NEXT Magazine Spring 2024

LOONY’S

Spring Theatre Guide

Cadence Weapon

Nicolette & the Nobodies

MUST-SEE SPRING PRODUCTIONS FROM CROW’S THEATRE

ON STAGE MARCH 12 TO APRIL 7

FACTORY THEATRE | 125 BATHURST STREET crowstheatre.com/DANAH

shaniqua in abstraction

“bahia watson is OUTSTANDING.”

TORONTONICITY

Written and Performed by bahia watson

Directed by Sabryn Rock

on stage April 9 to 28

“BRILLIANT! One of the richest, most complete works of theater to come along in many seasons.”

NEW YORK TIMES

Written by Lucas Hnath

Adapted from interviews with Dana Higginbotham

CONDUCTED BY STEVE COSSON

Directed by Les Waters

Photo of Jordan Baker by Calvin Ngu

Photo of RJ Jeyaratnam by Colton

Discover a world of New Music

Announces first 100+ artists

4sante •Aaron Ball Band •Abroad •AIKO TOMI •Anaïs & The Hoops •Andy Colonico

•Aphrose •Attack the Sound •Avery Dakin •Avery Jane •Barber for the Queen

•Barren Womb •Basterds •Bealby Point •Big Loser •Blu Beach Band •blue monday

•Braden Lam •Brian Revels/Brian Revels & the Heat Lightning •Brooke Stilla •Caravane

•Ché Aimee Dorval •Chelsea Stewart •Chris Pierce •Christopher Atkins •Clay Hazey

•Cory Hotline •Curt James •Dali Van Gogh •Dany Horovitz •Dawson Gamble •Dawson Gool

•DBMK •dichotomi •Discontinuity •Dozie •Duke & Goldie •EB3N •Espanglish

•Falls for the Elderly •For Ernest •Garrett Neiles •Gentle Sparrow •Good Boy Nikko

•GOODBADUGLY •Grimelda •Hollow Core •Holly Clausius •JACE Carrillo •Jasmine Kiara

•Jesse Maxwell •Jiants •John Fellner •JoJo Scott •Jr. Rhodes •Julyan •June Body

•Junko Daydream •Justin Maki •Kasador •KAYO •Landon Gamble •Larysa Musick •Lattitude

•Lauren Carson •Linebeck •Little Fuss •Little Junior •Loryn Taggart •Lost Arts •LTtheMonk

•Maddi O'Brien •Maddisun •Makadi •Makena Tate •Mallory Chipman •Manny Walters •Marbl

•Marissa Burwell •Mary Shelley •Maxyme •May Davis •Maya Killtron •Me + Nobody

•Merv xx Gotti •Meteor Airlines •Mighloe •Miro •Mountain •Daisies •Mouraine •N'nerjie

•Nat Vazer •Newby •Noah Malcolm •Old Soul •Oleyada •Paper Lady •Paula Sofía

•Phillip Vonesh & The Spare Parts •Pillow Fite •Polluted •Pony Girl •Propter Hawk

•Queens & Kings •RBNX •Rob Fitzgerald •Rory Taillon •Rosier •Ryan Gazzola •Sam Krüger

•Samantha Marie •Sandman •Sarah Vanderzon •Sea of Lettuce •Serengeti •Sinzere

•Sophie Noel •Sorry, Peach •Starpainter •Stephen Babcock •STRAWBERRY LAUNCH

•SUNVOLUME •SWiiMS •SYTË •Talia Schlanger •Tara Lord •Ten Minute Detour •The Baxbys

•The Gilberts •The Holy Gamblers •The Moonjacks •The New Hires

•The Order of The Precious Blood •The Paisley Daze •The Silver Lines •The Summit

•The Wesleys •The Wilderness •TIGERA •Tractor Beam •Trick Casket •Under High Street

•Victory •Waryaa •Willem James Cowan •Yellow Magnolia •Yester Daze

5 nights • 20+ Great Toronto Venues • All for $29

IN THE

TOP6 SIX

The 6 can’t-miss things happening in Toronto

TOP 6 IN THE SIX

Olivia Rodrigo

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

When: Fri., March 29 & Sat., March 30

Why: Last time she was in town, she played Massey Hall (2022), but the world’s second-biggest female pop star takes over the big Arena for two nights and the Vampires better watch out.

Can’t

Nicki Minaj

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

When: Thurs. April 18 & Tue., April 30

Why: The Queen of Rap brings her booty-powered bombast to the Big Barn for two nights. Will she sightsee in The Six in between?

Watch

Waxahatchie

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

When: Tue., April 23 & Wed., April 24

Why: Alabama’s Katie Crutchfield, a.k.a. Waxahtachie, brings her heartfelt, country-tinged low-fi folk to the perfect setting for two nights.

TSO & Animaniacs

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.

When: Sat., March 30

Why: The original Animaniacs voice actors — they even got The Brain! — join the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for live accompaniment to some of our favourite cartoons on the RTH big screen.

shaniqua in abstraction

Where: Crow’s Theatre studio, 345 Carlaw Ave.

When: Tue., April 9 to Sun., April 28

Why: The always brilliant bahia watson dazzled in Crow’s Uncle Vanya and streams on The Handmaid’s Tale and Star Trek: Discovery. Her new one-woman play follows an actor as she responds to a casting call and falls into a musing multiverse of narratives.

Harland Williams

When: Fri., April 12 & Sat., April 13

Essential Toronto —Spring 2024 Issue

Editor/Publisher

Michael Hollett

Associate Editor

Rayne Fisher-Quann

Advice Columnist

Amy Millan

Operations Manager

William Molls

Art Director Jefferson Wilde

Contributors

Away, Adam Davidson, Liam Donovan, Latoya Elle, Neal Ganguli, Daniel Hartman, Barb Hefler, Ammar Karam, Sarah Khan, Zack Kotzer, Amy Lloyd, Gabrielle Marceau, Ozioma Nwabuikwu, Andrea Perez, Nicole Richie, Laura Robinson, Chris Short, Adriel Smiley, Nicholas Sokic, Sierra Stone, Helen Toner, Karen K. Tran, Von Valdez, Caely White, Sanjeev Wignarajah

Advertising Inquiries: sales@nextmag.ca

Published by NEXT Magazine Enterprises Inc.

NEXT Magazine Enterprises Inc.

Board of Directors

Michael Cohl, Michael Hollett, Gary Slaight

Distribution

NEXT Magazine is distributed in bars, clubs, restaurants, theatres and retail venues across Toronto and the GTA.

For distributor info: distro@nextmag.ca

email: info@nextmag.ca

All content

Magazine Enterprises Inc. ©2024

LOONY’s musical leap of faith

Soulful Scarborough singer releases monster debut album

By AISLING MURPHY

It’s an unusually overcast day in Los Angeles when Kira Huszar appears on Zoom with a bright blue star sticker on her chin, her white-blonde curls swishing gently in the breeze.

“I’m sort of into this gloomy vibe,” she says, glancing at the murky sky. “I’m digging the rain. It’s kind of fun.”

The Scarborough-born neosoul, R&B-influenced singer-songwriter, better known as LOONY, tumbles over her words as she speaks, passionate about everything from parmesan crisps (she loves them) to Love Is Blind (a newfound guilty pleasure). After years of promising EPs and single releases, the singer’s eponymous debut album drops on Fri., March 22, and her first headlining tour kicks off in Cambridge, MA, a month later.

For now, she’s soaking up these final weeks of rest, working her way through Wuthering Heights (she’s a self-proclaimed hater — sorry, Emily Brontë) and the snack aisle of Trader Joe’s.

The early breaths of the musician’s career have been turbulent — like most twentysomethings, she lost precious years of her coming-of-age to the pandemic. That said, Sir Elton John proclaimed, “I love that LOONY!” on his radio show in 2020, launching her into indie princessdom as she released singles and EPs since and garnering close to 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Now, with her debut LP on the horizon, she’s looking inwards and owning the “craziness” that she says makes her unique.

“I’m a very spacey person,” she says. “I’m so crazy. It’s a running joke that I’m sick in the head. LOONY works for me — I own this craziness.” While her stage name may have roots in a one-off horoscope, Huszar embraced her image as an emotionally up-and-down space cadet and makes a point to talk about mental health whenever she can.

“Men didn’t always understand that women have complex emotions and deal

with mental health,” she says. “There’s a huge mental health element to what I’m doing. I have ADD, and lots of people have their own battles and experiences with anxiety, depression. It’s just a really common thing. And for me, it’s nice to be able to wear that — it feels like me.”

That all-over-the-place-ness screams through the 12-track album, which traverses a surprising number of genres and sounds. LOONY easily hops from lo-fi to soul to R&B to pop, seemingly without taking a breath. Sure, it’s a cliché, and she knows it, but she really is genre-less, she says — and that’s by design.

“I grew up in a house that was pretty eclectic,” she says, citing influences ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Courtney Love to Erykah Badu (and, of course, Elton John). In her teen years, her taste pivoted to bands like My Chemical Romance and Green Day (“I still love those bands,” she gushes, describing how

she “falls down the wormhole” of their music whenever a favourite song comes on). These days, her Spotify is dominated by artists like Mitski, Doja Cat and SZA.

And those influences — as well as the multi-dimensional space cadet they’ve informed — shine through the album. The second track, Mama Don’t Be Sad , evokes Doja Cat’s viral Say So — for anyone on TikTok in the early months of the pandemic, the song is instantly nostalgic. The closing tune, To Walk Away , incorporates the non-musical, ambient soundscape of LOONY’s creative process, opening with a moody bass line and hazy vocals against the chatter of a public space. To Walk Away is a special one, says LOONY.

“It’s the song that’s most personal and most dear to me,” she says, remembering an afternoon spent watching her partner play a gig at Los Angeles members-only Soho

Continued on Page 11

LOONY

self-titled debut album

Genre: R&B meets soul meets lo-fi

If you like: Doja Cat, Erykah Badu, SZA

Best track: Mama Don’t Be Sad

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Why you should listen: In her debut LP, LOONY traverses a wide range of genres, layering dreamy vocals and synths on top of mercurial bass lines and percussion licks. LOONY’s lyrics are personal and specific, yet they evoke a universal melancholy sure to resonate with fellow twentysomethings whose tastes ping-pong from the retro to the ultra-cool. “I love that LOONY!” Sir Elton John proclaimed in 2020. Me too, Elton.

NEXT: The Opera House, Toronto, Fri., May 31

I’m so crazy. It’s a running joke that I’m sick in the head.

works for me —

own this craziness.

Continued from Page 8

Elton John Early fan “ ”

House. “I sneakily pulled out my phone — you’re not really supposed to be on your phone there, but I was on my Notes app, which I think is okay — and as I was writing it, there was chatting, all this ambient noise. And I recorded some of it.”

The next few months promise a feeling of perpetual motion to LOONY as she zips from city to city, promoting the album and building her fan base. She’ll crawl down the east coast of the U.S., snaking towards California and eventually backz to Toronto, where she’ll play her closing show at the Opera House on Fri., May 31. It’s an exciting, invigorating time — but Scarborough’s quirks still call to her, and she’s looking forward to returning.

“I miss that feeling and that space,” she says of Scarborough. “It’s just so nostalgic. Scarborough was always changing when I lived there, and it still is — I find that to be a trippy thing. Even the bars in my neighbourhood, the seedy, terrible little bars, have closed, and I miss them.” Some favourite spots remain — the Scarborough Bluffs, of course, along with pizza-and-chicken joint The Real McCoy and Caribbean favourite Chris Jerk. “It’s always good,” she says of the latter, licking her lips as she speaks.

But ahead of her homecoming this spring, LOONY’s all-in on promoting the album, despite the challenge posed by its eccentricity. The lack of a perfect label to describe the LP is posing marketing problems, she says, but it’s worth it to create the album of her dreams.

“If you say it’s pop, then people who are experts in pop are kind of like, ‘what?’” she jokes.

“Same with R&B. It’s confusing and hard to market.

“But it’s fun to do something that’s a little bit unclear,” she continues. “It’s more of a movement.”

Music

Nicolette & the Nobodies bring a fresh face to classic country

Vietnamese parents’ country record collection launched Nicolette Hoang’s love affair with the sound

By: Karen. K Tran

Any day is a good day to fall in love with country music. For Nicolette Hoang of Nicolette & The Nobodies, the Vietnamese Canadian performer first discovered country music when she was looking through her parents’ old record collection and found Tammy Wynette and Glen Campbell LPs.

“Those songs just stuck out to me. They resonated,” Nicolette explains. “Those high notes really made my heart soar, and I wanted to write music like that. It just started from me being a fan of the feeling that this music gave me, and then it gave me a sense of ‘I can do that. I could try it. Why not?’”

Nicolette & The Nobodies write songs for modern fans who appreciate a fresh perspective but enjoy that classic country song twang. On her upcoming debut LP, The Long Way, there’s hope and drama, tender and cheeky moments, and a bit of rock ‘n roll.

Growing up in Guelph, ON, as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, Nicolette struggled with belonging to her community, whether that was feeling Vietnamese enough, Canadian enough or country enough. While a career in music wasn’t withheld in her family, it certainly wasn’t encouraged. She sells glasses by day at her family’s optical shop,

NICOLETTE & THE NOBODIES

The Long Way

Genre: Country Sound: Nostalgic songs that take you home, whether that’s a place or a person.

If you like: Shania Twain, George Jones, Loretta Lynn

Why you should listen: Nicolette & The Nobodies are part of the future of country music. They bring that classic country song to the modern age, with a fresh perspective that reminds listeners that country music can be for everyone after all.

Best track: Better Days

NEXT: Wed., May 8, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W., Toronto

and those things connect people. “It’s complicated because I genuinely love country music,” Nicolette says. “I’m a fan of country music and country music history. The reason I write country music is because I come from a respectful love of it. I’m not making up where I’m from. I’m from Guelph. I’m the daughter of two Vietnamese immigrants. I can’t hide any of these things. I look like this! I’ve lived with this challenge my whole life.”

When Nicolette was just starting, she had fears that people would think “What gives you the right to make country music?” Though she acknowledges that those worries are mostly born from self-criticism, she answers, “I’ve never really thought about whether people want me there [playing country music]. I’m at a point in my life where I’m like, ‘Y’all can just get over it. I’m here.’” Nicolette is one of the few people of colour who have been pushing the envelope in country music in

where she still works part-time, and plays shows with The Nobodies by night. Now, as a country songwriter who recently signed her first record deal with ArtHaus, she’s let those doubts go — at least externally.

“I’ve definitely had times when I felt like it’s not enough — it’s not different enough,” says Nicolette.

“I’m a very harsh critic of myself, and I think a lot of that comes from growing up in a Vietnamese household that was very strict. If it’s not good enough, sometimes there’s reason not to pursue it. When I found country music, I was in a place that I felt safe to give it a try and not have to be afraid of what’s going to happen.”

Though she may not look like your typical country music fan, the thing that makes Nicolette really love it is that the message is generally very simple and direct. She’s tried writing other styles of music in the past, but nothing really clicked for her except country.

It’s a songwriting style that can be extremely accessible, although the stereotype of contemporary country music can make it feel inaccessible to people of colour or people who don’t fit that mould.

At the end of the day, anyone can find the beauty in country music if they want to. It’s a genre of music in which you talk about your feelings and where you come from,

namese, a lot of the songs, like the title track, were written from a place where Nicolette was able to get in touch with her emotions and reflect on her childhood. It’s inevitable that these songs will be filtered through the perspective of an Asian woman.

“For me, writing songs is already a miracle because when I was younger, I always wanted to be a musician,” says Nicolette. “I always wanted to write music, and to be able to write anything is already a dream for me.”

The idea for The Long Way started when a friend’s parents sold their childhood home and it got Nicolette thinking about those places and moments that you may never go back to again. For example, the way your mother took care of you when you were sick as a child, or going back to visit your childhood home even though another family lives there now. The song is modelled after The Grand Tour by George Jones, and Nicolette tried to channel that

“

I’ve always described the music industry as feeling your way in the dark, and the only thing that has kept me going is the fact that music makes me happy

recent years, amongst the likes of Kane Brown and Beyoncé. It goes to show that the audience for this genre is not as single-minded as one might think and that there is a demand for diverse voices in country music.

“I’m tired of sitting ’round and wondering when my life will start,” Nicolette sings on the opening track, Better Days, from The Long Way. Perhaps it’s this sentiment that has finally kickstarted her music career and urged her to follow her dreams. These nine songs on the album have been 10 years in the making and include a sweet duet, Losing More, featuring Nicolette’s “Country Dad” Paul Weber; the unexpectedly raucous seven-minute rocker, Ready or Not; and the entreating ballad, Show Up

Though her song lyrics don’t speak directly about being Viet-

”

emotion and nostalgia. In the end, she was able to finish the song by imagining it as a conversation with her brother about missing their childhood family life.

Not only is The Long Way the penultimate track but it’s also got an extended ending that takes you home. And like the song itself, Nicolette likes taking the long, long way — whether she likes it or not.

“I’ve always described [the music industry] as feeling your way in the dark, and the only thing that has kept me going is the fact that music makes me happy,” Nicolette says. “I have to just remind myself that. If I feel proud of my work and if singing and writing music makes me feel good, that’s good enough.”

The Long Way by Nicolette & The Nobodies is out Fri., April 12 via ArtHaus.

Nicolette Hoang

Listen to Nicolette & The Nobodies

Music

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SPRING

Bad Bunny, Pink Pantheress, The Brain, Noah Khan and more

Spring livemusic season kicks off

By: Adam Davidson

Who: Kneecap

When: Thurs., March 21

Where: Axxis Club, 722 College St. W.

Genre: Hip-hop

Why you should go: Badass, Republican rap from Northern Ireland from a band who just joined the SXSW walkout over the festival’s army sponsorship. They’re featured in the film Kneecap, opening this summer and recently premiered at Sundance.

Who: Naomi Sharon

When: Thurs., March 28

Where: The Drake Underground, 150 Queen St. W.

Genre: R&B

Why you should go: The rising singer-songwriter returns to Toronto following the release of Obsidian, her 2023 album that showcased great vocal talent and versatility. The Dutch-Caribbean artist also has a strong Toronto connection as she became the first female signee to Drake’s OVO Sound.

Who: Rêve

When: Fri., March 29

Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.

Genre: Dance/Electric

Why you should go: The Montreal singer-songwriter has recently had two entries on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 in recent months (Contemporary Love and Whitney) and has been quickly rising as a hot prospect in dance music. The sultry singer is one to catch live, with her energetic anthems creating an infectious atmosphere.

Who: Olivia Rodrigo

When: Fri., March 29 & Sat. March 30

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Pop

Why you should go: Pop megastar Olivia Rodrigo brings her

of Latin Trap, global megastar Bad Bunny is one of the biggest artists in the world and brings his Most Wanted tour to Toronto for one night only.

Who: Laurie Anderson

When: Fri., April 5

Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W.

Genre: Art pop, Avant-garde

Guts tour to Toronto for two nights of one of the most hotly anticipated tours of 2023. The vampire hitmaker showcases her creativity through a concert that is split into four acts that are full of flair, versatility and pop ballads.

Who: Trans-Canada Highwaymen

When: Sat., March 30

Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.

Genre: Alt-rock

Why you should go: Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan), Craig Northey (Odds) and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) unite to perform classic Canadian ’70s AM pop tracks in support of their Explosive Hits Vol. 1 album. They also play their own bands’ hits.

Who: Richard Lloyd of Television

When: Sat., March 30

Where: Bovine Sex Club, 542 Queen St. W.

Genre: Punk

Why you should go: Television mainman Richard Lloyd performs the band’s classics alongside covers of The Velvet Underground and other early influences during an intimate set at the Bovine Sex Club.

Who: Toronto Symphony Orchestra

When: Sat., March 30

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.

Genre: Classical/cartoon

Why you should go: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs live accompaniment to classic Animaniacs cartoons. Can we bring a bowl of cereal and wear pyjamas? Should be super cool.

Who: Bad Bunny

When: Thurs., April 4

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Latin Hip Hop, Latin Trap

Why you should go: The King

Why you should go: The legendary American avant-garde artist heads to Toronto as part of Royal Conservatory of Music’s 21C Music Festival. Anderson is currently in the midst of her Let X=X tour in Europe — expect to hear songs from her vast catalogue, including from the ground-breaking 1982 album Big Science.

Who: Noah Kahan

When: Sat., April 6, Sun., April 14 & Tue., April 16

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Folk-pop

Why you should go: Within a year, New England’s pop-folkie Noah Kahan has gone from performing in front of modest theatres to selling out the biggest arenas in the country for multiple nights. The success of his 2022 folk-pop album Stick Season has catapulted him to Grammy wins and packed arenas. Kahan is made for the biggest of stages; his performances feature a stunning set with incredible vocals matched by the atmosphere created by his passionate fans.

Who: PinkPantheress

When: Sun., April 7

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.

Genre: Dance, Pop

Why you should go: The pop star had a breakout moment during the pandemic with viral snippets on TikTok and has gone on to achieve further stardom with huge collabs with Ice Spice, Destroy Lonely and Rema. She is known for her energetic live performances, that can be seen in her viral Boiler Room sets.

Who: Ruston Kelly

When: Wed., April 10

Where: Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W.

Genre: Indie

Why you should go: Ruston Kelly

brings his Too Chill to Kill tour to Toronto for an intimate show at The Shoe. Expect to hear new tracks from his new EP Weakness Etc, released Fri., March 22.

Who: Asake

When: Fri., April 12

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Afrobeats

Why you should go: Afrobeats star Asake performs his first-ever Canadian arena show. When the Nigerian performed his first headline arena show in London, U.K., he arrived on stage in a helicopter, brought out a number of big special guests and ended the night waving a flamethrower around during his hit song Amapiano. Expect much of the same unpredictability during his Toronto show.

Who: The Wilderness

When: Sat., April 13

Where: El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave.

Genre: Indie Rock

Why you should go: Kingston-based brother band and indie rockers The Wilderness celebrate the release of their new album, Strangers I Used to Love.

Who: Alejandro Escovedo

When: Wed., April 17

Where: Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W.

Genre: Rock

Why you should go: Sometime punk rocker and Austin, TX, legend is set to release his career-spanning collection Echo Dancing Now on Fri., March 29. So, expect Escovedo to deliver a wide-ranging performance in Toronto from his ’70s New York punk-rock to new re-workings of classic tracks like Bury Me.

Who: Mirror

When: Thurs., April 18

Where: Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St.

Genre: Cantonese Pop

Why you should go: Mirror, the 12-member boy band from Hong Kong, are one of the first big breakthrough acts to revive Cantopop and return to the stage after their previous tour was scrapped following an accident involving a giant LED screen crashing onto the stage, leaving three members injured.

Continued on Page 16

Tiger Balme — Danielle Sum (left), Estyr, Anda Zeng and drummer Yang Chen

The Hold Steady, Kamasi Washington, girl in red, and Jacob Collier coming

Continued from Page 15

Who: Nicki Minaj

When: Thurs., April 18 & Tue., April 30

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Rap

Why you should go: After yet another smash hit with Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj brings her world tour to Toronto for two nights — will she hang out in between? Her fans will get to hear new tracks, like FTCU and Everybody, performed alongside classic tracks, like Anaconda and Starships.

Who: DYLAN

When: Fri., April 19

Where: Axis Club, 722 College St.

Genre: Pop

Why you should go: The English pop star has previously performed at some of the biggest venues in the world as she toured with megastar Ed Sheeran. Now, she embarks on her solo headlining tour.

Who: AJ Rafael

When: Sat., April 20 & Sun., April 21

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.

Genre: Pop/rock

Why you should go: When AJ Rafael performed in Canada last year, the singer-songwriter introduced his friend and Hollywood superstar Simu Liu to the stage to perform during a concert in Vancouver. Rafael toured last year for the first time in nine years and is back enjoying performing.

Who: Bodega

When: Sun., April 21

Where: The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W.

Genre: Post-punk, Indie rock

Why you should go: These New York punks tour their new album, Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, set for release on Fri., April 12.

Who: Jacob Collier

When: Mon., April 22

Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum, 45 Manitoba Dr.

Genre: Pop, Classical

Why you should go: The Grammy-winning English singer-songwriter heads to Toronto for an

evening as varied and ambitious as his recent album, Djesse Vol.4 — which contains everything from pop, folk, rap and even classical.

Who: bbymutha

When: Tue., April 23

Where: Lee’s Place, 529 Bloor St. W.

Genre: Rap

Why you should go: The Chattanooga rapper hits Toronto just days after the release of her new album Sleep Paralysis on Tue., April 19. The album was inspired by a recent tour across the U.K., where she was introduced to the sounds of garage and dance music — so expect an upbeat and lively performance from a rising star in rap.

Who: Waxahatchee

When: Tue., April 23

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: Alternative/Indie

Why you should go: Soulful Southern U.S. singer Waxahatchee (a.k.a. Katie Crutchfield) tours in support of her latest

album, Tigers Blood, released Fri., March 22.

Who: Alex Cuba and Raul Midón

When: Fri., April 26

Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W.

Genre: Folk

Why you should go: A double bill of soul, jazz and Latin pop sounds, featuring two dazzling singer-songwriters and instrumentalists — Raul Midón, the troubadour from Miami and Alex Cuba, the Cuban songsmith from Smithers, B.C.

Who: Don Diablo

When: Sat., April 27

Where: REBEL, 11 Polson St.

Genre: Dance

Why you should go: The Dutch DJ’s fans can expect a high-octane experience full of good vibes, incredible special effects and a range of music from one of the pioneers of future house.

Who: girl in red

When: Tue., April 30 through Wed., May 1

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E. Genre: Indie pop

Why you should go: Following the release of her hotly-anticipated second album I’m Doing It Again Baby! (Fri., April 12), Norwegian singer-songwriter girl in the red hits History. The artist has recently opened for the likes of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish and has built up a strong fan base along the way as she looks to catapult herself to the next level.

Who: The Hold Steady

When: Thurs., May 2, Fri., May 3 & Sat., May 4

Where: The Great Hall (May 2 & 3), 1087 Queen St. W.; The Concert Hall (May 4), 888 Yonge St.

Genre: Rock

Why you should go: Toronto loves these Minnesota rockers playing a run of dates featuring tracks from their recent album, The Price of Progress, while also delivering, “intimate storytellers-style performance featuring unique takes of songs in the catalogue.”

Belfast’s Kneecap bring their Irish Republician powered hip-hop to the Axis Club Thurs., March 21st.

Who: Teezo Touchdown

When: Tue., May 7

Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St. Genre: Alternative, Indie

Why you should go: Following

his breakout feature on Travis Scott’s Utopia album, Teezo Touchdown has become a big name in both the hip hop and indie scenes. The Texan has received co-signs from the likes of Tyler the Creator and Drake and is celebrated for his unique approach to music and creativity, which is something he will undoubtedly bring to his live show in May.

Toronto-born R&B star Chxrry22 talks about her latest EP, ‘Siren,’ evolving her sound and upcoming stadium tour with The Weeknd.

By: Adam Davidson

Who: Kamasi Washington

When: Tue., May 7

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.

Genre: Jazz

Why you should go: The jazz multi-instrumentalist comes in support of his upcoming album Fearless Movement, which features collabs with Thundercat, André 3000 and George Clinton.

Who: Art of Time Ensemble

When: Thurs., May 9, Fri, May 10 & Sun, May 11

Where: Harbourfront Centre

Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W.

Genre: Folk

Why you should go: Joni Mitchell gets the ATE treatment with Both Sides Now, a celebration of the legend’s greatest works. Performers include ATE regulars plus Hawksley Workman, Sarah Slean, Gregory Hoskins, Jessica Mitchell and other special guests.

Who: Paul Langlois Band and the Skydiggers

When: Fri., May 10

Where: Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St.

Genre: Alt-rock

Why you should go: Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois tours his ban’s excellent new album with buddies the Skydiggers for a night that promises a mix of nostalgic hits and fresh tracks.

Who: Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot

When: Thurs., May 23

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: Roots

Why you should go: Blue Rodeo and Gordon Lightfoot’s band ate the house bands for a tribute to the Canadian legend in his favourite Hall featuring legendary guests that include Allison Russell, Aysanabee, Burton Cummings, Caroline Wiles & Bob Doidge, Meredith Moon, Sylvia Tyson, The Good Brothers, Tom Cochrane and William Prince, with more to be announced.

LIVE SHOWS

The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois and his band share the bill with The Skydiggers

Photo Credit: Clemens Rikken

Watch Paul Performing at Sugar Beach

SPRING

30 SECOND ALBUM REVIEWS

Anzola Typical

Genre: House/Electronica

Sound: Thumping club-house beats from Europe’s nightlife scene

If you like: Korea Town Acid, Astro Mega, Knxwledge

Best track: Hobbies

Release: Now

Rating: NNNN

Why you should listen: Venezuelan-born, Toronto-raised producer Anzola’s EP Typical combines the nostalgic sounds of the 2000’s nightclub scene integrating soul-electronica and Euro-house with a groovy production of hypnotic loops and hip-shaking beats. Typical is the EP for those who are breaking a sweat at the gym or playing a game of Need For Speed cruising a car on an empty road.

Jonita Gandhi Love Like That

Genre: Pop

Sound: Pop and R&B fusion ballad with South Asian influences

If you like: Yanchan, Ikky, Anirudh Ravichander

Best track: Love Like That (ft. Ali Sethi)

Release date: Now

Rating: NNNN

Why you should listen: Toronto’s own Jonita Gandhi’s dreamy debut EP Love Like That blends R&B and pop with South Asian roots. It screams romantic bliss and a soundtrack to every Indian wedding from the marriage announcement to the uneasy coldfeet of the bride. Love Like That is a celebratory ode to romantic bliss and good times.

RHYAN DOUGLAS Circles

Genre: R&B

Sound: Strings and pianos where you thought all the drums would go, vocals like Daniel Caesar and Frank Ocean.

If you like: James Blake, Charlotte Day Wilson, Daniel Caesar

Release: Fri., March 15

Rating: NNNN

ARIANA GRANDE Eternal Sunshine

Genre: Pop

Sound: A less bubbly, moodier version of PRISM-era Katy Perry

Best Track: True Story

Release: Now

Rating: NN

If you like: Fifth Harmony, Dua Lipa, Early 2000’s Pop

Why you should listen: Pop icon takes her fans to the dancefloor on her seventh album. While R&B has been her muse, she picks up the pace here. Her vocal range remains otherworldly, but the production is reminiscent of many of her peers. Grande’s lyrical vulnerability radiates throughout.

St. Vincent All Born Screaming

Genre: Art rock

Release:  Fri., April 26

Sound: Confident, sassy tunes that will get you amped up If you like: Sharon Van Etten, Courtney Barnett, Angel Olsen

Best track: Sweetest Fruit

Rating: NNNN

Why you should listen: St. Vincent’s Annie Clark has always had a flair for the dramatic, and her upcoming album, All Born Screaming, is no exception. The songs are grungy and unpredictable in melody, zigging when you think they will zag yet still accessible to listeners.

Why you should listen: On his debut EP, Brampton-born singer establishes himself as distinct in a sea of R&B, much of which resembles hip-hop, while he is closer to folk. An engaging listen, it rides the line between serene and boring.

Best Track: Sunnie D

Iskwé nina Genre: Art rock

Sound: Electro beats powering big, bold vocals If you like: Estero, Bjork, Madonna

Best track: I Get High (ft. Nina Hagan)

Rating: NNNNN

Release: Fri., April 12

Why you should listen: Iskwé takes a major leap, building on the promise that has seen her ethereal sound Polaris longlisted and JUNO nominated. “nina” translates to “me” in her native Cree, so self-reflection is the theme as she shifts effortlessly from electro-powered dance tracks to brooding, moody personal contemplations with a feature from ’80s legend Nina Hagan. Should be Iskwé’s breakout album, a combination of hits and heart.

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Cadence Weapon wants the win

By Adriel Smiley

Even with a coveted Polaris Prize win and years in the music business, veteran Canadian rapper Cadence Weapon still has much to prove — and to win — and he’s counting on his upcoming album Rollercoaster to get him there.

His sound is a mix of industrial and electronic accompanied by tactical raps. He calls this new album a “cyber dystopia,” bringing us into a world that has signs of the present but feels like the future.

Rollercoaster will be his sixth studio album, an important milestone in his career trajectory. Cadence Weapon is recognized as Canadian hip hop royalty. He

has never been nominated for a JUNO, and on this album, he adamantly demands his respect.

“I’ve been thinking about solidifying my legacy, and that includes winning Polaris. But then it also includes things like the JUNOs. I think that was a part of the thought process. Parallel World wasn’t nominated for a JUNO, and I was kind of like, what’s a guy to do?”

The name Rollercoaster has two meanings. Cadence Weapon’s real name is Rollie Pemberton, and Rollercoaster was one of his nicknames growing up. The second part of this double entendre is how we view the internet and technology. Today’s

digital attention economy can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster.

“I feel like a rollercoaster is something you intentionally go on to scare you. I feel like that’s what we’re doing every day. That’s how it feels to go on Twitter sometimes — it’s just this really extreme experience.”

The new album, whose release he celebrates at a TD Music Gall gig on Sat. Apr. 20, resembles an immersive history lesson. It critically examines internet culture and technology, and like any self-respecting MC, it takes shots at the industry plants and clout chasers. His career began during the infancy of the internet, and since then, he has seen the life cycle of an artist take on many different forms. He stands on business when it comes to his feelings on those who he thinks have gotten a handout.

“I think there’s definitely a theme of me taking on people with unearned success in my opinion, whether it’s industry

plants or nepo babies or just people who I feel like have things handed to them, and that’s never happened to me. “

This album is enjoyable sonically, and the production style is familiar to his fans. An industrial, futuristic rhythm drives the energy throughout. Songs like Exceptional and Lexicon feel like you’ve dropped into a video game set in 2053. This canvas fits his message on Rollercoaster, which he delivers without sounding preachy.

“What I want people to take away from this album is, really, you can be more mindful about the decisions that you make online.”

Cadence recruited some strong collaborators for this project, some “fellow Black weirdos,” as he calls them. American musician Bartees Strange starts the project, and his voice is present throughout.

“I got him to do a couple tracks on there. I wanted him to kind of be this voice beckoning you into this cyber dystopia that I’ve created. I wanted it to be very organic. I wanted it to be a living machine.

Cadence Weapon is no stranger to the internet. Amid the critiques, he has his guilty pleasures, something worth checking his phone for.

“Right now, my favourite thing to do is online auctions. For everything really, I’m just on there where people are doing estate sales. That’s really where a majority of my jewellery comes from these days,” he says laughing, “people who died. I’m actually totally addicted to doing it; it’s my favourite thing.”

Immersed in the album’s soundscape is a lasting message: some concern for the next generation of internet users and how it will affect the future.

“I kind of worry about what the next generations are going to be like online and this lack of history. This album, in a way, is like a time capsule of what the internet was like at this time, what it used to be like and it’s just showing people what was once possible.”

Cadence Weapon Rollercoaster

Genre: Hip Hop, Electronic If you like: Little Simz, Drop 7, Jacques Green

Best track: Shadowbanned (ft. myst Milano) Release date: Fri., April 19

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Why you should listen: It’s an album made to be listened to in full. The production is inviting and hypnotic, transporting you straight into the future.

Loaded with smooth verses and optimistic ideas, there are not many rap albums that sound like this.

Next: Plays TD Music Hall, Sat., April 20

Stage

New Buddies play promises horror-film-theatre hybrid

By: Liam Donovan

When recently hired gym employee Jeremy Río first encounters party-loving fitness influencer Eugene, that’s all he sees.

Kept at a barbell’s distance, Jeremy’s admiration for Eugene’s luxurious lifestyle would be one thing. But in Raf Antonio’s White Muscle Daddy, a Pencil Kit Productions and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre co-production, desire quickly balloons to an obsession of the insatiable sort often seen in horror flicks.

In a post-rehearsal interview, Antonio (who uses they/them pronouns) tells me about how

This idea … that a marginalized person can marginalize someone else — I don’t think I ever really understood the gravity of that

“ ”

from a bunch of different people.

“So that’s where it came from. The original version was literally a two-hander of a young Latino kid and this older white man hooking up, talking about their lives and their different experiences.”

Now there’s a cast of six, along with a bevy of additional design elements, including projections (by Nicole Eun-Ju Bell), live cameras and shadow play.

It’s also, you know, fun. Antonio is quick to emphasize that despite some serious themes, “there’s a lot of levity to it.”

Much of this excitement stems from the play’s genre — horror with a dose of thriller — which Antonio chose for its ability to provide catharsis. “It’s just a great way to have this metaphorical look at our lives … [it lets you] feel the things that you need to feel and work through them in a way that [is] safe.”

Since White Muscle Daddy draws heavily on cinema (one character is even a filmmaker), Antonio is co-directing the show with Tricia Hagoriles, who has helmed several short films.

long and esoteric, ranging from Brian De Palma’s voyeuristic Body Double to Alain Guiraudie’s French thriller Stranger by the Lake to the Portuguese erotic drama O Fantasma to the films of Sofia Coppola. Hagoriles even shows me a photo of Caravaggio’s bloody oil painting Judith Beheading Holofernes.

This blend of aesthetics is exactly what the directors think will draw audiences to White Muscle Daddy — beyond the title, that is. “Come see a live horror-film-theatre hybrid,” encourages Hagoriles. “Yeah! Come watch a live film,” says Antonio. “Feel a little spooky, [a little perverse and] a little horny.”

Watch a conversation with the directors

the play came to be. “I grew up in Saskatchewan, and my family was one of the only brown families in town. And I didn’t really realize how much a certain way of looking at things had permeated myself,” they say. “This idea … that a marginalized person can marginalize someone else — I don’t think I ever really understood the gravity of that until I was here in Toronto and learning

Co-directing “has been very insightful,” says Hagoriles. “We can have two brains going, which, for this process specifically, has been very much needed.”

Antonio agrees. “If I had decided to direct this on my own … I wouldn’t have had the same language with the camera operators,” they say. “It was so essential.”

The duo’s collaboration seems to thrive on references to other media. When I ask about the show’s influences, the list is

WHITE MUSCLE DADDY

Cinematic horror play muscles its way to Buddies

What: White Muscle Daddy

Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St. When: Wed., March. 20 to Sun., March. 31

Why you should go: Aesthetically daring Raf Antonio show blends several different genres.

NOW Playing: “Six” keeps singin’, unstoppable “Comet”, African “Three Sisters” and hobbits hang in

What: SIX

Where: Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. W.

When: Now, until at least Sun., May 12 (open run)

Highlight: Julia Pulo’s giggly portrayal of Anne Boleyn

Rating: NNN (out of 5)

Why you should go: In a rare turn

of events, Toronto’s got its paws on a Broadway hit while it’s still hot. SIX, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s high-octane pop musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII is playing in a shiny new production at Mirvish just two years after it opened in New York. The show’s sextet of actors,

mostly early- to mid-career Canadians, dazzle in the sparkly carnival of riffs, flashing lights and fog. The show’s 80-minute runtime leaves it feeling unfinished — but the concert setting allows for easy access to the primary thing many people want from musicals: great singing.

What: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Where: Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave.

When: Now, until Sun., March 24

Highlight: Kimberly Purtell’s clever use of onstage lighting sources

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Why you should go: After a silly number of extensions, the Canadian premiere production of Dave Malloy’s sung-through War and Peace musical has finally set a closing date.

There’s lots to love about this one, but it’s all tied together

by Chris Abraham’s complex, movement-heavy staging, which is as detailed as the material itself. The actors dart about the opulent space, tracing out complex shapes and encouraging audience members to shift their gaze like at a tennis match. Circles abound, with the spin of an on stage turntable creating a kind of whirlpool effect. It’s chaotic, exhilaratingly so.

What: Three Sisters

Where: Soulpepper Theatre, 50 Tank House Lane

When: Now, until Sun., March 24

Highlight: A virtuosic ensemble of 12

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Why you should go: This Obsidian and Soulpepper co-production marks the North American premiere of Inua Ellams’s Three Sisters, which relocates the Chekhov play to Nigeria just before the Biafran Civil War. But with a group of actors this good, it almost doesn’t matter what script they’re using. From Akosua Amo-Adem to Tony Ofori, Virgilia Griffith to JD Leslie,

Tawiah M’carthy to Amaka Umeh, even the small roles are taken on by actors of great renown — and boy, do they deliver.

What: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

Where: CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St.

When: Now, until Sat., April 6

Highlight: Andrew Cull’s malleable set, which allows director Jeremy Webb to generate several interesting stage images.

Rating: NNN (out of 5)

Why you should go: Fans of The Lord of the Rings will delight in the chance to see two former Hobbits — Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan — in action.

The pair of actors take on the title roles of Tom Stoppard’s 1966 tragicomedy about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, minor characters in Hamlet. Though, in my view, Webb’s Neptune Theatre production never quite finds its rhythm, the show’s visual world is highly evocative, thanks in part to lighting designer Leigh Ann Vardy, who conjures Nordic frigidity via blues and greens.

The oddly shaped CAA Theatre has never looked better.

Sizzling theatre season features return of

“Les Mis”, “Dana H.”, rollicking amounts, fur trade “Women” and

more

By: Liam Donovan

Dana H., Now - Sun., Apr. 7 (Factory Theatre)

Crow’s Theatre didn’t just score the Canadian premiere of this acclaimed Broadway solo show that apparently has the vibe of a great true crime podcast — they got the original creative team, including director Les Waters, to come north with it. And while actor Jordan Baker is new to Lucas Hnath’s play, she’s got a fierce resume, including parts in the original New York production of Edward Albee’s ‘Three Tall Women’ as well as Steven Spielberg’s film ‘The Post’.

The Inheritance, Fri., Mar. 22 - Sun., Apr. 14 (Bluma Appel Theatre)

Another Canadian Stage season, another two-evening drama at the cavernous Bluma Appel Theatre. This time the vehicle is ‘The Inheritance’, a six-and-ahalf hour ‘Howards End’ adaptation set in contemporary New York that paints a portrait of the generation after the AIDS crisis. Though the New York reviews were decidedly mixed, London critics ate the show up and it won big at the 2020 Tony Awards. Canadian Stage artistic director Brendan Healy is set to direct.

El Terremoto, Tues., Mar. 26Sun., Apr 21 (Tarragon Theatre)

Guillermo Verdecchia will direct a nine-person cast in this world premiere dramatic comedy by the wonderful Christine Quintana. 20 years have passed since the three Jurado sisters lost their parents, and life lumbers on their East Vancouver home — until an earthquake nearly destroys the city, bringing forth a shocking turn of events.

Cardinal gets Huff’y

What: Huff

Where: Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave.

When: Tue., April 23 – Sun., April 28

Why you should go: Cliff Cardinal, who recently picked up a Governor General’s Award for his cunning play William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, A Radical Retelling, returns to the east end with a remount of this other acclaimed solo show.

CLASSICS REIMAGINED (by artists you can trust):

Doctor Faustus, Thurs., Mar. 28 - Sat., Mar. 30 (Small World Centre)

A degree of hype accrued around Dandelion Theatre and Apothecary Theatre’s intimate indie staging of Christopher Marlowe’s ‘Doctor Faustus’ when it premiered just before Halloween last year; even Sarah Polley saw it. I caught that short run’s closing night and can confirm it’s very good — a fast-paced hour of tragic, devilish fun, packed with plenty of inventive design choices. Glad it’s back. Adapted and performed by James Llewellyn Evans and Coyote Ugly; directed by Max Ackerman.

The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark, Wed., Apr. 3 - Sun., Apr. 7 (Elgin Theatre)

Auteur director Robert Lepage and dance world fixture Guillaume Côté last collaborated on ‘Frame by Frame’ at the National Ballet, a gorgeous, projection-heavy show about filmmaker Norman McLaren. Now, in a world premiere from several co-producers, they tackle ‘Hamlet’ at the 1,561-seat Elgin Theatre. Sensational visuals are a given.

Hedda Gabler, Sun., May 5 - Sun., May 26 (Coal Mine Theatre)

Beginning previews just a couple weeks after the Stratford Festival’s production of the same work, Liisa Repo-Martell’s new adaptation of Ibsen’s searing drama will star Coal Mine co-artistic director Diana Bentley, as well as six other experienced performers. Don’t expect anything about the production to be

dusty: “The play teems with life and sex and rot and transgression,” says director Moya O’Connell. (Bonus: an original score by Metric’s Emily Haines.)

Mad Madge, Tues., Apr. 9 - Sun., Apr. 21 (The Theatre Centre)

Rose Napoli explored the 16th century last fall when she played Catherine de’ Medici in Kat Sandler’s ‘Wildwoman’ at Soulpepper

Theatre. Her new world premiere, a Nightwood Theatre production in association with VideoCabaret, jumps forward to the 17th. In it, she takes on the role of Margaret Cavendish, a historic poet, philosopher and scandal-maker. Rounding out the cast are Karl Ang, Wayne Burns, Izad Etemadi, Farhang Ghajar and Nancy Palk; Nightwood artistic director Andrea Donaldson will direct.

BEST BET: Women of the Fur Trade, Tues., Apr. 9 - Sun., Apr. 21 (Aki Studio)

Native Earth Performing Arts is set to put up this Frances Končan satire, winner of big raves at the Stratford Festival last summer. There’s a new cast (Kelsey Wavey, Cheri Maracle, Lisa Nasson, Jesse Gervais and

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SPRING

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Jonathan Fisher) and director (Renae Morriseau) — but the silly and surreal script should remain as biting as ever.

Woking Phoenix, Fri., Apr 12 - Sat., Apr. 27 (Theatre Passe Muraille)

A world premiere from Silk Bath Collective, this “intergenerational Chinese love story” follows three siblings, their mother and their restaurant over two decades as they seek belonging in small-town Ontario. Co-created by Aaron Jan, Bessie Cheng and Gloria Mok.

BEST BET: A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay

About the Death of Walt Disney, Sat., Apr. 13 - Sun., May 5 (Soulpepper Theatre)

Another Lucas Hnath play? Yes please. This one, from the daring Outside the March, is helmed by the company’s esteemed artistic director Mitchell Cushman. Billed as “a fantasia for the age of Succession,” the 70-minute drama exposes the pernicious underside of Walt Disney’s cheery

persona. Stars Diego Matamoros, Katherine Cullen, Tony Ofori and Anand Rajaram.

Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, Sat., Apr. 20 - Sun., May 12 (Tarragon Theatre)

Studio 180 Theatre presents the Canadian premiere of this comedic James Fritz drama about social media and victimhood. The four-person cast is led by Megan Follows (of Anne Shirley fame) and Sergio Di Zio, alongside the younger Tavaree Daniel-Simms and Jadyn Nasato. Mark McGrinder to direct.

Don Pasquale, Fri., Apr. 26Sat., May 18 (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts)

A new production from the acclaimed French-Canadian creative team of Renaud Doucet and André Barbe (who collaborate on stage direction, dramaturgy and set/costume design), the Canadian Opera Company’s staging of this fizzy Gaetano Donizetti opera — its first in 30 years — will be set in 1960s Rome and topped with Technicolor visuals.

More Les Mis

Les Misérables, Tues., Mar. 26 - Sat., Jun. 1 (Princess of Wales Theatre)

The King Street West banners advertising this crowd-pleasing, banner-waving, barricade-building mammoth of a musical proclaim: “STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL.” Gloating much? But the show’s earned it — when ‘Les Mis’ is in town, people start buzzing (and not for no reason).

Screens

Cronenberg kin keeps it creepy

First time director Caitlyn Cronenberg debuts with deadly family drama

By Gabrielle Marceau

Caitlin Cronenberg doesn’t like horror films. This may seem odd for the daughter of David Cronenberg, one of the most beloved horror directors of all time. But with her first fea-ture, Humane, which chronicles a family reunion in a dystopian near-future, Cronenberg was more inspired by dramas and thrillers than the freakier fare her family name is known for.

“I still rarely watch straight-forward horror films because I’m a total chicken about it,” she tells NEXT over the phone, “I love thrillers, but the incredibly violent slasher style that people love, I still find I can barely handle those.” Despite her lack of enthusiasm for watching gore, there are a few scenes in Humane that suggest Cronenberg isn’t afraid of making a bloody mess.

Cronenberg cranks up the unease in the opening sequence, as we learn that the world has agreed that each country will commit to decreasing its population by 20 per cent to curb the devastating effects of climate change. A grim public campaign encourages people (and particularly poor people of colour) to submit to euthanasia so their children can have a shot at a better life.

Four adult siblings are summoned to dinner by their wealthy and influential patri-

arch, Charles York (Peter Gallagher). Over the lavish meal, he announces that he and his wife have decided to enlist in the program, but there is a secret clause in the program that leads to a tense night for the siblings.

While the film indulges in plenty of genre-specific violence, the real horror on display is in the toxic dynamic between the siblings as well as how they have internalized the belief that certain people’s lives are more valuable than others. Cronenberg and screenwriter Michael Sparaga balance the political and the personal deftly, putting their ex-treme example of sibling rivalry within the context of a plausible and frighteningly divided society. “Everyone has the responsibility to educate themselves on what’s going on in the world,” she says, “but I would not call myself a climate change expert, so I wanted to present the film as a satirical look at one direction that this could all go in.” And Humane is often funny, thanks in no small part to the performances by Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire as the two eldest (and most cutthroat) siblings.

Cronenberg grew up with siblings (and also a very influen-tial father), but she didn’t exactly draw from her personal life for the production.

“I think Michael [Sparaga] was

a little bit inspired by some of his fantasies about sibling life growing up. But we’re both very close with our families.” But her family did allow her to understand the characters even more. “I wanted it to feel like it was not going to just be that easy for these characters to attack their sibling. I put myself in their shoes.” Humane comes at a rocky time in the film industry. , difficult for a first-time director. But Cronenberg, who has worked on sets as a still photographer for a decade, is optimistic.

“I believe that the Canadian film industry has such a strong influence and incredibly intelligent members. And I think that it’s only going to get better and better.” But she also suggests that the strength of Canada’s film industry is, in part, how well it adapts to an international market.

“I love that different provinces and different Indigenous stories are being represented in film; it’s so wonderful to be able to share and tell these stories. But Humane is a thriller that could take place anywhere.” This universality is one thing she shares with her father’s work: “My dad is a great example of someone who has made a lot of Canadian films, which have nothing Canadian feeling about them.”

SCREENS PREVIEW

Spring Movie and Streaming Previews

BLOCKBUSTERS

The American Society of Magical Negroes

What: Movie, 108 mins.

HUMANE

Caitlin Cronenberg’s first feature, Humane, proves that horror is all in the family.

Where: In theatres

What: Movie, 102 mins.

When: Fri., April 26

Genre: Thriller

Rating: NNN (out of 5)

Why you should watch: Caitlin Cronenberg’s feature debut mines pressing contemporary issues for a nail-biting, dystopian thriller about a dysfunctional family.

Watch

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., March 15

Genre: Comedy

Kobi Libii’s genre-bending Sundance hit, The American Society of Magical Negroes is a comedy about a mysterious society that has taken on a secret mission to ease the often volatile discomfort of white people. Blending social satire, fantasy, and romance, Libii’s film takes a funny and wholly original approach to the question of identity, destiny and what we owe to each other.

Fall Guy

What: Movie, 125 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., May 3

Genre: Action-Comedy

After his scene-stealing role as Ken in Barbie, Ryan Gosling is sticking to comedy in Fall Guy. Gosling plays a laid-off stuntman roped into working on his ex’s directorial debut, who gets pulled into Hollywood’s seedy underbelly when the leading man disappears. Also starring Emily Blunt and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the trailer boasts stunts, explosions and corny one-liners. If you’re looking for a popcorn film, this is it!

IF

What: Movie, 111 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., May 17

Genre: Family

If you’re looking for something for the kids (or the child within), check out John Krasinski’s latest directorial effort IF (which stands

for “imaginary friend”). IF tells the story of a young girl named Bea who has the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. This combination of live-action and animation gathers an all-star cast including Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Steve Carell.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

What: Movie, 140 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., May 24

Genre: Action Furiosa is the long-awaited origin story and spin-off to George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), one of the biggest critical and box-office hits of the 2010s. The prequel explores the fierce and resilient Furiosa’s journey from a young rebel to a legendary warrior as she leads a daring escape from the oppressive regime of Immortan Joe. The film’s cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy as the young Furiosa. And to get reacquainted with the Mad Max universe, don’t miss The Revue theatre’s screening of the original Mad Max (1979) on Fr., April 12.

INDIE GEMS and INTERNATIONAL MUST-SEES

They Shot The Piano Player

What: Movie, 103 mins

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., March 15

Genre: Animated Documentary Animated documentary uses a New York journalist’s quest to understand an obscure Brazilian piano player to explore the roots of samba music and the history of the phenomenon that swept the world in the ‘60s.

Riddle of Fire

What: Movie, 114 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., March 22

Genre: Adventure

After making waves at Cannes and TIFF, Weston Razooli’s debut indie drama about three friends on an epic search hits theatres this March. Set in Wyoming, the film tracks three kids eager to secure a blueberry pie for their mother, which leads them to strange encounters with poachers, a huntsman and a fairy. Shot on 16mm film, this bizarre take on the family adventure movie feels like a contemporary fairy tale with a B-movie sensibility.

The People’s Joker

What: Movie, 92 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., April 5

Genre: Parody

Pulled out of TIFF’s Midnight Madness program in 2022 for copyright infringement, Vera Drew’s satire of the superhero genre became a cause-celebre for alternative film enthusiasts. Starring alt-cinema legends like Maria Bamford and Tim Heidecker, Drew’s irreverent, funny and bizarre take on the supervillain is unlike anything else out there.

Evil Does Not Exist

What: Movie, 105 mins.

Where: Hot Docs Theatre

When: Fri., April, 26

Genre: Drama

After his surprise 2021 arthouse hit, and Oscar nominee, Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns with his beguiling new film, Evil Does Not Exist. The film follows two consultants who visit a rural Japanese village where they hope to build a luxury camp-

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ground. After being rebuffed by the protective locals, the consultants begin to ingratiate themselves with the town and fall under the spell of the pace of country life. Evil Does Not Exist is a complex and truly surprising reflection of gentrification and our own untameable natures.

FREE FILMS

Friday Night Film: The Wizard of Oz Singalong

What: Movie, 112 mins.

Where: TPL Bloor-Gladstone Branch

When: Fri., March 22

Genre: Family

We’re all thrilled that the library has recovered from its ransomware attack, but while you’re spamming the site with months’ worth of unread holds, don’t forget that the library offers regular free screenings in branches across the city. Bring the kids to a singalong screening of The Wizard of Oz as part of Bloor-Gladstone’s Friday Night Films.

Black Excellence: Friday

What: Movie, 97 mins.

Where: Innis Town Hall

When: Fri., March, 22

Genre: Drama

The Cinema Studies Student Union Free Friday screenings continue at Innis Town Hall with a special screening of the slacker comedy, Friday (1995), co-hosted by the University of Toronto’s Black Students Association. The film follows two friends (Chris Tucker and Ice Cube) over the course of a single Friday as they try to find a job, dodge a girlfriend and avoid confrontation with the neighbourhood boss. Keep an eye on the CINSSU socials for upcoming free screenings.

National Canadian Film Day: Water

What: Movie, 118 mins.

Where: TPL Don Mills Branch

When: Wed., April 17

Genre: Drama

Celebrate National Canadian Film Day with a screening of Deepa Mehta’s powerful 2005 drama following a group of widows living in an ashram in 1938 India, and one young widow who

seeks independence amidst the oppressive customs of the time. The third entry to Mehta’s element trilogy, Water, is one of her most beloved films and a classic of Canadian cinema.

FESTIVALS

Toronto Human Rights Watch Film Festival

What: Movies

Where: Hot Docs Cinema

When: Thurs., March 21 to Thurs., March 28

Genre: Various

The Human Rights Watch international film festival returns to Toronto this spring with free film screenings and talks. Don’t miss impactful films like the autobiographical documentary Mediha, in which a young woman documents her search for justice after being held captive by ISIS, or the heartwarming Canadian film Summer Qamp about a camp for queer youth in Alberta. The films will also be available to view online for free from Sun., March 24 to Thurs., March 28.

Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival

What: Movies

Where: The Royal Cinema

When: Thurs., April 4 to Sun., April 7

Genre: Various

TUFF returns for its second year to celebrate the best of contemporary Ukrainian films. This year’s slate includes the powerful, stripped-down documentary In the Rearview, the romantic and imaginative period drama Felix Austria and the dark comedy from last year’s TIFF, Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Festival proceeds will go to the Second Front Ukraine Foundation and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

Hot Docs

What: Movies

Where: Various

When: Thurs., April 25 to Sun., May 5

Genre: Documentary

This spring, one of Toronto’s most prestigious and well-loved film festivals celebrates its 30th year. Although the schedule has not been announced, block out some time to see the year’s best documentaries, go to a party or two or sit in on an engaging talk. Hot Docs brings the most

moving, funny and challenging stories from our complex world to the screen.

Found Footage Film Festival

What: Short films, 90 mins. Where: Revue Cinema

When: Fri., May 10 to Sat., May 11

Genre: Various

One of the city’s most unique film events is the Found Footage festival, a two-night celebration of the weird, the dated and the unexpected. Two VHS obsessives, Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show), will screen hidden gems from their collection (which boasts over 13,000 titles). This year’s cinematic curios include 1987 dating service tapes, a new-age seminar and a dubious striptease. The footage includes brief nudity and guarantees an unconventional good time.

CLASSICS

Rebel Yell: Girlhood in the 1980s

What: Movies

Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox

When: Sat., March 16 to Thurs., March 21

Genre: Various

This March, TIFF Cinematheque presents a series of films about girlhood in the ‘80s, featuring heroines who are bold, defiant and deeply distrustful of those in charge. The series includes films like the powerful 1980 Canadian drama Out of the Blue (March, 16), the rousing Times Square (March, 17) and the infectious 1982 Australian rock musical Starstruck (March, 21).

Model

What: Movie, 129 mins.

Where: Hot Docs Cinema

When: Sun., March 17

Genre: Documentary  Frederic Wiseman is one of the most revered documentary filmmakers, but his films rarely screen in Toronto. So don’t miss your chance to catch one of Wiseman’s underseen documentaries with an introduction by an expert on the filmmaker. Wiseman is a fly on the wall at an exclusive modelling agency in Manhattan, where a select few models navigate the glitzy confines of fashion, television and advertising. Model is an insight-

ful and funny examination of art, commerce and fantasy.

Untucked presents Silence of the Lambs

What: Movie, 118 mins.

Where: Paradise Theatre

When: Thurs., March 21

Genre: Thriller

For the Paradise’s new series Untucked, trans comedian Alice Rose takes a probing and humorous look at films that explore transness and gender. In March, the series presents Jonathan Demme’s Silence of the Lambs. The Academy Award-winning thriller outraged trans viewers and activists with its portrayal of the serial killer Buffalo Bill, but the film has become a defining example of our fascination with true crime, serial killers and gender. Rose will explore the film’s impact in an opening stand-up set.

Scent of Green Papaya

What: Movie, 104 mins.

Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox

When: Wed., March 27

Genre: Drama

If you liked last year’s The Taste of Things, catch the director’s stunning 1993 period drama on a 35mm film print. An international hit on release, Tran Anh Hung’s film builds an evocative and thoughtful portrait of Vietnam before the American invasion. The Scent of Green Papaya follows Mui, a 10-year-old domestic worker whose innocent fascination with her surroundings gives her solace from her employers’ increasingly pressing problems. Don’t miss this poetic ode to the details of daily life and the bond between women.

Dracula’s Daughter

What: Movie, 71 mins.

Where: The Revue Theatre

When: Sun., April 7

Genre: Horror

There is no shortage of classic horror in theatres in Toronto, but a classic horror screened on 16mm is a much rarer thing. A lesser-known outing in the legendary Universal Classic Monster pictures of the ‘30s and ‘40s, Dracula’s Daughter follows the Countess Marya Zaleska as she tries to free

herself of her vampiric curse. If you’re a die-hard horror fan, you won’t want to miss seeing the 1936 chiller that inspired this year’s Abigail, starring Melissa Barrera, which hits theatres on April 19.

STREAMING

Gangnam Project

What: Series, Season 1, 9 episodes.

Where: CBC Gem

When: Now

Genre: Comedy

A CBC Gem original that follows the adventures of K-pop obsessed Korean-Canadian teenager Hannah Shin (Julia Kim Caldwell) who travels to Korea to tutor students at an elite K-pop training school in English. But when the school owner hears Hannah sing, she gets a chance at her real dream: K-pop idol.

Manhunt

Where: Apple TV+

What: Series, 7 episodes, 58 mins.

When: Thurs., March 14, new episodes weekly

Genre: Historical drama

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Imagine the assassination of U. S. president Abraham Lincoln as a procedural, Law & Order: Post -Civil War Unit. Manhunt is all that, a gripping crime story using 19th century sleuthing technology plus a revealing history lesson about the sabotage of Reconstruction in the States doubling down on inequality that haunts that country to.

3 Body Problem

What: Series, Season 1, 8 episodes.

Where: Netflix

When: Thurs., March 21

Genre: Sci Fi

Grimly mind-bending new Netflix series

3 Body Problem is based on the popular series of sci-fi novels by Liu Cixin and stars Benedict Wong and Eiza González. It follows a group of scientists investigating a string of murders of some of the top scientific minds in the world. But what they uncover at the heart of the conspiracy appears to be much stranger than imagined. If the children’s choir rendition of a Radiohead song

Milli Vanilli’s Rob Pilatus (left) and Fab Morva

in the trailer doesn’t convince you, maybe the trippy dream sequences will.

Ripley

What: Miniseries, 8 episodes.

Where: Netflix

When: Thurs., April 4

Genre: Drama

The moody, black-and-white trailer for Netflix’s take on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley doesn’t give much away, nor does it explain

Challengers

What: Movie, 114 mins.

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., April 26

Genre: Drama

The steamy tennis drama Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s follow-up to his 2022 cannibal love story, Bones and All, is finally hitting theatres after being delayed because of the strikes. Zendaya stars as a former top player who now manages her husband’s tennis career, but when his game hits a slump, she places him in a high-stakes match against her former lover. With competitive sports meeting sexy psychodrama, Challengers is sure to be one of the buzziest films of the season.

why the talented Andrew Scott (47 years old) is cast as the fraudulent Ripley (who’s in his early 20s in the novel). Does this mean a unique twist on Highsmith’s classic crime novel or is just a misjudgment? Either way, Highsmith’s is a perennially compelling story of class, sexuality and the mysteries of identity. And at the very least, there are sure to be some lovely shots of Italy.

The Sympathizer

What: Miniseries, 7 episodes.

Where: HBO

When: Sun., April 14

Genre: Thriller

Don’t miss HBO’s highly anticipated adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s award-winning novel of the same name. A spy thriller and political satire, The Sympathizer follows a Vietnamese communist sleeper agent who has resettled in the United States and grapples with his divided loyalties in the

aftermath of the Vietnam War. The series also boasts an exceptional roster of talent in front of and behindthe screen, including Robert Downey Jr., director Park Chan-wook and Canadians icons Don McKellar and Sandra Oh.

Hacks

What: Series, Season 3, 30 mins.

Where: Crave

When: Thurs., May 2

Genre: Comedy

HBO’s breakout hit Hacks

returns for its highly anticipated third season this May. The sardonic comedy follows a rudderless Gen Z comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) hired to help an over-the-hill comedienne (Jean Smart) to modernize her Las Vegas show. The two develop an uneasy but powerful bond as they develop new material. The third season finds the two working on separate projects, but we can bet they’ll be reunited.

Spring Comedy Preview

Who: James Acaster

Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St.

When: Sat., March 16 & Sun., March 17

Why you should go: James Acaster’s Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 was a revelation. The deeply personal, two-hour special received

five stars from The Guardian, Evening Standard, Chortle and The Skinny . Now, the comedy superstar from Kettering, U.K., brings his new show, Hecklers Welcome , to Toronto. Don’t miss this rare chance to see Off Menu’s genie restauranteur on this side of the Atlantic.

Who: Sindhu Vee

Where: Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E.

When: Sat., March 23

Why you should go: Indian-born British stand-up comedian and actor Sindhu Vee is a regular on British panel shows like The Unbelievable Truth with David Mitchell, Would I Lie To You? and QI, as well as Mrs. Phelps in 2022’s Matilda the Musical, available on Netflix.

Who: Kyle Brownrigg

Where: Absolute Comedy, 2335 Yonge St.

When: Tue., March 26 through Sun., March 31

Why you should go: The 2019 Canadian Comedy Award winner for “Best Breakout Artist,” Kyle Brownrigg was also a finalist for that year’s SiriusXM Top Comic and is a regular on CBC’s The Debaters. His 2022 stand-up special, Introducing Lyle, is available now on Crave.

Who: Ali Wong

Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St. E

When: Wed., March 27 through Sat., March 30

Why you should go: Fresh from her Golden Globe nomination for her work in the Netflix series Beef with Steven Yeun, prolific comedian, writer, actor, voice actor and director Ali Wong returns to Toronto for a week of shows at Meridian Hall that promises to continue the success of her 2022 Emmy-nominated special, Don Wong.

What: The Nubian Show

Where: Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond St. W.

When: Sun., March 31 & Sun., April 28

Why you should go: The Nubian Show has been a showcase of Canada’s best BIPOC talent in comedy for almost 30 years. Hosted by Kenny “Godfather of Comedy” Robinson, it’s a stage that helped launch the careers of superstars like Russell Peters.

Who: Harland Williams

Where: The Royal, 608 College St.

When: Fri., April 12

quent appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show. His trademark easygoing, nonchalant charm makes him a master of crowd work when performing stand-up.

Who: Neil Hamburger

Where: Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave.

When: Thurs. Apr. 18

Why you should go: As seen on Tim and Eric, Tom Green Live, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, “America’s Funnyman” Neil Hamburger is part alternative comedy character, part performance art. Hamburger (the alter ego of comedian Gregg Turkington) is also the protagonist of the 2015 film Entertainment, written with Tim Heidecker, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was described by The New Yorker as “grimly sardonic anti-comedy”.

Who: Irene Tu

Where: Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave.

When: Fri., April 19 & Sat., April 20

Why you should go: L.A.-based stand-up comedian Irene Tu is on the verge of huge, breakout success, according to publications like the SF Chronicle and . She was featured on the 2022 “Introducing” showcase of the Netflix Is a Joke festival and has earned plaudits from around the comedy world as one not to miss.

What: The Second City 89th Mainstage Revue

Where: Second City, 1 York St.

When: Starting Tue., April 30

Why you should go: This April, the historic sketch and improv comedy institution launches its follow-up to last year’s 88th Mainstage Revue, Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! With another legendary Canadian comedy stage like Just for Laughs going under recently, maybe buy a ticket just to show your support for having mainstream spaces for Canadian comedy performers to ply their craft.

Who: Ilana Glazer

Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St.

ronto, following on the success of her debut stand-up special, The Planet is Burning, available on Amazon Prime.

Who: Kathy Griffin

Where: Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St.

When: Wed., May 8

Why you should go: Never a stranger to controversy, Kathy Griffin hit rock bottom after a photo shoot depicting her holding a replica of Donald Trump’s severed head. Blacklisted, added to the No-Fly List and dumped by CNN, Griffin has been working to rebuild her career ever since, culminating in this new show, My Life on the PTSD-List.

Who: Fern Brady

Where: The Royal, 608 College St.

When: Thurs., May 16

Why you should go: Scottish comedian, podcaster and memorable star of Season 14 of Taskmaster, Fern Brady (Me, Fern Brady) makes a rare appearance in Toronto performing two backto-back shows on her I Gave You Milk to Drink tour, following on the success of her award-winning 2023 memoir, Strong Female Character, about her life as a neurodivergent comedy writer and performer.

Who: Mike Birbiglia

Where: Massey Hall

When: Sun., May 19

Why you should go: Global superstar comedian Mike Birbiglia is also a storyteller, director and actor, having written, directed and starred in the films Sleepwalk with Me and Don’t Think Twice. Birbiglia’s one-man Broadway show, The Old Man and the Pool, is available now on Netflix and blends his hilarious standup with memoir and drama.

What: Laugh Sabbath

Where: Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W.

When: Every Thursday

Mike Birbiglia, Massey Hall, Sun. May 19”

Why you should go: Harland Williams is a Canadian comedy legend, known for his roles in movies like Dumb & Dumber, Half Baked and There’s Something About Mary, in addition to fre-

When: Thurs., May 2 & Fri., May 3

Why you should go: Emmy-nominated actor and half of the critically acclaimed Broad City, Ilana Glazer ends her 2024 solo North American tour right here in To-

Why you should go: The long-running and critically acclaimed weekly show at Comedy Bar features some of the very best stand-up comedy talent in the country, including regulars like Jackie Pirico, Tom Henry, Tim Gilbert and Chris Locke. It is consistently the best value for your comedy dollar every single week.

Jackie Pirico’s

“cartoonish” positive, high energy onstage is infectious

By: William Molls

Comedy

Toronto-based, JUNO-nominated stand-up comedian Jackie Pirico says her dad describes her style as “intense.” Describing herself, she uses words like “cartoonish,” “high energy,” “deranged” and “unnervingly energetic.”

Pirico is a regular at Comedy Bar’s acclaimed weekly standup show Laugh Sabbath, where she stands out for her whirlwind intensity and rapid-fire delivery. She says the way she speaks to an audience is about “metaphorically grabbing them by the shoulders and shaking them.”

Pirico’s live-wire energy on stage matches the cartoon lens with which she views the world in her act. “Let’s say your doctor’s too hot, like your doctor is a hot babe, and you don’t want to tell them your embarrassing ailment. That’s just a moment in time, but that can be stretched out. For me, I can stretch that out and make a meal out of it,” something she does on her 2023 JUNO-nominated album Splash Pad, talking about going to the doctor for her chronic ailment of bunions — a word she delivers with extra grumbling relish to emphasize how gross it already sounds.

She says she views her act as an “attack” on the audience, saying, “We’re going to have fun. We’re having fun, dammit.” Rather than shrinking from a disengaged audience, Pirico learned “it’s kind of a fake-it-until-you-make-it situation, and being high energy and being intense, I think, sometimes shifts the vibe in the room and makes for

pageantry and a good show.”

“When I first started, there was such a domination of white male” in the comedy scene, Pirico says. “And it’s so amazing to see that shift over the years, seeing spaces pop up like open mics that are female- and non-gender-conforming-priority, queer spaces, safe spaces.”

She describes a time earlier in her career when “I was the only woman on the lineup at this venue. And the venue owner, who was an older man, singled me out, out of everyone on the lineup, as the only girl […] And he goes ‘Tell me something funny, then. Be funny.’ And it was so irritating to me because he wasn’t asking any of the men to do that. He wasn’t asking them to, like, prove why they deserve to be there.”

Pirico will be recording the follow-up to her 2022 JUNO-nominated album Splash Pad at Comedy Bar on Bloor on Thurs., April 18 and Thurs., April 25. Recording a follow-up to that album comes with “a level of pressure,” Pirico says. “It’s like, ‘Oh, if this one’s not nominated, then that’s definitely not a good look.’”

The accolades aren’t what Pirico is ultimately focused on, though.

“One of my favourite things about stand-up comedy is the camaraderie and the special connections that you form with other comics. Because it’s such a weird job.”

Even though it can sometimes feel “isolating” on stage, “you are really never alone. And it’s a really cool feeling.”

What: Jackie Pirico’s Live Album Recording

When: Thurs., April 18 and Thurs., April 25, 9:30 pm

Where: Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W.

Why you should go: Jackie Pirico’s relentless, positive on-stage energy is infectious and has earned her much-deserved accolades as one of the Toronto comedy scene’s best and brightest stars.

Jackie Pirico

Listen to Jackie’s Splash Pad

NEW SINGLES FROM… NEW SINGLES FROM…

QUEEN BEE

THEO TAMS

I COULD BE HOT

For more information and to listen to these great artists visit slaightmusic.com

RYAN LANGDON

SOUL & MY SANITY

SAM DRYSDALE BONNIE

JILLEA

Toronto’s dance season peaks this spring with reimagined classics and innovative new movement by some of Canada’s most prominent choreographers

By: Helen Toner

Message in a Bottle

What: explosive modern dance set to Sting songs

Where: Meridian Hall, 1  Front St. E.

When: Wed., March 20 – Sat., March 23

Why you should go: Based on songs by 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting, Message in a Bottle tells the story of three siblings forced from their home and cast adrift as migrants, struggling to re-find a sense of community and hope for the future. Fivetime Olivier award nominee Kate Prince has used a variety of modern and street dance styles to allow audiences to enjoy beloved songs in a new light with this jukebox dance extravaganza!

UtopiVerse & islands & Suite en Blanc

What: three breaking-edge ballets

Where: Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W.

When: Wed., March 20 – Sun., March 24

Why you should go: The National Ballet starts its traditional winter triple-bill with the Canadian premiere of Suit en Blanc, a French ballet which, true to its Paris Opera House origins, is a study in precision and control that shows off the rigidity and structure to French ballet. Loosen up afterwards with UtopiVerse, a multi-media performance that champions solar and kinetic energy to run the show, followed by islands, a poignant female duet from Norway in its North American premiere.

Shen Yun – China Before Communism

What: classical Chinese dance

Where: Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W.

When: Sat., March 30 – Sun., April 7

Why you should go: The power, wealth and spiritualism of pre-Communist China are at

the forefront of this musical, theatrical and dance showcase. Acts depict traditions, legends and cultures that are linked into a historical narrative that tells the story of the region. At times, especially in the dramatic re-enactments, Shen Yun may push the truth in an attempt to deliver political/religious propaganda. However, the performers are skilled and exuberant enough to overshadow the downsides; this is a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of ancient Chinese culture.

The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark

What: striking, silent retelling of Shakespeare’s script

Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St.

When: Wed., April 3 – Sun., April 7

Why you should go: Removing the weight of Elizabethan-era English and the constrictions of the original script’s pacing, this retelling of Hamlet promises to stay true to the intent of the original whilst making the story more accessible to modern-day audiences. With striking staging, sumptuous costumes and athletic energy, all the pieces seem to “to be” falling into place to herald this as the show of the season!

Swan Lakes and Minus 16

What: subverted Swan Lake followed by eclectic street dance

Where: Fleck Dance Theatre, 207

Queens Quay W.

When: Thurs., April 18 – Sat., April 20

Why you should go: What would two choreographers do when each tasked to reimagine and condense the classic tale of Swan Lake into a 20-minute production? You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out! Whatever the answer may be, expect to see a pair of duelling fresh per-

Dance

The National Ballet showcases young talent with trio of new works, UtopiVerse & islands & Suite en Blanc, Wed., March 20 – Sun., March 24 Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W.

spectives that turn the original storyline inside out. After intermission, return to your seats for Minus 16, a bespoke movement piece with a unique combination of techno, mambo and traditional Israeli music.

Retrospeck

What: black dance at the forefront

Where: The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament St.

When: Thurs., April 18 – Sun., April 21

Why you should go: Explore the past, present and future of black dance in Canada as told by KasheDance, Toronto’s internationally renowned Afro-contemporary dance company. With influences from Africa, the Caribbean and diaspora culture, this rhythm-lead performance tells not only the history of movement but also its influences on culture,

human rights and advocacy. Continue celebrating diversity and inclusion throughout the evening by attending the open-to-public afterparty on Sat., April 20!

Living Dances

What: best of choreographer James Kudelka

Where: The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament St.

When: Wed., May 8 – Sat., May 18

Why you should go: James Kudelka, known for his gravity-defying choreography, brings three pieces back by popular demand. Start off your evening with Soudain l’Hiver Dernier, a duet that explores unfailing trust in a catch-and-fall series of moments that give you faith. Next, lose that faith in Half an Hour of Our Time, another duet in complete silence that watches a pair unravelling. Finally, cap your

night off with The Man in Black, a group number that celebrates the best halves of the prior duets: community and independence.

Amor

What: Spanish movement and live music

Where: Flek Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W.

When: Fri., May 10 – Sun., May 12

Why you should go: Enjoy the passion, romance and drama of traditional Spanish song and dance! Amor is the newest production from the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company and promises to add a little heat to your spring season. The company has been performing since 1982, with the goal of taking flamenco customs and adding a contemporary spin to appeal to fans new and old.

Art

What: GTA24

When: Fri., March 22 through Sun., July 28

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, 158 Sterling Rd.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA) brings back its exciting Toronto group show with GTA24, featuring 25 local artists and collectives across all three floors of the museum. Featuring a group of inter-generational artists, including works by Matthew Wong, G.B. Jones, Richard Fung and Jean-Paul Kelly.

What: Chris Shepherd After Poetry

When: Now until Sat. March 23

Where: Bau-Xi Gallery Dufferin, 1384 Dufferin St. Why you should go: Toronto-based Chris Shepherd’s poetic street photography.

What: Celia Perrin Sidarous Our Dust

When: Now until Sat., March 23

Where: Patel Brown, #2–21 Wade Ave.

Why you should go: Montreal-based Celia Perrin Sidarous mixes hyperrealism, photography and more.

What: Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800

When: Wed., March 27 through Mon., July 1

Where: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), 317 Dundas St. W.

Why you should go: Making Her Mark is an exhibition that invites you to reconsider what you think you know about European art history, featuring works by artists like Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi and Judith Leyster.

What: Slow Art Day Guided Visit

When: Sat., Aprril 13

Where: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), 317 Dundas St. W.

Why you should go: Slow Art Day is a global celebration of looking at art. Slowly. Choose five artworks at the AGO and spend 10 minutes with each. Simple.

Who: Stephen Tayo

When: Now until Sun., April 28

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Why you should go: Acclaimed, Nigerian-based photographer Stephen Tayo presents two series — Accra and Which Lagos You Dey? — in Toronto for the first time. Tayo is known for his intimate fashion portraits and documentary photography of Nigeria’s street culture.

GTA24

The Closer

Your neighbourhood military manufacturer

By NEXT MAGAZINE

Bloody scenes from war ravaged Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Syria and too many more might seem far away here in the GTA but these Toronto-based firms, with more outside the city, bring the war home. They make armed personnel carriers, bomber guidance systems, surveillance software and more -- all for military clients including Israel, the US, Saudi Arabia, NATO members and Azerbaijan.

INKAS Armored Vehicles

3605 Weston Rd., North York

With almost 500,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in the city, Toronto-based INKAS produces a wide range of armoured and military-purpose vehicles. According to World Beyond War, INKAS has supplied the government of Israel with “more command and control units than any other supplier in history.” The company also signed a deal in 2016 to supply Azerbaijan with armoured personnel carriers (APCs). At the time, the regime there was criticized by groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch over Azerbaijan’s “crackdown on dissenting voices” and “persistent reports of torture.”

Kraken Robotics

1 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto

Canadian marine technology company Kraken Robotics has three facilities across the country, including an office in the heart of midtown at Yonge and Eglinton. According to World Beyond War, Kraken Robotics supplies its KATFISH towed sonar system to Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel’s largest weapons contractor, for use by the Israeli Navy.

L3 Harris

17 Prince Andrew Pl., North York

According to its website, L3 Harris is a “key industry provider of precision guided munitions and subsystem solutions.” It operates a facility off of Don Mills Road in North York. According to World Beyond War, L3 Harris parts are used worldwide in Lockheed Martin fighter jets, including to bomb Gaza and for Israeli war ships.

Heroux-Devtek

1480 Birchmount Rd., Scarborough

Quebec-based aerospace company Heroux-Devtek has a facility on Birchmount in Scarborough used for the machining and assembly of “complex precision parts [and] structural components.” According to World Beyond War, Heroux-Devtek’s technology and landing gear equipment are used in Elbit Systems’ drones, which are used to “bomb and surveil Palestinians.” Heroux-Devtek also entered into an agreement with Lockheed Martin in 2021 to develop landing gear for the F-35 multi-role aircraft used by dozens of militaries including the Israeli Air Force.

TTM Technologies

8150 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough

U.S.-headquartered Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer with a location in Scarborough. According to World Beyond War, TTM exports circuit boards to Israeli companies Elbit Systems & Artem Technologies Ltd., which are likely used in Israel’s fleet of F-15 and V-22 aircraft as well as transport vehicles and other military goods, such as Elbit’s “Lizard” laser guidance system for “precision strike” munitions.

Firan Technology Group

250 Finchdene Sq., Scarborough

Firan Technology Group (FTG) has two facilities in Scarborough that produce aerospace circuits and components, respectively. FTG is a supplier for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 multi-role aircraft project, used by many military clients, including Israel to bomb Gaza.