known for his diversity and ability to cover almost any style. Currently, Chris has many new projects on the go, including a duo project with his wife Christina featuring music by composer Philip Glass reinterpreted for drum set and classical piano. In our interview, we talk about what it was like working as a session musician for many of the artists that he admired during his formative years. We also discuss the challenges encountered working as a drummer for broadway musicals and why it's essential to embrace changes in technology in order to adapt and stay creative as an artist. Follow Chris at https://www.facebook.com/suds234 & https://www.instagram.com/chrissuds/
We've made you wait for us, but we're finally talking about the Tony and Grammy award winning musical, Hadestown! Join Tara and Stefania as they break down both the Broadway and Mirvish production of the Anais Mitchell's retelling of the classic myth. So hop in the car and join us on the way down to Hadestown! . . . "When the Chips are Down" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Chant" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Wait for Me" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Why We Build the Wall" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "All I've Ever Known" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Road to Hell" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Doubt Comes In" - Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Nobody's Side" - Wild and Free - Jessica Vosk "In Memoriam Grammy's 2022" - Youtube All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Welcome back to the 122nd episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 122nd episode we bring you a duet review of Things I Know To Be True, written by Andrew Bovell, as it was just presented in Toronto by Mirvish, directed by Philip Riccio, starring Tom McCamus and Seana McKenna. Join Mackenzie Horner and Ryan Borochovitz, as they discuss family drama, Famous Blue Raincoat, and (you guessed it!) Fiddler on the Roof. CONTENT WARNING: This review contains discussions of transphobia (especially from [01:05:09] to [01:28:00]) and drug abuse. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. Less importantly, this review contains many SPOILERS for Things I Know to be True. It will begin with a general non-spoiler review until the [00:20:40] mark, followed by a more in depth/anything goes/spoiler-rich discussion. Although the Mirvish production has ended, you may nonetheless wish to avoid spoilers if you intend to see another production, read the published script … or maybe one day watch a TV miniseries produced by Nicole Kidman. If so, proceed at your own risk. Follow our panelists: Mackenzie Horner (Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast) – Instagram/Facebook: BeforetheDownbeat Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3aYbBeN Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sAbjAu Ryan Borochovitz – [Just send all that love to CoH instead; he won't mind!] Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
This week on Finding Your Bliss, Life Coach and Bliss Expert Judy Librach is joined by American theatre, television, and film actor Lee Summers, who is also a talented singer, librettist, composer, director, and theatre producer. Lee Summers has performed numerous roles for daytime and primetime TV, including Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, New York Undercover, and Law and Order, and appeared in films such as Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee. As a musical theatre performer, Summers made his Broadway debut in the original Dreamgirls, alongside castmates Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and others. He reprised his Broadway role for the Dreamgirls 20th Anniversary concert alongside Audra McDonald, Billy Porter, Heather Headley and others. Summers has also appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions, including On Kentucky Avenue, for which he was nominated for the 2018 AUDELCO award for
Welcome back to the 118th episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of proshot productions! For our 118th episode we have a Duet Review of oseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as it is currently being presented in Toronto by Mirvish and starring Jac Yarrow in the titular role. Join Mackenzie Horner and (new panelist!) Esther Fisher, as they discuss the new expansion of the roles of the Narrator and Children's Chorus, the staging and portrayal of Potiphar's Wife and how this revival compares to the iconic 90s production starring Donny Osmond. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King St W, Toronto, ON) until February 18th, 2023. Tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat CONTENT WARNING: This review contains brief discussions of sexual assault. Viewer discretion is advised. Follow our panelists: Mackenzie Horner (Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast) – Instagram/Facebook: BeforetheDownbeat Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3aYbBeN Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sAbjAu Esther Fisher – Instagram: @ e.f.fisher --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
Disrupting Sundance & Helping Filmmakers with Slamdance Co-Founder Dan MirvishSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastIn our journeys through the Sundance Film Festival, we ran into the David to the Sundance Goliath, Slamdance Co-Founder Dan Mirvish. Dan has been a rebel, author, filmmaker, disruptor, festival creator, and true indie film hustler. This interview is one of the most entertaining I've ever done. Dan Mirvish tells stories of how he challenged the Oscars, had Robert Redford call him "a parasite" and why the best deals are done in a hot tub. Here's a bit on Dan Mirvish:A co-founder of the upstart Slamdance Film Festival, Dan Mirvish is also an active director, screenwriter, and producer. Labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, and "Hollywood's Bad Boy" by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mirvish has been named as one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch, as well as one of Film Festival Today's Top 25 Most Influential People in Independent Film.Dan also has just written a new book: The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking: From Preproduction to Festivals and Distribution. Here's a bit about the book.In The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking, celebrated Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish offers a rich exploration of the process and culture of making low-budget, independent films. Once labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares his unfiltered pragmatic approach to scriptwriting, casting, directing, producing, managing a crew, post-production, navigating the film festival circuit, distributing your film, dealing with piracy and building a career. Readers will learn how to game the Hollywood system to their advantage, get their films accepted by respected festivals without going broke, and utilize a broad range of media and tactics to promote and distribute their work. A companion website features behind-the-scenes interviews and footage from Dan's films, and much more.Learn everything you need to know to make, promote, and distribute your independent films, with time-tested lessons and practical advice on scriptwriting, casting and directing A-list actors, financing, producing, managing a crew, editing in post, creating visual effects on a budget, and successfully navigating the film festival circuitFind out what it takes to become a true "cheerful subversive" and adopt new and innovative approaches to producing your films, discover hidden loopholes in the Hollywood system and festival scene, take advantage of a broad range of media formats to promote and distribute your indie films, and generally make bold moves in service of your creative work, all while staying flexible enough to pivot at a moment's noticeAn extensive companion website features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, more than an hour of behind-the-scenes footage from Dan Mirvish's films, festival resources, and much moreGet ready for some very entertaining knowledge bombs with Dan Mirvish.All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
What is the biggest issue that is plaguing us as a society? Is it climate change? COVID? Actor/Activist, Ali Momen, firmly believes the most significant challenge facing society today is faction and division. He implores us that if we don't collaborate to solve the different challenges we are facing today, we will not get anything done to solve these eminent challenges facing society both locally and globally. He also encourages us to have a cultural shift in how we engage with each other. and believes creatives are can play a big role in addressing the challenges facing us today. Artists can help solve this because we don't view human beings as a statue, but as somebody who is always on the verge of movement in favour of progress and moving forward. Ali is encouraging everyone to get more involved and join a political party! In this episode: What doubt is signalling to you and why it is imperative you embrace it. The importance of having a cultural shift in the manner that we engage with each other. Why Patience and curiosity are a core competency that one needs to develop The importance of exercising your right to vote in these times Share This Episode >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/218 A little about Ali: Ali Momen is an accomplished and award winning actor who has graced many of the largest stages North America; appeared and starred in independent and major films and has appeared in guest star, and recurring roles on many television shows. A classically trained singer, Ali's conservatory training was at Sheridan Institute's Music Theatre Performance program where he graduated with the highest overall achievement in performance, and after many years as a pro, has returned to Sheridan as an acting instructor. His theatre credits include three seasons at The Shaw Festival, and productions with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary and Why Not Theatre. He originated the role of VIKRAM in Mira Nair's stage adaptation of her hit film, MONSOON WEDDING. Most recently, Ali played Kevin J in the Canadian sit-down production COME FROM AWAY. On the screen, Ali played the leading role of Nep in Oscar Nominated Director Deepa Mehta's BEEBA BOYS and his other film and television credits include Kamran Gant on STAR TREK : DISCOVERY (CBS), Recurring roles in TRANSPLANT(NBC), WORKIN' MOMS (CBC), THE LA COMPLEX (CW), and THE STRAIN (FX); guest stars on many shows including NURSES (CITYTV), HUDSON AND REX (GLOBALTV) HOUDINI & DOYLE (iTV, FOX), INCORPORATED (SYFY), KIM'S CONVENIENCE (CTV), CRACKED (CBC), SATISFACTION (CTV), COMBAT HOSPITAL (ABC), and HOW TO BE INDIE (YTV) You can catch Ali talk about arts, politics and how they intersect every week with Torquil Campbell on his podcast SOFT REVOLUTION – softrevcast.com Follow Ali! Facebook: @alimomen Instagram: @alimomen Twitter: @alimomen
Prior to that, Dan directed the award-winning, critically-acclaimed feature Bernard and Huey, scripted by Oscar/Pulitzer-winner Jules Feiffer, and starring Oscar-winner Jim Rash and David Koechner which screened in over 30 film festivals on 5 continents, had a nationwide US theatrical release, and sold to over 49 countries. Dan is the author of the bestselling non-fiction book The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking: From Preproduction to Festivals and Distribution from Focal Press/Routledge.The fully updated, post-pandemic 2nd Edition starting selling on July 6, 2021 and hit #1 on Amazon's New Releases chart. His film Between Us, an award-winning feature starring Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, played in 23 festivals in 7 countries, and got a 50+ city theatrical release in the US, and sold to 144 countries, plus screening on Netflix, Showtime, Starz and all digital outlets.Dan was mentored by Robert Altman on his first film, Omaha (the movie), which led him to co-found the upstart Slamdance Film Festival. His film Open House prompted the Academy Awards to controversially rewrite their rules on the Best Original Musical category. Mirvish also co-wrote his bestselling, critically-acclaimed novel I Am Martin Eisenstadt based on the fake McCain advisor who took credit for Sarah Palin not knowing Africa was a continent.A former speechwriter for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, Dan has a master's degree from USC film school, is a member of the Directors Guild of America, has guest lectured at more than 45 film schools and universities and was named as one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
Welcome back to the 96th episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 96th episode we have a Duet Review of the Mirvish's production of the new musical, & Juliet, written by David West Read and Max Martin, directed by Luke Sheppard, and starring Lorna Courtney in the title role. Join Jillian Robinson and Ryan Borochovitz as they discuss early 2000s pop music, Shakespearean fanfiction, and the magic of asking “what if…?” & Juliet is playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King Street West, Toronto, ON) until August 14, 2022 – after which it goes to Broadway! Tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/juliet This review contains SPOILERS for & Juliet. It will begin with a general non-spoiler review until the [0:10:44] mark, followed by a more in-depth/anything goes/spoiler-rich discussion. If you intend to see the production, we recommend you stop watching after that point, or at least proceed at your own risk. Follow our panelists: Jillian Robinson – Instagram: @jillian.robinson96 Ryan Borochovitz – [Just send all that love to CoH instead; he won't mind!] --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
“18½” humorously crafts its own narrative into the notorious gap in Nixon's Watergate scandal. Taking place in 1974, “18½” is about a fictional White House transcriber finds the only copy of the infamous 18½-minute gap in Nixon's Watergate tapes but her attempts to leak it to the press run afoul of hippies, swingers and nefarious forces. “18½” acclaimed cast is led by stars Willa Fitzgerald (Amazon's Reacher), John Magaro (First Cow), Vondie Curtis Hall (Harriet), Catherine Curtin (Netflix's Stranger Things), Richard Kind (Argo), Sullivan Jones (The Gilded Age), Alanna Saunders, Claire Saunders, and the legendary voices of Ted Raimi (Spider-Man) , Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) as President Richard Nixon. Directed by Dan Mirvish, "18½" features a screenplay by Daniel Moya, story by Mirvish and Moya, with classic cinematography by Elle Schneider. Director Dan Mirvish (Between Us, Bernard and Huey) and a Slamdance Film Festival Co-founder joins us to talk about the superb cast of actors he assembled for this historically inspired story that is one part comedy, one part 1970s paranoia, and wholly entertaining. For news and updates go to: 18andahalfmovie.com To watch 18 1/2 go to: 18andahalfmovie.com/screenings
Prior to that, Dan directed the award-winning, critically-acclaimed feature Bernard and Huey, scripted by Oscar/Pulitzer-winner Jules Feiffer, and starring Oscar-winner Jim Rash and David Koechner which screened in over 30 film festivals on 5 continents, had a nationwide US theatrical release, and sold to over 49 countries. Dan is the author of the bestselling non-fiction book The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking: From Preproduction to Festivals and Distribution from Focal Press/Routledge.The fully updated, post-pandemic 2nd Edition starting selling on July 6, 2021 and hit #1 on Amazon's New Releases chart. His film Between Us, an award-winning feature starring Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, played in 23 festivals in 7 countries, and got a 50+ city theatrical release in the US, and sold to 144 countries, plus screening on Netflix, Showtime, Starz and all digital outlets.Dan was mentored by Robert Altman on his first film, Omaha (the movie), which led him to co-found the upstart Slamdance Film Festival. His film Open House prompted the Academy Awards to controversially rewrite their rules on the Best Original Musical category. Mirvish also co-wrote his bestselling, critically-acclaimed novel I Am Martin Eisenstadt based on the fake McCain advisor who took credit for Sarah Palin not knowing Africa was a continent.A former speechwriter for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, Dan has a master's degree from USC film school, is a member of the Directors Guild of America, has guest lectured at more than 45 film schools and universities and was named as one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
Mateo is a young singer, songwriter, actor and pianist currently working on the lands traditionally known as Tkaronto. In 2020, he wrote and produced "Quarantine Songs," a song cycle about different characters dealing with the pandemic, which had its digital premiere on YouTube, featuring performers from Stratford, Mirvish and Charlottetown Festival stages. He is currently preparing to appear in Forever Plaid with Starvox Entertainment, and running a YouTube channel where he uploads weekly analysis videos of the greatest songs from the musical theatre canon. In the meantime, he continues to perform regularly alongside cabaret and comedy legend Mandy Goodhandy in their act, "Lady and the Rambler." www.mateochavezlewis.com Twitter: @MChavezLewis Instagram: @mateochavezlewis Support Stageworthy Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthypod Tip Jar: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
In this episode Adam and Cam welcome fellow actor and podcaster Daniel Williston to talk one of Costner's most notorious/(in)famous/well-loved/widely mocked films, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Daniel is an actor, musician and podcaster. He has worked in theatre across Canada, including Mirvish's Kinky Boots and Jukebox Hero, and with Soulpepper Theatre (with whom he performed Off-Broadway in New York). You may recognize him from TV shows including Netflix's Jupiter's Legacy or horror sequel V/H/S/94, the most successful Shudder Original on the streaming service. He is the the creator of Let's Bogart, a recreational review potcast, pairing up a strain of cannabis with a movie and reviewing both with cannabis and entertainment industry insiders. Find Daniel online: https://www.danielwilliston.com/ On twitter & instagram: @DanielWilliston and @LetsBogart
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
There is a major disagreement between the Poskim regarding how many Berachot are recited before putting on Tefilin. Rabbenu Tam )R. Ya'akob b. Meir, 1100-1171, France) and the Rosh (Rabbenu Asher Ben Yehiel, 1250-1327, Germany-Spain) rule that two Berachot are recited, one on the Shel Yad (Tefilin of the arm) and one for the Shel Rosh (Tefilin of the head). They hold that they are two distinct Misvot, requiring a separate Beracha on each. On the other hand, the Rif (Rabbi Yishak of Fez, Morocco, 1013-1103), as well as Rashi and Rambam disagree and hold that only one Beracha of "L'haniah Tefilin" is recited before the Shel Yad, and that covers both. Both sides bring a proof to their position from the same Gemara in Menahot. The Gemara states that if a person spoke in between putting on the Shel Yad and the Shel Rosh, he must make a Beracha on the Shel Rosh. From here, Rashi derives that one makes a special second Beracha on the Shel Rosh only if he spoke, but ordinarily there is only one Beracha. Rabbenu Tam interprets the Gemara in line with his position. He says that of course one always makes a Beracha on the Shel Rosh. The Gemara is saying that if he talks, he now has to make two Berachot on the Shel Rosh, since he interrupted the first Beracha made on the Shel Yad. There is disagreement as to what Rabbenu HaAri's opinion was. The Ben Ish Hai writes that the Arizal explained the reasoning for each opinion, but did not rule in favor of one practice. The Kaf HaHaim writes in SIman 25 that he has proof from Sha'ar HaKavanot that the Arizal held like Rashi and the Rif.This disagreement evolves into divergent practice between Ashkenazim and Sepharadim. The Sepharadim follow the opinion of the Rif and Rambam that only one Beracha is recited. The author of the She'elot U'Teshubot Min Hashamayim (Responsa from Heaven, Rabbi Ya'akob of Mirvish, d. 1243) would ask a Halachic question of the Heavens before going to sleep and would receive answers in his dream. When he asked whom to follow in this question, he saw the Pasuk "And I will establish my covenant with YISHAK." He understood from this that the Halacha is in accordance with the Rif-Rabbi YISHAK Alfasi. That is the accepted practice.The Bet Yosef cites the Rabbenu Ya'akob b. Habib who says that those who recite two Berachot should say, "Baruch Shem K'vod Malchuto L'Olam Va'ed" after the second Beracha. This is meant to alleviate the possibility that the second Beracha was said in vein. The Bet Yosef, after paying respect to this opinion, says that it is hard to understand. If the Ashkenazim have a genuine uncertainty whether to say the second Beracha, they must refrain from making the doubtful Beracha and not risk saying Hashem's name in vein. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) answers that saying "Baruch Shem…" is just a Humra, and not really because of a doubt. There ae enough authorities to rely on who rule in favor of saying the second Beracha. Interestingly, saying "Baruch Shem…" became the accepted practice of the Ashkenazim.The Be'ur Halacha (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) cites Rabbi Akiva Eger (1761-1837) who suggests in his glosses to Shulhan Aruch a way for Ashkenazim to recite the second Beracha without entering a Halachic uncertainty. He says that they should say the first Beracha on the Shel Yad with explicit intent that it should NOT cover the Shel Rosh. The Peri Megadim objects to this solution, but does not explain why. The Be'ur Halacha explains that the Peri Megadim objected because it is changing a long standing Minhag (custom). For generations, Ashkenazim recited two Berachot on Tefilin and said "Baruch Shem…" If there was a better way to do it, the giants of the previous generations would have already done so.The Poskim discuss whether a Sepharadi may answer Amen to an Ashkenazi's second Beracha. Hacham Bension rules that there is no problem since it is a legitimate Beracha for the Ashkenazi reciting it. This ruling applies to other cases where an Ashkenazi recites a Beracha that Sepharadim do not, such as Hallel on Rosh Hodesh and a Beracha by women on the Lulav. It is important to note that this was also the opinion of Hacham Baruch, even though Hacham Ovadia disagreed. Hacham Ovadia held that any Beracha that one cannot make for himself is considered a Beracha L'vatala (in vein), and he should not answer Amen to someone else who makes that Beracha. According to him, one should not answer Amen to an Ashkenazi's second Beracha, nor to Hallel on Rosh Hodesh and a woman's Beracha on the Lulav.L'Ma'aseh, one can adopt a compromise suggested by Hacham Bension. He can avoid the issue altogether by synchronizing the end of the other person's Beracha with saying the Pasuk "Baruch Hashem L'Olam Amen v'AMEN," which ends with Amen. However, if one did not do so, he MAY answer Amen, in accordance with Hacham BaruchSUMMARYA Sepharadi may answer Amen to the second Beracha recited by an Ashkenazi on his Tefilin, as well as to all other Berachot which Ashkenazim recite, but Sepharadim do not.
Do you have moments in your journey as artist where you doubted your abilities? Do you have monsters living in your head? Don't let them define who you are! This week, Tits And Teeth stars, Jennifer Thiessen and Kyla Musselman reminds us that the negative talk or thought process in our heads are separate from who we really are. Identifying and understanding where these ideas are coming from are key elements in preventing ourselves from becoming our worst enemies. Does being part of the ensemble instead of playing the main role magnify the doubts in your mind? You shouldn't, you are valuable whatever role you play. Jennifer reiterates that every single role on stage is important and the story wouldn't be the same without the world which is often created by the ensemble members. Keep doing what you love to do and living your best life In this episode: The roadblocks that the Tits And Teeth stars had to overcome in their creative journey as artists. How therapy and positive affirmation helped Jen and Kyla in overcoming the negative noise in their head. Importance of trusting yourself and your abilities when making decisions instead of focusing on the consequences. Your artistic journey should be the highlight of your career rather than your current role or job. A little about Jennifer and Kyla: Jennifer Thiessen: (she/her) was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, where she graduated from a prestigious Musical Theatre program, and began performing overseas. She met her Canadian hubby and they decided to move to New York City! Jennifer is thrilled to be returning to Toronto this spring to Dance Captain the upcoming Canadian production of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Mirvish). Some of her favourite credits include Masters of Illusions (CW Network), The Drowsy Chaperone, Rock of Ages, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Man Of La Mancha, The Little Mermaid, West Side Story, (Drayton Entertainment), Guys and Dolls (Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), West Side Story (Rainbow Stage), Disney's Newsies (Assistant Choreo/Director, Forestburgh Playhouse), Toronto Pan AM Games Opening Ceremonies (Cirque Du Soleil, Assistant Choreographer) and Saturday Night Fever (North American Tour), where she toured with her mate, Kyla, and dreamed of making a podcast! Based in Toronto and New York City, Tits and Teeth Podcast serves listeners interested in theatre and the performing arts. Kyla Musselman: (she/her) grew up in Stratford, Ontario and now hails from the east end of Toronto with her new husband and pup. After graduating from Sheridan College, Kyla began her professional career at the Charlottetown Festival where she spent 3 wonderful seasons and was the recipient of a Maud Whitmore Scholarship. Kyla has since had the privilege of performing across North America. Some of her favourite theatre credits include; Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, Shrek the Musical (Neptune Theatre), Saturday Night Fever (North American Tour), Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, I Love You…Now Change (Stage West Calgary), Mamma Mia!, All Shook Up (Globe Theatre), Newsies (Drayton Entertainment), Crazy For You, Mary Poppins (Capitol Theatre) and Shout! The Mod Musical (Magnus Theatre). She can also be seen in Season 15 of Murdoch Mysteries (CBC/UKTV) and in the film 1Up (Lionsgate/Buzzfeed). Follow Jen and Kyla! Tits and Teeth Podcast Website: https://www.titsandteethpodcast.com/ Instagram: @titsandteethpodcast Facebook: @titsandteethpodcast
On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to family caregivers- the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. This week, Bliss expert and Life Coach Judy Librach is joined by Dr. Samantha Winemaker, who is a graduate of McMaster University Medical School. Dr. Winemaker completed her residency training in Family Medicine, and fellowship training in Palliative Medicine. Her clinical work is predominately community based, caring for people facing progressive life limiting illnesses in their home. She has been awarded the Dr. Ted Evans Scholarship for excellence in the principles of family medicine, and received the Ontario College of Family Physicians Award of Excellence in 2010. She is an associate clinical professor at McMaster University in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care. She is an active educator and researcher with a passion for examining the interface between primary care and palliative care. She co-authored and published a systematic review on postgraduate palliative care curricula which informed new ways of teaching palliative care within family medicine residency training. She has held multiple leadership roles including Postgraduate Curriculum Lead, Hospice Medical Director, Regional Palliative Clinical Lead and Medical Director Palliative Care Outreach Team. Most importantly, Dr. Winemaker is an advocate for urgent palliative care reform. She believes strongly that basic principles of palliative care should be the business of all health care providers and they should be integrated into care of the patient seamlessly, moving upstream in the patient
Did you know that many celebrities have frozen their eggs for fertility reasons -- people like Kim Kardashian, Amy Schumer, and Emma Roberts, just to name a few. Well, on this episode of Finding Your Bliss, we have a fascinating show all about women freezing their eggs and embryos to preserve their fertility. And joining us is Fertility specialist Dr. Prati Sharma at the CReATe Fertility Centre to tell us all about it. Dr. Sharma has worked with the CReATe Fertility Centre in Toronto for the last 13 years. In addition, she is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and teaches medical students, residents and clinical fellows, as well as participates in various research studies. She is on the Board of Directors at the CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society) and she is the Medical Advisor to Lilia, a FemTech company that supports women and couples looking to pursue Elective Egg and Embryo Freezing. Her fertility blog, the Conception Diaries, is a website with information dedicated to the education of Reproductive aged women and men, so that they can be empowered and learn about their fertility and fertility options. She is also an Out of Hospital premises Assessor for the CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons Ontario). In her spare time, she loves to work out, cook, and spend time with her husband and three beautiful children! Founded in 1981, Marion Layland and Linda Kuerble celebrate the Little Party Shoppe
Dan Mirvish is a director, screenwriter, producer and author. He's currently in post-production on his new feature, 18½, a 70s Watergate thriller/dark comedy. Prior to that, he directed the award-winning feature Bernard and Huey, scripted by Oscar/Pulitzer-winner Jules Feiffer, and starring Oscar-winner Jim Rash and David Koechner which screened in over 30 film festivals on 5 continents, had a 20-city US theatrical release, and sold to over 49 countries. Dan is the author of the bestselling non-fiction book The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking from Focal Press/Routledge, with a 2nd Edition shooting up to #1 on Amazon's New Release charts shortly after its release on July 6, 2021. His film Between Us, an award-winning feature starring Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, played in 23 festivals in 7 countries, and got a 50+ city theatrical release in the US, and sold to 144 countries, plus screening on Netflix, Showtime, Starz and all digital outlets. Dan was mentored by Robert Altman on his first film, Omaha (the movie), which led him to co-found the upstart Slamdance Film Festival. His film Open Houseprompted the Academy Awards to controversially rewrite their rules on the Best Original Musical category. Mirvish also co-wrote his bestselling, critically-acclaimed novel I Am Martin Eisenstadt based on the fake McCain advisor who took credit for Sarah Palin not knowing Africa was a continent. A former speechwriter for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, Dan has a master's degree from USC film school, is a member of the Directors Guild of America and has guest lectured at more than 40 film schools and universities. website: www.DanMirvish.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanMirvish Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dmirvish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmirvish --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bravemaker/support
The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - David Cravit rebuts anti-boomer rhetoric - Libby Znaimer reports on overcrowding at the airport - The Strategy Panel with John Capobianco, Charles Sousa, and Karen Stintz on the the second week of the federal election - John Karastramatis on Mirvish's vaccine policy - And the best calls of the week!
The Red Sandcastle is a 50 seat storefront theatre, in which_ Anything is Possible!_ In May of 2011, Rosemary Doyle opened the Red Sandcastle Theatre, with the intent of giving theatre artists a canvas. The Red Sandcastle acts as an Artistic Hub to rent for creators in theatre, dance, visual art, and music. 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of Red Sandcastle, and brings a new look and new management: long time renter with Red Sandcastle, Eldritch Theatre‘s production and artistic team, Eric Woolfe and Adrianna Prosser, join the Red Sandcastle team as Managing Director and General Manager and will act as Caretakers of the Castle. Adrianna Prosser Adrianna is a Theatre Erindale + Sheridan College Alumnus and award winning storyteller. She joined Eldritch Theatre as their Marketing Monster and Artistic Producer in 2016, marketing and producing Dora award winning shows such as The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy and Space Opera Zero! _as well as adding new programming such as children and adult Dungeons and Dragons camps _Sword and Sorcery School, and online digital theatrical experiences during the COVID-19 theatre blackout. Adding a new layer of support for artists at Red Sandcastle Theatre, with her digital marketing expertise; Adrianna has been teaching digital marketing storytelling at Centennial College since 2017 to both their Arts Management and the Museum Management program, and has been a guest lecturer for Humber College. As well as leading Eldritch Theatre's marketing, Prosser has led digital marketing for the City of Toronto's museums, Festival Players, Groundling Theatre, Theatrefront, GhostLight, and many more. Eric Woolfe Eric is an actor, playwright, puppeteer and magician, and the Artistic Director and founder of Eldritch Theatre which has been horrifying audiences since 1999 using puppetry, live actors, and parlour magic. His work for Eldritch Theatre includes Dora award winning and nominated works such as Space Opera Zero!, The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy, Frankenstein's Boy, Madhouse Variations, _and _The Babysitter. He is resident Dark Arts Professor at Eldritch Theatre's Sword and Sorcery School, where he is head Dungeon Master and writer of Dungeon and Dragon adventures for the young and young at heart. Some of his other theatre credits include Old Man and the River (Theatre Direct), The Comedy of Errors (Humber River Shakespeare), The Glass Menagerie, Ghosts (Touchmark Theatre) Rocket & the Queen of Dreams, (Roseneath Theatre). Little Shop of Horrors (Canstage), and Timon in Disney's The Lion King. Rosemary Doyle Rosemary founded the Red Sandcastle Theatre in 2011, after being in theatre for 80% of her life and counting. Currently she is the Artistic Director of Theatre Kingston in Kingston, Ontario her home-town. Notable roles created by Rosemary include, Jane in My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, (Fringe, Mirvish), and A.L.P. for Finnegans Wake (Grand Theatre, Tarragon). Doyle has won seven 24 hour playwriting contests. This love of instant creation inspired her to create the Thousand Monkeys Playwriting Festival and her Play in a Week Camp that creates a play from nothing to full production in 5 days. Because of her love and talent for creation, she has been referred to as the “patron saint of indie theatre” a nickname she works hard to live up to, even in the government funded theatre world she is navigating now. Rosemary actively acts, directs, builds and designs sets and costumes and, of course, writes plays. We call her our Red Queen Emeritus. redsandcastletheatre.com Instagram: @redsandcastletheatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedSandcastle Support Stageworthy Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy Merch: https://shop.stageworthyproductions.com/
Welcome to Weird Careers! Today we interview someone you just may have see on a stage previously: Kyle Brown from Toronto ON! He's got the inside scoop of what it's like to be an actor. Thanks for joining me on this journey to find Weird Careers! Mirvish: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/come-from-away Come From Away Homepage: https://comefromaway.com
On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, Judy Librach is joined by Stewart F. Lane, who is also known as Mr. Broadway. Stewart Lane is a six- time Tony Award winning producer for
On this episode of Finding Your Bliss, we have a show devoted to finding hope and bliss even when faced with great adversity. Judy Librach is joined by Fabiana Bacchini, who is the Executive Director of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, CPBF. She is a journalist and the published author of From Surviving to Thriving, a Mother
Follow Breaking Down The Fourth Wall Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakingdownthefourthwall/Twitter https://twitter.com/bdtfwFacebook https://www.facebook.com/BreakingDownTheFourthWall BECOME A PATREON MEMBER! https://www.patreon.com/breakingdownthe4thwall Follow Alessandro CostantiniInstagram https://www.instagram.com/alessandro1028/YES Theatre https://www.yestheatre.comhttps://www.instagram.com/yestheatresudbury/
This weeks Ranch Spotlight shines on....Graham Scott Fleming!!!Tune in everyday this week around 11:50am to hear his brand new single “Déjà Vu”!Graham joins Jackie on air this Thursday during the 11am hour to chat all about his career!"Graham Scott Fleming is a singer/songwriter from Elmvale, Ontario with a voice that is unlikely to be forgotten. After winning first place in a competition called North of Nashville star in 2011, Graham's career as an independent artist was launched. From there he hit the ground running and didn't look back. He began writing his own original music which eventually led him to open for acts like Derrick Ruttan, High Valley, and Jason Blaine. He has also had the opportunity to collaborate and co-write with such names as Jason McCoy, Jane Bach, Phil Barton, JT harding and many others.Graham released his first EP ‘Young Wild & Free' in 2016, at a time which could easily be described as a slightly ‘chaotic' period in Graham's life! Not only was Graham writing original music and planning an EP release, he was starring as Charlie Price in Mirvish's production of Kinky Boots. Kinky Boots was a smash hit in Toronto running for 2+ years, and was extended three times due to the success of the show. Graham was nominated for a Dora Award for Best Male Actor in a musical for his memorable performance. After Kinky Boots closed in Toronto, Graham made a big move to NYC where he made his Broadway debut in Miss Saigon. Between NYC and Ontario, Graham also starred in such shows as the Canadian Premier of Ghost: The Musical, the World premier of Jukebox Hero, and the World Premier of My Very Own British Invasion plus snagged a supporting lead role in a Hallmark movie called Love You Like Christmas, where he wrote original music for the film score. Needless to say, Graham has had a pretty incredible run in many sectors of the music industry, which he is forever grateful for. Missing his small-town roots and the music he grew up listening to, Graham is emerging himself back into the country music scene with a 2021 release of his new single ‘Déjå Vu.' More details on the full EP, produced by the boys of The Agenda, will be released in the near future, but for now Graham is gearing up for an exciting new single release for the first time in four years. Influenced by duo Dan & Shay, these tunes are sure to have you belting out loud and catching all the feels.It's been a long and difficult year for many due to the pandemic, and Graham is hopeful that things will start to look up in 2021. One thing is for sure - music will always be there to provide that much needed positivity and light, and Graham hopes sharing his stories through music will do just that. Be sure to check out his new single ‘Déjå Vu' on all streaming platforms - out everywhere!! Don't forget to follow along the journey on Instagram @grahamsfleming!"
Even though no date has been set in Ontario, gyms like GoodLife Fitness have released details on how they will reopen when it's time. Social distancing circles have been painted in Trinity Bellwoods Park, and the province is finally back on track when it comes to COVID-19 testing. Plus, Lulu Wei's new film about the demolition of Honest Ed's and the redevelopment of Mirvish Village is making its premiere online at Hot Docs today.
This week, we reached out to our Canadian friendly neighbourhood Spiderman - Jake Epstein! Jake talks to us about his diverse career in Canadian and American theatre, as well as his solo show, Boy Falls from the Sky, scheduled to hit the off-Mirvish stage next year. Tara and Stefania deep dive into his experiences, both on stage and on screen, including the nuances of the audition process, developing unique character choreography, and the magic behind translating iconic roles to the stage. We can't wait to share this interview with you - hop in! . . . "Apparently I'm Too Tall" - Famous in NY Video (Youtube) "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind" - Spring Awakening (Original Broadway Cast Recording/2006) "Take Good Care of My Baby" - Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "Opening Number - Boy Falls From The Sky" - Living Rooms" Episode 22: Jake Epstein - TOLive (Youtube) "Go Now" - Sing Street (Original Broadway Cast Recording) "I'm Still Here" (FOLLIES) from TAKE ME TO THE WORLD: A SONDHEIM 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION" Brodwaycom (Youtube) "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND performed by the worldwide cast of BEAUTIFUL (in quarantine) for The Actors Fund" HMS Media (Youtube) All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.
A Toronto burger joint helped out a neighbouring business that was unfairly targetted by a xenophobic customer worried about the coronavirus. A restaurant in the Distillery District is offering half-price brunch this month, if you can eat it outside in the cold. A beloved independent clothing store on Queen West is closing after 8 years in business. Guns N’ Roses is coming to Toronto this summer, and don't be fooled by the name, Coffee In, in Scarborough, is the place to go for quick Filipino eats.
Have you are ever thought that you are not doing enough to address social issues? That simply "clicking to donate" was no longer going to cut it? This week Singer/Actor/Host, Matthew Bradley, is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue! Matthew will walk us through on what inspired him to create the fundraiser "Canada Loves Australia: An Evening To Help Our Neighbours Down Under" and the overwhelming response he received for this creative idea to help the Australian Red Cross. In this episode: Connecting with the community through fundraisers The obligation of artists to tell the truth for social change Importance of setting goals and creating good habits How to overcome insecurities, self-doubt, and fear of failure Making auditions more comfortable A little about Matthew: A Toronto Born Host, Singer, Actor, Writer and first time producer, Matthew has been entertaining people on stage and off for over 10 years. A graduate of Randolph College For The Arts, Matthew has worked all over the world performing in musicals, plays, films and TV. His favourite musical credits include the World Premiere cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Eltons “The Boys in the Photograph” with Mirvish, “Rocky” with Drayton Entertainment and “Rock of Ages” with Stage West Calgary. Matthew also hosts numerous independent wrestling shows across Ontario. He can most regularly be seen on “Junction City Wrestling” on Youtube. Follow Matthew! Facebook: @matthewwilliamscottbradley For Reservations Call! 416- 792- 8725
I am elated to bring this episode of Cue To Cue with Founder/ Artistic and Managing Director of The Musical Stage Company, Mitchell Marcus! Mitchell has become an influencer in the Toronto MusicTheatre scene and has been quite successful in a medium where many theatre companies don’t make it past their first season and I have been dying to have a conversation to hear his thoughts on creativity, entrepreneurship and the place of musical theatre in today's ever-shifting arts landscape. WISDOM: When I asked Mitchell what advice he would give someone who is thinking of starting a theatre company he said, “don’t”, with a laugh and continued to say, if you feel you must go through with it then find the Gap. How are you going to differentiate yourself from every theatre company out there? Do you need to do a show or become a theatre company because that is a totally different undertaking. In this Episode: What is missing from the Canadian musical theatre scene How to embrace the art of fundraising and get people to support your idea What he believes holds artists back from creating and how you can overcome it How to discern the right path for yourself A Little about Mitchell: Mitchell is the founder and Artistic & Managing Director of The Musical Stage Company – Canada’s leading and largest not-for-profit musical theatre company. Over fourteen years, The Musical Stage Company (previously Acting Up Stage Company) productions have been recognized with 61 Dora Award nominations, 11 Dora Awards and 12 Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards and programming partnerships have been built with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, AGO, TIFF, Massey Hall, Obsidian Theatre Company, and the Regent Park School of Music amongst others. Outside of The Musical Stage Company, Mitchell was the Associate Producer for the inaugural six years of Luminato, producing over 100 productions for one-million attendees annually. Mitchell has twice been the Creative Producer for the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize as well as the producer of the Dora Awards. He organized four years of It’s Always Something, working with a team that raised over $500,000 annually for Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto. Mitchell is active on committees that serve the arts community. He is an advisor to the Metcalf Foundation for its Creative Strategies Incubator program, a member of Sheridan College’s Performing Arts Committee, a member of the Dora Eligibility Committee, and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Canadian Musical Theatre Writers Collective. Mitchell has held positions in the arts management departments at University of Toronto and Ryerson University. He is the recipient of a Harold Award and the 2017 The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award for Outstanding Leadership in Administration.
CAR CHATS: Tara and Stefania review The Play That Goes Wrong before it returns to New York for its off-broadway debut. Next, they switch gears to discuss the casting on the new West Side Story movie adaptation and Mirvish's all Canadian cast of Dear Evan Hansen. Hop in the car and press play! “Something's Coming” - West Side Story (Original Broadway Cast Recording) “Thief” – Single – Ansel Elgort “Shallow” – A Star is Born – Rachel Zegler – Youtube “Tommy I'm Free and Pinball Wizard (Reprise)” Stratford Festival 2013 – Stratford Festival Youtube “Waving Through A Window” - Dear Evan Hansen (Original Broadway Cast Recording All music tracks used for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Dana Osborne is a set and costume designer based out of Stratford Ontario. She started out working in some of the top wardrobe shops in the country, including the Canadian Opera Company, the Shaw Festival, and the Mirvish shops when they still owned them. We talk about her transition to design and her work over the last 20 years in Canadian theatre. Find samples of her work at www.danaosborne.ca
In this week’s episode I sit down with Amir Haidar. Amir Haidar is a Toronto based performer and is currently one of the standbys for the Toronto production of Come From Away. In our conversation today we discuss how he was introduced to theatre growing up in Lebanon, the path that he took with his training and what he learned from his time in school, as well as the importance of self motivation and self awareness in this industry. We also discuss his experiences with pantomime and what he learned from performing in the Stirling Festival Theatre Christmas Panto for four years, his experiences auditioning for and being a part of the Toronto production of Come From Away, as well as where he hopes to see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
In this week’s episode I sit down with Amir Haidar. Amir Haidar is a Toronto based performer and is currently one of the standbys for the Toronto production of Come From Away. In our conversation today we discuss how he was introduced to theatre growing up in Lebanon, the path that he took with his training and what he learned from his time in school, as well as the importance of self motivation and self awareness in this industry. We also discuss his experiences with pantomime and what he learned from performing in the Stirling Festival Theatre Christmas Panto for four years, his experiences auditioning for and being a part of the Toronto production of Come From Away, as well as where he hopes to see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
In this week’s episode I sit down with Chilina Kennedy. Chilina Kennedy is an actor, singer, songwriter, and the Artistic Producer of Eclipse Theatre Company. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre growing up, what she learned from her time in school and her path into the industry, as well as some of her most positive experiences in the theatre industry both in Canada as well as the United States. We also discuss her experiences portraying Carole King in both the Broadway and Mirvish productions of Beautiful: the Carole King Story, how Eclipse Theatre Company was created and her role as Artistic Producer, as well as upcoming projects for Eclipse Theatre and where she hopes to see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
In this week’s episode I sit down with Chilina Kennedy. Chilina Kennedy is an actor, singer, songwriter, and the Artistic Producer of Eclipse Theatre Company. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre growing up, what she learned from her time in school and her path into the industry, as well as some of her most positive experiences in the theatre industry both in Canada as well as the United States. We also discuss her experiences portraying Carole King in both the Broadway and Mirvish productions of Beautiful: the Carole King Story, how Eclipse Theatre Company was created and her role as Artistic Producer, as well as upcoming projects for Eclipse Theatre and where she hopes to see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
Mike talks to filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish about his latest feature film, Bernard & Huey. Based on a comic series and script by Jules Feiffer (Little Murders, Carnal Knowledge, Popeye), the film stars Jim Rash and David Koechner as our titular characters.
Mike talks to filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish about his latest feature film, Bernard & Huey. Based on a comic series and script by Jules Feiffer (Little Murders, Carnal Knowledge, Popeye), the film stars Jim Rash and David Koechner as our titular characters.
Episode 18! I have another special guest who is the co-founder of the well known Slam Dance Film Festival, who have beautifully spawned some phenomenal filmmakers who have made big marks in cinema. Dan is also a film Director, Producer, and Screenwriter with a recent movie out called Bernard and Huey. He is also the only filmmaker that I know of who produced a feature film for the sake of getting his previous feature film up for consideration by the Academy. He tells the captivating story in this episode as well as how he got creative when a meeting fell through by casually convincing a New York Publisher to take on his book, The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking. I got so inspired by Dan, after the interview I stayed at the coffee shop for 5 hours longer to finish rearranging a script of mine that I wrote a couple years ago. It was fun this month I’m planning to have a table read of it. And now it is time for Mr. Dan Mirvish. Please enjoy! Show Notes: [2:20] Interview Starts [5:30] Creativity with Dan [11:30] On Patience [13:45] Dan's movie that changed the rules of the academy awards. Open House The Musical [31:45] Dan’s recent book on Indie filmmaking, The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking [36:15] How Dan accomplished his recent award-winning feature film, Bernard and Huey [41:45] Dan’s New York film meeting was canceled - so instead he pitched and sold a book idea [48:00] Advice if you’re new to the film industry [56:00] Robert Rodgrigues' first movie El Mariachi, Richard Linklater's cult classic Slacker and Dan's Omaha The Movie [58:00] Slam Dance Film Festival inception [1:02:45] Paranormal Activity, a Slam Dance Film Paranormal Activity [1:07:30] Submit to Slam Dance via Without A Box or directly to www.slamdance.com [1:08:00] How Dan recharges his life [1:14:15] On Dan’s gravestone “The Man Who Changed The Rules Of The Academy Awards” [1:16:45] On building a career with a body of work [1:19:30] Where to find Dan www.danmirvish.com on twitter @davmirvist and www.slamdance.com [1:21:30] One word Dan is constantly working on: POSTURE [1:22:15] Dan’s final words
Hey firecrackers! Where in the world are YOU!? Are you also in a freezing cold climate like I am? ‘Cause it’s pretty chilly up here in Toronto and I’m doing whatever I can to stay warm until I’m back in LA! Let me know what you do to stay warm over social media! Speaking of cold climates (yes, we’re using this as a transition, haha!) here’s the second episode from my trip to New York City! I sat down with Irene Sankoff, who has been doing incredible things in the world of theatre for quite some time now. She was one of the originators of “My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding” which was a huge hit in Fringe and in the Mirvish theatres in Toronto. Now, the play she co-creater with her husband David, “Come From Away” is on Broadway! I’ve known Irene for some time now, through the Second City community and what not, but getting to sit down with her for this interview and talk all about her journey was more than a treat. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, firecrackers!
In this week’s episode I sit down with Kristen Peace. Kristen Peace is a Canadian performer who has worked all over the country with companies such as Drayton Entertainment, the Charlottetown Festival, as well as Mirvish. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre and her experiences with it at a very early age, the importance of knowing who you are in the industry and constantly trying to look at yourself objectively, as well as some of the things she learned through her early experiences in the industry. We also discuss the importance of mentorship in theatre, her experiences in the Toronto production of Kinky Boots, as well as where she sees theatre in Canada headed in the future.
In this week’s episode I sit down with Kristen Peace. Kristen Peace is a Canadian performer who has worked all over the country with companies such as Drayton Entertainment, the Charlottetown Festival, as well as Mirvish. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre and her experiences with it at a very early age, the importance of knowing who you are in the industry and constantly trying to look at yourself objectively, as well as some of the things she learned through her early experiences in the industry. We also discuss the importance of mentorship in theatre, her experiences in the Toronto production of Kinky Boots, as well as where she sees theatre in Canada headed in the future.
Disrupting Sundance & Helping Filmmakers with Slamdance Co-Founder Dan MirvishSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastIn our journeys through the Sundance Film Festival, we ran into the David to the Sundance Goliath, Slamdance Co-Founder Dan Mirvish. Dan has been a rebel, author, filmmaker, disruptor, festival creator, and true indie film hustler. This interview is one of the most entertaining I've ever done. Dan Mirvish tells stories of how he challenged the Oscars, had Robert Redford call him "a parasite" and why the best deals are done in a hot tub. Here's a bit on Dan Mirvish:A co-founder of the upstart Slamdance Film Festival, Dan Mirvish is also an active director, screenwriter, and producer. Labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, and "Hollywood's Bad Boy" by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mirvish has been named as one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch, as well as one of Film Festival Today's Top 25 Most Influential People in Independent Film.Dan also has just written a new book: The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking: From Preproduction to Festivals and Distribution. Here's a bit about the book.In The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking, celebrated Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish offers a rich exploration of the process and culture of making low-budget, independent films. Once labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares his unfiltered pragmatic approach to scriptwriting, casting, directing, producing, managing a crew, post-production, navigating the film festival circuit, distributing your film, dealing with piracy and building a career. Readers will learn how to game the Hollywood system to their advantage, get their films accepted by respected festivals without going broke, and utilize a broad range of media and tactics to promote and distribute their work. A companion website features behind-the-scenes interviews and footage from Dan’s films, and much more.Learn everything you need to know to make, promote, and distribute your independent films, with time-tested lessons and practical advice on scriptwriting, casting and directing A-list actors, financing, producing, managing a crew, editing in post, creating visual effects on a budget, and successfully navigating the film festival circuitFind out what it takes to become a true "cheerful subversive" and adopt new and innovative approaches to producing your films, discover hidden loopholes in the Hollywood system and festival scene, take advantage of a broad range of media formats to promote and distribute your indie films, and generally make bold moves in service of your creative work, all while staying flexible enough to pivot at a moment’s noticeAn extensive companion website features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, more than an hour of behind-the-scenes footage from Dan Mirvish’s films, festival resources, and much moreGet ready for some very entertaining knowledge bombs with Dan Mirvish.All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Get back to your roots! “If you want to know a black woman, you touch her hair,” says Novelette of the clients in her Toronto hair salon. ‘da Kink is raw, energetic theatre, showcasing eight fascinating, multi-faceted women. With riffs on sexuality, families and inner lives, this theatrical kaleidoscope is accompanied by live rhythm-and-blues and gospel music. A joyous and triumphant hit, this hugely popular work by writer/ performer Trey Anthony kicks off the English Theatre season with style. “‘da Kink was a revolution when it sprang from the Toronto Fringe to land on the main stage of the Mirvish season in 2005. The script is so entertaining and so moving I jumped at the opportunity to work with Theatre Calgary to bring this beloved work back to Canadian audiences.” – Jillian Keiley, Artistic director, NAC English Theatre
Filmmaker Dan Mirvish makes great movies, and you've got just a few days left to support his latest film, "Bernard and Huey". Click now here to support Dan's Kickstarter, then come back and enjoy our talk. We chat about how they came to create Slamdance and the talented alumni of the festival (see: Tres Parker & Matt Stone, Jordan Brady, Christopher Nolan), how he resurrected an Oscar category and his latest project. We share a similar philosophy about how to make your film a reality, and I appreciate Dan's candor. After this episode, you will be motivated to get your film up and running. Just 2 days left to save $50 on my Commercial Directing Bootcamp. Class is almost full. Thank you, Jordan
The Empire Club of Canada Presents: David Mirvish In Conversation With Christopher Hume On Legacy and the Public Realm: Dreaming with Frank Gehry David Mirvish is a Canadian theatre producer, entrepreneur and art collector. A passionate supporter of the theatre and Canada's artistic community, Mr. Mirvish is the owner and operator of Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre and Panasonic Theatre. Mr. Mirvish and his father, Ed Mirvish, also purchased and restored the renowned Old Vic Theatre in London, England which they operated from 1983 to 1998. The Toronto facilities were renovated, refurbished and, in the case of the Princess of Wales built by the Mirvish family, providing the city with premiere theatre space where they have mounted outstanding productions such as Les Miserables, The Lion King Horse, The Wizard of Oz and many others. Mirvish Productions, a company founded by Mr. Mirvish in 1986, has produced plays and musicals for these and other venues throughout Canada, on Broadway and in London's West End. In addition Mirvish Productions has presented over 500 touring productions in the city of Toronto. The Mirvish family is widely credited with making Toronto a major centre of theatre. David Mirvish is also the owner and operator of Honest Ed's, the beloved discount emporium and Toronto landmark, which was opened by his father in 1948. Christopher Hume is the architecture critic and urban issues columnist of the Toronto Star. In 2009, he won a National Newspaper Award, Canada's highest award in print journalism, for his columns. Since the 1980s, when he began working for the Star, he has received five NNA nominations. In 2009, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada gave Hume its President's Award for Architectural Journalism. He has also received a certificate of appreciation from the Ontario Association of Architects. His book, William James' Toronto Views, won a Toronto Heritage Award in 2000 and in 2004 he received a Landscape Ontario communications award. NOW magazine named Hume Toronto's best newspaper columnist in 2005. He hosted and wrote a one hour special about Canadian cities for CBC TV's flagship series, The Nature of Things. He appears frequently on radio and television as a commentator on city issues. Hume was educated at the University of Toronto and Glendon College and lives in Toronto. Moderator: Christopher Hume, Columnist, Toronto Star Speaker: David Mirvish, Owner and Operator, Toronto Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre and Panasonic Theatre *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*
'Honest' Ed Mirvish is a Canadian high-school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire by running a discount house selling goods at bargain prices. When he was offered the run-down Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto at a bargain price he could not refuse, and before long it was paying its way. His latest venture was to buy the Old Vic in London, which he has restored beautifully.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his various enterprises.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Book: Complete Webster's English Dictionary Luxury: Barbeque
'Honest' Ed Mirvish is a Canadian high-school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire by running a discount house selling goods at bargain prices. When he was offered the run-down Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto at a bargain price he could not refuse, and before long it was paying its way. His latest venture was to buy the Old Vic in London, which he has restored beautifully. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his various enterprises. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Book: Complete Webster's English Dictionary Luxury: Barbeque