It Takes A Village: ACT Presents RENT at the Capitol Theatre

ACT's 2024 visionary production of RENT from Director Chris Rabideau, Assistant Director Cristina Orlando, Marketing & Costume Manager Moya McAlister, Costume Designer Valentine Yaghoubzadeh, and Musical Director Alde Calcagong is one that will be on the hearts and minds of everyone for years to come.

Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is the story of a group of bohemian young artists and musicians who are struggling to survive another day, and faced with grappling reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as their own mortality.

The show was fantastic delving into so many important themes that are often overlooked. There is such an awareness of who each character is and how they navigate the world. 

Highlights for me:

👉Tom (Tony Coates) and Angel (Mann Maniquis) Their love felt so unshakeable.  I also loved to see the vulnerability that was slowly revealed from Roger (Kyle Cloutier) and Mimi (Marcela Garzaro) as they both gave such strong performances together and solo.  

👉The artistic expression of "Over the Moon" from Maureen (Alaina Kerr) was incredibly intense. I also loved Joanne's (Kianna Porter) empowering self in the song, "Take Me or Leave Me". Mark (Ian Macdonald) who may seem like the odd one of the bunch, felt like he belonged without a hitch, hitting the high notes especially in "What You Own". Benny (Deves Matwawana) who could be seen as the antagonist, really shone in the song "You'll See."

👉Songs under the direction of Vocal Director, Christine Chemello like "Another Day", "Without You" , "La Vie Boheme", "Seasons of Love", and "I'll Cover You" were sung with such passion, as the lyrics touch the souls of anyone who hears them. RENT comes with every emotion that someone may experience on a continuous pendulum that we call life, from feelings of hope, anger, sadness, grief, acceptance and of course, love.  

👉Adding in was a perfect flow of dance sequences from Technical Dance Director Leslie McCurdy, guest choreographer Bryan Hindle, and Assisted Choreographers Tiffany Chan, Bella Mancina, and Simone Orlando. It really heightened the level of emotional depth through the art of movement and storytelling.

👉Let's not forget the ensemble cast either who filled the stage with heart-warming performances and vocals from long-time art supporter, singer and actress Kristen Essery, first timer on stage Jalen Hamilton, another welcoming stage debut of Ally Nguyen and more!

👉There were little nuances to keep your eyes on from the large video screens, thanks to the incredible  video content team from Gene Schilling, Mitchell Branget, and full disclosure, my husband Bill Dileva was brought on to this amazing show. It had bold messages and captivating visuals. Another added touch were the balloons that made appearances throughout the show that held their own significance. The rest I shall not spoil.

The message that RENT left me with is this: Even if we're all on borrowed time, a simple act of love can be transformative. While it also comes with heartbreak, it still reminds us of our humanity. Love ignites friendships we never thought we'd have that become like family. It brings us new lovers that might carry baggage, but will also help us with ours. It closes some doors but opens others where we no longer have to hide in the shadows and can finally be seen for who we really are.

💜You can check out my fun evening highlight reel on IG

💜Arts Collective Theatre

💜Capitol Theatre Windsor - Dates still left Oct 5, 6, 11 & 12th

💜Community Windsor Ontario Resource (client advocacy, harm reduction & more) - Pozitive Pathways

Seasons Of Love At Stratford Festival: Rent Musical Review

In honour of yet another brilliant mind gone too soon, Jonathan Larson (creator of smash sensation Rent) it was a very emotional 2023 trip to the Stratford Festival. We got to experience an artistic masterpiece of musical theatre from director Thom Allison, and music director, Franklin Brasz that holds such a passionate and sentimental value. With an outstanding Rent cast, thanks to the brilliant casting from Beth Russel, we can raise from our seats and proudly shout from the rooftops that love IS love.

If you’ve seen the film Rent, or even Larson’s, Tick, Tick... Boom! be prepared for something completely out of the box with this musical that is provocative, progressive and full of energy. The stories share many common themes, such as: struggle, identity and belonging. 

Choreographer, Marc Kimelman, has the ability to transform moments on stage into memories that will live on far beyond when the curtains close.

                                                                

A few highlights for me:

                                                                                                         

👉Gabriel Antonacci’s touching version of "One Song Glory".

👉Nestor Lozano Jr.'s portrayal as drag queen and life-giving Angel, who is appropriately named with an angelic vocal range and stunning presence on stage.

👉Lee Siegel’s emotional “I’ll Cover You” (reprise). The flood gates opened and there wasn't a dry eye around.

I can go on and on,  but I won’t because reading about this experience is just one layer, you need to be there, watching the vulnerability unfold on stage.  While it might shock some audiences with a handful of provocative scenes and language that could offend, we’re getting past the surface here and digging deep into the emotional rawness of these characters lives told through performance and song. 

Maybe you’re not an addict,  confused about your identity, hiv+ or even on the verge of a mental breakdown,  but you know what? If you are, that's alright. You still deserve to live a life of dignity. Why? Because as echoed in the musical, life can be really fu**ing weird!

While going through a lot of struggles right now, Rent couldn’t have come out at a better time to teach me some valuable lessons that can often be forgotten in moments that we cannot change and cause great amounts of despair.  

For anyone out there trying to navigate the darkness, forget regret or life is yours to miss.

Don't let time run out, book your tickets for the 2023 season!

💜Official website: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/

Just Keep Going: June Movie Reviews

Hello my readers! I've been making some changes to my daily routines here and figuring out how to best navigate this topsy-turvy world. I am welcoming June with fresh gratitude and new insights. I'm journaling through many continued unknowns, but appreciate all the continued support.

Let's move onto the movies now!

Tick, Tick, Boom! Andrew Garfield stars as "Rent" creator Jonathan Larson in this musical directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Before the world ever got a peak at the sensational musical, Rent, we’re going back to New York City, during the 90’s, where the theatre kids like to play. In the movie, we meet Jon, who has put immense pressure on himself to finish his musical “Suburbia” before his 30th birthday, which comes at a price, risking love and friendship along the way.

Andrew Garfield is outstanding. His singing chops are unreal and I don’t think I ever knew he could even sing before seeing this movie.  The songs are wonderful and reminiscent of the hustle culture that existed to just get your foot in the Broadway door. You’ll be bopping to the beat of Boho Days, an ode to friendship and connection in its purest form.  

With a pedal to the medal feel, every second of the film is a rush. It’s uplifting and highly emotional. We watch the heartbreak of Jon losing his dearest friends to the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS, yet still pushing through all the sadness to make his dream come true.  Robin de Jesus who plays his best friend, Michael  (who is in the throws of dealing with life-changing news and uncertainty) also gives an incredible performance.

Honouring the life of Larson, Tick, Tick Boom! is the beating heart of what musical theatre lovers will cherish forever.    

                           

Swish after swish, Michael Jordan has dominated the court, leading his team to victory.  Air is directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery Air is the story of Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), a basketball guru and a major promoter who spear-headed the deal to sign Michael Jordan to a multi-million dollar contract with a shoe that would eventually be on everyone’s wishlist; the infamous “Air” Jordan’s.

Although the movie starts out a bit slow, it picks up speed to highlight the intensity of signing Michael, while beating out their competition. Part of that was having to persuade Jordan’s mother in the movie, Delores (played by Viola Davis) who gives a great performance, and won’t settle for just any contract and knows what her son is worth. 

It’s an enjoyable film, and as formulaic as it is, you don’t need to jump thru hoops to get to the heart of it. 

                  

Billy Elliot The Musical was based on the hit film Billy Elliot directed by Stephen Daldry and is an absolute delight.  Ready to hang up his boxing gloves in exchange for ballet shoes, Billy (played by Jamie Bell) starts to secretly take lessons from his ballet teacher with much disdain from his father and brother. Escaping his mundane life, dancing takes all the sadness away and Billy’s really good at it, not at first of course. He does have a natural raw talent and with the mentorship and motherly love (although tough love) all the practicing is paying off and Billy could be headed for a scholarship. 

This coming of age movie is uplifting and sweet. It’s emotionally satisfying with a terrific soundtrack and beautiful choreography with every step. It challenges gender stereotypes and allows us to feel the excitement for Billy as he gets the chance to breakaway and not feel afraid anymore.

 

Directed by Jalmari Helander, Sisu is one hell of a wild ride.  We follow Aatami (Jorma Tommila)  a gold prospector and fearless ex-solider who is left to his own devices after experiencing tragic losses of his family. Finally striking gold, the inevitable happens and the Nazi’s find him and try to steal it all away. To their surprise, Aatami is not going down without a fight.

The film has a strong narrative, showcasing the power of the Finnish word - Sisu – also the titled film. It is a concept of being brave, resilient and unstoppable, all of which are characteristics that Jorma is able to showcase skillfully in his performance. Although Aatami barely speaks, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. 

Limbs are flying left and right and the amount of gore can be overwhelming - but if you're okay with that, then carry on  watching. Aatami is a blast to watch and some of the battle scenes are just ridiculously out of this world. It has some visual cinematic style of a John Wick film with high energy and incredible effects, yet with the unique touchings of European flare. 

Overall, it’s a bloody good time.