@Real_EstateInfo Hilarious, but so very wise!
Zadie’s Shoes
reviewed by Ron Singer
Zadie’s Shoes, written by Adam Pettle, @ Factory Theatre until June 5
Although recently ending its Factory Theatre run, Zadie’s Shoes is a wonderfully written, often moving play with cleverly structured conflicts, easily recognizable and perfectly contrasting characters and relevant contemporary themes. Wow! That’s a mouthful AND an awful lot to cram into one play….well.
But prolific and award-winning playwright Adam Pettle does so with this modestly rewritten and tightened revival of his 2001 hit. But, of course, it takes more than a superb play to create a winner. Thus, the supporting and talented team of actors (Joe Cobden, Patricia Fagan, William Macdonald, Harry Nelken, Shannon Perreault, Geoffrey Pounsett and Lisa Ryder), co directors (Adam and his brother, Jordan Pettle), designers (Jackie Chow-set/costumes, Andrea Lundy-lighting, Christopher Stanton-sound) and stage manager (Tanya Greve), all play a major part in creating this excellent ensemble production.
Zadie’s Shoes tells the story of Benjamin (Cobden), a compulsive gambler, who plays the horses with, and loses, his girlfriend’s (Patricia Fagan) money, which she had saved for her “alternative” cancer cure and which he is under extreme pressure to win back before they leave town in a couple of days time for her treatment. Stressed to the max, Benjamin, a thoroughly non observant Jew, heads for a synagogue, hoping for God’s intervention/assistance and there meets up with an old, but wise codger (Harry Nelken) who generously dispenses practical advice, often sprinkled with humour, coming in the form of sage sayings and aphorisms. And this elderly gentleman keeps popping up throughout the script, advising, counselling and at times, badgering Benjamin.
For those of you familiar with the play Tuesdays With Morrie, this play, Zadie’s Shoes has some similarities. Both plays involve a North American secular Jewish sensibility and both contain conflict, wit, charm, humour, pathos and enough schmaltz (chicken fat) to make a large serving of very rich chopped liver. But Pettle’s play has younger characters and tackles more ‘with it’ and contemporary themes. In fact, I have seldom seen as many young people (16-40) in attendance at a local theatre for a non-musical, as I did here at the Factory Theatre for that Sunday matinee. The high stakes and very humorous, yet poignant plot, is very shrewdly but seamlessly mixed with the universal themes of compulsive behaviour, family, love, faith and loss of relationships.
In the final analysis, Pettle tells a good story and understands that conflict must occur at strategic intervals in order to hook your audience. I, for one, was totally engaged, because Zadie’s shoes is clever ‘popular entertainment’ and definitely worth the trip to Factory.
by Editor
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Loading ...Toronto Rooftop Patios
Where to go
by Christine Stoesser
The warm weather teasers Toronto has been experiencing have also served as a reminder of just how many people populate our city. Toronto sometimes feels a little like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the latter being the winter, of course. It’s not that winter is all bad, but its chill can impose on socializing so much that even the most gregarious folks in Toronto find themselves tucked inside with a book or a movie—a lot. It’s easy to love Toronto in the spring: magnolias blossom, hearts open and friends reconnect. To bring your social life back into existence, and to experience Toronto from another point of view, there is nothing nicer than visiting a rooftop patio with friends on a breezy, balmy evening. Here’s a list of five rooftop patios in different corners of the city that offer great service, drinks and gorgeous views.
Hemingway’s:
Known for their extensive wine list and delicious sweet potato fries, Hemingway’s is a mature yet down-to-earth watering hole that celebrates the cultures of Australia and New Zealand. Located in the upscale Yorkville shopping district, Hemingway’s is actually quite affordable, which might explain why it’s so busy, filled with people who have just finished working or shopping. If you love to meet new people and network, Hemingway’s might be your gem. Even though it’s busy, they still manage to provide great and attentive service. Hemingway’s is a fun and relaxed atmosphere where laughter abounds.
Thompson Hotel:
The Thompson Hotel is an international hotel franchise which just opened its Toronto location to oohs and aahs last year. You’ll pay a pretty penny for your drink, but the rooftop patio has one of the best views (at 360°) of Toronto’s skyline. This is the place to go if you’re feeling unenthusiastic about Toronto: the elegant glass decor which showcases and reflects the vast view will have you ogling the CN Tower through new, prideful eyes. This rooftop patio has certainly raised the bar in Toronto; can you think of another one with a pool, and not just any pool—it’s an infinity pool, that’s a pool that creates the illusion of going on forever.
Vivoli:
They may have had to do a lot of flat roof repairs, but it all resulted in a rooftop patio with the greatest view of bustling Little Italy. Located on College St., and otherwise known as paradise for food lovers, Vivoli is an Italian restaurant that knows exactly how to make an authentic pizza. Their wine and beer list aren’t too shabby, either, and when combined with a patio that towers over everything else, Vivoli is always full of patrons enjoying their fare while people-watching, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of cultural street festivals, or simply enjoying the weather from on high.
The Spoke Club:
The Spoke Club, located on King St. W., is a members only club which caters towards media and arts professionals. You’ll have to find a friend with a membership, join yourself or attend an event on the premises to experience it, but it’s well worth it because this is one of the most beautiful and private patios in the city. The rooftop garden house made of steel and glass puts a futuristic yet elegant spin on rooftop patios and the interesting layout and design of the place will indulge your senses and inspire the imagination. The garden is beautiful and well-kept, the bar is easily accessible and the cocktails divine. If you’re a culture junkie looking for a lively conversation, this may be the place for you, if you’re willing to do what it takes to get there.
Murphy’s Law Irish Pub:
Located near the beaches on Queen St. E., Murphy’s Law is the patio to beat in the east end. It’s a low-key and casual establishment, offering plenty of beers (Irish and otherwise) on tap as well as a decent wine and cocktail list. This is the perfect place to catch up with friends you haven’t seen for awhile and to enjoy some fish n’ chips and a pint. Like all the fine establishments on this list, the selling feature of Murphy’s Law is its large patio. The beaches are removed from the behemoth structures which make up Toronto’s downtown, and Murphy’s Law is truly one of the tallest buildings in the area. The view is lovely, showcasing Lake Ontario and Toronto from a vantage point less urban than the other patios mentioned.
by Editor
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(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...[Tags: dining al fresco, eating out, rooftop patios, Toronto Restaurants]
