musical theatre

Despite the title, there are no ghosts in The Haunted Hillbilly (currently on at SummerWorks); however, there are plenty of hillbillies, along with a three-piece band, dazzling outfits, bits of stage magic, a rhinestone-studded prosthetic leg, and at least one paraplegic vampire.  Montreal’s Sidemart Theatrical Grocery may have gone a bit over the top in their adaptation of Derek McCormack’s novel, but boy howdy, they had themselves a rootin’ tootin’ good time doing it.

The Haunted Hillbilly

Let me say preface this review by saying that I saw Legoland three times, and still believe that it’s one of the best pieces of whimsical theatre we’ve seen nationally in recent years. The pressure for Atomic Vaudeville’s latest Ride the Cyclone to at least live up to its predecessor was huge.

Ride that Cyclone!

Seven of Us, by Goldenberg Productions and currently on as part of the Toronto Fringe, is a mediocre musical whose success or failure depends mostly on the audience’s standards. Anyone looking for some unremarkable songs, plenty of kissing on stage, a few laughs and an evening’s distraction should be satisfied. If you’re looking for musical invention, consistent performances or dramatic poignancy, keep on looking.

Seven of Us

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