New show review: Calendar Girls
The hit play makes its debut in Toronto.
Calendar Girls.Pic: NILLSomething must be said for a theatrical production with heart and integrity – Calendar Girls possesses both. Based on the 2003 film of the same name, that, in turn, was based upon real events, Calendar Girls follows a group of Yorkshire, England, Woman’s Institute members (inspired by the death from leukemia of one member’s husband) who set out to create a tastefully nude calendar of themselves to raise funds for a memorial in the guise of a comfortable sofa.
Little humour can be found when dealing with subjects like cancer, however, Calendar Girls manages to be both humorous and uplifting. Opening in London’s West End in 2008, the play has been a commercial and more or less critical success across “The Pond.” This all-Canadian production marks the North American premier of Calendar Girls. Directed by Marti Maraden, the cast includes the estimable Fiona Reid, who truthfully outshines her fellow thespians and proves she deserves that Member of the Order of Canada. She managed to maintain a flawless Yorkshire accent, whilst others in the cast faltered here and there. Save for the accent issue, however, there are few complaints. Presumably, Calendar Girls has a target audience that would appreciate, for instance, jokes making reference to sagging flesh or menopause, but ultimately it won’t appeal to one specific demographic.
Is Calendar Girls groundbreaking theatre? No. Is it an enjoyable and moving production with its heart in the right place - a resounding yes.
Calendar Girls plays at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. West, until May 28th. For more information visit www.mirvish.com or call (416)872-1212.
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The production of this venerable musical stars George Masswohl as Tevye.
The theatrical version of this classic tale has some audience members saying “there’s no place like home”.
Henrik Ibsen’s dramatic masterpiece marks the final Shaw review by Canadian author, Hermine Steinberg.
The musical about the birth of The Beatles is a crowd-pleaser.
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