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jordan Tannahill The future of Canadian theatre is sitting pretty PLUS! Christopher House, DeAnne Smith, Bahia Watson, complete listings for the whole season
january 15–21 2015 • issue 1720 vol. 34 nO.19 more Online @ nowtoronto.com 33 independent years
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40 Boy wonder Director and playwright Jordan Tannahill follows up his awardwinning year with bigger projects, and refuses to sell out 42 Artists to watch Ins Choi, Aparna Nancherla, Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre are among the big buzz names this season 44 Interviews The scoop on The Seagull, Small Axe, I’ll Crane For You and DeAnne Smith’s new comedy hour 48 Stage calendar All the shows happening from now until spring
NEWSFRONT 9 Frontlines Count homeless deaths 11 News briefs Je suis Charlie rally; Remembering the real John A. 12 Brew war Beer Store’s PR falls flat
14 Square deal Saving Nathan Phillips 15 Boundary lines The city’s are a mess 16 Selma revisited My walk with MLK
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39 ART
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Review Ellen In Pieces Readings
54 MOVIES
54 Director interview Two Days, One Night’s Dardenne brothers 56 Actor interview Escobar: Paradise Lost’s Josh Hutcherson 58 Reviews American Sniper; Paddington; Appropriate Behavior; Housebound; Also opening The Wedding Ringer; Blackhat 59 Playing this week 62 Film times 63 Indie spotlight Last Days In Vietnam
1. Charlie? Not me Susan G. Cole argues that while violence is never justified, calling the murdered Charlie Hebdo cartoonists heroes goes too far. 2. The even better way Torontonians participate in the annual No Pants Subway Ride started in New York City by Improv Everywhere. 3. Levee crashers At her New Year’s levee, Premier Kathleen Wynne had to push through OPSEU demonstrators warning that they may go on strike if cutbacks move ahead. 4. Ghomeshi’s woes continue He’s charged with three more counts of sexual assault, now totalling seven (plus one choking charge). 5. Brewing up jobs A local group is raising money for barista training programs for people with developmental disabilities.
Maple Blues Awards MON., JAN. 19, 2015 7PM KOERNER HALL Join us for the annual all-star concert, awards event, and after party! This annual celebration of Canada’s blues music will be hosted by Danny Marks, and feature performances by the Downchild Blues Band, Angel Forrest, Brandon Isaak, Harpdog Brown, Steve Hill, and Joel Johnson, all backed by the renowned Maple Blues Band.
Pavlo
FRI., FEB. 6, 2015 8PM KOERNER HALL Pavlo brings his Mediterranean guitar music to Toronto one night only for this very special concert with his band, special guest musicians, and dancers!
THE WEEK IN TWEETS “WHAT IF ONE OF THE CLOONEY CLIPS WAS AMATEUR PORN WHERE HE’S CHOWIN ON A D EVERYONE’S LIKE - WHAT??!.”
@CHELSEAVPERETTI on the presentation preceding George Clooney’s receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes.
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5
Sam Smith
During Sam Smith’s debut Canadian gig at Mod Club last year, the British pop singer lamented that all the songs on his debut LP, In The Lonely Hour, are about being loveless and desperately alone. Flash forward to the present and the 22-year-old is a top 40 concern with six Grammy nods — including record of the year for his Mary J. Blige duet — and can regularly be seen canoodling with a hot new boyfriend on Instagram. Perhaps the romance will light a new flame in his live sets. At the Air Canada Centre Tuesday (January 20), 7 pm. $35-$79.50. ticketmaster.ca.
This week
Next week January 22–28
January 15–21 Thursday 15
Tuesday 20
Cultural Centre hosts a lecture by Pascale Fournier. Free. 7 pm. 416-444-7148.
hiatus, but you can still catch their vocalist/guitarist doing his solo thing. Drake Underground. Doors 8:30 pm. $18.50. rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com.
Islamic Family Law In The West The Noor
Friday 16
The Seagull Eric Peterson, Christine Horne and Yanna MacIntosh star in a new production of Chekhov’s bittersweet play, to February 8. See story, page 44. Berkeley Street Theatre. 8 pm. $22-$49. 416-368-3110. Paddington The beloved children’s book character comes to life in the year’s best-reviewed family film so far. Opening day. See review, page 58.
Saturday 17
Gordon Lightfoot tribute Night two of the three-night Way We Feel tribute has the Good Brothers, Lori Cullen, Dala and others. Hugh’s Room, 8:30 pm. $36-$38.50. hughsroom.com. And Friday (January 16), Sunday (January 18).
Sunday 18
Too Queer: A Bi Visibility Cabaret Appearances by Vivek Shraya, Delicia Pastiche and others celebrate bisexuality. 8 pm. Pwyc. Gladstone, facebook.com/events/1489588977959068.
Monday 19
The Ting Tings Mod Club hosts the British synthpop duo. 8 pm. $28. livenation.com.
Yonge Street Mission clothing drive Until January 23, from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm at 18 locations in the PATH. ysm.ca for details.
6
january 15-21 2015 NOW
Hamilton Leithauser The Walkmen might be on
Wednesday 21
Stanzie Tooth Artist’s radical landscapes hang at General Hardware Contemporary, to February 7. 416821-3060. Review on page 39. The Other Place Daniel Brooks directs this comedic thriller about a neurologist whose life is falling apart. In previews at the Bluma Appel. 8 pm. $30-$99. canadianstage.com.
Ginger Nation Shawn Hitchins presents his acclaimed solo
show about being a redhead, donating sperm to a lesbian couple and more. January 22 to 24 at Buddies in Bad Times. $20. 416-975-8555. Slim Twig The actor/rock musician plays a stellar triple bill with Michael Rault and Tasseomancy. Silver Dollar. 9 pm. $9. rotate. com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. January 23. Jeff Mills Detroit techno pioneer and subject of Man From Tomorrow takes over the decks at 99 Sudbury. 10 pm. $39.50. ticketfly.com. January 24. Deadmau5 The Guvernment’s final party goes out big. 10 pm. ticketweb. ca. Sold out. January 25. Art Spiegelman Iconic graphic novelist tracks the evolution of cartooning – now more timely than ever – at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. 7 pm. $29-$39. bloorcinema.com. January 26.
Book now
These will sell out fast Fabolous, Dej Loaf
The final hip-hop gig at Kool Haus features a Roc Nation rap star and a young up-and-comer. $35-$45. ticketzone.com, ticketgateway.com, inktickets.com. January 22.
Hillside Inside
This year’s edition of the indoor winter music fest in Guelph includes Owen Pallett, Jennifer Castle, Stars, Kid Koala, the New Pornographers and others. River Run Centre. $30-$35, weekend pass $140. ticketbreak.com. February 6-8.
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nowtoronto.com NOW january 15-21 2015
7
email letters@nowtoronto.com True body acceptance includes fat legs
As a woman who has dealt with an eating disorder for most of her adult life, I found your special Body Issue (NOW, January 8-14) an engaging and challenging read. However, I would like to question one statement made by Tika Simone. She claims to love her legs because, despite being a “heavyset girl,” her legs are not. Surely, true body acceptance would mean loving her legs whether they were heavy-set or not? Fiona Bramzell Toronto
Kid, get your effing squeegee off my BMW
Re Squeegee Shoulda (NOW, January 8-14). I live downtown and usually drive through the Queen and Spadina intersection. I was and still am bothered by squeegee kids. So many times, after I’ve paid a lot of money to have my BMW handwashed and detailed, some kid wants to put his fucking dirty squeegee on my windshield.
Positive body image an inspiration
Thank you for the wonderful, enlightening and revelatory interviews in your Body Issue. I teach a college course on ethics and the fashion industry. We spend considerable time focusing on issues of negative body image put forward by some in the industry. I will share this article with my students for discussion. All the people you interviewed are an inspiration to us all. Thank you. Wayne McLennan School of Fashion Studies George Brown College
Racializing the climate crisis
NOW MAGAZINE IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR STREET TEAM! Are you interested in helping promote Canada’s leading alternative news & entertainment weekly? Are you passionate about media, the arts, culture and all things Toronto? Are you over 19? Do you like free stuff (concert tickets, movie passes and much more)? We’re looking for motivated street team members to help out with on-site promotion at a wide range of festivals & events throughout the city. Street Team members will also be representing NOW at tons of concerts, events, festivals and movie screenings all season long! APPLY NOW by sending your resume to promotions@nowtoronto.com
Naomi Klein’s attempt to draw parallels between society’s response to climate change and racism (NOW, January 8-14) is just plain wrong. Three of the top five greenhouse gas emitters (China, India and Japan) are non-white countries. The infamous Asian brown cloud is created by brown- and yellow-skinned people, not whites. Sadly, political leaders in these countries are more unwilling to address environmental issues, their own or the planet’s, than in Western countries. Eric Trimble Toronto
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JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
On one occasion the kid threatened to break off my windshield wiper if I didn’t give him some money. I got out of my car and confronted him. I teach karate. I should have put him out of his misery, but being a sane and educated person, I did not. Cops came and called an ambulance for him, and I went home for dinner. Darcy Allan Sheppard got what he deserved. And unfortunately, Michael Bryant lost a very promising political career. James Chow Toronto
Julian Fantino fired but not quite gone
That Julian Fantino is no longer in charge of Veterans Affairs (NOW, January 8-14) is good news for veterans but not for the country, since he’ll continue to serve as associate defence minister. The flaws that made him unsuitable for one post will carry into his new one. He is not going to shed them. A minister of the Crown, even in this particular government, needs to be articulate, compassionate and mentally agile. Fantino is none of these. Geoff Rytell Toronto
Advertising ethics
In the midst of the revised prostitution laws, I was shocked to see an advertisement in your year-end issue (NOW, December 25, 2014-January 7,
2015) that encouraged your readers to work as “attendants” at a spa and claimed they could make “$2,000 to $3,000 weekly.” I saw NOW editor and CEO Alice Klein speak about your choice to continue advertising escorts in the back of the magazine and can comprehend your reasoning. But considering that many of your readers are from a younger demographic, don’t you find this spa ad another example of advertising income trumping ethics? Shawna Cleverdon Toronto
Why Island airport EA fails completely
We should be quite clear that the environmental assessment exercise under way over the proposed Island airport expansion (NOW, December 18-24) has about as much integrity as the Harper government’s climate position. Indeed, it seems all EAs fail completely to assess carbon dioxide emissions, since we don’t even bother counting the varied GHG emissions from air travel. This expansion flouts any reduction goals, whether nationally or as a city. Since the Island airport is completely within civic boundaries, all flights should be assessed with what was once known as the “Toronto Target” in mind. This is, or was, a bold 20 per cent cut of GHG emissions, using a 1990 baseline. But we’ve gone the other way while calling ourselves green. Hamish Wilson Toronto
The frequency on Rye High’s new station
Re Campus Radio Back On The Air At Ryerson (NOW, December 31, 2014). Thanks for mentioning the CRTC’s approval of 1280 The Scope’s broadcast licence. To clarify, CKLN Inc., not Radio Ryerson, was the original holder of the CKLN-FM licence revoked in 2011. Beyond Bob Wiseman and Ron Sexsmith, more than 300 other community members wrote letters of support for our commitment to local talent. Best of all, we’re a not-for-profit station, a rare thing in Toronto, and the plans we submitted allow for digital radio by and for our neighbourhood on a hyper-local 99-watt frequency. We’d like to invite NOW readers to celebrate World Radio Day online with us on February 13, 2015, when we unveil some new plans for AM broadcast. Elissa Matthews, Emily Joveski and Jacky Tuinstra Harrison The Scope 1280AM Toronto NOW welcomes reader mail. Address letters to: NOW, Letters to the Editor, 189 Church, Toronto, ON M5B 1Y7. Send e-mail to letters@nowtoronto.com and faxes to 416-364-1166. All correspondence must include your name, address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length.
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740 homeless people have died on Toronto streets since 1985... we think By BEN SPURR Do the deaths of four people on the streets this month signal a new phase in the homelessness crisis? Last week two men died after staying outdoors in brutally cold conditions. Less reported was a third man, who was found dead inside the shelter referral centre on Peter Street after taking refuge from the freezing temperatures. Then overnight on Tuesday, January 13, firefighters discovered a body in a burnt-out shack that may have been used as a shelter. The string of fatalities has shocked the city’s conscience, and Mayor John Tory has promised to move quickly to open up more shelter space. But exactly how many homeless people are dying on Toronto’s streets? Despite past efforts to do so, no organization, not the Coroner’s Office, Public Health or any provincial ministry, keeps comprehensive statistics. Instead, a patchwork of data from different sources provides only a partial picture of how deadly homelessness can be in Canada’s largest city. “We’ve got a system here [that’s] almost like the Dark Ages,” says Cathy Crowe, a former street nurse and visiting professor at Ryerson University. The only group that even attempts a full accounting is the Homeless Memorial project, a volunteer-run initiative that compiles a list of street-involved people who have died every month. The list stretches back to 1985 and is now over 740 names long. The project recorded 18 homeless deaths in 2014, down from 31 in 2013, and well below the all-time high of 72 in 2005. But as distressing as those numbers are, the list under-reports the extent of the problem. The project is staffed by four volunteers who call around to homelessness agencies once a month to ask if anyone has passed away. Many agencies aren’t contacted, and others are reluctant to provide information, citing privacy considerations. “There’s a ton of people I’m aware of who aren’t on the list,” says Greg Cook, a street outreach worker with Sanctuary and the lead coordinator of the Memorial. Since 2007, Toronto’s Shelter Administration has kept track of how many of its clients
die, either inside city-funded facilities or shortly after being checked into hospital. Last year, the administration recorded 30 deaths, compared to only 16 in 2013. But the administration doesn’t count deaths that happen outside the shelter system, like the three men who died outside this month. Those types of deaths, which are deemed sudden or accidental, are usually investigated by the coroner, which recorded an average of about 40 homeless deaths yearly in between 2000 and 2005. But the coroner no longer keeps such statistics. A spokesperson for the office could not say why. In the past, the city has tried to bring together all the different sources of data. In 2006, the Board of Health voted to receive biannual reports on homeless deaths, using statistics from the Shelter Administration, the Homeless Memorial and the Office of the Coroner. But Public Health discontinued the practice in 2010, citing insufficient data after the coroner stopped tracking street Cathy Crowe, former fatalities. SHELTERFURNITURE.CA 885 CALEDONIA RD TORONTO 416 783-3333 MON-SAT 10-6 SUN 12-5 street nurse Dr. Stephen Hwang, the chair *Buy one item at regular price & get a second item of equal value or less at half price. Regular priced items only. in homelessness, housing and health at St. Michael’s Hospital, says that absent reliable statistics, it’s impossible to know how many people are dying. He is sure of one thing, however: “Homeless people die in Toronto every day.” Hwang, who’s authored several studies on street health, says that while freezing deaths catch the public’s attention because they appear easily preventable, they are rare. The most common causes of death for younger homeless people are injuries, drug overdoses and, to a lesser extent, suicide. Older street• Impaired Driving involved people are more likely to fall victim • Assault, Domestic Assault to “a variety of medical conditions including • Drug Possession & Trafficking heart disease and cancer.” • Bail Hearings & Appeals In the aftermath of last week’s deaths, advocates have renewed calls to open warming • Sexual Offences centres, but Hwang argues that stepping up • Internet Crime efforts to contact homeless people and bring them inside is a more effective way to prevent freezing deaths, because people who stay out in the cold are often avoiding shelters. In the long run, governments need to provide better access to health care and mental health and addiction services, he says. “There Criminal Defence Lawyer are a number of providers across the city, but 416.459.3352 | macdonaldcriminaldefence.com the need outstrips the service.” 3
“We’ve got a system here that’s almost like the Dark Ages.”
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newsfront
CITYSCAPE
enzo dimatteo
What latest colourful additions to the streetscape by Streetartoronto, the public-private partnership started by the city in january 2010 to beautify the city Where under the richmond and adelaide overpasses on King east Why Part of Start uP, Streetartoronto’s underpass Program, whose mission is to make underpasses “safe, walkable and beautiful”
r. jeanette martin
THE WEEK IN NUMBERS Alex (left) and Naomi
SPOTTED Riding the rails got a whole lot sexier during the annual No Pants Subway Ride on Sunday, January 11. To the delight and confusion of everyday riders, legs were flaunted and boxer shorts revealed. The international celebration of silliness was started by New York City-based prank collective Improv Everywhere in 2002 and has since spread to 55 cities in 29 countries. Photo gallery at nowtoronto.com.
10
january 15-21 2015 NOW
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number of ttC streetcars put out of commission by the cold weather this week, compared to 25 during last week’s deep freeze. according to the ttC: “the aging streetcar fleet and related equipment – over 30 years old in many cases – do not respond well to extreme cold. moisture buildup in the pneumatic air lines that provide braking and door operation can freeze.”
13th 87¢
the anniversary marked january 11 by the military prison for “unlawful combatants” at guantánamo, the u.S. naval base in Cuba that became a torture camp post- 9/11.
Cost of gas at the pumps, which along with an 84¢ Canadian dollar is more proof positive of an economic correction – and that Canada can’t rely on the tar sands to save its bacon.
TO RO N
TO IST
NEWS IN BRIEF FU LL Y “M AS TER
Mayor John tory, Finance Minister Joe oliver and French Deputy consul of toronto Dominique Faille were among the attendees at a rally at nathan phillips square sunday, January 11, in the aftermath of the killings last week of 10 staff at the paris offices of the satirical magazine charlie Hebdo. the murders by al Qaeda operatives, over the mag’s publication of cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, has touched off a debate about freedom of expression. A number of news outlets, including the Globe and cBc in canada, the BBc in the UK and npr in the U.s., have decided not to publish the offending cover that led to the shootings, or charlie Hebdo’s cover this week, another image of Muhammad and the words “All is forgiven.” Will democracy die without free speech? See reader reaction to Susan G. Cole’s post at nowtoronto.com.
DE SIG NE D” —
JE SUIS CHARLIE
CELEBRATING WHITE SUPREMACY – AND CANADA’S FIRST PM A small group gathered to protest the celebration of sir John A. Macdonald’s 200th birthday at the royal York Hotel tuesday, January 13. the $130-a-plate dinner party was hosted by tvo’s chief mansplainer, steve paikin, who was adorned in period garb of top hat and tails for the occasion. Macdonald, who promoted an aggressive assimilation policy toward indigenous people to make room for the railway, has been the target of a twitter campaign as celebrations have stepped up around his birthday. Among the details at #sirJAM are that the former pM imposed a head tax on chinese migrant workers (many of whom died working on the railway) and married his first cousin.
OPSEU CRASHES PREMIER’S PARTY premier Kathleen Wynne’s sUv had to punch through a throng of ontario public service employees Union (opseU) members to get to her levee at the noor cultural centre sunday, January 11. opseU employees are threatening to go on strike in the face of a government proposal to freeze wages for two years and reduce wages of new government employees by 5 per cent. the premier invited a small delegation of opseU representatives inside for a quick chat. Along with bargaining team members roxanne Barnes and Gord longhi, opseU president smokey thomas emerged from the meeting to say they’d delivered a stern message to Wynne: “You either try to get us a fair deal or you’re going to have a real nasty strike.”
ONLY 11 DAYS LEFT! GET YOUR TICKETS TIFF.NET/KUBRICK 416 599 TIFF #KUBRICK
UPCOMING SCREENINGS: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (70MM)
EYES WIDE SHUT
JAN 18 3:45PM
JAN 18 7PM
Reitman Square, 350 King Street West
®Toronto International Film Festival Inc.
toronto police service
This exhibition is organized by the Deutsches Filmmuseum, Frankfurt am Main, Christiane Kubrick, Jan Harlan and the Stanley Kubrick Archive at the University of the Arts London, with the support of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Sony-Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Universal Studios Inc., and SK Film Archives LLC.
Keir Dullea in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (USA/UK 1968) © Warner Bros.
TIFF prefers Visa.
BILL BLAIR’S LAST HURRAH “The decisions that we make are too important to be influenced by prejudice and ignorance.” police chief Bill Blair delivers a message of tolerance to the force’s latest recruitment class on January 8, his last before he retires as chief in April. Under Blair’s 10-year reign, the force has made a concerted effort to up its diversity quotient. Among the 89 recruits sworn in, 20.5 per cent were women and 39.8 per cent visible minorities. But questions remain about the relationship between police and minority communities over the controversial police practice of carding, which Blair quietly ordered suspended last month. How toronto police can better reach out to from the somali community is the focus of a public forum saturday (January 17), positivechangeto.com.
Need some advice?
Find out what’s written in the stars, page 26. Rob Brezsny’s Free Will
Astrology
Compiled by NOW staff with files from Zach Ruiter.
NOW january 15-21 2015
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BUSINESS
WAR BREWING Beer Store launches PR blitz to hold on to its government-enforced stranglehold on the beer industry, but it falls flat for small brewers By DAN GRANT After years of baring its backside to the rest of the brew industry, the Beer Store is suddenly anxious to cover its ass. The Beer Store has an image problem. And it’s not improving, despite a massive PR campaign and last week’s offer to open up Beer Store ownership – and access to its shelves – to small brewers. The response from many craft brewers to Beer Store claims that they would stand to benefit was incredulity mixed with indignation. Matt Swan, co-owner of Silversmith Brewing Company, calls the whole thing disingenuous. “This offer is a distraction, a red herring, an opportunity for the Beer Store to say ‘See? We aren’t so bad.’ This is an announcement designed to capture consumer positive support and nothing else.” Indeed. In the last year the media have taken a greater interest in the Beer Store’s unique government-enforced stranglehold on the industry – not to mention its heavyhanded lobbying efforts – which has called the integrity of politicians of all stripes into question. Just how bad has it become? At the same time as a $1.4-billion class-action by small brewers was given the go-ahead by the courts, the province was put on notice this week that the Beer Store’s monopoly will be challenged in court in a separate legal action. The Beer Store has hired Bill Walker, the guy who wrote Crisis Communications In The 24/7 Social Media World. According to the book’s abstract, “The key to surviving a crisis lies in preparing for the inevitable by
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
building relationships with media allies and strengthening your corporate or brand image ahead of time – not after the crisis hits.” Walker did not return my email requests for comment. Nor did Beer Store president Ted Moroz. It may be too late to get out ahead of this situation. Just how did we get here? First a little brew history. Born in 1927 as Prohibition expired, the Beer Store began life as a governmentmandated consortium of Ontario breweries. In the decades that followed, membership decreased through a series of mergers and acquisitions. Today, it’s owned by foreign mega-brewers MolsonCoors of Colorado, ABInBev of Belgium and Japan’s Sapporo, meaning that 100 per cent of private beer retailing in Ontario (except transactions at individual brewery bottle shops) is controlled by companies headquartered elsewhere. Now the Beer Store is offering each of the fewer than 100 Ontario small brewers that would qualify a single share in the company for a nominal fee, which would allow new members to vote for representation on the board of directors. It’s also pledging more space on its shelves. Small brewers can sell through the Beer Store now, but the $8,000 fee to list two beers in five stores is too much for most. The retailer says it will now allow Ontario craft brewers to sell two of their products without paying the listing fee in the five Beer Stores closest to their brewery. But the PR effort is already looking like a huge miscalculation.
BREWOPOLY FOR DUMMIES 100% how much of the beer Store is foreign-controlled: 49 per cent by MolsonCoors of Colorado (although half the company is Canadian-owned), 49 per cent by ab-inbev of belgium, 2 per cent by Sapporo of Japan. Fewer than 100 ontario small brewers that would each be allowed to buy a single share in the beer Store for a nominal fee. These new member brewers could then vote for representation on the board of directors and gain access to some financial statements. 20% Proportion of the board that would be drawn from small brewers under the beer Store’s proposal. The board is currently made up of representatives from Labatt and Molson. Roughly $8,000 Fee now paid by small brewers to list two labels in five beer Store locations. Under the new rules, ontario craft brewers would be allowed to sell in the five beer Store locations closest to their brewery without paying a listing fee.
I surveyed 21 of the province’s craft brewers. “Smoke and mirrors,” “damage control,” “a crock” and “a thinly veiled play” is what I heard from them. Not one said they were consulted about the proposal beforehand, which is interesting because the Beer Store made quite a big deal of what it says it heard from small brewers. None of the 21 was keen to be part of Beer Store ownership either. Only four hadn’t completely ruled out joining under the proposed structure. That’s not to say no one will be signing up, but what does it say about the Beer Store that no craft brewers are excited to become owners? It says things are likely going to get worse. Jason Fisher definitely won’t be joining. Indie Ale House’s owner is a loud critic of Ontario’s liquor laws. He too dismisses the Beer Store’s offer as self-serving PR. “They are still majority foreign-owned and still a monopoly for distribution, so all the old problems remain.” Despite being sold in the Beer Store, Mill Street is also unlikely to buy in. Co-owner Steve Abrams finds the new proposal strange. “It’s more of an olive branch. It doesn’t really suit us. Clearly, they’re under pressure.” The owner of Sleeping Giant Brewing Company in Thunder Bay is one of the few publicly ’fessing up to exploring ownership. “Why wouldn’t we?” asks Matt Pearson, who points out that plenty of craft brewers are currently selling in the Beer Store. At this point, Pearson is planning on signing a non-disclosure agreement giving him access to details that won’t be made public. But like many I spoke with, he sees the Beer Store proposal as an attempt to divide the industry and advises that “all craft breweries should proceed cautiously.” Two free listings at five nearby Beer Store locations could be a very good thing for some brewers, especially in rural and remote areas, where distribution to a small customer base can eat into the bottom line. The new model could also introduce neighbours to a new local brew. But it raises an obvious question: why would the Beer Store’s ownership waive $8,000 in fees – admittedly for a minority of brewers and a tiny slice of the Beer Store’s vast distribution apparatus – while creating more competition for its own brands? Because the government has changed its tune. Previously, the messaging was all about working with the Beer Store to make it more equitable for small brewers. In the past few months, however, Ed Clark, head of the province’s advisory council on government assets, has spoken out strongly against protecting a monopoly that sends its profits overseas. When the Beer Store balked at his suggestion of a franchise fee, he suggested it might be time to introduce competition, since the Beer Store apparently saw no value in its monopoly position. The Beer Store needs to show off more breweries – lots of them – using its services so it can claim to be more inclusive. But even that won’t be enough to silence the calls for change. Unless there’s a golden egg in the nondisclosure agreement the Beer Store is insisting they sign, don’t expect craft brewers you’re most familiar with to buy in. They’re confident meaningful regulatory change is right around the corner, and buying a piece of the Beer Store has never been less appealing. 3 news@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
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"I'm so holy that when I drink wine, it turns into water." - Aga Khan III
TORONTO’S LOCAL
NOW january 15-21 2015
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PUBLIC SPACE
SQUARE DEAL $16 million Amount renovation was supposed to cost the city
$61.8 million Amount the city now expects to spend
2012
Original completion date
2019
When the last planned component will be finished
SAVING NATHAN PHILLIPS
A decade-long tale of opaque bureaucracy, less than diligent oversight and unfulfilled civic optimism By BEN SPURR Nathan Phillips Square may be the city’s most prominent public space, but it certainly isn’t the most loved. Some laud it as a classic example of modernist architecture; others deride it as an unwelcoming concrete eyesore. But there is one thing about NPS that everyone can agree on: it’s not finished. Last month city staff went public with yet more details on how the plan to rehabilitate the 49-year-old plaza is now seven years behind schedule, and its $16 million budget has soared to nearly four times that amount. Here’s a timeline in 11 acts.
And the winner is...
Plant Architect Inc. & Shore Tilbe Irwin is announced as the design team on March 8, 2007, beating out three other finalists with what the Toronto Star describes as a “cleaner, greener and more sustainable” vision. Key elements include more trees, a permanent stage, two-storey restaurant, paved forecourt on Queen, disappearing fountain, green roof on the City Hall podium and upgrades to the overhead walkways, which have been closed to the public for years. Construction is expected to be completed in 2012.
Stalled contractual obligations Almost a year after the announcement of the design competition winner, construction has yet to begin, and the Star reports on January 8,
“Please don’t pimp our square.”
january 15-21 2015 NOW
The city drops plans to raise funds from the private sector on October 31, 2008, saying fundraising drives by the ROM and AGO have caused donor fatigue. “The advice we got was: don’t go out with a big fundraising campaign, because it’s going to be a flop,” says Councillor Peter Milczyn, who admits the 2012 deadline for completion is in doubt.
Five years later
Construction finally begins in April 2010, a year behind schedule. And the budget has increased by $2.7 million in order to replace the compressors beneath the ice rink. The cost of the project jumps another $5 million in the ensuing months to accommodate a bike station and repairs to the parking garage and loading dock. While much of the square has been reduced to rubble and fenced off, the National Post’s Peter Kuitenbrouwer reports on November 8, 2010, that “workers took the day off, due to rain, and even when the rain stopped, no one showed up to work on the rink.” Completion of the new skating pavilion, slated for the end of that month, is pushed to February 2011.
Council kept out of the loop
The first sign of money trouble
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Halloween trick
Men not at work
The city holds its first meeting, on May 9, 2005, to solicit ideas from the public on revamping the square. Early suggestions include tearing down the overhead walkways and relocating the Peace Garden, which many people feel wasn’t properly integrated when it was added in 1984. “Please don’t pimp our square,” pleads the Globe’s City Hall columnist, John Barber, who consoles himself with the prediction that “luckily, the city has no money to do anything substantial.”
An international design competition is launched on October 4, 2006. But only $16 million is set aside for the $40 million renovation project, with the city banking on raising the remaining $24 million from private sector donors.
2008, that the renovation “appears stalled.” It’s revealed that it took nine months just to sign the contract with the architects.
Darkened expectations: Plant Architect team’s winning design for Nathan Phillips Square, 2007.
Staff quietly remove more than $11 million worth of project elements on December 17, 2010, including upgrades to the PATH entrance, the new restaurant, rehabilitation of the overhead walkways and demolition of the Sheraton Hotel bridge. Staff don’t report any of the changes to council for 18 months, and some don’t come to light until 2014.
Budget balloons
By May 2012, the cost of the project has reached $51.5 million, and it’s announced that the city will seek a private operator to build and run the restaurant earlier deleted from the project. While the roof garden and skate pavilion – and later the disappearing fountain and permanent stage – are completed, staff push the completion date back again to 2014. The bureaucrat in charge tells reporters the city always expected the original budget to grow. And Councillor Pam McConnell declares, “It’s been an excellent project.”
The burgermeister
In April 2013, Mayor Rob Ford wins a rare victory when he convinces council to overrule a previous committee decision and award the square’s snack contract to Hero Burgers. A month later it’s revealed that the entire project budget has reached $60.4 million, even with several items deleted from the original plan.
Back to the future
Staff give a full report on the project, including the $11.2 million in elements removed, at the December 12, 2014, meeting of the Government Management Committee. Two parts of the renovation, the PATH upgrades and repairs to the ceremonial ramp, will still go ahead but will be paid for out of a separate budget, at a combined additional cost of $1.4 million. The ramp redo won’t be completed until 2019. Work that won’t be undertaken includes the demolition of the Sheraton Hotel bridge, rehabilitation of the ceremonial walkways and upgrades to the Bay Street frontage. Councillor Paul Ainslie, chair of the Government Management Committee, pumps a familiar message. “When it is all done... Nathan Phillips Square is going to look great.” bens@nowtoronto.com | @BenSpurr
ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARIES
Toronto’s current ward limits were set by a micromanaging PC government. Finally, we get a chance to do it right. By JONATHAN GOLDSBIE
Toronto’s wards are out of whack. But judging by attendance at recent public consultations, the city’s crucial and historic initiative to redraw the boundaries has yet to creep beyond the realm of wonks for whom such an exercise is catnip. The Toronto Ward Boundary Review – the first phase of which has its final public meetings this week – could even lead to a change in the number of councillors. As it stands, the most populous district (Ward 23 Willowdale) has about twice as many residents as the least populous (Ward 18 Davenport and Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth). Such disparities will continue to grow. The city’s population is projected to swell by about 20 per cent over the next 16 years, and if current boundaries are kept in place, the most populous ward would have nearly three times the numbers of the least. Given that the current borders are effectively based on population numbers from 1991, this is not terribly surprising. The story of how we got into this predicament is. When the six municipalities of the former Metro Toronto were forcibly amalgamated by the provincial government in 1998, the new megacity kept the 28 wards of the old Metro council but stuck two councillors in each, making 56 in all. That year, the new city undertook a major review to forge new single-member wards that made greater sense, and council adopted a proposal to switch to a 57-ward system as of the 2000 election. But over the course of two weeks in December 1999, Mike Harris’s Progressive Conservative government abruptly introduced and rammed through the Fewer Municipal Politicians Act, a new law mandating 44 single-member wards whose boundaries would require approval from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The government further made it known that the wards should be based on the existing provincial ridings, which had themselves been brought in line with their federal counterparts that had been based on 1991 census data. Council assembled a three-councillor committee to hastily bisect the 22 ridings into the 44 wards we have today. The city’s current project, branded Draw The Lines, is the first proper effort to rationally delineate wards for Toronto (not counting the city’s earlier attempt scuttled by Harris).
On a wintry evening in mid-December, a handful their constituents, a rather more subjective conof people gather in north Etobicoke’s Thistletown cept. Community Centre for the review’s sixth public Because the courts have said that effective repremeeting. Atop hopscotch lines on the multipurpose sentation involves making sure politicians are able room floor, the consultation focuses on the city’s to fulfill their “ombudsman” function (i.e., solving western quadrant and what might be done to keep problems for constituents), a councillor’s anticipatits wards at a roughly even population through the ed workload is another factor being considered by next four elections. the project team. Consultant Beate Bowron goes through the EtobiA ward with an influx of development applicacoke York District one ward at a time. “Are there any tions could be allowed to have fewer residents, for issues regarding the boundaries of Ward 1?” she asks, example, not just because of coming growth but beadding, “And if there aren’t any, that’s okay.” cause the councillor’s time would be sucked up Sitting at the back, the ward’s councillor, Vincent handling those projects. Crisanti, suddenly tunes in and asks her to repeat And this leads to what will surely be the most conthe question. She does, and the deputy mayor replies tentious element of any eventual proposal: the with self-conscious curtness: “No. number of wards, and consequently Ward 1 is good. Thank you.” the number of councillors, it will take He has a point. Ringed by the to effectively represent the residents of Humber River on the south and east a growing city. 1. Fill out the Toronto and by the city limits on the north The average ward population was Ward Boundary Review and west, there’s not much that could estimated to be just under 61,000 last survey drawthelines.ca/ be done with its boundaries. year, and will go up to almost 74,000 survey Although voter parity is the foreby 2031. Consultation participants and most consideration in drawing elec- 2. Attend one of the final those taking the web survey are asked toral boundaries, a 1991 Supreme public meetings for this what they think the population of a Court decision stated that factors round of consultations: ward should be in order for a councilsuch as – but not limited to – “geo- Thursday, January 15 lor to effectively represent it, as well as graphy, community history, com- 6-9 pm how many wards are necessary. munity interests and minority rep- Northern District Library From an abundance of caution, howresentation” may also need to be (40 Orchard View) ever, council didn’t include any directaken into account when redrawing Saturday, January 17 tions to that effect in the consultants’ lines. That is, in Canada the concept 9 am-noon mandate. Because any new ward strucof “effective representation” out- Edithvale Community ture is subject to an appeal to the Onweighs the importance of absolute Centre (131 Finch West) tario Municipal Board, council would parity, such that it’s okay (and perhave left itself vulnerable had it aphaps even desirable) to group people within a single peared to be prejudging the outcome. district just because they live on the same side of a “We have not been told anything,” says Bowron, river. in response to a question from a meeting partici“Every time you draw a boundary, as you’re re- pant. “We have not been told even that we have the searching you have to say, ‘Which communities ability to increase or decrease or something. We are have been split? Can you do that?’” explains Gary supposed to look at this completely objectively from Davidson, another consultant leading the project. the outside. So there haven’t been any instrucBowron says they won’t make the “same mis- tions.” takes” as the recent federal redistribution, whose Asked how many or how broad a range of options new boundaries cut through neighbourhoods like they expect to present, Bowron says, “We honestly St. Lawrence and Chinatown. don’t know. We haven’t got a clue yet.” Part of the exercise is about keeping neighbourAt this point, the future of council remains open hoods and other coherent cultural groups intact. to suggestions. 3 jonathang@nowtoronto.com | @goldsbie But it’s also about councillors’ capacity to represent
Get involved
DRAWING A LINE TORONTO WARDS ABOVE AND BELOW AVERAGE POPULATION (2014)
Minister tweets back
After this story was posted on nowtoronto.com, Jonathan Goldsbie shared a link to it, tagging federal MP and Treasury Board president Tony Clement in his tweet. Here’s how Clement, the former Mike Harris cabinet minister who introduced the Fewer Municipal Politicians Act – and messed up the city’s ward boundaries in the process – responded. GOLDSBIE In which I explain how @ TonyclementCPC effed up Toronto’s wards 15 years ago, and how it’s *finally* being fixed: http://bit. ly/1AGsBNG CLEMENT @goldsbie And I would have cut them to 22 if Mel hadn’t objected. But that’s another story.... GOLDSBIE @TonyclementCPC Why did you view it as your responsibility to micromanage the city government to that extent? CLEMENT @goldsbie I recall the public found 57 politicians was excessive. It was popular and the right thing to do. GOLDSBIE @TonyclementCPC But I guess I’m wondering: Why was it the province’s role? And why did you want to sign off on the boundaries yourself? CLEMENT @goldsbie Well, the province created the city. And the boundaries had to be set by provincial legislation.
% difference from average population More than 25% above average (4 wards) 11 to 25% above average (5 wards) -10 to 10% of average (24 wards) 11 to 25% below average (11 wards)
(Note: Clement’s wrong about that last one. City limits have to be set by provincial legislation, but the determination of ward boundaries can be left to the local council.) NOW january 15-21 2015
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RETROSPECTIVE
MY JOURNEY TO SELMA WITH MLK White spectators along the route “were screaming lots of negative nasty things, especially to white people like me.” By MATTHEW BEHRENS
In theory, she need do little more thanMartin spend Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott the next King arrive with in yearMontgomery notprotesters during the landmark 1965 smoking march from Selma to crack. Montgomery, Alabama.
hen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issued a call for clergy to descend on Alabama for the 1965 Selma-Montgomery march (whose 50th anniversary is celebrated this year with a fiveday march and other events, and the major motion picture Selma), Ed File was working as superintendent of a north Winnipeg United Church mission. As a seminary student, File had heard King speak at Boston University before the civil rights leader became an international figure, and he had no second thoughts about entering the cauldron of violence and racism that characterized daily life for African Americans south of the Mason-Dixon Line. He was not deterred by the still fresh news of the murder of three civil rights workers from the North during the previous year’s Mississippi Freedom Summer. “Those three young people had been very much in my mind, and how important it was for more of us from the North to go down and join in what they were doing,” File says now from his home outside Belleville. He sees similarities between that seminal demonstration and today’s youth-led campaigns like Black Lives Matter, which engages in similar activities, occupying the St. Louis airport or the Minneapolis Mall of America just before Christmas. “I try to see things in the framework of the teachings of ethical ideals of the world’s great religions,” File says. “Those ideals are permanent through the centuries, and people who are touched by those or see them as the focus of their lives see that there is an ongoing struggle for justice in what we used to call the civilized world.” King’s call came after millions were horrified by the televised images of what became known as Bloody Sunday. On March 7, 1965, protesters led by, among others, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee’s John Lewis (now a U.S. Congress member) were brutally beaten and tear-gassed at the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge. News coverage (which inter-
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rupted a major network airing of the film Judgment at Nuremberg) consumed public discourse, much like this summer’s paramilitary response to peaceful protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting death of unarmed african-american teenager Michael Brown. File contacted a fellow pastor in Philadelphia who used to work in the Winnipeg church adjacent to File’s, and arrangements were made to meet up at the home of a white Montgomery family who were hosting a number of marchers. Upon their arrival, they got the bad news that James Reeb, a white Unitarian minister from Boston, had been murdered after eating in a black-owned Selma restaurant, the only one that would serve marchers. File recalls the phone ringing that night and threats being made against the family. “The owner of the house calmly went to his closet, pulled out a gun and put it by his front door,” he says. While that image seems inconsistent with a movement often characterized as non-violent, such moments were more frequent than most realize. as documented in Charles E. Cobb’s recent book, This Nonviolent Stuff’ll Get You Killed, the civil rights movement contained armed self-defence groups like Deacons for Defense and Justice that sometimes intervened when local or federal officials refused to protect demonstrators or during voter registration drives. There were tensions across the generational divide of the civil rights movement as well. File remembers joining the march shortly after it began in a large park, where he and his associates gathered quite close to King. He says white folks along the route “were screaming lots of negative, nasty things, especially to white people like me. as ministers, we always wore our church collars, and the police would yell at us, ‘You’re a phony!’” While Selma was one of the last large-scale Southern marches of the civil rights era, File says there was no real sense of the event’s place in history at the time. Rather, it was another one of countless rallies and
campaigns in the social justice movements that for decades fought for full citizenship rights for african americans. For File, it’s part of his larger vision for transforming the world. He’s still busy today agitating for everything from the abolition of nuclear weapons to peace actions in Japan and Taiwan. Just before he left for Selma, he was preparing to take a new job training clergy from across Canada in social development at the ecumenical Canadian Urban Training Project for Christian Service (CUT), where he would work for the next 20 years. The Toronto-based program, which also developed regional organizations in atlantic Canada and BC and a First Nations leadership training program, led File to Taiwan, where he’s assisted community groups for decades, beginning when the country was under martial law. “The people we trained there played a major role in getting rid of the dictatorship and forming opposition parties,” says File, who just received the first-ever Taiwanese Human Rights association of Canada award. He starts humming the lines of one of his favourite songs, When The Saints Go Marching In, and concludes, “The saints were marching in Selma, in South africa against apartheid, with Gandhi, with so many others, throwing non-violence against violence. and the saints are marching still in Ferguson, in Washington, in New York, all around the world.” 3 news@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
“The owner of the house calmly went to the closet, pulled out a gun and put it by the front door.”
Ed File during the grape boycott in the late 1960s
NOW january 15-21 2015
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daily events meetings • benefits How to find a listing
Daily events appear by date, then alphabetically by the name of the event. r indicates kid-friendly events indicates queer-friendly events
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How to place a listing
festivals • expos • sports etc.
listings index Live music Art galleries Readings
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Theatre Comedy Dance
Festivals
intO the WOOds in cOncert Beyond Boundaries musical theatre concert with Ryan Kelly, Lisa Kisch, Stephanie Roth, Anwyn Musico, Gabi Epstein, Dana Jean Phoenix and others. Jan 17 at 8 pm. $20 (benefits the AIDS Committee of Toronto and MCC Toronto Refugee & Immigration Program). Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson. 647-298-9338, brownpapertickets.com/event/1077653.
Events
BellWOOds Flea Local vendors and artisans offer vintage and handcrafted goods. 11 am-6 pm. Free. Magpie Taproom, 831 Dundas W. facebook.com/BellwoodsFlea. dads and daughters: Building Bridges
Events
alissa nOrth Public lecture hosted by Ryerson Dept of Architecture. 6:30-8 pm. Free. Ryerson Architectural Science, 325 Church. arch.ryerson.ca. cOMMunity Quilt grOup Learning and sharing get-together. 6-8 pm. All welcome. Free. Gibson House, 5172 Yonge. 416-395-7432. cOnverge in cOnversatiOn Artists Chris Curreri and Luis Jacob talk about their work. 7 pm. Free. Ryerson School Of Image Arts, 122 Bond. facebook.com/converge.lectures. design pirates Talk-show style conversation to uncover the unconventional paths designers take to get to where they are today with host Zahra Ebrahim and live music. 8-10 pm. $5. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. facebook.com/events/506009712874950.
AlexandraMackenziehoststhe LoveDesignPartyforComeUpToMyRoom attheTorontoDesignOffsiteFestival.
ingredients: understanding What’s in yOur Beauty prOducts Three part series
Fournier. 7 pm. Free. Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford. noorculturalcentre.ca. la haine Screening of the 1995 film, in French w/ English subtitles. 7 pm. Free. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd. 416-922-2014. laWrence OstOla Lecture on the future of Toronto’s museums and heritage sites. 7:30 pm. Free. Lambton House, 4066 Old Dundas. 416-767-5472, lambtonhouse.org. Marketing prOduct deMOs & sOcial Marketers Unbound event. 6 pm. Free. Pre-register. Wealthsimple, 372 Richmond W, suite 120. eventbrite.ca/e/14798084469. 5Queer sWing dance class Beginner dropin swing dance class. No partner or dance experience necessary. 6:45 pm. $6. 519 Church Community Centre. swinginout.ca. richard OuzOunian The theatre critic talks about his life, from stage-struck kid to stage-
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Benefits
Thursday, January 15
islaMic FaMily laW in the West: vOices FrOM the Field Lecture by professor Pascale
Movie reviews Movie times
Saturday, January 17
All listings are free. Send to: events@nowtoronto.com, fax to 416-364-1168 or mail to DailyEvents,NOWMagazine,189 Church,TorontoM5B1Y7. Include a brief description of the event, date, time, price, venue name and address and a contact phone number, e-mail or website address for the event. Listings may be edited for length. Deadline is the Thursday before publication at 5 pm. If your free listing requires a correction, send info to: fixevents@nowtoronto.com.
about the basic scientific concepts behind beauty products. Today and Jan 20. 7-8 pm. Free (pre-register). North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. 416-395-5649.
52 53 53
this week Festival OF the BOdy Panel discussions,
video screenings and exhibitions on the body in art and science, with a focus on the PanAm/ParaPan Am Games. See website for schedule and event details. Free. www2.ocadu.ca/node/6589. Jan 15 to Feb 5
smitten adult, at the Women’s Canadian Club of Toronto meeting. 2 pm. $10. St Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor E. 416-463-3405. Walk FOr health & Well-Being Meet at the library with good shoes and a bottle of water for a 60 min outdoors walk. 1:30 pm. Free. Deer Park Library, 40 St Clair E. stevensjason0926@yahoo.com.
WilliaM MOrris in iceland and australia
Experts from Oxford and Adelaide speak on Morris’ 1870s trips, and the Morris Collection.
rMOsaic stOrytelling Festival Storytelling every other Sunday till March 15. 3 pm. Pwyc, $5 suggested. St David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donlands. 416-466-3142. Jan 18 to Mar 15 tOrOntO design OFFsite Festival Talks, exhibits, window installation Jan 19-25. Various venues, see website for locations and more details. todesignoffsite.com. Jan 19 to 25 7 pm. Free. University College, 15 King’s College Circle. wmsc.ca. Winter FarMers Market Local cheese, eggs, baked goods and more at this indoor market. 3-6:30 pm. Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth. artisans-at-work.com.
Friday, January 16
Events
culture talks: JOchen leMpert The German photographer talks about the Villa Toronto
continuing next stage theatre Festival Showcase of
Canadian indie theatre artists and companies featuring political theatre, sketch comedy, dance and more. $10-$15, passes $48$90. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com. To Jan 18
exhibit. 5 pm. Free. Goethe-Institut, 100 University, N tower. goethe.de/toronto.
intiMacies: an evening With ingrid veninger Writer/director Veninger talks about her filmmaking process plus a screening of The Animal Project. 7 pm. Free. Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex. alumni.innis.utoronto.ca.
streetartOrOntO (start) prOgraM inFOrMatiOn sessiOn Program info session and
Q&A. 4-6 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. toronto.ca/streetart.
Seminar for fathers and daughter to build communication skills and strengthen their bond. 1-4 pm. $5. Dufferin Clark Community Centre, 1441 Clarke W (Thornhill). facebook. com/events/1531330467142761. rÉtienne BrûlÉ returns Storytelling for kids with Mike Ford. 5 pm. $8-$15, kids under 7 free. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd. 416922-2014. haggis Making WOrkshOp Rustic Scottish meal prepared in the historic kitchen with historic cook and culinary historian, Maggie Newell. 10 am-1 pm. $30. Reserve. Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. 416-392-6915. rMOnster JaM Custom-designed trucks, a freestyle and racing competition, autographs and more. Jan 17, 7 pm; Jan 18, 2 pm. $25$135, kids $15. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. monsterjamcanada.ca. Murder at the rOM Scavenger hunt for adults. 1-3:30 pm. $35. Pre-register. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416895-2378, urbancapers.com. Queen charlOtte’s Birthday Ball Re-creation of a ball held by Officers of the Garrison at York on Jan 23, 1817. Illustrated talk, instruction in period dance, authentically-prepared Georgian buffet supper and English country dancing. 1-10:30 pm. $100. Reserve. Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd. 416-392-6907, ext 0, toronto.ca/museum-events. shake, rattle and skate DJs Bangs & Blush (soul/funk/classic rock & roll). 8 to 11 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. tOrOntO salsa practice No lesson, beginners to pros, no partner required. 3:30-5:30 pm or 5:30-8 pm. $5. Trinity St. Paul’s Church, 427 Bloor W. torontosalsapractice.com. West Queen West Walking tOur Art and culture tour led by Betty Ann Jordan. 122:15 pm. $25. Meet in the lobby. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com.
rWinter trees – FaMily nature Walk
Learn to identify trees without their leaves and meet some of the critters who call them home. 1:30-3 pm. $2. High Park Nature Centre, 440 Parkside. highparknaturecentre.com.
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On view 24 January – 18 May 2015
THE UNFINISHED CONVERSATION: ENCODING/ DECODING
Terry Adkins John Akomfrah Sven Augustijnen Shelagh Keeley Steve McQueen Zineb Sedira
Opening Party Friday 23 January, 8 – 11 PM free
Celebrate the opening of the exhibition with the artists. A cash bar will be available. syMPOsiuM
Expanding the Conversation Saturday, 24 January, 10 aM – 4 PM
Presented in Par tnershiP with
Brigantine room, HarBourfront Centre free
Space is limited. Visit thepowerplant.org or call 416.973.4949 to reserve tickets.
Presenting sPOnsOr
all year, all free with suPPOr t frOM
Lonti Ebers Yvonne & David Fleck James and Margaret Fleck
Dr. Kenneth Montague & Sarah Aranha Diversity Art Forum
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
infOrMatiOn
Media Partner
416.973.4949 thepowerplant.org MaJOr suPPOrters
iMage Zineb Sedira, Gardiennes d’images (Image Keepers), 2010, 19 min. double projection, 30 min single projection. Installation view: Palais de Tokyo. Photo : André Morin
NOW january 15-21 2015
19
events œcontinued from page 18
Sunday, January 18
Benefits
Benefit ConCert The Dirty Rottens, Thrill-
harmonic, Hervana and Dave Schoonderbeek (supports SickKids’ music therapy programs). 8 pm. The Piston, 937 Bloor W. 416-768-7756. Kensington Cares Party for Rick Porter and Sheila Wawanash who lost their home to fire on Oxford St and to celebrate Rick’s 70th birthday. Music by Mike McDonald Band, Laura Hubert, Kim Doolittle, Roula Said and Richard Underhill. 2 pm. Pwyc. Handlebar, 159 Augusta. thehandlebar.ca.
Events
an enChanted evening Group meditation,
live music and a vegetarian meal. 6-8 pm. Free, pwyc donation for meal. Trinity St. Paul’s Church, 427 Bloor W. meditationtoronto.com.
an Unorthodox JoUrney to the PUBlished land Talk by author Terry Fallis. 10:10 am. Free. St Clement’s Church, 70 St Clement’s. 416-483-6664. Bees’ Knees swing danCe Teaser class for all ages, shapes and sizes. 2-3 pm. Free. Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt. beeskneesdance.com.
genetiCs and the fUtUre of MediCine: ProMises realized, ProMises vain Lecture
by Roderick R McInnes. 2-3:30 pm. Free. Macleod Auditorium. Medical Sciences Bldg, 1 King’s College Cir. royalcanadianinstitute.org. the leslieville flea Curated market selling vintage, salvaged and upcycled goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and work from select artisans. 10 am-4 pm. Free. The Distillery District, 55 Mill. leslievilleflea.com. rMonster JaM Custom-designed trucks, a freestyle and racing competition, autographs and more. Jan 17, 7 pm; Jan 18, 2 pm. $25$135, kids $15. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. monsterjamcanada.ca.
the MUMMy’s CUrse: a MUrder Mystery sCavenger hUnt Scavenger hunt for ages
12 and up. 1-3:30 pm. $35. Pre-register. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416895-2378, urbancapers.com. MUrder at the roM Scavenger hunt for adults. 1-3:30 pm. $35. Pre-register. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416895-2378, urbancapers.com.
oPen heart JUdaisM – welCoMing the interMarried Sharing and discussion led by
Rabbi Eva Goldfinger. 7:30 pm. $10. RSVP. 416-385-3910. Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington. 416-385-3910, roby@oraynu.org.
oPtiMists alUMni drUM & BUgle CorPs rehearsal New adult members welcome,
no experience necessary, instruments provided. Noon-5 pm. Free. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 344, 1395 Lake Shore Blvd W. optimists-alumni-org. 5too QUeer: a Bi visiBility CaBaret Readings and performances by Vivek Shraya, Delicia Pastiche, Johnny Salib, Inamorata dance collective, Alana Boltwood, Alex Adler, Belle Jumelles, Lana K and others. 8 pm. Pwyc. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. facebook.com/events/1489588977959068.
UP froM the roots oPen MiC & Poetry slaM Hosted by Dwayne Morgan. 8 pm, $10. Harlem, 67 Richmond E. harlemrestaurant.com.
white Privilege: the other side of raCisM
Discussion with Desmond Cole. 10:30 am. $2$5 or pwyc. Unitarian Fellowship of Northwest Toronto, 55 St Phillips. ufnwt.com. rwinter fUn day Taffy pulling for kids, roasting marshmallows, roasted potatoes and warm cider. Noon-3 pm. Free. Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge. 416-392-6916.
20
january 15-21 2015 NOW
big 3
Nobel Prize nominee Jeff Halper gives talks January 21 and 22.
NOW editors pick a trio of this week’s can’t-miss events
this nUClear age: nUClear fission & the
1
SINGING SONDHEIM TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY Hollywood’s version of Into The Woods is onscreen now, but you can get a more intimate feel for the show at a concert version slated for Saturday (January 17). Christopher Wilson narrates alongside performers Gabi Epstein, Ryan Kelly, Dana Jean Phoenix and others at Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson. Better still, proceeds go to the AIDS Committee of Toronto and the MCC Toronto Refugee & Immigration Program. 8 pm. $20. 647-298-9338, brownpapertickets.com/ event/1077653.
2
WHERE GAZA IS HEADED
Nobel Prize nominee Jeff Halper talks about the future of Israel and Gaza at Bloor Street United Church,
739 Palmerston. 416-534-1470. Maeve Connolly The writer/lecturer examines new forms and contexts of art-TV collaboration. 7 pm. Free. Mercer Union, 1286 Bloor W. mercerunion.org. MoMs – an evening of storytelling Nonfiction storytelling series with by Graham Isador, Precious Chong, Sima Sahar Zerehi, Glyn Bowerman, Other R Kelly, Faisal Butt and others. Formal dress code heavily encouraged. 8-9:30 pm. $10. Handlebar, 159 Augusta. facebook.com/events/1523337417947211. sarah radCliffe: the fear fix Talk on helping children and teens with stress, worry and fear. 7-8 pm. Free. Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington. 416-395-5440. single, seParated & divorCed dads Q&A and support group weekly meeting. Women welcome. 7-9 pm. Free. Room A5. Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth. 416-8610626, father.org.
searCh for defenCes Lecture about public health in the nuclear age with Jean Valleau. 4-6 pm. Free. Room 179. University College, 15 King’s College Circle. scienceforpeace.ca. trivia night 8 pm. Free. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas W. 3030dundaswest.com. the war in gaza: where is it headed? Israeli peace activist talk about the future of Israel/ Palestine. 7:30 pm. $10 sugg. Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor W. 416-966-2815.
upcoming Thursday, January 22 30 Bloor West. Wednesday (January 21) at 7:30 pm. $10 suggested donation. Proceeds from the event go to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, which Halper co-founded. He’ll be speaking at two events in Toronto as part of a Canada-wide tour. The second, on the military and surveillance, is on January 22 at Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham. 7 pm, $10 suggested donation. 416966-2815, beitzatoun.org.
Events
3
WHITE PRIVILEGE: THE OTHER SIDE OF RACISM
Activist journalist and NOW contributor Desmond Cole leads a discussion on white privilege and race at the Unitarian Fellowship of Northwest Toronto, 55 St. Phillips, on Sunday (January 18) at 10:30 am. Cole appears regularly on TV and radio and has written extensively on the subject of race. $2-$5 or pwyc. ufnwt.com.
CoMMUnity QUilt groUP Learning and sharing get-together. 6-8 pm. All welcome. Free. Gibson House, 5172 Yonge. 416-395-7432. environMent and health in the 2013/14 annUal rePort Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Gord Miller talks about the report and managing new challenges. 4:10 pm. Free. Room 179. University College, 15 King’s College Circle. environment.utoronto.ca.
gloBal PaCifiCation systeM: israel and Canada Discussion with Jeff Halper, Greg
Albo and Robert Latham. 7 pm. $10/pwyc. Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham. beitzatoun.org. i heart art Painting/speed dating event. 7:30-10 pm. $20. Paintlounge West, 784 College. paintlounge.ca.
5oUr gaMes on native land: indigenoUs
Monday, January 19
Benefits
yonge street Mission Clothing drive Gently used clothing drive at 18 locations throughout the PATH (downtown office towers) to support Double Take. Jan 19-23, 7:30 am-2:30 pm. 145 King W and others, call/see website for locations. 416-929-9614, ysm.ca.
Events
disCover Canada CitizenshiP Mentoring CirCle Review the “Discover Canada” study
guide with trained volunteers at nine consecutive sessions provided by CultureLink. 6-8 pm. Free. Register. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. 416-588-6288 ext 220. fatigUe and energy Crises Dr Julia Segal discusses and demonstrates what foods to eat to fight fatigue. 6:30 pm. $10. Schecter Dental, 930 St Clair W. schecterdental.com. introdUCtory Meditation Learn three easy techniques. 7 pm. Free. College/Shaw Library, 766 College. meditationtoronto.com.
Tuesday, January 20
Benefits
MonograM dinner By design Cocktail party with dining experience among design installations. 7-10 pm. $120 (benefits Casey House & Design Exchange). Design Exchange, 234 Bay. uniivese.com.
Events
fUnding Cities with loCal energy: geotherMal UrBan royalties Green 13 presen-
tation on ground source geothermal energy and providing sustainable funding for transit from this resource. 7 pm. Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia. green13toronto.org.
ingredients: Understanding what’s in yoUr BeaUty ProdUCts Three part series.
7-8 pm. Free (pre-register). North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. 416-395-5649.
KeePing yoUr faMily healthy this winter
Info session on how to support your body in times of stress. Noon-1 pm. $10. Schecter Dental, 930 St Clair W. schecterdental.com. oCCUPy eConoMiCs worKshoP Topic: UberThe new face of transnational capitalism. 6:30-8:30 pm. Free. Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil. info@occupyeconomics.ca.
tai Chi for Beginners Class every Tuesday in
Jan. 6:30-8 pm. Free. 3rd fl, Room B. Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington. 416-395-5440. tUni talKs 21 Social mixer for young professionals, featuring talks by Brian Crombie and Young Lee. 7 pm. Free. Hotel Ocho, 195 Spadina. tuni21.eventbrite.ca. what i learned with lsd Spoken word by Reg Hartt. 7 pm. Cineforum, 463 Bathurst. 416-603-6643.
Wednesday, January 21
Events
dare! stories we thoUght we’d never tell
Storytelling with comics Rhiannon Archer & Ali Hassan, NOW writer Norm Wilner, lawyer/ mayoral candidate Ari Goldkind and others. 7:30 pm. Pwyc. The Ossington, 61 Ossington. facebook.com/events/322442767963708.
disCover yoUr dosha: finding BalanCe throUgh diet, lifestyle and yoga Ayurvedic medicine workshop. 7-8:30 pm. $5. RSVP manager@ karmacoop.org. Karma Food Co-op,
CoMMUnities and MUlti-sPort gaMes Public discussion with Olympian Waneek HornMiller, EJ Kwandibens and others. 6-8 pm. Free. 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church. pridehouseto.ca. 5oUtwrites Writing group to support and promote writers from the LGBTQ community and their allies. Bring copies of your work for critique. 8 pm. Free. 519 Church Community Centre. outwrites.wordpress.com. 5QUeer swing danCe Class Beginner dropin swing dance class. No partner or dance experience necessary. 6:45 pm. $6. 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church. swinginout.ca. sales sKills for entrePreneUrs Workshop on successful sales techniques. 6:30-8 pm. Free. Reserve. Agincourt Library, 155 Bonis. 416-396-8943. trevor Paglen The artist/writer talks about his work, which combines art and cultural productions with geography. 7:30 pm. $12. Prefix Institute of Contemporary Art, 401 Richmond W #124. prefix.ca. walK for health & well-Being Meet at the library with good shoes and a bottle of water for a 60 min outdoors walk. 1:30 pm. Free. Deer Park Library, 40 St Clair E. stevensjason0926@yahoo.com. winter farMers MarKet Local cheese, eggs, baked goods and more at this indoor market. 3-6:30 pm. Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth. artisans-at-work.com. 3
david laurence
food
FINE AND DANDYLION Jay Carter finally heads out on his own at a new resto in Parkdale By KARON LIU DANDYLION: 1198 Queen West, 647-464-9100, open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5:30-10:30 pm, restaurantdandylion.com, @DandyLionTO
Fried chorizo bits add a salty note to Dandylion’s great scallops starter.
For a while, the wild west of Toronto’s dining scene went off the deep end. Music blared at volumes rivalling the Molson Amphitheatre, restaurants treated guests like they were doing them a favour by serving them, and snack menus designed to give the middle finger to fine dining ended up looking more like lack of ambition in the kitchen. Two-month-old Dandylion in Parkdale feels like a return to sanity. You walk in from the cold and instantly get that cozy feeling when you see diners chattering away at little tables for two against the exposed brick wall. You don’t have to strain to hear your date speak. You can bring a vegetarian friend and wish you’d ordered what they did, and leave feeling excited about new dishes that might appear on the
Chef Jay Carter preps the vegetarian egg and mushroom main course at Dandylion.
small menu next time. “There is nothing off limits here, and I purposely try not to talk about the food that much because I don’t want to pigeonhole myself,” says chef and first-time restaurant owner Jay Carter. “If we want to make jerk pork one day, then we’ll make it.” This explains why a lamb salad dressed with zesty Thai herbs appears beside other starters like seared scallop and artichoke. Carter spent a decade cooking under Susur Lee and was the executive chef of midtown institution Centro for two years before realizing that diners north of Bloor tend to resist menu changes and leaving in 2012. (Centro closed a year later.) Despite the fine-dining pedigree, the chef got into cooking 25 years ago not because of a lifelong zeal for food,
but rather out of necessity. “when I was younger I got into some trouble, and my community service involved washing dishes at a nursing home,” says Carter. “The Italian lady who ran it took me under her wing, and I’d see her cooking with her mother on Sundays, simple but amazing stuff like fresh pasta. They later opened a small restaurant, and I followed them. That’s how I got my start.” At Dandylion, the menu is tight, with just nine dishes evenly split between starters, mains and desserts, a stark contrast to the menus at the large restaurants Carter used to toil at, not to mention a kitchen staff of just three cooks, including himself. “Our shtick is that with such a small menu, we need to change it continued on page 22 œ
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often. We already have people coming back, and I feel terrible if I don’t have anything new to offer them,” he says. Search by rating, “Consistency is one of the hardest things to maintain genre, price, at a restaurant, so we try to carry aspects of a dish that neighbourhood, people like on to the next one. If review people like the gooey cheesiness of & more! one thing, we’ll put those elements in the next dish. It has to have a bit of salt and acid, a crunch and somenowtoronto.com/food thing soft – every dish has to have a balance of that. Check our online Take theout artichoke starter ($17), for example: silky slices of plump scallops rest atop thinly sliced chicory, raw artichoke hearts have been soaked in vinegar and lightly splashed RESTAURANTS! with warm sherry
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RE S TAU R ANT GUIDE OVER 2,000 RESTAURANTS! vinegar, and bits of chorizo fried European cooking as well as a heavy
with shallots dotrating, the plate genre, to hit the price, use of Canadian ingredients (trout, Search by salty note. Check, check, check and pork, beets) – texture is the common neighbourhood, review & more! check. thread amongst the dishes. Even the
maitake mushrooms swim in a warm mentary house-baked whole wheat, lived Olé Olé (and before that, mushroom broth that mixes oh so rye and honey loaf, is topped with Kultura) at 169 King East (at Jarwell with the oozing, gooey yolk crunchy matChe c k diced o ushallots. t o Texture ur o nline vis) is the pizza place simply from the poached egg perched on ters, and so do healthier dishes relycalled One Pizza. top ($20). Crispy little knobs of graning less on fats and salt. Also in Old Town, the former ola break up the soft, mellow tex“I hate salt. It’s often used as a Nicholas Hoare bookstore has tures. You just go at it with a spoon, crutch in kitchens, so when you take become a prohibition-themed scooping to taste all those flathat away, you start to taste a lot cocktail bar (is there any other vours and textures in a sinmore things.” kind?) and dinner spot called CC gle bite. After decades of cooking for Lounge (45 Front East, at Save room for the others, Carter can finally cook on his Church). The food menu skews brown butter pear cake own terms. toward filling dishes like tourthat packs a punch of “I got to a point where no restauratière, steak frites, foie gras pouspicy ginger flavour teur would let me come in to do what tine, charcuterie and cheese to beat the winter I wanted. As I grew older and ate at boards and devilled eggs. blues ($8). other places and started to notice In more pizza news, a new While the cuihow the staff interacts, the wine, the Neapolitan-style spot called 180 sine is hard to pin- temperature of the room, the music, Secondi has opened at 21 St. point – there are cues the beer, I eventually wanted a say in Clair West (at Yonge). Diners can from Asian and old that, too.” 3 choose their own toppings or
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Here are some other chefs who left mainstream restos to head up their own eateries. Basilio Pesce Online
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Steve Gonzalez
Self-proclaimed one-man Latino street party Gonzalez came to diners’ attention when he was competing on the first season of Top Chef Canada. Back then he was the chef de cuisine at Claudio Aprile’s Origin, which he soon left to open Valdez, a place specializing in Latin cooking. After a long search, he ended up on King West, introducing the clubbing crowd to refreshing ceviches, arepitas and croquetas. 606 King West, 416-363-8388, valdezrestaurant.com, @TheValdezTO
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when Rose was executive chef at the Drake thanks to themed menus focusing on Chinatown or Southern barbecue. That’s why diners were excited when he left the hotel1/8 after coop six years to open his own place, Rose and Sons, the first in his little restaurant empire that now includes Fat Pasha, Big Crow and Schmaltz Appetizing in the Dupont ’hood. The theme here is greasy diner food given the fine dining upgrade. Be sure to get the mouth-watering patty melt burger. 176 Dupont, 647-342-0356, roseandsons.ca, KL @RoseAndSons
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Ballroom nowtoronto.com/food January 30
2 India column Passage to T|Bar, Eaton Chelsea Hotel February 2
Cozy English-style pub the Huntsman Tavern (890 College, at Delaware) closed just before Christmas. Any other restaurateur want to take a chance on this seemingly cursed corner spot?
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at the price, Search bySpeakeasy rating, genre, Palais Royale neighbourhood, review & more! Palais Royale
pick from the more classic selections. Italian restaurant Mercatto has launched another location near the CN Tower at 120 Bremner (at York). Taverna Mercatto is open for lunch and dinner, serving pastas, pizzas and meat and seafood dishes.
RESTAURANT GUIDE Closing
Pesce spent nearly a decade cooking under the Oliver and Bonacini umbrella as the sous chef at Canoe and then became the executive chef at Biff’s. His loyal followers were over the moon when he left to open Porzia, his own little place in Parkdale, two years ago. The dishes here are the comforting, nonna-approved kind that Pesce grew up eating: tripe, polenta tots and, if you come on the right night, a big meaty slab of lasagna. 1314 Queen West, 647-342-5776, porzia.ca, @PorziaParkdale
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Fresh dish
There’s also the vegetarian main: fromage blanc, a soft, mild cheese Opening nowtoronto.com/food tender sautéed savoy cabbage and spread that comes with the compli- nowtoronto.com/food Taking over the space in short-
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Changes
The annual Winterlicious prixfixe-athon runs January 30 to February 12. Best bets? Café Boulud, Lamesa Filipino Kitchen, Los Colibris, Momofuku Daisho, Nota Bene and, of course, the one place everyone wants to score a table at every year: Canoe. Diners, happy eating. Food snobs, happy whining. toronto.ca. To celebrate its seventh anniversary, the Harbord Room (89 Harbord, at Spadina) is serving a seven-course tasting menu for $77 through February. The restaurant is also holding a contest this month: people can post their favourite pics of the restaurant on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #TheHarbordRoom7. The winner scores a private dinner for seven cooked personally by co-owner and chef Cory Vitello. On January 21, midtown’s Quince Bistro (2110 Yonge, at Hillsdale) holds its regular Rijsttafel, an Indonesian feast that includes more than 20 dishes at $55 per person. The popularity of this always sold-out event led the owners to open their acclaimed Indonesian snack bar offshoot, Little Sister. Know of any openings or closings, or want to tell us about your go-to winter soup? Email food@nowtoronto.com.
drinkup WHERE TO DRINK RIGHT NOW!
By SARAH PARNIAK drinks@nowtoronto.com | @s_parns
Parlor has a Canadian-themed food menu and a good whisky card to match.
Sharky Sour
WHAT WE’RE DRINKING TONIGHT
There aren’t many classic recipes featuring Canadian whisky, let alone ones that yield particularly potable cocktails. Thumbing through The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) recently, I came across the awesomely named Sharky Punch – a simple highball of Calvados, Canadian whisky, sugar and soda – and decided to turn it into a sour. A few of these bad boys, an open fireplace and some board games will help you lay the foundations for hunkering down.
¾ oz
Canadian, eh? Put down your bourbon and pour one out for Canada Our national spirit, with its easygoing and approachable rep (sound familiar?), is having a moment. Though its most popular application in past decades has been as an innocuous spiking agent for sweet fizz, more recently people are cracking bottles for cocktails or straight sipping, and Canadian whisky’s resurgence is awakening consumers to life beyond rye and Dry. Canadian whisky sales, particularly in the premium tier, have soared in the past two years, notes Davin de Kergommeaux, author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert (McClelland & Stewart, $22). “Canadian distillers are really addressing the connoisseur market and being rewarded,” he says. “People are willing to spend a little bit more for Canadian whisky. For a little more money, you get a lot more whisky.” Ours is a country with a long whisky-centric spirits history. (Canada’s first distillery, which made rum, was founded in Quebec in 1769.) Our neighbours to the south have been lapping up the distilled fruits of Canadian grain fields since Prohibition, when we profited handsomely off their desperation. Americans still have a taste for Canadian liquor, importing about two-thirds of our homeland whisky. The current popularity of whisk(e)y as a category has alerted consumers to all varieties. Though brawny bourbon and sophisticated Scotch often steal the show, Canadian whisky has a distinct style due to its blending process. Base and flavouring whiskies are distilled separately and married after aging by a deft master blender. Reused casks (usually former bourbon or sherry barrels) contribute to its trademark mellowness – which is either demurely delicious or deplorable, depending on who you ask. De Kergommeaux notes that this gentler aging process al-
lows the true flavours of the distilled grains (corn, rye, wheat or barley) to sing. At its best, Canadian whisky is a silky symphony of wood and grain, with citric overtures and a spicy baseline. At worst, some consider it bland. But subtlety can be misconstrued and underrated in whisky; bold doesn’t necessarily mean better. De Kergommeaux started out as a fan of unmistakably robust Islay Scotch. As he drank his way through the world of whisky, he discovered some of his favourites were premium Canadian offerings. “It’s whisky that appeals to drinkers seeking more subtle, challenging flavours. Canadian whiskies are very multi-layered,” he says. With more and more premium offerings available (great whiskies like Lot No. 40 and Alberta Premium Dark Horse), it’s not so hard to get behind Canada. “I find it gratifying that people are starting to recognize Canadian whisky,” he says. “There’s so much there. We just have to take the time to try it.” Show your true patriot love by drinking at three new spots putting the spotlight on Canada. CC Lounge (45 Front East, 416-362-4777, bfpstudio.com/cc) boasts a whisky cave stocked with over 50 Canadian offerings and a Wiser’s-heavy cocktail list. Char No. 5 (75 Lower Simcoe, 416-637-5484, deltahotels. com/Hotels/Delta-Toronto/Restaurants-Dining/Char-No.-5Whisky-Bar), the new bar in the Delta Toronto, is devoted entirely to Canadian whisky. In keeping with the Canadiana culinary theme at Parlor Foods (333 King West, 416-596-0004, parlorfoods.com), the bar reps all things homegrown, including a decent whisky selection.
Canadian whisky (something on the bolder side like Lot No. 40 or Forty Creek Copper Pot) ¾ oz Calvados 1 oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water) 1 egg white Fresh ground pepper Shake ingredients well with ice. Strain out ice and shake vigorously again dry. (I love the texture you get with a reverse dry shake.) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and finish with fresh ground pepper.
Wiser’s 18 Alberta Premium ñ ñ Dark Horse Rating NNNN Why At 45% ABV, Dark Horse is bolder than most motherland whiskies without shunning typical Canadian approachability. A blend of (majority rye) whiskies aged in heavily charred American oak casks, this is a worthwhile detour north of the border for any whisk(e)y fan. Price 750 ml/$24.95 (until February 1) Availability LCBO 298083
Rating NNNN Why A gem from one of Canada’s legacy whisky brands (fittingly now produced in the country’s oldest operating distillery, Hiram Walker in Windsor), Wiser’s 18 is silky, layered and supremely satisfying. Price 750 ml/$69.95 Availability LCBO 207639
Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve
Rating NNN Why Packed with toffee, wood smoke, bitter orange and heavyhanded spice, this weighty whisky is just the dram to stoke a warm, fuzzy feeling on a subzero evening. Price 750 ml/$29.45 Availability LCBO 285254
TASTING NOTES What’s the best whisky?
Check out Canadianwhisky.org for the winners of the 2014 Canadian Whisky Awards, announced this week. Is there any question what you should be drinking this weekend?
Winter beer bash
Bust out your warmest outerwear (bonus points and
Ñ
prizes for donning retro ski wear) and save the date on January 31 for the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival, because there’s nothing more Canadian than drinking beer in the snow. Lots of local breweries like Steam Whistle, Great Lakes, Black Oak, Left Field and Block Three will be there to keep your spirits (and body temperature) up. Tickets ($20 advance, $25 at the door) and more info online at craftbeerfest.ca/winter.
= Critics’ Pick NNNNN = Ambrosial NNNN = Dangerously drinkable NNN = Palate pleaser NN = Sensory snooze N = Tongue trauma
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
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life&style
5
By SABRINA MADDEAUX
take
Monte Rockwell bassinet ($495, montedesign.com)
The Natural Form Monza chair ($4,000)
Nomo Creations Galaxy console table ($2,099, nomocreations.com)
Canadian living
The Interior Design Show’s emporium of cutting-edge decor takes Check out five of our favourite finds by homegrown designers and
store of the week METROPOLIS LIVING 81 Ronald, unit B, 647-3436900, metropolis-living.com
david hawe
The interior design Show (idS) and Toronto design Offsite Festival (TO dO) are great annual events for fresh decor finds, but where to shop the rest of the year? Metropolis Living, one of our favourite haunts for quirky one-of-a-kind pieces alongside weird and wonderful vintage gems, has a new location in the Castlefield design district. Sibling owners Phil Freire and Maggie Gattesco were raised by a father with a penchant for unusual collectibles, and they most definitely inherited his taste for eclectic design. They salvage vintage items from all over North America and Europe, then recondition them for sale or transform them into custom-made works of art with a distinct modern edge. From lighting to signage and oddities like beaver skulls and vintage doll head moulds, Metropolis is your go-to spot for styling the hippest loft space in town. Metropolis picks Freire recommends the shop’s Metropolis stools, which are locally made and of commercial quality ($450). Customers love their signature diving Girl sign, also made locally and perfect for making a big statement on a blank wall ($1,800). Metropolis also custom-makes bulb-lit letters in various finishes and sizes to dress up any wall or shelf ($200 and up). Look for Salvaged metal pieces like an antique copper spotlight ($900) and a vintage railroad light ($350). Hours Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm. 3
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
stylenotes The week’s news, views and sales Meet me at the hotel
Studio Lulo Cosmo modular couch ($2,175, studiolulo.com)
The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West, 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel. com) hosts the 2015 edition of Come Up To My Room, an alternative design event that takes over all of the historic hotel’s floors. This year sees an extended run from Friday (January 16) to January 25, the addition of a band night and new programming. Featured artists include Miles Ingrassia, Carla Porier, Jessie Hasko, Lizz Aston and more. Admission is $10 per day, or $15 for a multiple admission and special event fest pass. Hours and more details at comeuptomyroom.com.
Dinner parties aren’t dead Get inspired by some of the most divine dinner party design in the city at the Monogram Dinner by Design cocktail
Laura Langford buck wall ornament ($160, lauralangford.ca)
party from 7 to 10 pm Tuesday (January 20), with all proceeds going to Casey House and the Design Exchange. Sip and nibble at DX (234 Bay, 416-3636121, dx.org) while taking in 11 dining experiences created by Canadian designers and event planners like Candice & Alison, Sarah Richardson Design, Mason Studio and KPMb Architects. Admission is $120. Tickets at dinnerxdesign.com.
Share some sole The Ron White Foundation’s annual shoe drive is in full swing through January 31. Drop off gently worn shoes and boots for men, women and kids at any Ron White Shoes retail location in the GTA (ronwhiteshoes.com). Footwear is distributed via Dress for Success, New Circles, Halton Women’s Place and CAMH’s Suits Me Fine. Bonus: Ron White offers all donors $25 toward a future purchase. 3
over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 22 to 25. d visit interiordesignshow.com for tix and show info.
wewant… Winter boots that aren’t so terribly, soul-crushingly boring Snow squalls and -30° weather don’t mix well with fashion. How do you look stylish buried under a Michelin Maninspired parka and three layers of knits, Under Armour and long johns? Boots – ones that are actually insulated and water-resistant – tend to be especially heinous style offenders. Don’t lose hope. Use Canadiandesigned Stolen Riches laces to give your boots a little spice of life without having to shell out the big bucks on designer labels. They come in a variety of bright colours and are guaranteed to outlast your shoes. We could all use a little brightening up this time of year. ($19.50, Gotstyle, 21 Trinity, 416-7771221, and other, stolenriches.com)
NOW january 15-21 2015
25
green
DIRECTORY
Call 416.364.3444 ext. 381 to book your ad today!
ORGANIC GROCERIES
1556 Queen St. W., West Parkdale, Toronto Open 10am to 10pm daily
Toronto’s Organically Grown Store. Come see what’s new!
416.531.5574
www.goodcatch.ca
astrology freewill
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
2015
by Rob Brezsny
Aries Mar 21 | Apr 19 You will never
make anything that lasts forever. Nor will I or anyone else. I suppose it’s possible that human beings will still be listening to Beethoven’s music or watching The Simpsons TV show 10,000 years from today, but even that stuff will probably be gone in 5 billion years, when the sun expands into a red giant star. Having acknowledged that hard truth, I’m happy to announce that in the next five weeks you could begin work in earnest on a creation that will endure for a very long time. What will it be? Choose wisely!
TAurus Apr 20 | May 20 What does
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01 | 15
your soul need on a regular basis? The love and attention of some special person? The intoxication provided by a certain drink or drug? Stimulating social interaction with people you like? Music that drives you out of your mind in all the best ways? The English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins said that the rapture his soul needed more than anything else was inspiration – the “sweet fire,” he called it, “the strong spur, live and lancing like the blowpipe flame.” So the experience his soul craved didn’t come from an outside stimulus. It was a feeling that rose up inside him. What about you, Taurus? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, your soul needs much more than usual of its special nourishment.
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GeMini May 21 | Jun 20 In 1987, California condors were almost extinct. Less than 30 of the birds remained. Then the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched an effort to capture them all and take emergency measures to save the species. Almost 28 years later, there are more than 400 condors, half of them living in the wild. If you act now, Gemini, you could launch a comparable recovery program for a different resource that is becoming scarce in your world. Act with urgency, but also be prepared to practise patience.
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@ nowtoronto
CAnCer Jun 21 | Jul 22 Daniel Webster
(1782-1852) was an American statesman who served in both houses of Congress. He dearly wanted to be president of the United States, but his political party never nominated him to run for that office. Here’s the twist in his fate: Two different candidates who were ultimately elected president asked him to be their vice-president, but he declined, dismissing the job as unimportant. Both those presidents, Harrison and Taylor, died after a short time on the job. Had Webster agreed to be their vice-president, he would have taken their place and fulfilled his dream. In the coming weeks, Cancerian, I advise you not to make a mistake comparable to Webster’s.
Leo Jul 23 | Aug 22 In one of his poems,
Rumi writes about being alone with a wise elder. “Please,” he says to the sage,
“do not hold back from telling me any secrets about this universe.” In the coming weeks, Leo, I suggest you make a similar request of many people, and not just those you regard as wise. You’re in a phase when pretty much everyone is a potential teacher who has a valuable clue to offer you. Treat the whole world as your classroom.
VirGo Aug 23 | sep 22 Have you been
tapping into your proper share of smart love, interesting beauty and creative mojo? Are you enjoying the succulent rewards you deserve for all the good deeds and hard work you’ve done in the past eight months? If not, I am very upset. In fact, I would be livid and mournful if I found out that you have not been soaking up a steady flow of useful bliss, sweet revelations and fun surprises. Therefore, to ensure my happiness and well-being, I COMMAND you to experience these goodies in abundance.
Gadsby, a 50,000-word novel. It was unlike any book ever published because the letter “e” didn’t appear once in the text. Can you imagine the restraint he had to muster to accomplish such an odd feat? In accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to summon an equally impressive expression of discipline and self-control, Sagittarius. But devote your efforts to accomplishing a more useful and interesting task, please. For example, you could excise one of your bad habits or avoid activities that waste your time or forbid yourself to indulge in fearful thoughts.
CApriCorn Dec 22 | Jan 19 Most plants move upwards as they grow. Their seeds fall to the ground, are blown off by the wind or are carried away by pollinators. But the peanut plant has a different approach to reproduction. It burrows its seeds down into the soil. They ripen underground, where they are protected and more likely to get the moisture they need to germinate. The peanut plant’s approach to fertility might be a good metaphor for you Capricorns to adopt for your own use. It makes sense for you to safeguard the new possibilities you’re incubating. Keep them private, maybe even secret. Don’t expose them to scrutiny or criticism.
LibrA sep 23 | oct 22 Libran engineer Robert Goddard was the original rocket scientist. His revolutionary theories and pioneering technologies laid the foundations for space flight. Decades before the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, he and his American team began shooting rockets aloft. Members of the press were not impressed with his unusual ideas, howAquArius Jan 20 | Feb 18 In his poem ever. They thought he was a misinThe Garden, Jack Gilbert says, “We are formed crank. In 1920, the New York Michael Hollett like Marco.....................................................................................@ Polo who came back / with Times sneered that he was deficient in jewels hidden in the seams of his rag“the knowledge ladled out daily in our Klein Alice .................................................................................................@ ged clothes.” Isn’t that true about you high schools.” Forty-nine years later, Susan .......................................................................................@s right now, Aquarius? If I were going to after his work had led to spectacular re- G. Cole tell your recent history as a fairy tale, I’d sults, the Times issued an apology. I fore-DiMatteo Enzo ..........................................................................@enz highlight the contrast between your see a more satisfying progression toward outer disorder and your inner riches. I’d Norm Wilner ....................................................................................@n vindication for you, Libra. Sometime also borrow another fragment from Gilsoon, your unsung work or unheralded Glenn Sumi ............................................................................................@ bert’s poem and use it to describe your efforts will be recognized. current emotional state: “a sweet sadKate Robertson .....................................................................................@ sCorpio oct 23 | nov 21 In the plot of ness, a tough happiness.” So what Sarah Parniak ........................................................................................... the TV science-fiction show Ascension, comes next for you? I suggest you treat the U.S. government has conducted anSpurr yourself to a time out. Take a break to Ben ..................................................................................................... @ elaborate covert experiment for 50 integrate the intensity you’ve weathJonathan Goldsbie ............................................................................. years. An outside investigator named ered. And retrieve the jewels you hid in Samantha Krueger discovers the Adria diabol- Vasil the.................................................................................@ecoh seams of your ragged clothes. ical contours of the project and decides pisCes Feb 19 | ................................................@Sabrina Mar 20 “All the colors I Sabrina Maddeaux to reveal the truth to the public. “We’re am inside have not been invented yet,” going full Snowden,” she tells a seemNOW Promotions ...............................................@NOWToro wrote Shel Silverstein, in his children’s ingly sympathetic conspiracy theorist. book Where The Sidewalk Ends. It’s espeShe’s invoking the name of Edward cially important for you to focus on that Snowden, the renegade computer adtruth in the coming weeks. I say this for ministrator who in the real world leaked two reasons. First, it’s imperative that classified information that the U.S. govyou identify and celebrate a certain ernment wanted to keep hidden. It unique aspect of yourself that no one might be time for you to go at least minielse has ever fully acknowledged. If you Snowden yourself, Scorpio – not by spilldon’t start making it more conscious, it ing state secrets, but rather by unmay start to wither away. Second, you masking any surreptitious or deceptive need to learn how to express that unique behaviour that’s happening in your aspect with such clarity and steadiness sphere. Bring everything out into the that no one can miss it or ignore it. open – gently if possible. But do what-
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ever it takes.
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sAGiTTArius nov 22 | Dec 21 In 1939, author Ernest Vincent Wright finished
@nowto
Homework: What part of the past are you still enslaved to? What can you do to free yourself? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.
Follow us on Twitter NOW @nowtoronto Michael Hollett ................................................ @m_hollett Alice Klein ............................................................@aliceklein Susan G. Cole .................................................. @susangcole Enzo DiMatteo ......................................@enzodimatteo Norm Wilner ................................................@normwilner Glenn Sumi ........................................................@glennsumi Kate Robertson ........................................ @katernow
Sarah Parniak ..........................................................@s_parns Ben Spurr .................................................................@benspurr Jonathan Goldsbie ......................................... @goldsbie Adria Vasil .............................................@ecoholicnation Sabrina Maddeaux ............@SabrinaMaddeaux NOW Promotions ...........@NOWTorontoPromo
ecoholic LIP SERVICE: THE BALM GUIDE
When you’re addicted to the planet By ADRIA VASIL
WINTER HAS A WAY OF TURNING US INTO A NATION OF CHAPSTICK JUNKIES FURTIVELY SMEARING OUR LIPS WITH DODGY PETROLEUM WAXES. BUT ARE NATURAL ALTERNATIVES ALL THEY’RE CRACKED UP TO BE? NIVEA PURE & NATURAL Nivea labels this “pure & natural” when the second ingredient is microcrystalline wax (a by-product of refining petroleum for your car). You’ll find other petrochems and dodgy naturals in this stick, including palm-derived ingredients and genetically modified soybean oil. Thankfully, though, it dropped the toluenebased BHT. Nivea is somewhat better than parabenand oxybenzone-laced ChapStick, but its calendula ain’t enough to save it. SCORE: N
BURT’S BEES Probably the most popular natural lip balm on the continent, largely because Clorox-owned Burt’s Bees is available so widely. It is all natural and petroleumfree, which is important. But I’m not a fan of the junky soy and canola oil. Burt’s says the soy it uses isn’t genetically modified, but soy farms tend to use neonic-pesticide treated seeds linked to bee deaths. Besides, the peppermint oil will dry your lips. If you’re at the drugstore, certified organic EOS lip balm spheres are a purer choice, though Bare English (right) is my top drugstore pick. SCORE: NN
WELEDA/DR. HAUSCHKA These prized natural German balms aren’t local or organic, but they are effective. While so many glossy lip balms seem to slide off my lips within minutes leaving them feeling dryer than before, Weleda’s waxy finish offers more durable protection, thanks in part to its rose flower wax. Dr. Hauschka’s potted balm is an oilier salve that moisturizes lips as well as the ageing skin around them. Dr. H does, however, contain peanut oil, and both contain essential-oil-derived preservatives (popular in EU-based natural brands) that get poorly ranked on Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. But they’re certified natural, and Weleda reps tell me its beeswax, shea butter and rose wax are fair trade (though that’s not on the label). SCORE: NNN
nature notes WANNA SAVE THE PLANET?
JIRI REZAC/ GREENPEACE
BURY THE TAR SANDS
Remember peak oil? Just a few short years ago, everyone was ruminating about oil’s looming scarcity. Had we peaked? What kind of chaos would unfold in the decades after we did? Well, the authors of a new report published last week in the journal Nature say fretting over the end of oil is irrelevant. If we
want to avoid climate catastrophe, we can’t go anywhere near the end of oil – especially here in Canada. Numerous reports and sources, including the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have already warned us that if we want at least a 40 per cent chance of keeping global warming below
HURRAW! This vegan brand is flying off shelves thanks to its legions of devotees. Montana-made Hurraw’s big claim to fame is that it uses raw, cold-pressed, hexane-free oils. Lots are organic and fairly sourced, including its coconut oil, cacao butter and jojoba oil. The primary oil (almond) isn’t organic, however, and would definitely be an issue for people with severe tree nut allergies. For higher organic, nut-free content, get Hurraw!’s Vata/ Pitta/Kapha balms. The only problem is the organic sesame, which is also a top-10 allergen. I definitely refrain from wearing it while visiting my highly allergic dad. Comes in lots of naturally derived flavours and offers tinted, SPF and thicker “night treatment” options. SCORE: NNNN
2 degrees, we can’t put more than 1,100 gigatons of climate-choking CO2 into the atmosphere over the next 35 years. What’s new about this latest report is that it actually maps out what that would mean for global oil production. As a global baseline, a third of all oil reserves, half of all natural gas reserves and 80 per cent of coal reserves need to remain unused. Breaking this down regionally, the authors found that China and India have to leave about a quarter of their reserves in the ground, the Middle East about 60 per cent and Russia 50 per cent. But of all the world’s oil-producing countries, Canada has to leave the most reserves unburned to stave off catastrophic warming: some 74 per cent of our overall oil reserves and 85 per cent of tar sands reserves. Even rapid development of carbon capture and storage would “only allow you to produce slightly more,” said UK-based co-author Christophe McGlade, adding that drilling in the Arctic has to be avoided altogether. The warning to Canada has never been clearer: keep pumping out tar sands crude and the whole planet gets screwed.
TE ST L
AB
BARE ENGLISH/ HOCKLEY VALLEY Which lip soothers are both local and organic? Toronto-made Bare English is a lot like Hurraw! It’s vegan with pretty packaging, tinted options and lots of flavours, but this one’s entirely organic, tea-infused and slightly less oily. Available at drugstores. Serious locavores will love Ontario’s Hockley Valley Honey. This eco-certified organic balm is made with the company’s own wildflower beeswax. It’s not a sheen-booster, but this waxy protector helped cure my lip balm dependency in two days. Available at hockleyhoney.com and Big Carrot. Green Beaver’s Boreal balm is made with even more Canadian organic ingredients and is a great wind-shield. SCORE: NNNN
ecoholic pick
GREENWASH OF THE WEEK NORTH AMERICAN HEMP CO. HAIR SERUM Ask hippy tree huggers to nominate their favourite plant and there’s no contest. Hemp claims the crown. Fans will tell you this hardy plant doesn’t require pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers to thrive, and its environmental benefits are unmistakable. That’s why it’s such a shame that the top ingredient in North American Hemp Co.’s hair serum isn’t hemp oil at all, but ecologically contentious cyclopentasiloxane, a slippery chem the feds were poised to ban until the industry complained. It’s the same active ingredient that’s in most other hair serums on the market pretending to get their power from plants. Bummer, considering this Canadian company goes out of its way to use certified-organic hemp oil throughout its line.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY SEAL NOT SO CLEAR-CUT Shopping for greener paper or flooring products and think you’re out of the woods when you see a sustainable forestry seal? It all depends. ForestEthics dug through 10 years of publicly available audit reports from the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative and found some glaring differences. FSC auditors spent nearly four times as long in the field per audit. An impressive 92 per cent of FSC audits were peer-reviewed, and most of them included at least one biologist or First Nations person. Not so for industry-run SFI. The initiative “rarely required logging companies to take any additional action to improve operations.” The same day ForestEthics issued its report, SFI published a set of updated standards. The certifier
now promises to tighten up protection for wildlife and waterways while cracking down on illegal logging and “recognizing and respecting” aboriginal rights. Forest Ethics, however, argues that SFI’s revised standards are “seriously overstated.” Says forestry campaigner Jim Ace, “After 20 years of greenwashing forest destruction, SFI remains a rubber stamp for clear-cutting, chemical trespass and the logging industry’s worst practices.” ecoholic@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
Get your copy of Adria Vasil’s latest book, Ecoholic Body: Your Ultimate Earth-Friendly Guide To Living Healthy And Looking Good – in bookstores
everywhere!
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
27
music
more online
nowtoronto.com/music Audio clips from interview with Wooden Wisdom’s Elijah Wood and Zach Cowie + Stream of Ian Kamau and Georgia Anne Muldrow’s new remix EP + Searchable upcoming listings ELLIOTT BROOD at
the Tiny Record Shop, ñ Saturday, January 10.
Rating: NNNN Surprising things gleaned from Elliott Brood’s in-store performance at the Tiny Record Shop and used clothing store Common Sort: 1) The acoustics can be quite good in vintage clothing boutiques. 2) It’s still possible to stomp along to Jigsaw Heart, the rollicking feel-good single from the band’s most recent album, Work And Love (Paper Bag), between racks of sweaters and high-waisted jeans, and babies wearing oversized headphones. (Guitarist/vocalist Casey Laforet’s two youngsters were also hanging out in the back of the small room, far from the rumbling speakers.) Not so surprising? After more than 10 years of playing together, Elliott Brood are as tight as ever. Clad in black, the trio whipped through a six-song set heavy on the mature, alt-country jams of their latest LP. Despite the tight quarters, they didn’t hold back: lead singer Mark Sasso’s signature raspy croon shook the space during twangy Nothing Left, and Laforet pulled no punches on his amped-up guitar. The set was short and sweet – the perfect appetizer for the band’s headlining gig at the Phoenix on January 24, which will likely have 100 per cent fewer babies and 100 per cent more beer.
MARK SASSO
MIKE FORD
CASEY LAFORET
the scene
SAMANTHA EDWARDS
Shows that rocked Toronto last week
NEW COUNTRY REHAB with DEVIN CUDDY at the Dakota Tavern, Wednesday, January 7.
Rating: NNN For New Country Rehab’s January Dakota residency, the Toronto fourpiece are joined by a guest every Wednesday to play songs by someone else. At the first one, they warmed a cool, toqued crowd with two dinnertime sets, the second of which featured piano man Devin Cuddy singing Randy Newman songs and more. The band – with new guitarist Mike Tuyp and bassist Alistair Whitehead – used the opportunity to try out new material, Blair Mountain Valley and a song about Pretty Boy Floyd. Original members fiddler/lead singer John Showman and drummer Roman Tomé have real synergy, singing and moving in tight unison. The newbies began to gell, too; Tuyp’s guitar-playing shone during a bluegrassy, electrified solo in an instrumental song.
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JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
For the second set, Cuddy started solo with Newman’s It’s Money That I Love before being joined by NCR on his ragtimey tune I Got A Girl. But it wasn’t until a cover of Fred Eaglesmith’s Katie, followed by NCR’s The Last Hand, that the music took flight. Unexpectedly, only a handful of Newman songs were heard, making the night less a tribute to an artist than a collaborative sharing of influences between musician friends. SARAH GREENE
MIRACLE FORTRESS,
DAS RAD, SOUPCANS ñ and ALDEN PENNER at the Great Hall, Friday, January 9.
Rating: NNNN The days of the sprawling band collective are over, if the January edition of Long Winter is any indication. Three members or less, it seems, and the more screaming feedback the better. But first, Alden Penner delivered jangle pop low on distortion. Formerly
of the Unicorns, he employs a bright, clean guitar sound and fingerpicks deftly while a rhythmic focus keeps things interesting. Songs are intricately crafted and breezily delivered. Downstairs, Soupcans gave it their all while a mosh pit roared. On record, their roiling noise punk has a menacing edge, but live it’s more lighthearted due to singer/guitarist Dave Evans’s twisted facial expressions, herky-jerky yelping and amicable banter. He doesn’t use a pick, instead splaying and twisting his fingers across his strings to much squealing, bending and chaotic effect. Das Rad gave off an elder-statespeople vibe in a room full of loopy teens swinging between altered states of interpretive dancing, making out and violent body-slamming. Their shoegaze-psych-rock has sultry sex appeal: calm yet thunderous, surging ecstatically, evoking My Bloody Valentine as much as Hawkwind. Ireek
Sofakia’s soft vocals add gauzy haze, and bassist/singer Allyn Norris crowdsurfed intermittently. In the main hall, precise drumming and Graham Van Pelt’s plaintive vocals aided Miracle Fortress’s hooky electronic pop. Unflashy and mild-mannered, the set delivered lots of melodic punch and gave the crowd a reprieve from CARLA GILLIS mosh pits.
DANNY TENAGLIA at the
Guvernment, Saturday, ñ January 10.
Rating: NNNN Danny Tenaglia cut his teeth in the era of DJing when you were expected to play an eclectic selection all night (and often well into the morning) rather than bash together two-hour festival sets of current bangers. His performances regularly last more than 10 hours, and occasionally even twice as long. That his fans match him in endurance puts him in a unique class among the big-room DJs of the world and
Ñ
makes him an ideal person to take the reins of the Guvernment’s massive sound system as part of the megaclub’s month of closing parties. Since Tenaglia had until at least 10 am to play everything he wanted to, there was none of that frantic bouncing between tracks common among the younger generation of EDM superstars. Instead, he let each song breath, and milked the suspense in the transitions between tracks to the point where each new one felt like a release when it kicked in. Despite being known for a very specific brand of chugging NYC tribal house, he enjoys such broad appeal due to the surprising diversity of his selections and the tension between his soulful tendencies and mind-melting techno excursions. It’s a rare talent who can make the vibe on the dance floor more intense at 7 am than in most clubs at 2 am. BENJAMIN BOLES
= Critics’ Pick NNNNN = Perfect NNNN = Great NNN = Good NN = Bad N = Horrible
Photo by Frank Stewart
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE THE BEATLES, LET IT BE FRI JAN 30, 8PM ROY THOMSON HALL
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS WED FEB 11, 8PM MASSEY HALL
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BUDDY GUY with special guest Quinn Sullivan FRI APR 24, 8PM MASSEY HALL
SUN MAR 8, 2PM MON MAR 9 & TUE MAR 10, 8PM ROY THOMSON HALL Sponsored by
UNIQUE LIVES & EXPERIENCES: PIPER KERMAN, author of Orange is the New Black MON APR 20, 7:30PM ROY THOMSON HALL Supported in part by
CALL 416.872.4255
masseyhall.com | roythomson.com NOW january 15-21 2015
29
clubs&concerts hot HANK WOOD & THE HAMMERHEADS S.H.I.B.G.B.’s (225 Geary), Thursday (January 15) Best punk band in North America right now. CROSSS, WHIMM, SMELL BLOOD, DORIES STUKA Silver Dollar (486 Spadina), Friday (January 16) Class Of 2015 concert series continues. LOVING IN THE NAME OF w/ Tanika Charles, Lowell Sostomi, Andre Ethier, Colin Bergh, Robin Dann and others Mod Club (722 College), Friday (January 16) Live covers party returns. DALA, THE GOOD BROTHERS, COCO LOVE ALCORN, JACOB MOON, KEVIN BREIT AND MORE Hugh’s Room (2261 Dundas West), Friday to Sunday (January 16-18) Gordon Lightfoot love-in. PHARMAKON S.H.I.B.G.B.’s (225 Geary), Saturday (January 17) Deeply felt electronic noise music. GUI BORATTO Coda (794 Bathurst), Saturday (January 17)
Melodic techno from Brazil. BRAVE SHORES, VOTIIV, COUNTRY, VALLENS, PEERS Silver Dollar (486 Spadina), Saturday (January 17) Indie music honour roll keeps rolling. WOODEN WISDOM (ELIJAH WOOD & ZACH COWIE) Studio Bar (824 Dundas West), Saturday (January 17) See preview, page 36. THE VASELINES, AMANDA X Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), Monday (January 19) See preview, page 34. WEYES BLOOD, PETRA GLYNT, ANAMAI, SCHØNSEE Smiling Buddha (961 College), Monday (January 19) Dramatic, distorted medieval folk. HAMILTON LEITHAUSER Drake Hotel (1150 Queens West), Tuesday (January 20) The Walkman singer flies solo. NEW COUNTRY REHAB, SIMONE SCHMIDT Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington), Wednesday (January 21) Simone Schmidt sings George Jones.
tickets
FOLLOW US: TWITTER.COM/EMBRACEPRESENTS LIKE US: FACEBOOK.COM/EMBRACEPRESENTS
PRESENTS
LIA ICES & SEOUL
THE ACOUSTICAL SOUNDS OF
JAN 17 :: DRAKE HOTEL
FEBRUARY 7 :: THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL
BIG SUGAR
BRODINSKI w/ MYD FEB 15 :: THE HOXTON
ALL AGES / 19+
ON SALE FRIDAY!
London Grammar
London Grammar received a lesson in what can happen when a band rockets to fame in short order. Last year, the British pop trio were riding high on the success of their 2013 debut, If You Wait, their Disclosure collaboration, Help Me Lose My Mind, and an Ivor Novello songwriting award for single Strong when they were forced to cancel a string of gigs due to family illness, scheduling conflicts and singer Hannah Reid’s vocal fatigue. Now that her swooping voice is on the mend, she and guitarist Dan Rothman and keyboardist/percussionist Dot Major are back on the road. Fans who missed their dramatic performance at the Phoenix last April will get a chance to swoon, sway and gaze forlornly into each other’s eyes to their reverby torch ballads when they hit Sound Academy on Wednesday. Wednesday (January 21) at Sound Academy (11 Polson), 7 pm, all ages. $23. livenation.com.
just announ
FABOLOUS, DEJ LOAF Kool Haus Final
HILLSIDE INSIDE WITH A TRIBE CALLED RED, TANYA TAGAQ, THE DARCYS, JENNIFER CASTLE, OWEN PALLETT, JULY TALK AND OTHERS
hip-hop gig at Kool Haus, 8 pm. $35-$45. ticketzone.com, ticketgateway.com, inktickets.com. January 22.
WAVELENGTH POP-UP GALLERY
DADA LIFE
ON SALE SATURDAY!
DANKO JONES
MATT and KIM
MAR 21 :: MTC CENTER
APR 24 :: THE DANFORTH
MAY 18 :: THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL
UPCOMING
THE HOXTON
JAN 17
WOODEN WISDOM DJ SET (ELIJAH WOOD & ZACH COWIE)
FEB 06
LUCIANO
FEB 11
BAD SUNS
JAN 16
#SHIP2SHIP TOUR
MAISON MERCER
JAN 17
SHAUN FRANK
THE GARRISON
DESTRUCTO, MOTEZ, ANNA LUNOE & T.WILLIAMS
JAN 22
ALVIN RISK w/ KODAK TO GRAPH
THE HORSESHOE TAVERN
JAN 23
STWO w/ MEMORECKS
MUZIK
JAN 24
MR. BELT & WEZOL
THE MOD CLUB
JAN 30
GRANDTHEFT & THUGLI w/ PUSHER
FEB 06
GIRAFFAGE w/ POMO & TEEN DAZE
FEB 07
SAM FELDT
FEB 13
VICEROY
FEB 14
MIKE MAGO
FEB 20
SLANDER
FEB 21
MATOMA
FEB 27
SWEATER BEATS w/ TORY LANEZ
MAR 7
KLANGKARUSSELL
FEB 12
ANTI FLAG
FEB 13
BLASTERJAXX w/ JOE GHOST
FEB 16 / 17
STUDIO BAR
BROOKE FRASER
FEB 19
JMSN
THE DRAKE HOTEL
FEB 26
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE DJ SET
THE DRAKE HOTEL
MAR 3
WOLF ALICE
MAR 07
MAGIC MAN w/ PANAMA WEDDING
MAR 17
CRAFT SPELLS
APR 04
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING
THE DRAKE HOTEL THE GARRISON HARD LUCK BAR THE DRAKE HOTEL
APR 14
DAN + SHAY
THE MOD CLUB
MAY 28
THE SCRIPT
MASSEY HALL
THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL JAN 31
RIFF RAFF (ALL AGES!)
FEB 12/13 (SOLD OUT) FEB 14 STARS W/ HEY ROSEETTA!
MAR 20 BROODS w/ ERIK HASSLE MAR 26 GORGON CITY LIVE APR 04
BAKERMAT
APR 16
SHLOHMO (LIVE)
FEB 20
KONGOS W/ SIR SLY & COLONY HOUSE
FEB 27
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE: BATTLE OF THE SEASONS
JAN 17 GUI BORATTO
FEB 28
SILVERSTEIN
JAN 23 ART DEPARTMENT - CODA 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MAR 07
FLIGHT FACILITIES
JAN 24 LOCO DICE - CODA 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
APR 16/17
KODALINE
CODA
APR 09 NOSAJ THING & CLARK
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WWW.TICKETWEB.CA/EMBRACE - ROTATE THIS & SOUNDSCAPES FOR INFO VISIT WWW.EMBRACEPRESENTS.COM.
30
January 15-21 2015 NOW
HuntClub Studios Series includes Petra Glynt, James Irwin, Anamai, Jason Sharp, Blevin Blectum and more. 8 pm. Admission varies. wavelengthtoronto.com, ticketfly.com. January 22 to February 15.
River Run Centre Indoor winter music festival in Guelph. 2 pm, $22-$28. February 7.
KING OF THE DOT X OVO: BLACKOUT 5 RAP BATTLE WITH T-REX, SHUYFFLE T, J-PRO, CHARRON, ARSONAL AND MORE
HIP-HOP KARAOKE W/ DJ NUMERIC, TED DANCIN’ Revival
Queen Elizabeth Theatre 6 pm, $50$500. kotdtv.com. February 7.
doors 10 pm. $10. January 24.
GIRLS ROCK CAMP TORONTO CD RELEASE & COVERS SHOW
ABSOLUTELY FREE, US GIRLS Geary
Lane Release party. 9 pm. $13-$15. absolutelyfree.ca, soundscapesmusic.com. January 30. D-PRYDE Studio Bar doors 9 pm. $12. ticketfly.com. January 31. FRESH SNOW, MIMICO Polish Combatants Hall Wavelength & The 8 Fest music and films, 11 pm. $5. the8fest.com. January 31.
Smiling Buddha 7 pm, all ages. Pwyc. February 7. KAREN JEWELS The Assembly Hall 7 pm. $25, adv $20. eventbrite.ca. February 7.
ART BERGMANN, DELTA WILL, CONTROLLER.CONTROLLER, BRIDES, HERVANA, MOST PEOPLE AND MORE Sneaky Dee’s
CATL, INVASIONS, BELLA CLAVA, THE COOL HANDS Horseshoe 9 pm.
Wavelength Music Festival 7:30 pm. $10 or pwyc. bit.ly/WL15night1, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. February 13.
$10. January 31.
CRUSH TO BEACH BASH Club 120 Queer + sex-positive party with DJ Nate Nightcall. 10 pm. $10. January 31.
PHIFE, SEPTO, ROCHESTER, JAE ARI, JUST JOHN, ANDREW TRIPPLE A AND MORE Tattoo A Tribe Called
Quest MC headlines #BigTicket doors 10 pm. $15 before 11 pm. easparkpro.com/ bigticket.htm. February 6.
LOWELL, THE ACORN, DEL BEL,
Dej Loaf
Kool Haus, January 22
LAST EX, GINLA Polish Combatants Hall Wavelength Music Festival 8 pm, all ages. $15-$18, festival pass $33. bit.ly/WL15night3, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. February 14.
this week How to find a listing
Music listings appear by day, then by genre, then alphabetically by venue. Event names are in italics. See Venue Index, page 36, for venue address and phone number. = Critics’ pick (highly recommended) ñ 5= Queer night
How to place a listing
All listings are free. Send to: events@nowtoronto.com, fax to 416-364-1168 or mail to Music, NOW Magazine, 189 Church, Toronto M5B 1Y7. Include artist(s)/band(s), genre of music, event name (if any), venue name and address, time, ticket price and contact phone number or website. Deadline is the Thursday before publication at 5 pm. Weekly events must confirm their listing once a month. If your free listing requires a correction, send info to: fixevents@nowtoronto.com.
Thursday, January 15 PoP/Rock/HiP-HoP/Soul
3030 DunDas West I Double You (electronic
downtempo band), 9 pm. Dakota tavern Freeman Dre & The Kitchen Party, Jerry Leger 10 pm. Johnny Jackson Clara Engel, Moonwood, Cetacea, Stan Simon & The Hotel Bible 9 pm. karla’s roaDhouse Tommy Rocker (classic rock), 9:30 pm. kensington loDge Derek Mok 7 pm. lee’s Palace Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker doors 8:30 pm. the PainteD laDy Coleman Hell, Volpe, Marlon James, Rebecca Rocklynn, DJ Dustbuster (electro-y/jazz/pop-y), 10 pm. PauPer’s Pub Mike Barnes Jam, 10:30 pm. the Piston The Extremities, Fresh Kils, Uncle Fester (hip-hop/soul), The Hustle, doors 9 pm. rivoli After Funk, The Hornitz, Manatee doors 8:30 pm. rose theatre JoSH (Indo-Pakistani pop/hiphop/bhangra beats) 8 pm. s.h.i.b.g.b’s Hank Wood & the Hammerheads (NYC punk), 9 pm.
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nced MOZART’S SISTER, NEW FRIES, FRESH SNOW, TENDERNESS, BART, LOOK VIBRANT
The Garrison Wavelength Music Festival, 8 pm. $12-$15. bit.ly/WL15night3, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic.com, ticketfly.com. February 16. MELANIE DURRANT Alleycatz Album release, doors 8:30 pm, $10. ticketgateway.com. February 19. ALBERT LEE Hugh’s Room Awardwinning British guitarist, 8:30 pm. $35-$40 door. hughsroom.com. February 19 and 20.
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continued on page 32 œ
SOL D
RUSTY, LITTLE JUNIOR, CROW TOWN Horseshoe 20th anniversary
of Fluke, doors 9 pm. $17.50. ticketfly. com, rotate.com, soundscapesmusic. com, horseshoetavern.com. March 6.
TOPS, TASSEOMANCY, DJ DANIEL BEJJAMIN Smiling
O U T!
MONDAY FEB 2 • THE SOUND ACADEMY
DOOR 7PM SHOW 8PM • ALL AGES
Buddha doors 8 pm. $8. rotate.com, northerntickets.com, soundscapesmusic.com. March 8.
PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2014 Diageo Canada Inc.
LIMBLIFTER, PONYSHOW, CHRISTIAN PUNK BAND Lee’s
Palace Pacific Milk record release, doors 9 pm. $20-$25, ticketfly.com. March 27. HORSE FEATHERS Drake Hotel 8 pm. $17.50. soundscapesmusic.com, rotate.com, ticketfly.com. March 31. WAND, HEATERS Adelaide Hall Drag City garage rock, doors 9 pm, $12. northerntickets.com, rotate. com, soundscapesmusic.com. April 3.
THE CAT EMPIRE, CURRENT SWELL Danforth Music Hall doors 7
pm. $27.50. soundscapesmusic.com, rotate.com, ticketmaster.ca. April 9.
THE MAINE, REAL FRIENDS, THE TECHNICOLORS, KNUCKLE PUCK Danforth Music
TUESDAY FEB 3 • MASSEY HALL
SHOW 8PM • MASSEYHALL.COM w w w. s p a n d a u b a l l e t . c o m
MACHINE HEAD
WED FEB 4 • PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE
PERIPHERY
w/ Nothing More, Wovenwar, Thank You Scientists
FRI FEB 6 • THE OPERA HOUSE
Hall doors 7 pm, all ages. $25. rotate. com, soundscapesmusic.com. May 2.
NOW January 15-21 2015
31
clubs&concerts œcontinued from page 31
SouthSide Johnny’S Skip Tracer (rock/top 40). 9:30 pm.
Folk/Blues/Country/World
Cameron houSe Corin Raymond 6 pm. Kelly
Sloan, Arthur Renwick (singer/songwriter), doors 9 pm [Back room]. CaStro’S Lounge Jerry Leger & the Situation (folk/rock/country), 8 pm. emmet ray Bar Don’t Worry Darlin, Shannon Hoff (country/folk) 9 pm. groSSman’S The Happy Pals 4:30 to 8 pm. Ms Debbie & The Don Valley Stompers 9:30 pm. hugh’S room The Duhks (modern folk), 8:30 pm. LinSmore tavern Blues & Trouble (blues/ rock), 9 pm. LoCaL Mark Crissinger (roots/blues), 9 pm. LuLa Lounge Laura Cole (singer/songwriter) 9:30 pm. native Canadian Centre Big Drum Social 6:30 pm. tranzaC Houndstooth Bluegrass Thursdays, 7:30 pm [Southern Cross].
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Jazz/ClassiCal/experimental aLLeyCatz Jazz Biscuit.
array SpaCe Alma Chamber Ensemble 7 pm. Four SeaSonS Centre For the perForming artS Rémi Bolduc (saxophone), All Or Nothing
At All, noon to 1 pm [Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre]. Jazz BiStro Russ Little Quintet 9 pm. Kama Vern Dorge & John Sherwood Thursdays At Five, 5 to 8 pm. oLd miLL inn Alex Samaras Trio (jazz) 7:30 pm [Home Smith Bar]. the paSSenger The J-Train Jazz In The Junction, 9:30 pm. poetry Jazz CaFe Andrew McAnsh Group The Quiet Storm. 9 pm. repoSado The Reposadist Quartet w/ Tera Hazelton (gypsy bop/swing). the rex Jeremy Pelt w/ Johnny Griffith CD release, 9:45 pm, Kevin Quain (vocals/solo piano) 6:30 pm. roy thomSon haLL Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Benedetto Lupo (pianist & orchestra), Mozart@259 Festival – Mozart As Performer, 8 pm. tranzaC Peter Kauffman Trio (jazz), 10 pm [Southern Cross].
danCe musiC/dJ/lounge
CLinton’S Throwback Thursdays (90s hip-hop/ pop).
CrawFord DJ Downunda. draKe hoteL CAKE Michael Imperial, Ango,
Meesha, 10 pm [Underground]. handLeBar Nerd Girl Burlesque doors 7:30 pm.
hoLy oaK CaFe Friendly Tapes (bring your
own tapes), 10 pm. weSt Bar DJ Dennis Rojas (80s/90s/R&B/hiphop/house), 10 pm.
Friday, January 16 pop/roCk/Hip-Hop/soul
aLLeyCatz Nine Times Band. CaStro’S Lounge The Straight Eights (50s style rockabilly), 6 pm.
drumS n FLatS Stiletto Flats (rock), 9 pm. Free timeS CaFe Chris Lowry, Bill Gilliam Don’t Think Twice: Songs of Bob Dylan. 8 pm.
the garriSon Animal Parts, Bryce Jardine,
The Parlour Birds, Skye Wallace doors 9 pm.
groSSman’S Park Eddy & Chloe Watkinson (rock/soul/blues).
hard LuCK Bar Crimson Shadows, Killitorous, Hallows Die, Vesperia 9 pm. ñ LinSmore tavern Frankie Foo & The YoYo
Smugglers (ska), 9 pm. ratio Shining Wizard, Retired, Humanity’s Flanks 9 pm, all ages. rivoLi Bishop CD release. roSe theatre The Ultimate MJ Experience (Michael Jackson tribute) 8 pm. Seven44 Mama Kin (Aerosmith tribute), 9:30 pm. SiLver doLLar Crosss, WHIMM, Smell Blood, Dories Stuka Class Of 2015/#4, doors 8:30 pm. SmiLing Buddha Oh Malo, Breakfast, Safe Word, Shipley Hollow, Shoelace doors 8 pm.
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SouthSide Johnny’S The Doubts (rock), 10 pm. Studio Bar Rapsody, Jelly TooFly, Adria Kain,
Keysha Freshh, Phoenix Pagliacci doors 8 pm.
Folk/Blues/Country/World
FCameron houSe David Celia 6 pm. Freeman Dre & The Kitchen Party Atheist Christmas Show, 10 pm, Patrick Brealey 8 pm. eaton CheLSea hoteL Blues Summit 7. hugh’S room Dala, The Good Brothers, Jacob Moon, Coco Love Alcorn, Kevin Breit, Jory Nash, Julian Taylor, Lori Cullen, Lee Harvey Osmond and others Way We Feel: A Celebration Of The Music Of Gordon Lightfoot, 8:30 pm. LuLa Lounge Changui Havana (salsa/cumbia/ bachata/merengue/cumbia) 10:30 pm. muSideum Christopher Reynolds, Paul Béla Ray (spiritual) 8 pm. tranzaC The Foolish Things (folk), 5 pm. [Southern Cross]. white eLephant Arthur Renwick 6 to 9 pm.
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Jazz/ClassiCal/experimental
aLLianCe FrançaiSe Samntha Clayton (jazz),
8 pm.
array SpaCe Meandering Streams Of Con-
sciousness 7:30 pm. deSotoS Anthony Abbatangeli Jazz Jam, 8 pm. harLem David Hutchinson Jazz & Blues Band 7:30 pm. Jazz BiStro Russ Little Quintet 9 pm. naiSa SpaCe Anna Friz & Peter Courtemanche Cross Waves Sound Art Series, 8 pm. oLd miLL inn Alex Dean Trio (jazz) 7:30 pm [Home Smith Bar]. poetry Jazz CaFe The Eric West Group The Experiment. 9:30 pm. repoSado The Reposadist Quartet w/ Tera Hazelton (gypsy bop/swing). the rex Jeremy Pelt w/ Johnny Griffith CD release, 9:45 pm. Artie Roth Quartet 6:30 pm. Hogtown Syncopators 4 pm. tranzaC Ronley Teper’s Lipliners 10 pm [Southern Cross]. Dust: The Quietest Big Band In The Known World 7:30 pm.
danCe musiC/dJ/lounge
3030 dundaS weSt DJ Nova 10 pm. the Cage 292 DJ Osaze 10 pm. CaStro’S Lounge DJ I Hate You Rob (soul/
funk/R&B/punk rock/pop/rockabilly) 10 pm. Coda Butch, Jonathan Rosa, Nicholas Nice, Richard Archon doors 10 pm. emmet ray Bar DJ Cosmonauts (electronic/ hip-hop/soul/reggae), Exploration, 10 pm. handLeBar Bad Friday (collaborative music, visual dance-ucation) 10 pm. hoLy oaK CaFe DJ Muckrattle Shut Up And Play the Deep Cuts, 10 pm. the hoxton Destructo, Anna Lunoe, Motez, T Williams. marquiS oF granBy 5DJ Producer Barry Harris 10:30 pm. revivaL Justin Corrado,Gathurin Uf Soulz, Soul Deep, The Hot House Collective 10 pm [Stone Lounge].
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royaL Canadian Legion todmorden BranCh 10 DJ Rob 8 pm.
Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir
35 & Under?
Tickets start @ !
$25
N E V O ETH . 5 @
BE
NONER R KOE HALL JAN 22-25
KENT NAGANO
GUEST CONDUCTOR
416.408.0208 tafelmusik.org 32
January 15-21 2015 NOW
veLvet underground DJ Madame HAIR (80s/90s), TRASH, 11 pm. weSt Bar DJ Nine (current/classic hits from the 90s to today), 10 pm.
Saturday, January 17 pop/roCk/Hip-Hop/soul
aLLeyCatz Lady Kane. Bovine Sex CLuB Nordheim, Claim The
Throne, Protokult, Tsargrad Epic Metal Fest, doors 9 pm. Cameron houSe Whitebrow & Combo Royale 10 pm. CaStro’S Lounge The Cosmotones (rockabilly), 6 pm. groSSman’S Beggar’s Banquet (Rolling Stones tribute band), 10 pm. handLeBar Meghan Morrison, Johnny Awesome & The Good Tones, House Of Haunt, Oliver Pigott 10 pm. harLem Madette (pop/soul), 7:30 pm. hoLy oaK CaFe Elrichman & DJ Tom Davis (pop), 10 pm. horSeShoe New Teeth, Beautiful Nothing, Bonwit Teller, Saigon Hookers, The Cola Heads. LinSmore tavern Notorious (Duran Duran tribute), 9:30 pm. magpie taproom Brat Kings, King Creep, Billy Dre & The Poor Boys 9 pm. the paddoCK Chris Mojo Martin, EB Anderson, O Frontera, Jacquelyn Tober & the Country Rose Ramblers (blues/rockabilly/Americana), 9 pm. pearL Lounge Prime Time Band 9 pm. the rex Danny Marks noon. rivoLi Reynolds Creek, The Treasures, Greg McEvoy, Wool & Howl (indie folk/roots rock), doors 9 pm. roCKpiLe Cage, Trash Gordon, Reject Visions, Bohemian Grove doors 8 pm. roSe theatre Fab 4 Ever (tribute show), Replay The Beatles, 8 pm.
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Pharmakon. ñS.h.i.B.g.B’S SiLver doLLar Brave Shores, Votiiv, Country, Vallens, Peers The Class Of ñ 2015/#5, doors 9 pm.
SouthSide Johnny’S Rock Gods (rock), 10
pm, The Bear Band (rock/blues), 4 to 8 pm.
Folk/Blues/Country/World
daKota tavern Big Tobacco & The Pickers
(country) 10 pm.
draKe hoteL Lia Ices, Seoul doors 8 pm [Underground]. ñ Free timeS CaFe Dr B’s Acoustic Medicine
Show Open mic/acoustic jam, 2 pm. Zephyr (Middle Eastern music) 9 pm. hugh’S room Dala, The Good Brothers, Jacob Moon, Kevin Breit, Jory Nash, Lori Cullen, Coco Love Alcorn, Lee Harvey Osmond, Julian Taylor and others Way We Feel: A Celebration Of The Music Of Gordon Lightfoot, 8:30 pm. LoCaL Uncle Dad (instrumental country), 9 pm, David Meenan Irish session, 5 pm. LuLa Lounge Orquesta Fantasia (salsa/merengue/cumbia) 10:30 pm. the rex Raoul & The Bigger Time Toronto Blues Summit Weekend, 7:30 pm. St BarnaBaS ChurCh The Chris Langan Irish Music Association Concert 7:30 to 9:30 pm. St niChoLaS angLiCan ChurCh Brian Gladstone, Tony Quarrington, Noah Zacharin, Lynn Harrison, Clela Errington & Jocelyn Barth, Fraser & Girard, Meg Tennant PreWinterfolk Showcase. 8 pm. tranzaC Southern CroSS Deciduous, Doug Tielle 10 pm, Michael Keith 7:30 pm, Jamzac 3 pm.
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Jazz/ClassiCal/experimental
array SpaCe David Schotzko (solo percussion)
8 pm.
ChaLKerS puB Mike Murley Trio 6 to 9 pm. eaStminSter united ChurCh The Academy Concert Series Prelude To A Fantasia, 8 pm.
humBLe BeginningS Cody McMillan (folk/ blues/rock), 12:30 to 2:30 pm.
Jazz BiStro Russ Little Quintet 9 pm. metropoLitan Community ChurCh Into The
Woods In Concert, (musical theatre) Ryan Kelly, Lisa Kisch, Stephanie Roth, Anwyn Musico, Gabi Epstein, Dana Jean Phoenix and others. 8 pm (benefits the AIDS Committee of Toronto and MCC Toronto Refugee & Immigration Program). naiSa SpaCe Anna Friz & Peter Courtemanche (improvised/experimental), 8 pm. oLd miLL inn Kevin Dempsey Trio (jazz) 7:30 pm [Home Smith Bar]. poetry Jazz CaFe Robb Cappelletto Group
Mindgames. 9 pm. THE REX Bernie Senensky’s Double 9:45 pm. Bob Rice Latin Big Band CD release, 3:30 pm. ROY THOMSON HALL Toronto Symphony Orchestra Mozart Family Ties, 7:30 pm. ST ANDREW’S LATVIAN CHURCH John Kameel Farah (pipe organ/piano/electronics) CD release show, 8 pm. TONI BULLONI’S Fern Lindzon (jazz) 9 pm.
DANCE MUSIC/DJ/LOUNGE
THE BALLET DJ Mensa, Mista Jiggz, Agile All
Vinyl Everything (hip-hop/R&B/reggae/disco/ funk/soul/breaks). BUNDA LOUNGE Drala, Joe Rizla, Groove Institute (Afro/Latin/deep house) 10 pm. CASTRO’S LOUNGE DJ Spinson (local/old school/underground hip-hop) 11 pm. THE CAVE DJ Pat Full On Alternative, 9 pm.
CHERRY COLA’S ROCK ’N’ ROLLA CABARET AND LOUNGE Chameleon Project, Jamie Kidd doors
9 pm.
CLINTON’S Bangs & Blush (60s soul/rock & roll), Shake, Rattle & Roll, 10 pm. CODA Gui Boratto 10 pm. EMMET RAY BAR DJ Blancon (hip-hop/soul), 10 pm. THE GARRISON Goin’ Steady DJs Chronologic, doors 10 pm. GUVERNMENT Cosmic Gate, Mark Oliver, Manzone & Strong GuvFinale, doors 10 pm. Sydney Blu, Deko-Ze, Evan G, Jayforce, Joee Cons, Ovi M Activate: The Last Dance, doors 10 pm [The Gallery]. HARBOURFRONT CENTRE Shake, Rattle And Skate DJs Bangs & Blush (soul/funk/classic rock & roll) 8 to 11 pm. NOCTURNE DJs Shankar, Mantragora, Nicodemus, Christopher Robin, Lazer Pop Crew Let The Robot Drive 2, (electro-techno robotic madness), 10 pm. THE PISTON Love Handle (80s soul/boogie), doors 10 pm. REVIVAL DJ Kid MK, DJ Romeo Midnight Mix, (hip-hop/R&B/mash-up, EDM/reggae). 10 pm. THE STEADY CAFE & BAR Fawn BC & Linguist Tramp (girl dance party), 10 pm. STUDIO BAR Wooden Wisdom (Elijah Wood & Zach Cowie) (DJ set), 10 pm. See preview, page 36. WEST BAR DJ Dave Campbell, Kazen Media (R&B/hip-hop/house/top 40), 10 pm.
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T.O. MUSIC NOTES DOORS OPEN AT THE MATADOR
It’s a good week for old-school Toronto live music venues. Legendary College and Dovercourt booze can the Matador Ballroom begins a new chapter this month as a community events space. The renovated club, which was famously the setting of Leonard Cohen’s Closing Time video, was bought by Paul McCaughey in 2007 following a community effort to save it from demolition. He and Davenport city councillor Ana Bailão will host a walk-through and “neighbourly dialogue” on January 27 at 6:30 pm to outline his plans.
HISTORIC SILVER DOLLAR
Meanwhile, over on Spadina, popular live music venue the Silver Dollar has been designated a heritage site after the city passed a bylaw on Tuesday, January 13, declaring it a building of “cultural heritage value or interest.” Rejoice!
NEW BOSSES AT NXNE
As the NXNE Festival and Conference prepares to mark 21 years, organizers have made a few changes at the top. Music programmer Crispin Giles has been promoted to creative director, and former Yonge-Dundas Square events manager Sara Peel has joined as managing director. These promotions follow the departure of festival director Christopher Roberts.
RAVERS GIVE BACK
A fixture in the city’s rave scene since the 1980s, Mark Oliver spent the past 19 years as resident DJ at the Guvernment. To recognize his hard work ahead of the club’s final party on January 25, fans have started an Indiegogo page to crowd-fund “a special thank-you gift.” The campaign received a serious boost when Deadmau5, aka Joel Zimmerman, ponied up $3,000 toward a custom goldplated, framed record. The remaining cash will go to a secondary gift. May we suggest a custom gold-plated commemorative plate?
INDIE ON THE SIDE
The Echos Project (echosproject.ca) is a series of short documentaries that delve into the extracurricular passions of noteworthy Canadian musicians. Produced by controller.controller’s Scott Kaija and Public Animal’s Ryan Gassi, it features Brendan Canning, Tanya Tagaq, Art Bergmann, Murray Lightburn, Jill Barber and others discussing everything from modernist literature to feasting on the blood of a freshly killed yearling seal.
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS... Toronto R&B superstar the Weeknd’s Abel Tesfaye has his very own celebrity mug shot after getting arrested on Saturday, January 10, for allegedly punching a cop in the head in a Las Vegas hotel at that special hour of 4:20 am.
Sunday, January 18 POP/ROCK/HIP-HOP/SOUL
CAMERON HOUSE The Double Cuts 10 pm. HANDLEBAR Mike McDonald Band, Roula Said,
Laura Hubert, Kim Doolittle, Richard Underhill Kensington Cares: party for Rick Porter and Sheila Wawanash who lost their home to fire on Oxford St/celebration of Rick’s 70th birthday 2 pm. Alistair Christl 8 pm. LINSMORE TAVERN Pat Perez & John Dickie Band (R&B/funk/blues), 5 to 9 pm. LULA LOUNGE Soul Slam Singing contest. 8 pm. THE PISTON The Dirty Rottens, Thrillharmonic, Hervana, Dave Schoonderbeek (benefit concert for SickKids’ music therapy programs), 8 pm. RIVOLI Aron the Alien, Yu$$o, Soullilquo, D’lll, Fresh A-Dub, G Man Jones, C-Note doors 8 pm. THE SCARBOROUGH JUNCTION Tommy Rocker (classic rock) 8 pm. SCRUFFY MURPHY’S Groovestone, Dale Harrison 10 pm. SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY’S Rebecca Matiesen & Phoenix (pop/rock), Open Jam, 9:30 pm.
FOLK/BLUES/COUNTRY/WORLD
BLACK BEAR PUB SNAFU Jam, 4 to 8 pm. C’EST WHAT Song Studio 7 pm. THE CAGE 292 Phill Hood Jam, 10 pm. CAMERON HOUSE J Swinnerton Blues Band 10 pm.
FREE TIMES CAFE Gordon’s Acoustic Living
Room (folk) 8 pm. Tio Chorinho (Brazillian/ Jewish). 11 am & 1:15 pm. GROSSMAN’S Brian Cober (double slide guitar), Open Blues Jam, 10 pm. HARLEM Up From The Roots Open Mic & Poetry Slam. 8 pm. HIRUT FINE ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Nicola Vaughan Jam, 3 to 6:30 pm. HOLY OAK CAFE Julie Faught, Simon Strikeback (folk), 6 pm. HUGH’S ROOM Dala, The Good Brothers, Jacob Moon, Kevin Breit, Jory Nash, Lori Cullen, Coco Love Alcorn, Lee Harvey Osmond, Julian Taylor and others Way We Feel: A Celebration Of The Music Of Gordon Lightfoot, 8:30 pm. LOCAL Los Caballeros del Son (Cuban) 9 pm, Chris Coole (oldtime/country) 5 pm.
ñ
continued on page 37 œ
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
33
Ones tO watch:
heavy& loud Hardcore punk, heavy metal, shoegaze-psych and more grab the spotlight in the second edition of our new local music series. By CARLA GILLIS
ABSOLUT
The no-holds-barred Toronto fourpiece play raw, d-beat hardcore punk with terrifying vocals that sound as if they were bellowed from the depths of the dankest cavern. Absolut’s members throw technical metal proficiency into the mix via blazing guitar solos that never last too long. (Members have spent time in Rammer and Midnight.) Their Punk Survival album (Electric Assault) from last July is sold out, but they’re releasing a new LP, Sleighted, on Swedish label D-Takt & Råpunk this winter.
WRONG HOLE
On the lighter end of the spectrum are Wrong Hole – lighter because comedian NickFlanagan is in the band and because the artwork on their debut album, 2012, is a tribute to Rush’s 2112 but with a couch, television and smartphone floating in space. The threepiece, which includes Comet Control’s AndrewMoszynski and Teenanger’s JonSchouten, play fast garage punk with viciously distorted vocals set against mild drum machine beats, swampy synths and fuzz guitar. The lyrics – about dogs, HDTVs, fantasy friends, having a cold – are a riot. At the Dakota on February 15 with Public Animal.
HSY
There are many reasons to love HSY, not least because AnnaMayberry is a riveting frontwoman, all blond hair flailing and anguished vocal cries. Since their formation in 2011, the sludge punks have given us EPs, cassettes and a two-song 7-inch that got them Pitchfork attention and a UK tour (it came out on London’s Too Pure). But 2015 is finally the year we get a full-length record. It’s all finished, and the band’s in the process of putting videos and art together for its release (on Buzz Records in Canada, elsewhere TBA) later this year. Expect loud, fervent darkwave fuelled by cracking snare drum.
DROID
Local metalheads Droid are part of Toronto’s thrashy and classic underground metal scene, which includes, among others, Manacle, Call of the Wild and Cauldron (whose follow-up to third album Tomorrow’s Lost will be out later this year). Droid’s Malfunction demo cassette released in 2013 is long sold out, but new EP Disconnected is set for release on Hard and Heavy Records in the coming months. Influences: Annihilator, Voivod, Motörhead, Celtic Frost.
DAS RAD
For a bouncier, grungier take on heavy, Das Rad’s your band. They move through swelling, orgasmic psych rock and steady, mid-tempo Krautrock drenched in shoegaze noise and made airy by co-singer IreekSofakia’s calming vocals. (Sofakia was also behind defunct DIY venue Academy of Sciences.) Hear it all on their full-length, Radiation, which came out on Toronto’s Pleasence Records (also home to Wrong Hole) last fall. And check page 28 for a live review of their recent Long Winter performance. 3 carlag@nowtoronto.com | @carlagillis
Vaselines INDIE POP
On newest record, Glasgow duo takes a cue from the Ramones By JOSHUA KLOKE The Vaselines with amanda X at Lee’s
Palace (529 Bloor West), Monday (January 19), 9 pm. $23.50. horseshoetavern.com, rotate. com, soundscapesmusic. com, ticketfly.com.
Musical duos are often a study in contrast. Although Glasgow’s the Vaselines had a united vision while writing 2014’s V ForVaselines, their latest and first full-length since
34
January 15-21 2015 NOW
2010, the two members still look at one aspect of rock and roll life differently. FrancesMcKee enjoys touring, whereas EugeneKelly finds the longdistance drives gruelling. “I wish we could use some Star Trek technology and get from town to town much quicker,” says Kelly, reached by phone in Glasgow while taking care of some last-minute errands before leaving on the band’s North American tour. “Frances has a bit of a hectic home life with her three children, so I think going on tour is a bit of a holiday for her. She doesn’t get to watch TV when she’s at home, so she watches a lot of
DVDs on tour. It’s very relaxing for her.” After rising to prominence in Scotland in the late 80s, the hooky power popsters gained international recognition after Nirvana covered their songs on two records. The band broke up from 1990 to 2006 before reforming with renewed energy, as evidenced on V For Vaselines, composed of 10 short, catchy, streamlined tracks largely influenced by the Ramones. “I’d gone to see five people playing Ramones songs, and I thought, ‘All these songs are great,’” says Kelly. “I started listening to Ramones records, and at the same time Frances had been
playing Ramones records for her children. “The goal was to take the songs [we’d written] and trim them down to their bare essentials and get them done in two and a half or three minutes, if possible.” Despite his initial reluctance about touring, Kelly sounds excited about having a day off in Portland, where they’ll stop in to one of the city’s notable microbreweries. “I love IPAs,” he says. “I’m a middleaged guy, and that’s kind of what you like when you get older.” 3 music@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
FRI JAN 16 • $7.00 @Door SAT JAN 17 • $7.00 @Door
HORSESHOE X PRIME NEW TEETH TAVERN THE GNARLY ONES BEAUTIFUL NOTHING JAN 19 • SCOOP TRUMBULL & SINCE 1947
SINCE 1985
JAN 15
CRACKER & BEETHOVEN CAMPER VAN
THU
$26.50 Adv
WE RE-OPEN FRIDAY JAN 16 WITH A NEW FRONT BAR FLOOR
FRI JAN 16 • $15.00 @Door SAT JAN 17 • $7.00 @Door FRI JAN 23 • $7.00 @Door ALBUM RELEASE! DREAM HOUSE
MOTHER CONTROL DUO-TANG: 2 VS 2 ALL LEADS ROOM STYLES
MON
OLD MAJOR AVIATION
THE DGB • JONESIN BROOKLYN DORAN
SCOTLAND, SUB-POP INDIE
COVER NO WITH STUDENT ID SAT JAN 24 • $8.00 @Door
GOLD COMPLEX THE FLOW
THE AMANDA VASELINES $23.50 Adv X THE KOUNT (DJ) JAN 19
WITH
VISKAR
DESPERATE EXECUTIVES CRAIG JAMES LAUER LONG ROAD ACT
8:00pm (SUN-WED) 8:30pm (THURSDAY) 9:00pm (FRI & SAT)
$15.00 Adv 2 Shows EVENING SHOW SOLD OUT!
BOOKIE’S NEW MUSIC NIGHT
THE LIVING
SATTELITES SIMPLE DOMINOE DEVICE THE LAD CLASSIC
DOM LOUIS NICK MOORE
TEXAS KING MON JAN 26 • No Cover SHOELESS MONDAYS
LEESPALACE.COM 529 Bloor Street West / Bathurst
THE STEADY REBELS SMALL TOWN GET UP
ROLLS JOYCE
ZOLA
MUSIC HALL • $22.50-$29.50 ADV
Artist Bookings 416-598-0720 or
CHILD
ANDREW
THE COLA HEADS
TUPPERWARE $12.50 Adv REMIX PARTY FRI
JAN 23
SAT JAN 24 • $10.00 @Door TUE JAN 27 • NO COVER BOOKIE’S NEW MUSIC NIGHT
JANES PARTY
Original Live Music @ 8:30pm Fridays & Saturdays @9:00pm Front Bar 12:00pm - 2:00am
ben@leespalace.com
• CROOK THE ORDER OF GOOD CHEER THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT THU JAN 29 • $12.00 @Door SAT JAN 31 • $10.00 @Door
CATL INVASIONS AUSTIN BEAMS JOSE CONTRERAS BELLA CLAVA
MON MAR 30 • MASSEY HALL • $39.50-$59.50 ADV
ALBUM RELEASE!
LOON CHOIR
HORSESHOETAVERN.COM 370 Queen Street West / Spadina
TIGERS JAW
JUKEBOX
GHOST LEMURIA THE SECRET SOMETIMES KILLS MOTIONLESS IN WHITE FORICE NINETODAY
FRI FEB 6 • QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE • $30 - $100 ADV
MARCH 3: LIMITED TIX RELEASED MARCH 4: SOLD OUT!
OPERA HOUSE $24.50 ADV
DANFORTH M.H.
$35.00 ADV
FRI FEB 20 • PHOENIX • $25.50 ADV
SWANS
ST. VINCENT XYLOURIS WHITE
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT CHAIM TANNENBAUM
SATURDAY JAN 24 • PHOENIX • $23.00 - $73.00 ADV
ELLIOTT BROOD
Artist Bookings 416-598-0720 or
craig@horseshoetavern.com
TUE APRIL 7 • MOD CLUB • $16.50 ADV SAT MAR 7 • MOD CLUB • $15.50 ADV
THE DECEMBERISTS ALVVAYS
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
THE COOL HANDS
Adv Tickets @ ROTATE THIS TICKETFLY.COM SOUNDSCAPES TICKETMASTER.COM H-SHOE FRONT BAR
TUE MAR 24
WITH
MARCH 12 • $ 20.00 adv
THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN
TREVOR JAMES & SAIGON HOOKERS
WILD BART FORT YORK BASEMENTS
WITH
• LEE’S PALACE • THE BARR BROTHERS
BONWIT TELLER
JESUS WAX JAUNT ATLANTIC JOHNSON
www.collectiveconcerts.com FRIDAY MAY 22 DANFORTH
THE WRONG NOTES
WED JAN 21 • $10.00 @Door WED JAN 28 • $13.50 Adv
OWEN DUSTBOWL PALLETT REVIVAL
WED JAN 21 • $8.50 Adv @Cave THU JAN 22 • $5.00 @Door SAT JAN 31
VATTNET
No Cover
SHOELESS MONDAYS
TUE JAN 20 • NO COVER THU JAN 22 • $16.50 Adv
PRESENTS:
BATTLE
MON
FRI JAN 30 • PHOENIX • $30.00 ADV
• THE GARRISON •
AUGUST EMPIRE! EMPIRE! POP GROUP FRANCISCO THE MAN TORCHE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA FEB 27 • LEE’S PALACE • • DRAKE HOTEL • • HORSESHOE TAVERN • MILO GREENE RETOX THE SLACKERS FRITHE LONE EWERT & THE TWO DRAGONS JULIAN TAYLOR BAND THE REAL McKENZIES HUNDRED WATERS ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD BELLOW ODESSA ORLA GARTLAND FEBRUARY 2 • $ 10.50 adv @CAVE
FEBRUARY 24 • $ 10.00 adv
FEBRUARY 25 • $ 12.50 adv @CAVE
MARCH 14 • $ 29.50 adv
MARCH 21 • $ 17.50 adv
EAT & GREET WITH
ANTHONY ROSE
MARCH 24 • $ 20.50 adv
WITH
FEBRUARY 28 • $ 16.50 adv
APRIL 10 • $ 17.50 adv
MARCH 8 • $ 13.50 adv
FEBRUARY 27 • $ 15.50 adv
FEBRUARY 26 • $ 15.00 adv
FEBRUARY 25 • $ 15.00 adv
$19.50 ADV
MARCH 28 • $ 26.50 adv
JANUARY 31 • $ 10.00 adv
VIET CONG BURNS RED SUUNS & DISAPPEARS MISS MAY I NORTHLANE | ERRA THE MOWGLIS FEBRUARY 14 • $ 10.00 adv
MARCH 26 • $ 12.50 adv
MARCH 9 • $ 15.00 adv
MARCH 3 • $ 17.50 adv
MAY 4 • $ 13.50 adv
MARCH 6 • $ 17.50 adv
MAY 16 • $ 20.00 adv
CHADWICK STOKES KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS CABARET VALTAIRE TOBIAS JESSO JR THE DODOS SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE DAY BURLESQUE JD MCPHERSON MEWITHOUTYOU VALENTINES WITH THE SCANDELLES HORSE FEATHERS RUSTY KNAPSACK MARCH 7 • $ 15.50 adv
APRIL 11 • $ 17.50 adv
APRIL 13 • $ 17.50 adv
SAT FEB 14 • LEE’S PALACE • $20.00 ADV
MARCH 22 • $ 15.00 adv
MARCH 31 • $ 16.50 adv
NOW january 15-21 2015
35
F
Wooden Wisdom DANCE MUSIC DJS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
THE BIG SOUND
Yeah, THAT Elijah Wood By BENJAMIN BOLES
MONDAY, JANUARY 19 PRESENTED BY LIVE NATION
THE TING TINGS THURSDAY JANUARY 8 • 9PM
GOOD ENOUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
ARBONNE KARAOKE! PARTY YOU ARE A ROCK STAR WITH A LIVE BAND SATURDAY JANUARY 24
& SUNDAY JANUARY SATURDAY JANUARY 10 •258PM
“QUICHE LORRAINE’S” 75TH BIRTHDAY
TAXI CHAIN GIRLESQUE MONDAY JANUARY 12 • 7:40PM EXPO 2015 TH
SPECIAL GUESTS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT
TRAMPOLINE HALL 10 ANNUAL
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14
722 COLLEGE STREET
THE CANTINA • NO COVER themodclub.com
FREE FLICKS WEDNESDAY DR. STRANGELOVE @ 8:30 PM TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE @ 11 PM
WooDen WisDom at Studio Bar (824 Dundas West), Saturday (January 17), 10 pm. $20. ticketweb.ca.
When celebrities dabble in DJing, most people who show up for their gigs are there for the novelty factor. Elijah Wood and Zach Cowie are aware that the main reason they’re able to book a DJ tour for their Wooden Wisdom duo is because of Wood’s fame as an actor, but they’re not letting that get in the way of enjoying themselves. “I sort of see it as a sneak attack, and think it’s kind of funny,” Wood
explains from his Los Angeles home. “At the end of the day, they may have come because they’ve seen me in a film or because there’s something a bit silly about this. But our hope is that they’ll walk away having heard things they’ve never heard before and that they’re excited by them and able to move beyond the novelty factor. “The old bait and switch,” agrees Cowie. “Just the fact that we only spin vinyl usually shuts up a lot of the skeptics right off the bat.” The pair’s insistence on sticking to vinyl (and specifically weird, rare vintage dance music) does put them in a
very different category from EDMspinning celebs like Paris Hilton, an angle they reinforce by repeatedly referencing serious old-school legends like David Mancuso, Theo Parrish, Larry Levan and Gilles Peterson. On the downside, many contemporary DJ booths are no longer set up for turntables, which brings its own set of challenges. “God bless James Murphy,” says Cowie. “We’ve played a lot of places that he’s previously played, and he must have instructions in his rider explaining what needs to be done so records can actually be played. Still, there’s definitely trouble almost
every single night, so we get there super-early for sound check.” Beyond the technical issues of keeping turntables stable and isolated from vibrations, Wooden Wisdom also face problems when it comes to mixing. Since most songs they play were recorded before drum machines made tempos steady enough for tight beat-matching, they focus more on their selections than their transitions. “Our philosophy to mixing is more close-our-eyes-and-pray,” Cowie admits, laughing. benjaminb@nowtoronto.com @benjaminboles
FRIDAY JANUARY THURSDAY DECEMBER164• •9PM 9PM
AQUEOUS ANIMAL PARTS
Venue index
Dora keogh 141 Danforth. 416-
778-1804.
BRYCE JARDINE & THE PARLOUR BIRDS | SKYE WALLACE
3030 DunDas West 3030 Dundas
Drake hotel 1150 Queen W. 416-
GENERATIONALS CHRONOLOGIC
air CanaDa Centre 40 Bay. 416815-5500. alleyCatz 2409 Yonge. 416-481-6865. allianCe Française 24 Spadina Rd. 416-922-2014. array spaCe 155 Walnut. 416532-3019. the Ballet 227A Ossington. 647352-8253. BlaCk Bear puB 1125 O’Connor. 416-752-5182. Bovine sex CluB 542 Queen W. 416-504-4239. BunDa lounge 1108 Dundas W. C’est What 67 Front E. 416-867-9499. the Cage 292 292 College. Cameron house 408 Queen W. 416-703-0811. Castro’s lounge 2116 Queen E. 416-699-8272. the Cave 529 Bloor W, 2nd fl. 416532-1598. Cavern Bar 76 Church. 416-971-4440. the Central 603 Markham. 416913-4586. Chalkers puB 247 Marlee. 416789-2531.
Drums n Flats 1980 Avenue Rd.
TEAR AWAY TUSA
FRIDAY DECEMBER 5 • 8PM SATURDAY JANUARY 17 • 10PM
GOIN’ STEADYLOWELL DJS MUSICAL TRIP THROUGH TIME
WITH
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6 • 7:30PM sunday january 18 • 10pm
BUZZ RECORDS: A VERY SPECIAL KRAMPUS
I’m| ODONIS WIth GREYS ODONIS the Band WEAVES | THE BEVERLEYS | DILLY DALLY movIe nIght JESSE MARCHANT COUNTY at the garrIson wednesday 21 •98:30 & 11pm TUESDAYjanuary DECEMBER • 8PM
WITH
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER2210• •9pm 8PM THursday january
good enough RED DRAGON HOTEL
JAKE E. LEE’S
KaraoKe! ETHAN BROSH | WARMACHINE THURSDAY DECEMBER 11 • 8PM
NORTHUMBRIA
you are a rocK star WIth a lIve Band FrIday january 23 • 10pm
souljazz PUBLIC ANIMAL orchestra GATES | DIRTY INPUTS FRIDAY DECEMBER 12 • 9PM
USA OUT OF VIETNAM DEAD TIRED | MOUNTAIN DUST
dj john Kong + guests
36
January 15-21 2015 NOW
W. 416-769-5736.
Cherry Cola’s roCk ’n’ rolla CaBaret anD lounge 200 Bath-
urst. 416-703-6969. Clinton’s 693 Bloor W. 416-535-9541. CoDa 794 Bathurst. CraWForD 718 College. 416-530-1633. Dakota tavern 249 Ossington. 416-850-4579. Desotos 1079 St Clair W. 416-651-2109.
DeWi sant Welsh uniteD ChurCh 33 Melrose Ave. 416-485-7583.
531-5042.
647-347-9474.
DuFFy’s tavern 1238 Bloor W. 416-628-0330.
the Duke live.Com 1225 Queen E.
416-463-5302.
eastminster uniteD ChurCh 310
Danforth. 416-463-2179. eaton Chelsea hotel 33 Gerrard W. 416-595-1975. eDWarD Johnson BuilDing 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-3744. ellington’s musiC & CaFe 805 St Clair W. 416-652-9111. emmet ray Bar 924 College. 416792-4497.
Four seasons Centre For the perForming arts 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231.
Free times CaFe 320 College. 416967-1078.
Full oF Beans CoFFee 1348 Dundas W. 647-347-4161.
the garrison 1197 Dundas W. 416-519-9439.
glaDstone hotel 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635. grossman’s 379 Spadina. 416977-7000. guvernment 132 Queens Quay E. 416-869-0045. hanDleBar159 Augusta. 647-748-7433. harBourFront Centre 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. harD luCk Bar 772a Dundas W. harlem 67 Richmond E. 416-368-1920. hirut Fine ethiopian Cuisine
2050 Danforth. 416-551-7560.
holy oak CaFe 1241 Bloor W. 647-
345-2803.
horseshoe 370 Queen W. 416-
598-4753.
the hoxton 69 Bathurst. 416456-7321.
hugh’s room 2261 Dundas W. 416-531-6604.
humBle Beginnings 3109 Dundas W. 647-748-3109.
Jane mallett theatre 27 Front E. 416-366-7723.
JazzBistro 251 Victoria. 416-363-5299. Johnny JaCkson 587 College. kama 214 King W. 416-599-5262. karla’s roaDhouse 4630 Kings-
ton Rd. 647-352-7780. kensington loDge 21 Kensington. 647-769-9936. koerner hall 273 Bloor W. 416408-0208. lee’spalaCe 529 Bloor W. 416-532-1598. linsmore tavern 1298 Danforth. 416-466-5130. loCal 396 Roncesvalles. 416-535-6225. lula lounge 1585 Dundas W. 416-588-0307. magpie taproom 831 Dundas W. 647-350-8305. marquis oF granBy 418 Church. 416-599-0418. mCgraDies tap anD grill 2167 Victoria Park. 416-449-1212. melange 172 Main.
metropolitan Community ChurCh 115 Simpson. 416-406-6228. moD CluB 722 College. 416-588-4663. morgans on the DanForth 1282
Danforth. 416-461-3020. musiDeum 401 Richmond W. 416599-7323. naisaspaCe 601 Christie. 416-652-5115. native CanaDian Centre 16
Spadina Rd. 416-964-9087. noCturne550 Queen W. 416-504-2178. olD mill inn 21 Old Mill Rd. 416236-2641. olD niCk 123 Danforth. 416-461-5546. optiCianaDo 2919 Dundas W. 416-604-2020.
our laDy oF sorroWs roman CatholiC ChurCh 3055 Bloor W.
416-231-6016. the paDDoCk 178 Bathurst. 416504-9997. the painteD laDy 218 Ossington. 647-213-5239. the passenger 2968 Dundas W. 416-762-0777. pauper’s puB 539 Bloor W. 416530-1331. pearllounge 291 King W, second floor. the piston 937 Bloor W. 416-532-3989. poetry Jazz CaFe 224 Augusta. 416-599-5299. ratio 283 College. relish Bar & grill 2152 Danforth. 416-425-4664. remix lounge 1305 Dundas W. 647-722-4635. reposaDo 136 Ossington. 416532-6474. revival 783 College. 416-535-7888. the rex 194 Queen W. 416-598-2475. rivoli 332 Queen W. 416-596-1908. roCkpile 5555 Dundas W. 416504-6699. rose theatre 1 Theatre Lane (Brampton). 905-874-2800. roy thomson hall 60 Simcoe. 416-872-4255.
royal CanaDian legion toDmorDen BranCh 10 1083 Pape.
416-425-3070.
royal Conservatory oF musiC 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208.
s.h.i.B.g.B’s 225 Geary. salty Dog 1980 Queen E. 416849-5064.
sCarBorough CiviC Centre 150 Borough. 416-396-5263.
the sCarBorough JunCtion 646 Danforth Rd. 647-350-4300.
sCruFFy murphy’s 150 Eglinton E. 416-484-6637.
seven44 744 Mt Pleasant. 416489-7931.
silver Dollar 486 Spadina. 416975-0909.
smiling BuDDha 961 College.
416-519-3332.
sounD aCaDemy 11 Polson. 416-
461-3625.
southsiDe Johnny’s 3653 Lake Shore W. 416-521-6302.
st anDreW’s latvian ChurCh
383 Jarvis. 416-924-1563. st BarnaBas ChurCh 361 Danforth. 416-463-1344.
st niCholas angliCan ChurCh
1512 Kingston Rd.
st thomas’s angliCan ChurCh 383 Huron. 416-979-2323.
the steaDy CaFe & Bar 1051 Bloor W. 416-536-4162.
the strathCona hotel 60 York. 416-363-3321.
stuDio Bar 824 Dundas W. 416815-7823.
toni Bulloni’s 156 Cumberland. 416-967-7676.
tranzaC 292 Brunswick. 416-923-8137. uniCorn puB 175 Eglinton E. 416482-0115.
velvet unDergrounD 510 Queen W. 416-504-6688.
West Bar 510 King W. 416-504-9378. White elephant 366 Queen E.
416-364-9999.
Old nick Darcy Feaver, Glen Hornblast, Elana
clubs&concerts œcontinued from page 33
Harte, Lucio Agostini (singer/songwriters), M-Factor Mondays, 7:30 pm. Tranzac Open Stage hosted by Sarah Greene, 10 pm [Southern Cross].
Jazz/ClassiCal/ExpErimEntal
edward JOhnsOn BuildinG Susan Hoepp-
McGradies Tap and Grill Dan Walek Open
Jam, 6 to 10 pm. MusideuM Hannah Shira Naiman (folk) 8 pm. OpTicianadO Whitney Pea 1 to 4 pm. relish Bar & Grill Paul Brennan & David MacMichael Stir It Up Sundays Open Mic, 9 pm. The rex Dr Nick & The Rollercoasters (blues) 3:30 pm. Tranzac Makeshift Island 10 pm, Alaniaris 3 pm, Quebecois Jam 1 pm [Southern Cross].
Jazz/ClassiCal/ExpErimEntal
array space Array/Evergreen Community
Gamelan (hands-on music making) 1 pm. casTrO’s lOunGe The Gypsy Rebels (jazz), 4 pm. eMMeT ray Bar Circles (jazz) 8 pm. GrOssMan’s New Orleans Connection All Star Jazz Band 4:30-9 pm. Jazz BisTrO Mary Pitt & David Warrack (cabaret) 7 pm. MOrGans On The danfOrTh Henry Heillig & Eric St Laurent (jazz) 2 to 5 pm. naisa space Ellen Moffat (improvised/experimental), 1 to 4 pm.
Our lady Of sOrrOws rOMan caThOlic church Canadian Bandurist Capella, Zoloti
Struny, Veselka, Viera Zmiyiwsky In Support Of Ukraine: Christmas Benefit Concert, 3 pm. The rex Allison Au Quartet 7 pm. Excelsior Dixieland Jazz noon. Sam Dickinson Group 9:30 pm. rOy ThOMsOn hall Toronto Symphony Orchestra Mozart Family Ties, 3 pm. scarBOrOuGh civic cenTre Scarborough Concert Band 2 to 4 pm. sT ThOMas’s anGlican church Schola Magdalena Evensong Prelude (women’s vocal ensemble), 6:30-7 pm.
ner, Teng Li, Shauna Rolston, Lydia Wong Monday Evening Concert, 7 pm. eMMeT ray Bar Colin Story Trio (jazz) 7 pm. Robb Cappalletto Trio (jazz) 9 pm. The rex The Jazz Mechanics Big Band 9:30 pm. University Of Toronto Student Jazz Ensembles 6:30 pm. seven44 George Lake Big Band 7:30 pm.
pop/roCk/Hip-Hop/soul
drake hOTel The F-14’s (B-52’s cover band), midnight.
GrOssMan’s No Band Required 10 pm. huGh’s rOOM Jan Kudelka, David Gray, Mar-
tin Worthy, Wayne Neon and others Janis Joplin’s 72nd Birthday Bash, 8:30 pm. lee’s palace The Vaselines, Amanda X doors 8 pm. See preview, page 34. MOd cluB The Ting Tings, Kaneholler doors 8 pm. sMilinG Buddha Weyes Blood, Petra Glynt, ANAMAI, Schønsee doors 9 pm.
ñ ñ
Folk/BluEs/Country/WorlD
The caGe 292 Open Mic 10 pm. caMerOn hOuse Kristine Schmitt & The
Lonesome Ace Stringband (country) 6 to 8 pm. Vivienne Wilder 10 pm. casTrO’s lOunGe BlueVenus (singer/songwriter), 9 pm. dOra keOGh Open Stage Rekha Patel & Erin Hunt, 8 pm. kOerner hall Danny Marks, Maple Blues Band, Downchild, Joel Johnson, Steve Hill, Angel Forrest, Brandon Isaak and Harpdog Brown, Maple Blues Awards, 7 pm. lOcal Hamstrung String Band (bluegrass/ traditional country) 9 pm. McGradies Tap and Grill Dan Walek Acoustic Jam, 8 to 11 pm.
casTrO’s lOunGe The Mediterranean Stars
9 pm. ñ repOsadO DJ Ellis Dean Mezcal Monday, 9 pm.
Tuesday, January 20 pop/roCk/Hip-Hop/soul
air canada cenTre Sam Smith (singer/song-
writer).
drake hOTel Hamilton Leithauser doors 8:30 pm. ñ hOrseshOe The Living Sattelites, Simple
Dominoe, Device.
The painTed lady Emma Hewson, Carly Thomas, Uforia, The Good Fight 8:45 pm.
Folk/BluEs/Country/WorlD
caMerOn hOuse Lonesome Ace Stringband, Kristine Schmitt 6 pm. Sinners Choir 10 pm.
The duke live.cOM Frank Wilks Open Jam, 8:30 pm.
free TiMes cafe Murray Powell (folk) 8 pm. GrOssMan’s Django Gypsy Jam 8 pm. lOcal Kyp Harness & The Chemical Valley
Jazz/ClassiCal/ExpErimEntal
Monday, January 19
Jazz/ClassiCal/ExpErimEntal Jazz Jam. 8 pm to midnight.
handleBar Chris De Ville 10 pm. The pisTOn Born Ruffians (DJ set),
hOly Oak cafe Nite Flights (rare disco/folk/ jazz/psych), 9 pm.
ñ
Simone Schmidt Simone Schmidt sings George Jones, 6-9 pm. free TiMes cafe Sue and Dwight, Michelle Rumball, Tony Laviola Where Have All The Folk Songs Gone: Third Anniversary Show, 7:30 pm. GrOssMan’s Bruce Domoney 10 pm. lOcal Joey Wright (alt/country roots), 9 pm. Tranzac Josh Cole 10 pm, JM Farr 7:30 pm [Southern Cross].
(jazz), 9 pm.
casTrO’s lOunGe Watch This Sound (rare, vintage ska/reggae/dub on vinyl), 9 pm.
caMerOn hOuse Rucksack Willies (folk) 10 pm. dakOTa Tavern New Country Rehab,
DanCE musiC/DJ/loungE
Cowboys (folk), 9 pm. relish Bar & Grill Mr Rick & Rob Clarke Bass Cafe Americana, 8 pm. reMix lOunGe Drum & Dance Tuesdays 7:3011 pm. Tranzac Jonathan Adjemian 7:30 pm [Southern Cross].
DanCE musiC/DJ/loungE
Folk/BluEs/Country/WorlD
casTrO’s lOunGe Lily Frost (swingabilly) 8 pm. ñ fOur seasOns cenTre fOr The perfOrMinG
arTs Indo-Jazz Collective Cross-Cultural Journey, noon to 1 pm [Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre]. Jane MalleTT TheaTre Barbara Pritchard (piano), 8 pm. Jazz BisTrO Sean Harkness & Mark Herriott 8 pm. kOerner hall Gidon Kremer & Daniil Trifonov (violin, piano) 8 pm. MusideuM Conrad Gayle (jazz/gospel/spiritual), 8 pm. The rex Chris Gale (sax), Classic Rex Jazz Jam, 9:30 pm. Nathan Hiltz & Whitney Ross Barris 6:30 pm. salTy dOG Jazz Tuesdays 7 pm. Tranzac The Ken McDonald Quartet (jazz) 10 pm [Southern Cross].
chalkers puB Lisa Particelli Girl’s Night Out dewi sanT welsh uniTed church Toronto
Welsh Male Voice Choir Open house rehearsal (choral/classical), 7:30 pm. eMMeT ray Bar Kevin Butler & Darlin’ (folk/ singer-songwriter). 9 pm. Jazz BisTrO Sean Harkness & Mark Herriott 8 pm. The rex Buddy Aquilina 9:30 pm. Melissa Lauren 6:30 pm. rOyal cOnservaTOry Of Music Afiara String Quartet 7:30 pm [Mazzoleni Hall].
DanCE musiC/DJ/loungE
crawfOrd Connected Reggae Party 9 pm. handleBar Greasy Listening (vinyl spun by
Sonic Boom staff), 9 pm.
3
THE DAKOTA TAVERN
Wednesday, January 21 pop/roCk/Hip-Hop/soul
c’esT whaT NorthStar 9 pm. The cave Vattnet Viskar doors 8 pm. hOly Oak cafe Mekele (synth pop), 10 pm. MelanGe Van Leer Open stage, 6-11 pm. sOund acadeMy London Grammar, Until the Ribbon Breaks doors 7 pm, all ages. ñ unicOrn puB The B-Sides 9:30 pm.
nowtoronto.com REVIEWS, LISTINGS, CONTESTS AND MOR E
REBEL HOP
Fri DJS GRAMERA & LINX Jan 16 SOUL - SKA - MOTOWN - ROCKERS - STAX FRIDAY JANUARY 16
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SHAKE A TAIL EVERY MONDAY
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THE PISTON SMOKEHOUSE OPEN EARLY – EAT LATE LUNCH • BruncH • DINNER 416.532.3989 • 937 Bloor Street West www.ThePiston.ca
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Thu Jan 15 7-9PM 24TH STREET WAILERS 9PM
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FRIDAY JANUARY 16TH
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KELLY McMICHAEL & THE GLOSS w/ THE SKELETONS FOUR & THE GORDON BROTHERS 249 OSSINGTON AVE (just north of Dundas) 416-850-4579 · thedakotatavern.com 9PM
THURSDAY JANUARY 15
Ms DEBBIE & THE DON VALLEY STOMPERS 9:30pm-2am FRIDAY JANUARY 16
DanCE musiC/DJ/loungE
The pisTOn Born Ruffians (DJ set), 9 pm. repOsadO DJ Gord C Alien Radio.
Thu Jan 15
EXTREMITIES RELIC - MAD DUKES BRANDON DRAMATIC
CHLOE WATKINSON & PARK EDDY 10pm-2am
THE OSSINGTON THU 15 FAT LACES Spinning old school hip hop, reggae, RnB, slow jams... FRI 16 FEEL SO GOOD w/DJ Benny Ben... 2 turntables, stacks of wax from jiggy to crunk...
SATURDAY JANUARY 17
THE HAPPY PALS 4:30pm-8pm BEGGAR’S BANQUET
ROLLING STONE TRIBUTE BAND 10pm-2am SUNDAY JANUARY 18
NEW ORLEANS CONNECTION
ALL STAR JAZZ BAND 4:30-9pm
SAT 17 ALL SOULED OUT w/DJ Big Jimmy Mills Hip hop, dancehall, soul, RnB from the scratch monster...
THE NATIONAL, BLUES JAM
SUN 18 BRASS FACTS TRIVIA The city’s best quiz night... Prizes, pals, new knowledge...
NO BAND REQUIRED 10pm-2am
CLOSED FOR THE EVENING
DJANGO GYPSY JAM 8pm-1am
MON 19
DON’T GET BORED OF US AND LEAVE TUE 20
Comedy w/ Tom Henry, David Dineen Porter and special guests...
WED 21 DARE New storytelling evening... Stories We Thought We’d Never Tell... 61 OSSINGTON AVE | 416•850•0161 | theossington.com
w/BRIAN COBER 10pm-2am MONDAY JANUARY 19 TUESDAY JANUARY 20
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21
BRUCE DOMONEY 10pm-2am FAMOUS BURGERS & WINGS
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37
album reviews
EMMY THE GREAT S (Bella Union)
album of the week
Rating: NNN Emmy the Great’s first two full-length albums were breakup records, but it seems there’s been less heartbreak in her life in recent years, which has left the Hong Kong-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter looking for new inspiration. Rather than continuing with the introspective soul-searching that previously fuelled her soft indie folk songs, she’s now writing about the outside world after a heavy dose of travelling. She’s also set aside most of the acoustic folk references and embraced technology. Despite the instrumentation and subject matter changes since 2011’s Virtue, this EP’s four songs aren’t a big departure. The music still has gentle intimacy, and her distinctively clear voice remains the focus. The production is shinier, which some might hear as poppier, but the overall feel is too quirky for the mainstream – and sometimes too twee for her own good. Top track: Somerset (I Can’t Get Over) BENJAMIN BOLES
NNNNN ñVIET CONG
(Flemish Eye) Rating: Last year, Viet Cong gave us the seven-track Cassette, which made clear the Calgary band’s apocalyptic, experimental outlook. Their self-titled debut full-length follows through on that but reduces the drone and adds more accessibility, melody and cohesion to the equation, making it one hella searing and impactful album to start the year off right. The four-piece includes two members of sadly defunct Women, whose own noisy, abrasive tendencies won them lots of love. It’s a mystery how singer/bassist Matt Flegel (sometimes sounding like Spencer Krug) and company can combine frenzied shards of guitar lines, chilly ambience, bulldozer drumming and lyrical bleakness – “If we’re lucky we’ll get old and die” – into something so appealing. For one, the songcraft is high, balancing repetitive groove with dynamic surprises. There’s so much variety here, from icy Joy Divisionesque excursions (Silhouettes) to Guided by Voices-through-an-echochamber mood (Continental Shelf) to melodic hooks (Bunker Buster) to howling post-punk fury (Death). It lends huge excitement to the project. Eleven-minute closer Death is the perfect example: every few minutes it arrives at another astonishing place. Top track: Continental Shelf Viet Cong play the Garrison on January 31. CARLA GILLIS
Pop/Rock ALEX CALDER Strange Dreams (Captured Tracks) Rating: NNN Despite the “slacker” tag that follows Alex Calder around, there’s nothing lazy about the jangly, acid-tinged tracks on his debut full-length. The songs reveal their layers slowly and showcase the 23-year-old’s precise ear for pop ingenuity sans overbearing hooks. Calder addresses the lazy, loner persona many have formed of him. The warbling Out Of My Head builds with manic, Velvet Underground-like fervour as he
Hip-hop/Rap SREMMURD ñRAE NNNN
Post-Punk
grapples with his inability to leave his bed. (Perhaps what looks like slackerdom is actually a hermetic lifestyle.) The swaying Lola is haunting in its simplicity: he repeats the title and nothing more while subtle, unexpected changes in tone occur. At times his vocals sound too distant in the mix and overpowered by guitars (No Device), but singing any more forcefully would undermine the peculiar comfort that most of the record maintains. And though the scattered approach he takes to lyrics might put off some people, these 11 tracks have lots of sonic depth. Top track: Strange Dreams JOSHUA KLOKE
WIN TICKETS! Collective Concerts presents
ELLIOTT BROOD
THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA
Saturday, January 24 Doors: 8:30 pm Phoenix Concert Theatre 19+ RT/SS $23.00-73.00
O n s ale n o w. C h e c k o u t c o l l e c t i ve c o n c e r t s .c o m f o r m o r e in f o.
AUGUST BURNS RED MISS MAY I, NORTHLANE, ERRA, FIT FOR A KING
Friday, January 30 Doors: 6:30 pm Phoenix Concert Theatre All Ages RT/SS $30
Visit nowtoronto.com/contests to enter! One entry per household.
38
JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
dense and politically charged reincarnation of early 80s New York City no-wave. That movement bluntly rejected the mainstream, full of zig-zagging rhythms, jazz attitude and ADD riffs that sounded like rock music played inside-out. In 21 minutes, the band adds a variety of moods to that style: an unassuming cosmic trip to the early 70s on In Death, I Suffer; wistful groove on Galveston, Dark Tides. But overall, Lost Weekend’s expertly realized take on post-punk is infused with urgent foreboding that feels particularly of the moment. Top track: History Of Handclaps KR
ñSLEATER-KINNEY NNNN
ñBELLE AND SEBASTIAN NNNN
Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance (Beggars/Matador) Rating: Listening to the latest Belle and Sebastian album is a bit like watching the band perform. Twenty years ago that line would not read as a compliment. The Scottish pop group started out as a loose collective of musicians with a reputation as an unreliable live act. Nine albums later, they project an easy confidence no matter how expansive or ambitious the arrangement. They know their strengths, chief among them pairing observational narratives about love and loneliness with exact, exuberant melodies. So when they break into HI-NRG Euro disco for nearly seven minutes on Enter Sylvia Plath, it sounds as much like Belle and Sebastian as it does ABBA’s Lay All Your Love On Me. As the title indicates, Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance is their most rhythmically led album. It includes classic B&S torch songs but mainly doubles down on a bright and cheery European pop attitude that relishes every flourish and detail. As Stuart Murdoch sings with literary precision about illness, isolation and striving for human connections, their digressions into club music and klezmer feel as restorative as they do celebratory. Top track: Play For Today KEVIN RITCHIE
No Cities To Love (Sub Pop) Rating: You’d never know this was SleaterKinney’s first album in a decade, their eighth in total. The hugely anticipated No Cities To Love, recorded in secret last year, is fierce, forceful, vibrant – far from another phoned-in reunion or attempt to cash in on the success of the Olympiaformed trio’s post-SK careers (Carrie Brownstein’s hit show Portlandia; Brownstein and drummer Janet Weiss’s now dead Wild Flag project, etc). Singer/guitarist Corin Tucker’s solo career didn’t catch fire quite the same way, but here she’s brings it the hardest. Her confrontational vocals, in concert with Brownstein’s, bark and shout about friends dying, the high price of conformity, how their scars make them breathe in deep. The 10 songs are tense and commanding, loaded with nervy post-punk charge, ricocheting rhythms and electric guitars both zippy and busy and wild and bucking. (And is that a nod to Lita Ford’s Kiss Me Deadly in Hey Darling’s chorus?) Occasionally the singing is so possessed as to get overbearing, but then everyone comes in shouting and the power of it raises the hair on your arms. “No need for sleep this time around,” they sing on single Bury Our Friends, and aren’t we glad it’s true. Top track: No Anthems Sleater-Kinney play Sound Academy March 2. CG
ñERASE ERRATA
Lost Weekend (Under the Sun) Rating: NNNN The fourth album from San Francisco trio Erase Errata is a short, concentrated burst of energy that opens with one of the best kinds of songs: a song about music. Like a dance track about a bass line, History Of Handclaps grounds the listener firmly in the moment, allowing singer Jenny Hoyston to take an existential journey through recent musical history. The effect is not unlike Erase Errata’s live-off-the-floor sound in general, a
Ñ
SremmLife (Ear Drummers/Interscope) Rating: One of the most pleasant surprises in 2014’s rap world was the discovery of Mississippi-bred sibling duo Rae Sremmurd. With the help of Atlanta super-producer Mike Will Made It, 21-year-old Swae Lee and 23-year-old Slim Jimmy crafted some of last year’s most unhinged party jams (No Flex Zone, No Type). On SremmLife, the two are as enticingly unrestrained as their hit singles. Their voices stretch into a cavalcade of ampedup yelps, tics and animated spasms. Unlock The Swag features Lee and Jimmy shouting a rallying cry over Mike Will’s creeping hi-hats and extraterrestrial plinks. Up Like Trump’s ominous piano work gives their voices a veneer of menace. Despite Rae Sremmurd’s rep for hypedup celebration songs, the album’s best moment comes when Lee and Jimmy eschew cranking up for something closer to cutesy romance. On This Could Be Us, they deftly flip a ubiquitous internet meme into a sweet paean to commitment. Top track: This Could Be Us JORDAN SOWUNMI
Folk/Country JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Absent Fathers (Vagrant) Rating: NNN On Absent Fathers, Justin Townes Earle carries over the country-soul vibe of his recently released Single Mothers, a companion album to this one. (They were recorded simultaneously and nearly released as a double album.) But even as drums and electric guitars propel the music forward on tracks like Farther From Me, the songwriter’s vocals lag behind with hesitation, which goes with the territory: he’s revisiting a history of broken homes while asking how to get along and find some grounding. Absent Fathers doesn’t offer much in the way of answers – it’s more a snapshot of a process. As the domestic drama of Call Ya Momma unfolds (it’s Absent Fathers’ answer to Single Mothers’ Time Shows Fools), the speaker gives up and repeatedly sings the song’s title. There’s a glimmer of hope and closure on the final tracks of each side. Looking For A Place To Land, in particular, attempts to tie everything together. Top track: Call Ya Momma SARAH GREENE
= Critics’ Pick NNNNN = Perfect NNNN = Great NNN = Good NN = Bad N = Horrible
art
In works like Earth & Air (we were formed by the same place), Stanzie Tooth mashes up schools of painting.
PAINTING
Alt landscapes Stanzie Tooth reinvents the genre By DAVID JAGER STANZIE TOOTH at General Hard-
ñ
ware Contemporary (1520 Queen West), to February 7. 416-821-3060. Rating: NNNN
Canadian landscape painting, which has languished a little too reverently in the shadow of the Group of Seven, has seen some changes in the past decade. After the raw, thickly impastoed canvases of Kim Dorland gave the genre a needed kick, a new school seems to be emerging. Inhabited, Stanzie Tooth’s stunning new show, is part of this wave.
Tooth, a protege of Dorland’s and currently an MFA student at the University of Ottawa, is developing a vigorous, distinctive voice. Part of her unique approach grows out of the idea that landscapes can be created not only through observation but through recollection. You could say that she thinks it’s all in the mind. She’s also unafraid of visual pleasure. In the enormous Earth And Air. rich muddy browns and ochres mix with lines of cool mint green and pools of peacock blue, while feathery clumps of baroque trees popu-
MUST-SEE SHOWS
AUTUMN TORONTO Patrick Nunziata and
Robert Ross (painting), Jan 16-30, reception 7-9 pm Jan 17. 478 Roncesvalles. BIRCH CONTEMPORARY A Print Salon, Jan 15-Feb 21, reception 6-9 pm Jan 15. 129 Tecumseth. 416-365-3003. DIAZ CONTEMPORARY Helio Montiel, Rubén Ortiz-Torres and Saúl Villa (painting), Jan 15-Feb 14, reception 5-7 pm Jan 15. 100 Niagara. 416-361-2972. DIVISION GALLERY NEXT group show, to Feb 15. 45 Ernest. 647-346-9082. DRAKE HOTEL Michael Snow artist talk, 7 pm Jan 21. 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042. GALLERY 44 Tatiana Grigorenko and Zoë Heyn-Jones, Igor Omulecki (photos), Jan 16-Feb 21, reception 6-8 pm Jan 16, brunch talk noon-2 pm Jan 17. 401 Richmond W. 416-979-3941.
GLADSTONE HOTEL Come Up To My Room, Jan 19-25 ($10), reception 7-10 pm Jan 16. 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635. HOLT RENFREW Douglas Coupland (sculpture), Jan 15-Mar 9. 50 Bloor W. 416-922-2333. KATZMAN CONTEMPORARY Akira Yoshikawa, John Kissick, Jan 17-Feb 14, reception 2-5 pm Jan 17. 86 Miller. 416-504-9515. LOOP GALLERY Elizabeth Babyn and P Roch Smith (text works/sculpture), to Jan 25. 1273 Dundas W. 416-516-2581. NARWHAL CONTEMPORARY Noel Middleton (installation/sculpture), to Feb 7. 2104 Dundas W. 647-346-5317. OLGA KORPER Marianne Lovink (sculpture), to Jan 24. 17 Morrow. 416-588-8220. OPEN STUDIO Joani Tremblay, Tobias Williams and Carlina Chen (drawing/prints). Jan 16-Feb
books FICTION
Potent Pieces ELLEN IN PIECES by Caroline Adderson
(HarperCollins), 315 pages, $17.99 paper. Rating: NNN
Caroline Adderson writes great characters, and the protagonist of Ellen In Pieces is one of them. Ellen McGinty’s a middle-aged mess with a ton of family problems. Her father, suffering from Parkinson’s, arrives out of the blue and settles in at her house, her sister can’t stand her, her philandering ex-husband is a consistent pain, and her daughters – Mimi, who’s battled a drug problem, and Yolanda, who’s 18 and pregnant – are a major source of distress. But Ellen, an ex-hippie with talent as a potter, is a resilient survivor determined to forge a creative and emotionally fulfilling life. She quits
Ñ
her successful PR business, opens her own art studio and embarks on an affair with Matt, a guy half her age who’s doing a lot to raise her self-esteem. Adderson tells her story with immense skill. Vancouver and Cordoba Island, where Ellen and her husband first set up house, are vividly portrayed. And Ellen’s not the only intriguing character. Ex-hubby Larry is effectively icky as a guy who took advantage of changing sexual mores in the 60s, and Adderson draws a fascinating portrait of the once drug-addled, now incorrigible Mimi. The sequence in which she becomes addicted is so powerful it’s frightening. I felt like it could be from another book, and it turns out it was at one point a standalone story. But the narrative takes a turn about two-thirds of the way through that dramatically changes the tone and acts as an artificial excuse for
late the background. In the front, stooped, shadowy figures recall Millet’s Gleaners. Mashing up media and at least four schools of painting, she pulls 21, reception 6:30-8:30 pm Jan 16. 401 Richmond W. 416-504-8238. PAUL PETRO Fastwürms and Andrew Harwood, Jan 16-Feb 14, reception 7-11 pm Jan 16. 980 Queen W. 416-979-7874. SUSAN HOBBS Oliver Husain (drawing), Jan 15-Feb 21, reception 7-9 pm Jan 15. 137 Tecumseth. 416-504-3699. TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX Stanley Kubrick, to Jan 25 ($10-$12.50). 350 King W. 416-599-8433. TORONTO DESIGN OFFSITE FESTIVAL Talks, exhibits, window installation, Jan 19-25. Various venues. todesignoffsite.com. TRINITY SQUARE VIDEO Video Fever, Jan 19Feb 6, reception 7-9 Jan 17. 401 Richmond W. 416-593-1332. VILLA TORONTO Contemporary art event, Jan 16-23. Union Station, 65 Front W. villaraster.com/toronto. VTAPE Exercises For Precarious Living, to Jan 30. 401 Richmond W. 416-351-1317.
off an impressive unity. Tooth’s preoccupation with landscape is in no small part the result of her childhood exploration of Canadian nature, as well as her ongoing
dialogue with the history of painting in general. That would explain the intimate sense of solitary discovery radiating from her work. 3 art@nowtoronto.com
THIS WEEK IN THE MUSEUMS AGA KHAN MUSEUM The Lost Dhow, to ROM Bernice Eisenstein, to Feb 8. DeApr 26. Art From Pakistan, to Jan 18. 77 signs For Sitting; Islamic Textiles, to ñ ñ Wynford. 416-646-4677. $15-$20. Jan 25. Wildlife Photographer Of The Year, to Mar 23. 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-8000. AGO Suzy Lake, to Mar 22. Art Spiegel$14.50-$16; Fri discounts after 4:30 pm. man, to Mar 14. Mohamed Bourouissa, ñ to Feb 8. 317 Dundas W. 416-979-6648. $11RYERSON IMAGE CENTRE Burn With Desire; $19.50, free Wed after 6 pm.
ART GALLERY OF YORK U Biding Time: The
Collection Strikes Back, to Mar 15. 4700 Keele, Accolade E bldg. 416-736-5169. DORIS McCARTHY GALLERY Temperamental, to Feb 14. 1265 Military Trail. 416-287-7007. JUSTINA M. BARNICKE Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign, to Mar 7. 7 Hart House. 416-9788398. OAKVILLE GALLERIES Depth Of Perception, Jan 18-Mar 15, reception 2:30 pm (Centennial, 120 Navy), 3-5 pm (Gairloch, 1306 Lakeshore E) Jan 18. 905-844-4402.
Anti-Glamour, Jan 21-Apr 5. Zinnia Naqvi, Jan 21-Feb 22. 33 Gould. 416-979-5164. TEXTILE MUSEUM Oriental Rugs, to Apr 15. Urban Fabric, to Jan 25. 55 Centre. 416-5995321. $6-$15; pwyc Wed 5-8 pm. U OF T ART CENTRE The Story Of Canadian Art: The Hart House Collection, Jan 15-Mar 3, talk 4:30 pm, reception 6-8 pm Jan 15. 15 King’s College Circle. 416-978-1838.
MORE ONLINE
Complete art listings at nowtoronto.com/listings
IN PERSON changing the characters’ attitudes. I do know shit happens; life is like that. But that doesn’t mean fiction has to be. Still, Adderson’s novel is a pageturner with emotional depth. SUSAN G. COLE susanc@nowtoronto.com | @susangcole
Canada’s North has always held a special fascination for director Peter Lynch, creator of the documentaries The Herd and Project Grizzly. He engages in a conversation at Another Story Bookshop on Tuesday (January 20) with two intriguing writers about the challenges and pleasures of that setting. Martha Baillie is the author of The Search For Heinrich Schlögel ($22, Pedlar), about a man trekking to Baffin Island from Germany (!), and Christine Fischer Guy’s The Umbrella Member ($22 Buckrider) is set in 50s Moose Factory, where health workers are battling SGC tuberculosis. See Readings, this page.
Martha Baillie joins a January 20 panel on writing about the North.
READINGS THIS WEEK
268 Augusta. 416-312-3865.
Thursday, January 15
ALAN BRADLEY Bradley discusses As Chimney Sweepers Come To Dust. 1:30-3 pm. $25 sugg donation. Reserve. Women’s Art Association, 23 Prince Arthur. 416-504-8222 ext 243. CHIAROSCURO READING SERIES Readings with Geoff Cole, Lesley Livingston, Noah Wareness and Kari Maaren. 8-10 pm. Free/pwyc. Round Venue, 152A Augusta. chiseries.com. MOMS – AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING Nonfiction storytelling with performances by Glyn Bowerman, Sima Sahar Zerehi, Graham Isador, Precious Chong, Other R Kelly, Faisal Butt and others. Formal dress code encouraged. 8-9:30 pm. $10. Handlebar, 159 Augusta. facebook. com/events/1523337417947211. 3
IAN HAMILTON Launch for The King of Shanghai. 7 pm. Free. Indigo Manulife, 55 Bloor W. 416-925-3536.
Sunday, January 18 MOSAIC STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Storytelling
every other Sunday till March 15. 3 pm. Pwyc, $5 suggested. St David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donlands. 416-466-3142. TOO QUEER: A BI VISIBILITY CABARET Readings and performances by Vivek Shraya, Delicia Pastiche, Johnny Salib, Alex Adler and others. 8 pm. Pwyc. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W.
facebook.com/events/1489588977959068.
Tuesday, January 20 JANETTE PLATANA Launch for A Token Of My Affliction, readings by Danila Botha and Kelly Ward. 7 pm. Pwyc. Handlebar, 159 Augusta. facebook.com/events/878021125561810. PETER LYNCH Authors Martha Baillie and Christine Fischer Guy in conversation with filmmaker Lynch. 7 pm. Free. Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles. 416-462-1104. TORONTO POETRY SLAM QUALIFIER COMPETITION Competition determines the series
rep for the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam in Vancouver. 8 pm. $10. Supermarket,
= Critics’ Pick NNNNN = This could change your life NNNN = Brain candy NNN = Solid, sometimes inspirational NN = Not quite there N = Are we at the mall?
Wednesday, January 21
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
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WINTER STAGE PREVIEW
THEATRE’S JORDAN BOYTANNAHILL WONDER He’s won every major theatre award in the country, runs an alternative arts space and is politically engaged. What will T.O.’s stage wunderkind do next? By GLENN SUMI Photos by MICHAEL WATIER ALL OUR HAPPY DAYS ARE STUPID by Sheila Heti, directed by Jordan Tannahill (with Erin Brubacher), with Brubacher, Alexander Carson, Henri Faberge, Nick Hune-Brown, Becky Johnson, Kayla Lorette, Jon McCurley, Michael McManus, Naomi Skwarna, Meghan Swaby, Anne Wessels, Carl Wilson and Lorna Wright. Presented by Suburban Beast and World Stage at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre (231 Queens Quay West). February 11 to 14 at 8 pm. $25-$35. 416-973-4000.
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The future of Canadian theatre is pouring me a cup of tea. It’s the morning after a drag event at Videofag, the multimedia performance space in Kensington Market where Jordan Tannahill, along with William Ellis, curates, organizes and acts as post-show bartender. (The two, although no longer partners, live there, too.) Tannahill and I are in the kitchen, talking over the sound of drilling and hammering as indie theatre artists walk in and out. Books and art paraphernalia are strewn everywhere. A Dora Award that he won for his play rihannaboi95 leans amiably
between a pot of dried-up flowers and a second-hand lamp. “I came out of the bathroom this morning in a towel and people were loading lumber into the front room,” he says, chuckling. “Somebody had crashed on the couch after the performance and was taking off makeup and adjusting a wig.” Just a typical morning for the winner of the Governor General’s Award for English language drama, one of his several recent accolades, which included the John Hirsch directing award and rapturous praise in many year-end best lists. When I congratulate him, he mod-
estly talks about being honoured to be able to make the kind of work he wants to make in Canada, and speaks up for artists who are on the margins and not usually up for such awards. Then he tells me about the surreal experience of seeing Facebook photos of himself accepting the GG in Ottawa for his collection of monologues, Age Of Minority. “It immediately made me think a lot about the notion of the artist as puppet,” he says over tea. “There’s the image of me, receiving money from and shaking the hand of the governor general, who’s the living embodiment of colonialism in Canada. It’s problematic. “And then there’s Thomas King, a First nations person, getting this award beneath a 12-foot portrait of the queen. To what extent do these things compromise our integrity as artists, and to what extent are we used by these institutions to buttress
their legitimacy? That’s a lot to unpack.” A lot to unpack? You bet. The 20-something Tannahill is preternaturally articulate and speaks in a rapid-firing-neuron way that would seem pedantic it he didn’t look a little bashful at the time and have the ability to laugh at himself. Midsentence he’ll often stop, rewind and rephrase what he’s just said to put it in proper context. He doesn’t leave any modifier, or idea, dangling. If 2014 was a good year for him, 2015 promises to be even better. Along with a collaboration with Toronto Dance Theatre’s Christopher House, Tannahill is working on two gigs that should bring his work to bigger and broader audiences. First up is the World Stage season opener, a remount of Sheila Heti’s once-thought-unproduceable play All Our Happy Days Are Stupid, which had people lined up around
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the block when Tannahill directed it initially in November 2013. “What was interesting was that it wasn’t just about mounting this script,” says Tannahill. “Something had to be worked out in the staging of it, a kind of authoring process. A conventional production process wouldn’t have served the play – having conservatory-trained actors with a rigorous workshop and dramaturgical process would kill the spark and unconventional, off-kilter, comedic quality of the piece.” So he cast a collection of his and Heti’s friends and colleagues who weren’t traditionally associated with capital-T theatre, including indie musicians, comics and writers – people, says Tannahill, “who understood and could embody Sheila’s wry off-beat comedic sensibility, and also embrace the idea of the amateur.” Performed in the narrow Videofag space, the show was a low-fi delight, a
The suburbs allowed me access to the sublime. Fear, beauty, death, sexuality and queerness were part of my suburban experience, and I want to present a more textured, nuanced version of that.” Jamesian fable that took on the feel of a 2D storybook come to life, full of artifice appropriate to the material. The World Stage remount will be bigger, says Tannahill, but he’ll maintain the vibe of the original, which he likens to Waiting For Guffman meets Robert Wilson. “It’ll still have a strings-showing feel, but it will be on a larger canvas, which will suit it because it’s a sprawling ensemble piece,” he says. “And I think the fullness of Sheila’s aesthetic world will reveal itself.” Two days after the World Stage run wraps, the entire team heads down to New York City for a production at the legendary Kitchen, one of the birthplaces of performance art and an obvious precursor to artist-run, interdisciplinary spaces like Videofag. continued on page 43 œ NOW january 15-21 2015
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WINTER STAGE PREVIEW 2015
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ARTISTS TO WATCH Here are the people onstage and behind the scenes generating lots of heat during the cold season By GLENN SUMI and JON KAPLAN
VINCENT MANTSOE Performer, NTU/Skwatta
The South Africa-based Mantsoe is one of the most riveting dance soloists you’ll ever see, as he proved here a decade ago in a show that dance lovers still talk about with awe. He makes a long-awaited return with this double bill, which draws on the idea of ritual and nothingness and life in squatter camps in the South African townships. With elements of African and contemporary street dance and martial arts, this show should get you in the mood for Black History Month. January 29 to 31. Harbourfront Centre Theatre. 416-973-4000.
DIANA BENTLEY Performer, Bull
The talented Bentley began her career as an actor (Horse, Reasons To Be Pretty) and has since moved into producing, with Bob Kills Theatre and the Coal Mine, scoring last fall with The Motherfucker With The Hat. Still a performer – she was great in Savage In Limbo – she takes on the role of Isobel in Bull, by Mike Bartlett (Cock), playing one of three employees willing to do anything not to get fired in an übercompetitive corporate firm bent on downsizing. Directed by David Ferry, the production runs at the Coal Mine March 15 to April 5. brownpapertickets.com.
JANI LAUZON
Writer/performer, A Side Of Dreams; performer, Blood Wedding
INS CHOI
Performer, Accidental Death Of An Anarchist; writer/ performer, Subway Stations Of The Cross Choi’s play Kim’s Convenience has become a Canadian classic, one that’s toured Canada and deserves to be seen internationally. This winter you can catch him twice at Soulpepper Theatre. First he plays a character called Sporty Inspector in Dario Fo’s dark farce Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, and later returns to the company to perform his solo show Subway Stations Of The Cross, a blend of poetry, song and prophecy featuring a street person who has more than a passing acquaintance with Handel, Greek legends and the Bible. Anarchist, directed by Ravi Jain, runs January 29 to February 21; Subway Stations runs March 18 to 29. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
A powerful multidisciplinary aboriginal performer, Lauzon tackles a pair of productions this winter. First she appears in her own play, A Side Of Dreams, which uses puppetry, text, sound, aerial hoops and dream catchers to explore cultural identity and loss. Then she’s part of the cast of Federico García Lorca’s archetypal Blood Wedding, which looks at the consequences of a bride’s fleeing with her married lover on her wedding day. Dreams, presented by Paper Canoe Projects, plays at Aki Studio Theatre January 20 to February 1; 416-531-1402. Blood Wedding, an Aluna Theatre/Modern Times co-pro directed by Soheil Parsa, runs at Buddies in Bad Times March 11 to 29; 416-975-8555.
CHARLOTTE CORBEIL-COLEMAN and JOSEPH JOMO PIERRE Authors, Twisted
Their writing individually has been powerful – Corbeil-Coleman scripted Scratch, and Pierre’s work includes Shakespeare’s Nigga and Born Ready – so there are understandably great expectations for their collaboration on Twisted, which moves the action of Dickens’s Oliver Twist to contemporary Toronto, where its two characters, Ollie and Nancy, have to deal with life on the mean streets. Nigel Shawn Williams directs the Factory Theatre/b current co-production, which runs January 31 to February 22 at Factory. 416-504-9971.
APARNA NANCHERLA Stand-up comic
Lots of male comics of South Asian background have broken through in stand-up, like Russell Peters, Sugar Sammy and Danny Bhoy. But apart from our own Sabrina Jalees, who’s now based in NYC, there haven’t been many women. Until now. Nancherla was a breakthrough act at the New Faces showcase at 2013’s Just For Laughs and had a recurring part in FX’s Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell. Expectations are high for her Comedy Bar headlining sets, January 23 to 25. comedybar.ca.
KATE McKINNON
Performer, Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival With dead-on impressions of Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Bieber and Jane Lynch alone, McKinnon has emerged as one of the most valuable players in SNL’s recent ensemble. Plus she made entertainment history by being the show’s first openly lesbian cast member. So her appearance at the 10th anniversary of the sketch comedy festival is a big deal. Other names include Pajama Men, returning to town for the first time in nine years, and The Irrelevant Show, who killed here last year. March 5 to 15 at various venues. torontosketchfest.com. œcontinued from page 41
RUSSELL BRAUN
JORDAN TANNAHILL
Performer, Don Giovanni One of the challenges of playing the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni is to make the womanizer sympathetic. You can count on the Toronto-born Braun, who’s as strong an actor as he is a singer, to bring charm and charisma to the part. An internationally acclaimed opera singer, recitalist and oratorio performer, he’s wowed Canadian Opera Company audiences with Billy Budd, Il Trovatore and Roberto Devereux, and he should triumph in this pivotal baritone role. The new production by Russian director Dmitri Tcherniakov features a cast that includes Jane Archibald, Michael Schade and Jennifer Holloway. January 24 to February 21 at the Four Seasons Centre. 416-363-8231.
SYLVAIN ÉMARD
Choreographer, Ce N’est Pas La Fin Du Monde
DAREN A. HERBERT
Performer, The Wild Party
Herbert’s a real triple threat, as he’s proven in such musicals as The Toxic Avenger (which snagged him a Dora nomination), Parade, A Craigslist Cantata and Once On This Island. He returns to Acting Up Stage Company for Michael John LaChiusa and George C. Wolfe’s The Wild Party, directed by Robert McQueen, in which he plays Burrs, a jealous, sometimes violent vaudeville comedian with a voracious sexual appetite. Expect a fireworks performance. This Party takes off at the Berkeley Theatre February 20 to March 8. 416-368-3110.
Montreal-based Émard is a poet of the stage who, through works like Te Souvient-Il and Fragments – Volume 1, can evoke complex emotions with choreography. He and his company, Sylvain Émard Danse, make a long-awaited return with this piece for seven male dancers that’s said to capture the urgency and shared rituals of contemporary life. The show gets a single performance, February 28, at the Fleck Dance Theatre. Book your tickets now: every serious dance lover will be there. 416-973-4000.
You can’t get more urban than Kensington Market or Chelsea. So it’s a surprise that one of Tannahill’s creative obsessions is the suburbs. His company is called Suburban Beast, and some of his best known plays are meditations on their meaning: Post Eden, a multimedia look at love, death and animals in Richmond Hill, and Concord Floral, created with Cara Spooner and Erin Brubacher, a retelling of Boccaccio’s Decameron set at a real-life abandoned greenhouse in Vaughan. “I grew up in an Ottawa suburb, and the experience left a deep imprint on me. I think the suburban experience has defined the 20th and 21st century sensibilities,” he says. “The suburbs are this threshold between the wild and the civilized, the perimeter of the city where you meet the forest and the farmland. “As we’ve seen in recent municipal elections, there’s a tension between suburbanites and city-dwellers,” he continues. “The suburbs aren’t working. They’re not the American Beauty white Wonder Bread neighbourhoods depicted in the 50s and 60s. They’re the most socio-culturally diverse areas of the city. And they’re much more interesting.” For Tannahill, growing up in the suburbs allowed him access to the sublime. “There was fear, beauty, death, sexuality, queerness,” he says. “These things were part of my suburban experience, and I’ve wanted to present a more textured, nuanced version of that.” Tannahill moved to Toronto in the late 00s to attend film school at Ryerson, where one of his lecturers was vérité legend Michel Brault – fitting, since there are documentary-style elements in many of Tannahill’s works. Two of the moving monologues in Age Of Minority involve the stories of real queer youths, army deserter Skyler James and East Berlin teen Peter Fechter, who was killed trying to climb the Berlin Wall. The other, rihannaboi95, was inspired by the sissy boy YouTube phenomenon and each performance was live-streamed to viewers.
With hands in both film and performance, he’s well aware what each medium does well. “The advent of film and the internet reminds us what theatre does best: this live exchange, the bringing together of people in a room to work through questions, the unlimited potential of any given moment.” Tannahill isn’t after naturalism or verisimilitude onstage, although his awardwinning play Late Company – inspired by the bullying and suicide of Ottawa teen Jamie Hubley – is a traditional well-made play. That work, which has been produced across the country, was fuelled by a sense of anger at political spin. “The stories about Hubley were less about the tragedy of his death than the reaction by the federal Conservative government to release an It Gets Better video in which 15 straight MPs stared earnestly into the camera addressing the presumably queer young viewer that it got better,” he says in a stream of invective. “They completely missed the point of Dan Savage’s original campaign, which was for queer adults who had endured this kind of crap to reach a place of self-actualization or acceptance as adults. “It felt so cynical and hypocritical, especially when so many MPs were actually voting against legislation or funding that would support programs or resources to help LGBT youth.” He’s also working on Botticelli In The Fire and Sunday In Sodom, a double bill about pleasure throughout history for Canadian Stage’s 2015-16 season. He’s been given mostly carte blanche by artistic director Matthew Jocelyn. “That’s the greatest gift a playwright could ask for,” he says. “My friend Cynthia Ashperger says you should be driven by curiosity, not ambition. That’s so true. The second you lose the thread of why you’re making theatre, why we’re in this impossible field, you’ll lose your way and the work will suffer. You’ll suffer.” 3 glenns@nowtoronto.com | @glennsumi
MORE ONLINE
Interview clips at nowtoronto.com
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
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Actor interview: BAHIA WATSON
Set to soar in The Seagull
Exciting actor takes wing in a star-studded production of Chekhov’s bittersweet classic By JON KAPLAN THE SEAGULL by Anton Chekhov, directed by Chris Abraham, with Yanna McIntosh, Eric Peterson, Philip Riccio, Christine Horne, Bahia Watson, Tom Rooney, Tom McCamus, Tony Nappo, Tara Nicodemo and Gregory Prest. Presented by Crow’s Theatre/Canadian Stage/Company Theatre at Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley). Opens Thursday (January 15) and runs to February 8, Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 8 pm, Friday 7 pm, matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm. $22-$49. 416-368-3110.
Bahia Watson appreciates both the sadness and the humour in Chekhov’s The Seagull. Sharing the stage with an august company that includes Yanna Mc-
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JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
Intosh, Tom McCamus, Tom Rooney, Christine Horne and Philip Riccio, Watson plays Masha, whose father manages the farm where the drama unfolds. Masha begins the play with one of Chekhov’s most famous lines: “I am in mourning for my life,” spoken to Medvedenko, who loves her, though she worships the distant Konstantin. “It’s a poetic statement and a sign that she feels things very deeply. The words aren’t a cry for attention or a statement of vanity,” says the actor. “There’s something funny and ridiculous in the sorrows and sensitivities of Chekhov’s characters,” notes Watson, who appeared in Kristen Thomson’s Someone Else and Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad and
heads off to Stratford this summer. “All the love in The Seagull seems directed at the wrong people or is unreciprocated. That’s part of the reality of human feelings, the fact that there’s comedy in the tragedy of loving someone who doesn’t love you back.” Masha spends much of the play deciding who to give her love to, since she realizes her affection for Konstantin is an obsession – “he’s just not that into me” – but wonders whether
The Seagull may be set in a different time and place, but it’s about right now, showing us where we’ve come from and maybe where we’re still stuck. ” she can be content with the wellmeaning but ordinary Medvedenko. The actor sees her character as “a bit of an outsider who wants to be understood and show how she’s feeling.” Though unafraid of making strong choices, Masha struggles to find meaning and purpose in an isolated life defined both by her rural environment and her fixed place in a class-based society. “I love the fact that Chekhov’s characters are broad, complex and never stereotyped. They have big lives that exist beyond the specific moments of the play and vibrate with enormous humanity even though some people are caught in a contained world. “That’s one of the reasons that a play like The Seagull is a classic, since its issues and the relationships it describes are still relevant today. The original conversation may be set in a totally different time and place, but it’s also about right now, showing us where we’ve come from and maybe where we’re still stuck.” How would Masha handle her situation in 2015? “I’m sure she’d still support and care for Konstantin, but I don’t think she’d be satisfied simply with friendship. I think,” she laughs, “maybe she’d turn to meditation as a way to deal with her feelings. 3 jonkap@nowtoronto
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T PR HE EV AT IE RE W
T PR HE EV AT IE RE W
WINTER STAGE PREVIEW 2015
Director interview: ALAN DILWORTH
A Small Axe to grind Dealing with race, sexuality and a docu-theatre Oedipus for the 21st century By JON KAPLAN SMALL AXE by Andrew Kushnir, directed by Alan Dilworth, with Sarah Afful, Michael Blake, Lisa Codrington, Chy Ryan Spain, Marcel Stewart and Kushnir. Presented by the Theatre Centre and Project: Humanity at the Theatre Centre (1115 Queen West). Previews begin Saturday (January 17), opens Tuesday (January 21) and runs to February 1, Tuesday-Saturday 8 pm, matinee Sunday 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $22, previews $17. 416538-0988, theatrecentre.org.
How much, asks Andrew Kushnir in Small Axe, can we truly understand another’s experiences? The idea for the documentary theatre show began when Kushnir, a queer Ukrainian writer and actor (The Middle Place, The Gay Heritage Project), had a conversation with a black Jamaican friend who was also gay. Kushnir, expressing his outrage at the homophobia faced by the Jamaican, stated that their experiences were the same. Gently, the black man disagreed. “I’ve travelled the same path as Andrew for the past four years, working on Small Axe,” says director Alan Dilworth, “and what’s been central has been defining the context for the dialogue that takes place. What began as a sense of righteous indignation at injustice has become a look at the assumptions of sameness, but that’s only one step toward the transformation of outlook.” For his earlier script The Middle Place, Kushnir interviewed and put on stage the stories of residents at a youth shelter. To create Small Axe, he interviewed nearly 50 LGBT people of colour from Jamaica and the Jamaican-Canadian diaspora, which yielded a script that looks at racism, homophobia, privilege and the interconnections between them. “The structure didn’t become clear to us until a year ago,” recalls the director, on NOW’s top 10 list of theatre artists for 2014. “The people whose stories Andrew collected were generous, patient and courageous in sharing with us, willing to engage in the conversation and sometimes actively reframing that conversa-
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Some of the timely questions in this piece are making our continent boil over right now. ”
WHAT’S PL AYING THIS FEBRUARY
ON STAGE FEBRUARY 5
THE DINING ROOM
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A. R. GURNEY
Six actors portray over 50 characters in a theatrical experience filled with compassionate humour and abundant humanity.
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CONCERT SERIES tion to talk about some things but not others. “We are all involved in unpacking the context from which we come, understanding how we can, sometimes unconsciously, objectify other human beings as well as ourselves.” Dilworth describes Small Axe as “docu-theatre Oedipus for the 21st century. “In the Greek tragedy, King Oedipus searches for the source of the plague that’s devastating Thebes and finds it in his own actions. If you substitute the idea of injustice for plague, what happens in Small Axe is that Andrew, with a wellmeaning impulse, initially wants to investigate and change the wrong. What the investigator discovers is that the injustice can be found, in some fashion, within himself. “Oedipus’s self-blinding is the destruction of his reliable, comfortable script in order to change his understanding of himself and the world. Andrew was determined to listen and be shaped, even in small ways, to transform his own story as part of the journey he takes.” The play offers audiences a chance to hear the conversation about racism and homophobia from multiple viewpoints. “Some of the timely questions that live in this piece are making our continent boil over right now,” notes Dilworth. “The form of documentary theatre and the pass-themicrophone talkback that follows each performance offer a real opportunity for dialogue, to share ideas and viewpoints in a unique fashion.” 3
ON STAGE JANUARY 29
J A C K IE R I C H A R D S O N
ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST DARIO FO
A MOVABLE MUSICAL MARITIME FEAST:
p.e.i.’s Mike Ross and his musical guests celebrate the extraordinary musical life of Eastern Canada. PERFORMANCES ON FEBRUARY 15, 20, 22
AMERICAN PIE – A SONGBOOK INVESTIGATION:
TRANSLATED BY JON LASKIN AND MICHAEL AQUILANTE Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo crafts a biting, satirical farce inspired by the bombing of Milan’s Piazza Fontana in 1969.
An investigation of the meaning and musical references of Don McLean’s folk-rock anthem.
Arrested for his suspected involvement in the bombing, a known anarchist mysteriously falls from the fourth floor window of the police station, setting in motion this masterpiece of comic absurdity.
PERFORMANCES ON FEBRUARY 27, MARCH 1, 8
ROUTE 66 – THE HEARTLAND:
A journey through the heartland of America on the backs of Woody Guthrie, Jack Kerouac and the blues.
416 866 8666 SOULPEPPER.CA 2 0 15 l e a d s p on sor s
PERFORMANCES ON MARCH 17, 20, 24, 25
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g ov e r n m e n t s u p p ort
p hoto: ja son h u dson
i l l u s t r at ion s: t h e h e a ds of s tat e
jonkap@nowtoronto.com
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NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
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Dancer interview: CHRISTOPHER HOUSE
Add Hay to build a new House
Toronto Dance Theatre titan taps into memory to make Deborah Hay solo his own By KATHLEEN SMITH I’ll Crane For You choreography by Deborah Hay. Presented by Toronto Dance Theatre at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester). Opens Thursday (January 15) and runs to January 18, Thursday-Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. $20-$26. 416-967-1365, tdt.org/ craneforyou.
There probably aren’t two more rest lessly curious and questioning minds working in North American dance today than Judson Church founding member Deborah Hay and Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) artistic director Christopher House. So it’s no sur prise that they’ve forged a remark able professional and personal con
nection over the past eight years. House’s adaptation and perform ance of Hay’s solo I’ll Crane For You is the latest expression of that connec tion. It’s part of the Solo Performance Commissioning Project, works chor eographed by Hay for performers to make their own. Doing these pieces involves a contractual requirement to dance them many times in soli tude before sharing them with an audience. House learned I’ll Crane For You in 2008 at Hay’s legendary annual artist retreat in Findhorn, Scotland. It’s been with him – in one form or another – ever since. House says he’s benefited tremen dously – as a teacher and choreogra pher as well as a dancer – from Hay’s
radical approach to performance. Her scores are collections of instruc tions for the dance, some very techni cal and many describing tasks to carry out or states of mind. In the hourlong piece, House is required to “build something mas sive while moving quickly using nonordinary tools,” or “perform a blurry dance in blurry space, increas ing the stage space occupied,” at certain points “messing with the his tory of the fourth wall” or “removing the tendency to hesitate.” As I watch a runthrough of the solo (which is presented in silence), I notice gestures and expressions I’ve never seen from House before. He’s not creating a character, however. Ra ther, the piece demands that he dig within personal stores of memory and intellect to deliver an inthe moment interpretation that is true to himself as well as honouring his commitment to Hay and her work. It’s a daunting task. House likens up coming performances of I’ll Crane For You to “entering an arena with no shield and no sword… with an hour of potential failure hanging over me.” As per his contract with Hay, House has been dancing I’ll Crane For You daily since September. In early January, after we spoke, he flew to Austin, Texas, for coaching by Hay, an indication of her personal interest in the project and her respect for House. He admits to being a bit nervous. “She won’t like some of the choices I’ve made,” House told me before get ting on the plane. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll change them. Maturity confers advantages, and knowing when to stand your ground is one of them. 3
PRCOM EV E IE DY W
PR DA EV NC IE E W
WINTER STAGE PREVIEW 2015
Comedian interview: DEANNE SMITH
stage@nowtoronto.com
the other place
Smith juggles lots of balls Poet turned stand-up keeps it real and refuses to be branded with a stupid hashtag By GLENN SUMI
Jan 18 – Feb 8 BLUMA APPEL THEATRE DIRECTED BY
Daniel Brooks
A haunting psychological drama from the director of 2013’s RACE
BY
Sharr White
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
tickets 416.368.3110
.com
January 16–18
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DEANNE SMITH opening for SARA SCHAEFER at Comedy Bar (945 Bloor West), Saturday (January 17), 8 and 10 pm, comedybar.ca; performing at UNTRIED & TRUE at Bad Dog Theatre (875 Bloor West) on Wednesday (January 21), 9:30 pm, baddogtheatre.com; and headlining at Absolute Comedy (2335 Yonge), February 4 to 8 at various times, absolutecomedy.ca.
You can thank DeAnne Smith that there are no T-shirts reading #TellItToMyBalls. Even though that hashtag – a repeated phrase from one of her jokes – trended in social media during her time in 2014’s Last Comic Standing competition, she decided not to brand it with merch. “It was always meant to be ironic,” she says about the expression, part of a joke satirizing lazy male comics. Her popular appearances on the reality show may have raised her profile in the U.S., but she was doing very well before that. She’s done great sets at Just For
DanceWeekend’15
Laughs, and in March she heads to Australia for her seventh appearance at the prestigious Melbourne Comedy Festival. You can catch glimpses of the new material this week at Comedy Bar and Bad Dog and in headlining sets in early February at Absolute Comedy. “The show for Melbourne is called Get Into It, and I’m calling it comedy that digs deep – and then goes deeper,” she says on the phone from a tour stop in Kingston. “I’m trying to write jokes, look at them and then see how much more vulnerable or real I can get.” Smith’s onstage persona is already very real. She exudes a queer studies grad student-ish vibe and expertly
Fleck Dance Theatre 207 Queens Quay West
Catch the excitement as Toronto’s hottest dancers take the stage for the 22nd edition of DanceWeekend!
15/1 14/1
In association with Harbourfront Centre
Three days of dazzling diversity with 28 companies
I’m calling it comedy that digs deep – and then goes deeper.” sends up hipsters, queer political correctness and her own anxiety. “When I first started out, people would tell me I seemed comfortable onstage, and I would joke that I was equally uncomfortable everywhere,” she says. “My anxiety is such that I’m always managing. Nothing – and everything – is scary.” She cites Maria Bamford, no stranger to revealing onstage anxieties, as one of her comedy heroes. “I don’t think I come anywhere close to what she does, but I admire how concise and sharp her jokes are. She gets up and basically says, ‘This is me, this is what I think about, take it or leave it.’ That’s really brave.” Speaking of bravery, the New York state-raised Smith has uprooted her life to follow relationships. She moved to Montreal to be with one girlfriend – fortuitous because Smith, an aspiring poet, began performing comedy there (“If I had a room full of people, I’d rather make them laugh than feel quietly reflective with my poems”). Then she followed another woman to Australia, where she lucked into performing at Melbourne. Will she ever deal with those relationships in her act? “I recently broke up, and I’m finding it cathartic to write about it,” she says. “I’ve come up with a little joke and said it once onstage. My ex was worried that I’d talk about our history in my act. And I assured her, ‘Oh my god, I’d never do that. Nothing we did was ever fun. Why would I talk about it onstage?’ “When I do talk about anyone else onstage,” she adds, “the joke is always on me. It’s not about making fun of others. There’s no fun in that.” 3 glenns@nowtoronto.com | @glennsumi
MORE ONLINE
Interview clips at nowtoronto.com
Fri 7pm -10pm • Sat 12:45pm - 7pm • Sun 1pm - 6:30pm
Admission $10 minimum donation per patron at the door • NO ADVANCE SALES
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Volunteer Opportunities of the Week • • • •
St. Joseph’s Health Centre Community Living Toronto Ronald McDonald House Toronto Second Harvest
See this week’s Classified section for more info or visit volunteertoronto.ca Everything Toronto. 416 364 3444 • nowtoronto.com/classifieds
Classifieds NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
47
WINTER STAGE PREVIEW 2015
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
the #Artlive BAll (Harbourfront World Stage). Launch party for World Stage 2015. Jan 24. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty (Lower Ossington Theatre). To Feb 1. 100A Ossington. lowerossingtontheatre.com. BlOOd relAtiOns by Sharon Pollock (Alumnae Theatre). Jan 23 to Feb 7. 70 Berkeley. alumnaetheatre.com. BOOM by Rick Miller (Kdoons/Wyrd Productions). Jan 15 to Feb 1. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. mirvish.com. deliMAx by Harvey Ostroff (TEATRON Theatre). To Jan 18. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com. die WAlküre by Richard Wagner (Canadian Opera Company). Jan 31 to Feb 22. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca. dOn GiOvAnni by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). See story, page 42. Jan 24 to Feb 21. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca. flesh And Other frAGMents Of lOve (une vie pOur deux) by Evelyne de la Chenelière
Spoon River, with Mike Ross and Hailey Gillis, makes a splashy return March 7.
SHOW CALENDAR From mega-musicals to indie offerings, here are three months of theatre, comedy and dance openings Compiled by KATARINA RISTIC
THEATRE
JANUARY
AccidentAl deAth Of An AnArchist by Dario Fo (Soulpepper). Jan 29 to Feb 21. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Acis And GAlAteA by GF Handel (Toronto Masque Theatre). Jan 15-17. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity. 416-410-4561. Alex in WOnderlAnd (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). Jan 17 to Feb 1. 4950 Yonge. 416368-8031, solarstage.on.ca.
(ESPACE GO/Théâtre français de Toronto). Jan 21 to 25. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com. fOOtsteps in cAMpBell hOuse (U of T Opera). Jan 30-Feb 1. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. campbellhousemuseum.ca. GinGer nAtiOn (Shawn Hitchins). Jan 22-24. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, jointhegingernation.com. hAMlet by William Shakespeare (Unit 102 Actors Company/the Fresh Mint Project). Jan 21 to Feb 7. The Theatre Machine, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatrecompany.com. the heArt Of rOBin hOOd by David Farr (Mirvish). To Mar 1. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com. her2 by Maja Ardal (Nightwood Theatre). To Feb 1. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-368-3110, nightwoodtheatre.net. hOld MOMMy’s ciGArette (Shelley Marshall). Jan 23 to 31. The Full Bawdy Loft, 290 Carlaw. holdmommyscigarette.com. hOW dO i lOve thee? by Florence Gibson MacDonald (Canadian Rep Theatre). Jan 31 to Feb 22. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianrep.ca. Jesus christ superstAr by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Hart House Theatre). Jan 16 to 31. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca. Jesus christ superstAr by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (Lower Ossington Theatre). To Jan 24. 100A Ossington. superstarmusical.ca. lunGs by Duncan Macmillan (Tarragon Theatre). To Jan 25. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com. MelAnchOly plAy by Sarah Ruhl (The Empty Room). Jan 29 to Feb 8. The Collective Space, 221 Sterling, unit 5. empty-room.com. Mindful MArtinis (Elaine Smookler). Jan 21 and Feb 18. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. eventbrite.com/o/7603263877. the Miser by Molière (WolfPAC). Jan 22-24. Luella Massey Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. uofttix.ca. MOdern (fAMily) OperA (Opera 5). Jan 23-25. Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm. eventbrite.ca.
Murder At the BurlesQue: feMBOts & AscOts (The Social Capital Theatre/Red Herring
Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Directed by Luke Brown
JAN. 16–31, 2015 www.harthousetheatre.ca 48
january 15-21 2015 NOW
SEASON SPONSORS:
Burlesque). Jan 30. 154 Danforth. socap.ca. next stAGe theAtre festivAl See this week’s Theatre listings for individual shows. To Jan 18. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-9661062, fringetoronto.com. OklAhOMA! by Rodgers & Hammerstein (First Act Productions). To Jan 24. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. firstactproductions.ca. the Other plAce by Sharr White (Canadian Stage). Jan 18 to Feb 7. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. canadianstage.com. pAnAceA! by Gillian Bartolucci, Marshall Lorenzo, Nicky Nasrallah and Allana Reoch (Haggard B Productions). Jan 21 to 24. Fraser Studios, 76 Stafford. brownpapertickets.com. puppet AllsOrts seAsOn lAunch (Toronto Puppetry Collective). Jan 25. Casa Da Madeira, 1621 Dupont. puppetallsorts.com. the seAGull by Anton Chekhov (Crows Theatre/Canadian Stage). Jan 15 to Feb 8. Berkeley
Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110. seussicAl the MusicAl by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lower Ossington Theatre). To Mar 1. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747. A side Of dreAMs by Jani Lauzon (Paper Canoe Projects). See story, page 42. Jan 20 to Feb 1. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E, Aki Studio Theatre. papercanoeprojects.com. sMAll Axe by Andrew Kushnir (Project: Humanity/Theatre Centre). See story, page 44. Jan 17 to Feb 1. 1115 Queen W. theatrecentre. org. sOnnets fOr An Old century by José Rivera (Column 13 Actors Co). To Jan 24. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. artsboxoffice.ca. A steAdy rAin by Keith Huff (Paper Moon Productions). Jan 22-25. The Grocery, 1362 Queen E. papermoon.tixato.com/buy. tApestry: sOnGBOOk v (Tapestry New Opera). Jan 24. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. tapestryopera.com. the ties thAt Bind by James Ince (Our Souls). Jan 27 to 31. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca. tWelve AnGry JurOrs by Reginald Rose (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Jan 21 to 24. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Place. uofttix.ca. tWisted by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre (b current/Factory Theatre). See story, page 42. Jan 31 to Feb 22. 125 Bathurst. factorytheatre.ca. WAitinG rOOM by Diane Flacks (Tarragon Theatre). To Feb 15. 30 Bridgman. 416-5311827, tarragontheatre.com.
FEBRUARY
AByss by Maria Milisavljevic (Tarragon The-
atre). Feb 3 to Mar 15. Extraspace, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com. All Our hAppy dAys Are stupid by Sheila Heti (Suburban Beast/Harbourfront World Stage). See cover story, page 40. Feb 11 to 14. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com.
AMericAn pie – A sOnGBOOk investiGAtiOn
(Soulpepper Concert Series). Feb 27 to Mar 8. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca. AnAnsi the spider by Little Red Theatre (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). Feb 14-15. 4950 Yonge. 416-368-8031, solarstage.on.ca. Be Mein vAlentine! (Skin Tight Outta Sight/ Boylesque TO). Feb 13-14. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. eventbrite.ca.
the BeAver den: A neW cAnAdiAn MusicAl
by Taylor Abrahamse, Jaclyn Enchin and Jennifer Enchin (Jazz Squared Theatre). Feb 24 to Mar 1. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. jazzsquared@hotmail.com. Blithe spirit by Noel Coward (Mirvish). Feb 11 to Mar 15. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com. cAnniBAl! the MusicAl by Trey Parker (Starvox Entertainment). Feb 10 to Mar 8. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. mirvish.com. the cArdinAls (Stan’s Cafe/Harbourfront World Stage). Feb 12-15. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. dAnGerOus liAisOns by Christopher Hampton (The Storefront Theatre/Red One Theatre Collective). Feb 11 to 21. 955 Bloor W. thestorefronttheatre.com. the dininG rOOM by Dario Fo (Soulpepper). Feb 5 to Mar 7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House. soulpepper.ca. dOn GiOvAnni & un BAllO in MAscherA by Mozart/Verdi (Toronto City Opera). Feb 11 to Mar 1. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. uofttix.ca. dOn’t stOp Me nOW (Lower Ossington Theatre). Feb 19 to Mar 7. 100A Ossington. lowerossingtontheatre.com. fiddler On the rOOf by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (St Michael’s College Troubadours). Feb 5-7. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. uofttix.ca. lOve fOr lOve by William Congreve (George Brown College School of Performing Arts). Feb 4 to 14. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House. youngcentre.ca. MidsuMMer (un pièce et neuf chAnsOns) by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre (Théâtre français de Toronto). Feb 25 to Mar 1. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. theatrefrancais.com.
Mike The knighT in The greaT Scavenger hunT (Koba Entertainment). Feb 28. Sony
Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca. a Moveable MuSical MariTiMe FeaST (Soulpepper Concert Series). Feb 15 to 22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca. The objecT leSSon (Geoff Sobelle/Harbourfront World Stage). Feb 18 to 22. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com. once by Enda Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Mirvish). Feb 10 to Mar 29. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212. Playground (Theatre @ York). Student-produced original works. Feb 11-13. York University, 4700 Keele. theatre.finearts.yorku.ca. ProbleM child by George F Walker (NightShift Theatre). Feb 17 to 28. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. nightshifttheatre.com.
ProgreSS: inTernaTional FeSTival oF PerForMance and ideaS (SummerWorks/The-
atre Centre). Feb 4 to 15. Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. thisisprogress.ca.
PuPPeT allSorTS: brick broTherS circuS
(Toronto Puppetry Collective/Puppetmongers Theatre). Feb 14. Davenport-Perth Centre, 1900 Davenport. puppetallsorts.com. Queercab (BIBT). Feb 4. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555. r-e-b-e-c-c-a by Sara Farb (Theatre Passe Muraille). Feb 5 to Mar 1, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.ca. rhubarb FeSTival (BIBT). Feb 11 to 22. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. buddiesinbadtimes.com. Snow angel by Nikki Loach & Peter Balkwill (Quest Theatre/Young People’s Theatre). Feb 10 to 19. 165 Front E. youngpeoplestheatre.ca. The Sound oF cracking boneS by Suzanne Lebeau (Pleiades Theatre). Feb 14 to Mar 7. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-5047529, passemuraille.ca. SPring awakening by Frank Wedekind (Lower Ossington Theatre). Feb 5 to Mar 1. 100A Ossington. lowerossingtontheatre.com. ThiS iS For you, anna by Suzanne Khuri, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Banuta Rubess and Maureen White (Hart House Theatre). Feb 27 to Mar 7. 7 Hart House Circle. harthouse.ca. u oF T draMa FeSTival (U of T Drama Coalition). Feb 11-14. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. drama.sa.utoronto.ca. The value oF naMeS by Jeffrey Sweet (TEATRON). Feb 19 to Mar 1. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com. The wild ParTy by Michael John LaChiusa and George C. Wolfe (Acting Up Stage Co/Obsidian Theatre). See story, page 42. Feb 20 to Mar 8. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. actingupstage.com. The world goeS ‘round (Scarborough Music Theatre). Feb 5 to 21. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. 416-267-9292.
china carnival (China Broadcasting Per-
forming Arts Troupe). Mar 4. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca. coMPany: a MuSical coMedy by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth (Victoria College Drama Society). Mar 5-7. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles W. uofttix.ca. The daiSy TheaTre (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). Mar 18 to April 5. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. factorytheatre.ca. diSabled TheaTer (Jérôme Bel/Theater HORA/Harbourfront World Stage). Mar 25-28. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com. diSney’S beauTy & The beaST jr by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice (Lower Ossington Theatre). Mar 21 to Apr 12. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-915-6747.
FaulTy TowerS: The dining exPerience
(Starvox Entertainment). Mar 4 to 22. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca. The goSPel according To Mark (Soulpepper). Mar 18 to 29. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House. soulpepper.ca. harPer regan by Simon Stephens (Canadian Stage). Mar 1 to 22. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com. The ice Queen (Purple Circus). Mar 14-22. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. tickets.ticketwise.ca/event/3914742. inFiniTy by Hannah Moscovitch (Tarragon Theatre/Volcano Theatre). Mar 25 to May 3. 30 Bridgman. tarragontheatre.com. louiSe by Gustave Charpentier (VOICEBOX: Opera In Concert). Mar 29. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. operainconcert.com. naTure oF The beaST by Brandon Crone (The Lone Wolf Collective). Mar 26 to Apr 11. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. safeword.ca. new ideaS FeSTival (Alumnae Theatre). Mar 11 to 29. 70 Berkeley. alumnaetheatre.com.
nighT oF ShorTS (Toronto Puppetry Collect-
ive) Mar 30 at 7 pm. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood. puppetallsorts.com. oregano by Rose Napoli (Theatre Rhea). Mar 11 to 22. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. secureaseat.com. Pinocchio by Hugo Bélanger (Tout à Trac). Mar 3 to 21. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. youngpeoplestheatre.ca. PoSTcard FroM Morocco by Dominick Argento (U of T Opera). Mar 12-15. Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-4080208, music.utoronto.ca. rouTe 66 – The hearTland (Soulpepper Concert Series). Mar 17 to 25. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca. SPoon river adapted by Mike Ross and Albert Schultz (Soulpepper). Mar 7 to 28. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca. Subway STaTionS oF The croSS by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). See story, page 42. Mar 18 to 29. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. soulpepper.ca. TaP:ex TableS Turned (Tapestry New Opera). Mar 20-21. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. tapestryopera.com. TiMe STandS STill by Donald Margulies (The TSS Collective). Mar 12 to 29. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. artsboxoffice.ca. Tranny: a MuSical coMedy (Mandy Goodhandy). Mar 26-28. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. buddiesinbadtimes.com. The unPlugging by Yvette Nolan (Native Earth Performing Arts/Factory Theatre). Mar 14 to Apr 5. 125 Bathurst. nativeearth.ca. vanya and Sonia and MaSha and SPike by Christopher Durang (Mirvish). Mar 14 to Apr 5. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. mirvish.com.
William Yong’s Zata Omm Dance Projects performs Vox: Lumen in March.
DANCE JANUARY
1976, have Several Dancemakers investigations of Dana Michel’s original piece. Jan 2831. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity. 416-367-1800, dancemakers.org.
balleT 360: an evening oF conTeMPorary dance Ballet Jörgen. Jan 23-24. Betty Oli-
phant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. balletjorgen.ca. bowFire Fiddle and violin virtuosos alongside step and tap dancers. Jan 29. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane (Brampton). rosetheatre.ca. danceweekend 2015 Dance Ontario and Harbourfront NextSteps present various genres performed by hundreds of dancers and troupes. Jan 16-18. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. danceontario.ca.
continued on page 50 œ
“a distinct choreographic voice” — Time Out New York
MARCH
52 Pick-uP by TJ Dawe and Rita Bozie (Howland Company). Mar 5 to 15. Fraser Studios, 76 Stafford. howlandcompanytheatre.com. ity College Dramatic Society). Mar 17 to 21. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Place. uofttix.ca. a woMan iS a SecreT by John Patrick Shanley (Rip Jaw Productions/Candles Are for Burning). Mar 19 to Apr 5. Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org. balM in gilead by Lanford Wilson (Ryerson Theatre School). Mar 4 to 12. Abrams Studio, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118. bare: a PoP oPera by Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere Jr (WolfPAC). Mar 12-14. Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College. uofttix.ca. blood wedding by Federico García Lorca (Modern Times Stage Company/Aluna Theatre). Mar 11 to 29. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. buddiesinbadtimes.com. bull by Mike Bartlett (The Coal Mine Theatre). See story, page 42. Mar 17 to Apr 5. 798 Danforth. brownpapertickets.com. cake & dirT by Daniel MacIvor (Tarragon Theatre). Mar 3 to Apr 12. 30 Bridgman. 416-5311827, tarragontheatre.com.
IN TOUCH – 1976 & RECENT FUTURE JANUARY 22-24
8PM, $20/$25
Dana Michel (Montreal), Zoja Smutny (Toronto). 1976 Toronto premiere. Recent Future World premiere.
1976, HAVE SEVERAL
JANUARY 28-31 8PM, TICKETS $20/$25 Dana Michel (Montreal). World premiere. For further season programming info visit
9 Trinity Street Studio 313 | 416-367-1800 x200 Tickets: dancemakers.org/tickets an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario
SEASON SPONSOR
dancemakers.org Dancemakers continues to participate in Artsvest a program funded through
NOW january 15-21 2015
Left photo: Zoja Smutny, by Mallory Wilkinson Right photo: 1976, Dana Michel, by Wolfgang Lienbacher | Design: lightupthesky.ca
The 25Th annual PuTnaM counTy SPelling bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin (Trin-
49
WINTER STAGE PREVIEW 2015
SHOW CALENDAR œcontinued from page 49
FlOwChart Dancemakers presents perform-
ances curated by Amelia Ehrhardt. Jan 21. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity. dancemakers.org/flowchart. i’ll Crane FOr yOu Toronto Dance Theatre’s Christopher House in a new solo by Deborah Hay. See story, page 46. Jan 15-18. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. tdt.org. in tOuCh – 1976 & reCent Future Dancemakers presents workss by Dana Michel and Zoja Smutny. Jan 22-24. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity. dancemakers.org. ntu and Skwatta DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps present works by Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. Jan 29-31. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. danceworks.ca. pulSe Jasmyn Fyffe’s show at Next Stage Theatre Festival. To Jan 18. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com.
SerieS 8:08 ChOreOgraphiC perFOrmanCe wOrkShOp Monthly performance workshop.
Jan 19. Videofag, 187 Augusta. series808.ca. Shen yun perFOrming artS Chinese theatrical dance. Jan 21 to 25. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca.
FEBRUARY
BeginningS & endingS The York Dance En-
semble. Feb 11-13. York University, 4700 Keele. dance.finearts.yorku.ca. BOdy Brake 4.0 Anandam Dancetheatre. Feb 28. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. passemuraille.ca. Brazil, the land OF tearS and SOul Newton Moraes Dance Theatre. Feb 4-7. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. coc.ca. Ce n’eSt paS la Fin du mOnde DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps present Sylvain Émard Danse. Feb 28. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. danceworks.ca. the next Step live On Stage Temple Street Productions. Feb 21-22. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd. ticketmaster.ca.
Old StOrieS Danceworks CoWorks presents choreography by Maxine Heppner. Feb 5-8. Pia Bouman School for Ballet, 6 Noble. 416204-1082, oldstories.brownpapertickets.com. QueenS Calling dance Immersion presents female choreographers. Feb 6-7. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. danceimmersion.ca. riSky BuSineSS and reBel yellS Dance Matters presents works by Robert Kingsbury and more. Feb 21-22. Pia Bouman School for Ballet, 6 Noble. dancematters.ca/tix.
MARCH
Cinderella Ballet Jörgen. Mar 21-22. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. balletjorgen.ca. FOrCier/nOrman DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps show. Mar 12-14. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. danceworks.ca. kaeja d’danCe 25th anniverSary CeleBratiOn Part of Harbourfront NextSteps. Mar 24
to 28. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. kaeja.org. SirOCCO Harbourfront NextSteps presents Ritmo Flamenco Dance & Music Ensemble. Mar 27-29. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Sleeping Beauty On iCe Show One Productions presents the Imperial Ice Stars. Mar 1415. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca. tOur de danSe Toronto Dance Theatre presents members of the public performing with company dancers. Mar 14. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. tdt.org/tourdedanse. u OF t FeStival OF danCe More than 200 dancers in various styles. Mar 27-28. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. harthouse.ca. vOx:lumen Harbourfront World Stage presents Zata Omm Dance Projects. Mar 4-7. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. yOrk danCeS Dance majors show. Mar 26-27. York University, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.
COMEDY
Comic Darrin Rose’s My Dad’s Other Son hits the Winter Garden in February.
JANUARY
all BlaCk COmedy ShOw Monthly show w/
host Kenny Robinson and others. Jan 25. Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com. altdOt COmedy lOunge Stand-up w/, MC Fraser Young and others. Jan 26. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. altdotcomedylounge.com. aparna nanCherla Empire Comedy Live show. Jan 23-25. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com. COmedy aCeS Stand up w/ Glen Foster and others. Jan 15, 22 and 29. Pilot Tavern, 22 Cumberland. comedyaces.com. the COmedy CaBaret Host Dave Code and headliner Dom Pare. Jan 26. Charlotte Room, 19 Charlotte. thecomedycabaret.com. drOp & give me 20! Comedians do their best 20 minutes. Jan 25. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. an evening named “paul” Sketch comedy. Jan 22. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. facebook.com/events/634322656696782.
gOOd newS, tOrOntO: new yearS devOlutiOn Korri Birch’s live-news-parody show. Jan
30. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. facebook.com/ GoodNewsTorontoTheShow. helder Brum & FriendS Stand-up. Jan 24. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. hirut hOOt Stand-up. Jan 30. Hirut Fine Ethiopian Cuisine, 2050 Danforth. 416-551-7560. the myStery SOCiety Improv. Jan 23. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. nOrm maCdOnald The former SNL star performs live. Jan 30. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd. ticketfly.ca. pandOra’S BOx Improv. Fridays, Jan 16-30. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. reBel withOut a COSmOS Second City’s fulllength sketch revue. Ongoing/indefinite run. Second City, 51 Mercer. secondcity.com. Sean emeny Stand-up. Jan 21-24. Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com.
Siren’S COmedy Open-mic stand-up w/ host Justin Laite and headliner Dave Code. Jan 28. Celt’s Pub, 2872 Dundas W. 416-767-3339. Sunee dhaliwal Stand-up. Jan 28-Feb 1. Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com. tOrOntO, i lOve yOu Unscripted love letter to the city. Jan 21-31. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. trOuBadOur Competitive musical improv. Jan 21 and 28. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth. ticketmaster.ca. CraCk me up COmedy Mayce Galoni. Mar 26. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane (Brampton). rosetheatre.ca. tOrOntO SketCh COmedy FeStival Allana Reoch, the Pajama Men, Get Some and many others. Mar 5-15. Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. torontosketchfest.com.
FEBRUARY
Thursdays
altdOt COmedy Open miC Feb 3. Rivoli, 332
WORLD PREMIERE
January 13–February 1, 2015
By Maja Ardal Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander Street, Toronto
ON STAGE NOW!
TICKETS:
nightwoodtheatre.net or 416.975.8555 an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario
artsVest Toronto is run by Business for the Arts with the support of the Toronto Arts Council and Canadian Heritage
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
Queen W. altdotcomedylounge.com. BeatvOx Solo musical improv. Feb 21. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. CraCk me up COmedy Headliner Jay Martin. Feb 19. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane (Brampton). rosetheatre.ca. darrin rOSe: my dad’S Other SOn Just for Laughs presents the comic. Feb 7. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge. ticketmaster.ca. FOrtune FeimSter Empire Comedy Live presents the comic. Feb 19-21. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com. glOBehead 2015 Theatresports tournament. Feb 6-28. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com/globehead-2015. hey ‘90S kidS, yOu’re Old Sketch comedy. Feb 4 at Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W; and Feb 5 at Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. hey90skids.com. hOlOdeCk FOllieS The Dandies’ improvised show. Feb 4. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. improvdandies.wordpress.com. miChel mpamBara Black History Month show in French. Feb 10. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd. theatrefrancais.com. pOrt Credit COmedy FeStival Tim Harmston, Mark Forward, Mary Mack and others. Feb 26-28. Clarke Memorial Hall (161 Lakeshore W) & First United Church 151 Lakeshore W (Mississauga). portcreditcomedy.com. veteranS OF Snl Rob Schneider, Chris Kattan and Tim Meadows live on stage. Feb 12 at Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane (Brampton) rosetheatre.ca; and Feb 13 at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge. rhcentre.ca.
WEEKLY kitCh kOmedy Hosted by Dean Young. Kitch, 229 Geary. kitchbar.com.
StOned up COmedy Stand-up w/ Amanda
Day. Hot Box, 204 Augusta. 416-203-6990.
Fridays CatCh23 Weekly improv pit fight. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. imprOv game ShOw Whose Line-inspired competition. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca.
Sundays happy hOur COmedy Stand-up. Ein-Stein, 229 College. ein-stein.ca.
the playgrOund Stand-up and an open mic.
The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388. real jOkeS Dion Arnold & Scott Belford host. Placebo Space, 2877 Lake Shore W. facebook. com/events/1490828984532340. Sunday night live The Sketchersons’ show. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
Mondays 200% vOdka Improv. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. Cheap laughS Russell Roy’s open mic. PJ O’Briens Irish Pub, 39 Colborne. 416-815-7562. panCake mOndayS Comedy and pancakes. Smiling Buddha, 961 College. facebook.com/ groups/PancakeMondays.
Tuesdays
MARCH
Student BOdieS Improv. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. yuk yuk’S new talent tueSdayS 7:30 and 9:30 pm. 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com.
BeatvOx Musical improv. Mar 21. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca.
Wednesdays
BO Burnham: make happy tOur AEG Live &
the hive Improv w/ rotating teams. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. 3
Just for Laughs present the comic. Mar 25.
FESTIVAL REVIEWS
THE BEST OF NEXT STAGE With the 10-show fest closing this weekend, here are the best-reviewed works you can’t miss
Big Shot
THE NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL presented
Graham Clark Reads The Phonebook
Mine
Snack Music
by the Toronto Fringe at Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst). Runs in rep to Sunday (January 18). $10-$15, passes $48-$90. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.
Big talent BIG SHOT by Jon Lachlan Stew-
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art (Surreal SoReal Theatre). At Factory Studio. Jan 15 at 5:15 pm, Jan 16 at 6:45 pm, Jan 17 at 4:45 pm, Jan 18 at 2 pm. Rating: NNNN
The 12-year-old boy at the centre of Big Shot wonders why the world isn’t more like an action movie. He gets his wish, leading to some alarming results, in Jon Lachlan Stewart’s clever solo show, in which the author plays six characters whose lives come together in a fateful encounter on a Vancouver Skytrain. Under Georgina Beaty’s smooth direction, Stewart creates his figures both physically and verbally; watch how he defines them by the way he holds his body, the timbre of his voice and the movement segments that are an essential part of the show. Movies and the film industry are a key element, too, and not simply because of the articulate boy’s interest in the cinema, which offers an escape from the reality of his life. The performer repeats and adds on to dialogue and movement segments so that as the play moves along the narrative is teased out with more definition and further links between people. Big Shot is a show that builds cumulatively to its powerful climax, the viewer helping to put the pieces together.
ing trivia about Icelandic names, Terminator movies and a real-life molasses tragedy in Boston. His delivery is relaxed and laid-back, which helps a lot, but the end comes suddenly and without the proper flourish – any flourish, really – that this GLENN SUMI winning show deserves.
Dyke depths
MINE by Jenna Harris (Discord and Din Theatre). At Factory Studio. Jan 16 at 4:45 pm, Jan 17 at 2:45 pm, Jan 18 at 4 pm. Rating: NNNN
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Mine, a look at the lives of lesbian lovers Abigail/Woman A (Michelle Polak) and Bea/Woman B (playwright Jenna Harris), is really funny and really sexy. In multiple short scenes, presented as
filmic jump cuts that go back and forth in time, we watch the ups and downs of their relationship, which begins when the two are at university. Abigail advances on Bea aggressively, while the nervous, shy but interested Bea scuttles away – but not too quickly. As they go from tentative closeness to living together and later some seductive game-playing, the two shift moods and levels of sharing; they’re not both open at the same time. The play is full of precise, revealing scenes that help define these women and their connection. Under Clinton Walker’s sharp, well-orchestrated direction, the actors, who generate potent chemistry, find the laughter and tension in a script full of subtext. Sometimes there’s a lot of pain beJK neath the statement “I love you.”
written and performed by Clark (Laugh Factory). Factory Antechamber. Jan 15 at 6:45 pm, Jan 16 at 8:30 pm, Jan 17 at 6:15 pm, Jan 18 at 3:30 pm. Rating: NNNN
Looking like a junior member of ZZ Top, Vancouver-based stand-up comic Graham Clark delivers a hilarious half-hour about that oldfashioned hunk of recycled paper, the phone book. Clark gets lots of laughs from the anachronistic item. First he has to find and pay for one, and then he imagines explaining what it is to an internet-reared child. Likeable and witty, Clark goes on some amusing tangents, dispens-
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= Critics’ Pick
formed by Ingrid Hansen (SNAFU). At Factory Antechamber. Jan 15 at 9 pm, Jan 16 at 6:15 pm, Jan 17 at 8:45 pm, Jan 18 at 5:30 pm. Rating: NNNN
SNAFU’s Snack Music is a delightfully whimsical show that turns audience stories into puppet vignettes complete with original music. A couple of viewers volunteer to tell their stories about “first times” – be it a first kiss, first day at school, etc. And then performers Ingrid Hansen and Andrew Young stylishly condense their tales into mini puppet plays. The result is tons of fun. The DIY puppets and props are imaginative,
MORE ONLINE
See more and extended reviews online at nowtoronto.com/stage
back by popular demand!
by Duncan Macmillan directed by Weyni Mengesha Dec 31, 2014–Jan 25, 2015 Extraspace
Brendan Gall, Lesley Faulkner; photo by Cylla von Tiedemann
GRAHAM CLARK READS THE
ñPHONEBOOK
SNACK MUSIC written and per-
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and the impromptu sound design inspired. Musician Steve Chmilar samples sounds from the audience, and everyone makes use of the low-tech lighting design to strong effect. Hansen and Young are game performers, beginning and ending each puppet tale with stylized gestures that are like something out of a JeanPierre Jeunet movie. Sit close so you can appreciate each little movement of the puppets. And enjoy the free snacks passed out before the show that provide a sugar rush jolt to enhance the GS laughs.
Lungs
JON KAPLAN
Clark’s coup
Tasty Snack
NNNNN = Standing ovation
Named a Top 10 Theatre Show of 2014 by The Globe & Mail, National Post, and NOW Magazine
30 Bridgman Ave · 416.531.1827 · tarragontheatre.com generously supported by
NNNN = Sustained applause
NNN = Recommended, memorable scenes
NN = Seriously flawed
season sponsor
N = Get out the hook
media sponsor
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
51
stage this week theatre listings How to find a listing
Theatre listings are comprehensive and appear alphabetically by title. New this week lists shows that open or preview this week; Continuing shows have already opened. Reviews are by Glenn Sumi (GS) and Jon Kaplan (JK). The rating system is as follows: NNNNN Standing ovation NNNN Sustained applause NNN Recommended, memorable scenes NN Seriously flawed N Get out the hook
ñ= Critics’ pick (highly recommended) How to place a listing
All listings are free. Send to: events@nowtoronto.com, fax to 416-364-1168 or mail to Theatre, NOW Magazine, 189 Church, Toronto M5B 1Y7. Include title, author, producer/ company, brief synopsis, times, range of ticket prices, venue name and address, and box office/ info phone number or website. Listings may be edited for space. Deadline is the Thursday before publication at 5 pm. If your free listing requires a correction, send info to: fixevents@nowtoronto.com.
New this week
A Side Of dreAmS by Jani Lauzon (Paper Canoe
Projects). A single mother discovers the spirit of the Dreamcatcher while searching for a cultural identity. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $10-$25. Aki Studio Theatre. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. 416-531-1402, papercanoeprojects.com. AciS ANd GAlAteA by GF Handel (Toronto Masque Theatre). The pastoral opera is based on Ovid’s tale. Jan 15-17, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20$50. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com. Alex iN WONderlANd (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). A boy follows a White Rabbit into a crazy world in this play for ages 3-10. Opens Jan 17 and runs to Feb 1, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm. $16. 4950 Yonge. solarstage.on.ca. BOOm by Rick Miller (Kdoons/Wyrd Productions). Miller journeys through 25 years of turbulent history and portrays the world’s most influential politicians, activists and musicians. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Jan
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21). $25-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. mirvish.com. cmtP myStery ShOW (Confidential Music Theatre Project). Actors who are familiar with their scripts but have not rehearsed together will stage a secret production. Jan 15 at 8 pm. $25. Victoria College Chapel, 91 Charles W. confidentialmusicaltheatreproject.com.
fleSh ANd Other frAGmeNtS Of lOve (UNe vie POUr deUx) by Evelyne de la Chenelière
(ESPACE GO/Théâtre français de Toronto). Finding a dead body off the Irish coast leads a vacationing couple to examine their marriage. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $30-$48, Wed pwyc, Sat rush $20. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. theatrefrancais.com. frANk ANd mArty’S PUPPet freNzy! (Frank Meschkuleit/Marty Stelnick) Two adult puppet shows. Jan 14-15 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Supermarket, 268 Augusta. brownpapertickets.com. hAmlet by William Shakespeare (Unit 102 Actors Company/the Fresh Mint Project). The classic tragedy is presented in film noir style. Previews Jan 21-22, opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, pwyc Jan 27 & Feb 3. The Theatre Machine, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatrecompany.com. her2 by Maja Ardal (Nightwood Theatre). Seven women with breast cancer reveal their hopes and fears as they undergo a clinical trial. (See story at nowtoronto.com/stage.) Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$45, Jan 20 pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-9758555, nightwoodtheatre.net. iNtO the WOOdS iN cONcert (Beyond Boundaries). Musical theatre concert to benefit the AIDS Committee of Toronto and MCC’s Refugee & Immigration Program. Jan 17 at 8 pm. $20. Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson. brownpapertickets. com/event/1077653. JeSUS chriSt SUPerStAr by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (Hart House Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Jan 31, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 31 at 2 pm. $10$28. 7 Hart House Circle. uofttix.ca. lA mAletA (the SUitcASe) by Bea Pizano (Roseneath Theatre). A 10-year-old refugee from Colombia befriends a bullied boy. Jan 17 at 11 am and 2 pm. Free (RSVP). 651 Dufferin. eventbrite.ca/e/13386187447.
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mAGic tONiGht James Alan hosts a weekly
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miNdfUl mArtiNiS (Elaine Smookler). The singer/comedian presents music and stories to help you pause and breathe. Jan 21 at 6:30 pm. $15-$20. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. eventbrite.com/o/7603263877. Oh WhAt A lOvely WAr by Joan Littlewood, Theatre Workshop and Charles Chilton (Theatre @ York). Directing student Autumn Smith places the WWI-themed play in a factory setting. Previews Jan 18-19, opens Jan 20 and runs to Jan 24, Sun-Fri 7:30 pm, mat Wed and Fri 1 pm, Sat 2 pm. $7-$17. Joseph G Green Studio Theatre. York University, 4700 Keele. theatre.finearts.yorku.ca. the Other PlAce by Sharr White (Canadian Stage). A neurologist’s life seems to be falling apart, but things are not as they seem. Previews Jan 18-21, opens Jan 22 and runs to Feb 7, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Fri 7pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. $30-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com. PANAceA! by Gillian Bartolucci, Marshall Lorenzo, Nicky Nasrallah and Allana Reoch (Haggard B Productions). This comedy looks at the dark side of humanity and the mundanities of existence. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $10. Fraser Studios, 76 Stafford. brownpapertickets.com/event/1143406. the SeAGUll by Anton Chekhov (Crows Theatre/Canadian Stage). Love, dreams, family and art are part of this 1890s Russian drama (see story, page 44). Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 8, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. canadianstage.com. SmAll Axe by Andrew Kushnir (Project: Humanity/Theatre Centre). A documentary theatre-maker learns about himself while investigating homophobia in Jamaica (see story, page 44). Previews Jan 17-20, opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 1. $25, stu/srs $22, previews $17 (Jan 18 benefit for Black CAP $40). 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org. tWelve ANGry JUrOrS by Reginald Rose (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Jurors argue the fate of a young man accused of killing his dad. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Place. uofttix.ca.
problems in this adult musical puppet play. To Feb 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. lowerossingtontheatre.com. BiG ShOt by Jon Lachlan Stewart (Surreal SoReal Theatre/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A 12-year-old boy’s account of a shooting he witnessed is delivered in the style of an action movie (see review, page 51). To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48$90. Studio. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. NNNN (JK) delimAx by Harvey Ostroff (TEATRON Theatre). A Holocaust survivor is troubled by ultra-nationalism in Quebec. To Jan 18, Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $26-$48. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com. diNk by Caroline Azar (Theatre-a-go-go/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A family unravels as desires and secrets come to light in this punk-pop musical. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Mainspace. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. NN (GS) fOr A GOOd time, cAll kAthy BlANchArd by Michael Ross Albert (Outside Inside/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A family teeters on the brink during game 4 of a playoff hockey game. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Mainspace. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com.
ANtimAN by Riel Paley (Unit 102 Theatre Co). Paley portrays his life growing up on the island of St Croix with his hippie mom and her abusive boyfriend. To Jan 16, daily at 8 pm. $25, adv $20 (unit102tix@ gmail.com). The Theatre Machine, 376 Dufferin. facebook. com/events/1515334152049526. AveNUe Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and copes with grown-up
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Continuing
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GrAhAm clArk reAdS the PhONeBOOk by Graham Clark (Laugh Gallery/Next ñ Stage Theatre Festival). Clark mines his com-
edy show from the pages of the now-obsolete printed directory (see review, page 51). To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $10, passes $48$90. Antechamber. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. NNNN (GS) the heArt Of rOBiN hOOd by David Farr (Mirvish). Robin and his crew steal from the rich and keep it until Marion steps up for the poor. To Mar 1, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.com. JeSUS chriSt SUPerStAr by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Judas chooses between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. To Jan 24, ThuSat 8 pm, mat Sun 4 pm, Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. 100A Ossington. superstarmusical.ca. lUNGS by Duncan Macmillan (Tarragon Theatre). A young couple discuss the idea of having a child, setting off a series of explosions in their relationship. Macmillan’s script sometimes recycles the same ideas, but his vernacular writing is sharp, as are the performances of Brendan Gall and Lesley Faulkner under Weyni Mengesha’s direction. (Review from March 2014.) To Jan 25, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $37-$52, rush $15. 30 Bridgman. tarragontheatre.com. NNNN (JK)
CONCERT Samantha Clayton Ι Jan.16
KIDS - STORYTELLING
Le retour d’Etienne Brûlé Ι Jan.17
live magic show with guests. Sundays 7 pm. $20-$25. Izakaya Sushi House, 294 College. abracadabaret.com. miNe by Jenna Harris (Discord and Din Theatre/Next Stage Theatre Festival). Two women in a bar try to navigate each other and their relationship (see review, page 51). To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Studio. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. NNNN (JK) myth Of the OStrich by Matt Murray (Offside Productions/Next Stage Theatre Festival). One mother confronts another about their teenagers’ relationship after finding a letter. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Studio. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. OklAhOmA! by Rodgers & Hammerstein (First Act Productions). High-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provide the background for a love story. To Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $25. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. firstactproductions.ca. Piece By Piece by Alison Lawrence (mcguffin company/Next Stage Theatre Festival). Six people are drawn together in a hospital in this play about moments of love in times of loss. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Mainspace. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com. PUlSe (Jasmyn Fyffe/Next Stage Theatre Festival). This contemporary dance show is inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and other legends of Motown. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Mainspace. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com. SeUSSicAl the mUSicAl by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lower Ossington Theatre). All-ages show based on the classic books of Dr. Seuss. To Jan 25, Sat-Sun 11 am and Sun 1 pm. $30-$50. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747. SNAck mUSic by Ingrid Hansen and Steve Chmilar (SNAFU/Next Stage Theatre Festival). The duo create live improvised songs based on audience members’ true stories (see review, page 51). To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $10, passes $48-$90. Antechamber. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. NNNN (GS) SONNetS fOr AN Old ceNtUry by José Rivera (Column 13 Actors Company). In a waiting room for the afterlife, souls have one chance to concisely relate the story of their lives. To Jan 24, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. Backspace. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca. UNBridled & UNStABle by Gwynne Phillips and Briana Templeton (the Templeton Philharmonic/Next Stage Theatre Festival). The sketch comedy duo perform popular bits from their repertoire as well as new material. To Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Studio. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com. WAitiNG rOOm by Diane Flacks (Tarragon Theatre). A doctor tries a medical experiment despite objections from his colleagues. To Feb 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $29-$55. 30 Bridgman. tarragontheatre.com. 3
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OPERA CONCERT Europe et opéra Ι Jan. 23
BALLET Fêtez la danse Ι Jan. 31
Culture + Education in one new place WWW.ALLIANCE-FRANCAISE.CA
@PSquirrelsTO
Kids and adults
General
Specialized
Corporate
Jan. 20 / Feb.20
French classes
Winter session
& Public Services
Registrations now opened
52
january 15-21 2015 NOW
Ñ
= Critics’ Pick
NNNNN = Standing ovation
NNNN = Sustained applause
NNN = Recommended, memorable scenes
NN = Seriously flawed
N = Get out the hook
comedy listings
Saturday, January 17 all-star alumnI theatresports tournament BDT co-founder Marcel St Pierre hosts
the classic improv tournament with appearances by Colin Mochrie, Jane Luk, Ralph MacLeod, Tabetha Wells, Gord Oxley and others. 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. beatVox One guy improvising a musical with a loop pedal, vocal percussion and guitar. 9:30 pm. Pwyc. 3rd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. Graham kaY See Thu 15. mark scalIa See Thu 15. rebel WIthout a cosmos See Thu 15. sara schaeFer Empire Comedy Live presents the comic live w/ DeAnne Smith (see feature, page 46) and host Amanda Brooke Perrin at 8 & 10 pm; w/ Dean Young and host Christina Walkinshaw at midnight. $20/ show. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com. the superstars oF comeDY Stand-up w/ Pat MacDonald, Allison Dore, headliner Matt O’Brien and host Steph Tolev. 7 & 9 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
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Stand-up Graham Kay headlines Yuk Yuk’s through January 18.
How to find a listing
Comedy listings appear chronologically, and alphabetically by title or venue.
ñ= Critics’ pick (highly recommended) How to place a listing
All listings are free. Send to: events@nowtoronto.com, fax 416-364-1168 or mail to Comedy,NOWMagazine,189Church,TorontoM5B1Y7. Include title, producer, comics, brief synopsis, days and times, range of ticket prices, venue name and address and box office/info phone number/website. Listings may be edited for space. Deadline is the Thursday before publication at 5 pm. If your free listing requires a correction, send info to: fixevents@nowtoronto.com.
Thursday, January 15 comeDY aces Stand up w/ Glen Foster, Lawrence Morgenstern, Mike Wilmot, Jim McAleese and Ian Sirota. 8 pm. $25. Pilot Tavern, 22 Cumberland. comedyaces.com. Graham kaY Stand-up show. To Jan 18, Thu-Sun 8 pm, late show Fri-Sat 10:30 pm. $13-$22. Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W. 416967-6425, yukyuks.com. kItch komeDY Weekly pro/am show hosted by Dean Young. 9 pm. Free. Kitch, 229 Geary. kitchbar.com. lauGh sabbath Hosted by James Hartnett. 9:30 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. laughsabbath.com. mark scalIa Headlining with Rebecca Reeds, Logan Avery-Cooper and host Evan Carter. To Jan 18, Thu 8:30 pm, Fri 9 pm, Sat 8 & 10:45 pm. $10-$15. Absolute Comedy, 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca. one nIGht stanD Improv based on hot dates, w/ 2 Man No Show, Stephanie Tolev and magician Steve Boleantu. 8 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. rebel WIthout a cosmos This isn’t as solid as Second City’s last two revues, but there’s lots to enjoy, particularly from veteran ensemble
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members Connor Thompson and Ashley Botting. Thompson scores big laughs as an Owen Sound layabout who has a gift for giving directions, as well as a children’s performer accidentally hired to sing at a Remembrance Day ceremony. Botting gets two big solos that showcase her sassy range. But under director Reid Janisse, many of the sketches need polish, presenting jokey types rather than people. Indefinite run, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$29, stu $16-$18. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com. nnn (Glenn Sumi) stoneD up comeDY Amanda Day presents a weekly stand-up show. 7 pm. $5. Hot Box Puff Lounge, 204 Augusta. 416-203-6990. the Vest shoW In toWn Variety show w/ Vest of Friends. 10 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
Friday, January 16 catch23 Weekly improv pit fight. 8 pm. $10.
Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. holIDazeD & conFuseD The Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. 10:30 pm. $22-$25. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com. Graham kaY See Thu 15. ImproV Game shoW Weekly Whose Lineinspired competition. 8 pm. $5. 3rd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. 416903-5388, socap.ca. mark scalIa See Thu 15. the marY-Janes oF comeDY All female standup show with Stephanie Tolev, Lianne Mauladin, Amanda Brooke-Perrin, Ai Sha Alfa, Diana Love, Karen Mitten and Jill Knight. 10 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. panDora’s box An improvised show combining myth, mirth and mischief. To Jan 30, Fri 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. rebel WIthout a cosmos See Thu 15.
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Sunday, January 18 Graham kaY See Thu 15. happY hour comeDY Neil Rhodes, Tim Mc-
Donald, Jennifer McAuliffe, host Arie Kizel and others. 8 pm. Free. Ein-Stein, 229 College. ein-stein.ca. mark scalIa See Thu 15. the plaYGrounD Stand-up comics & an open mic w/ hosts Melissa Story and Kris Siddiqi. 8:30 pm. Pwyc. 3rd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388. real Jokes Weekly comedy w/ hosts Dion Arnold and Scott Belford. 8 pm. Free. Placebo Space, 2877 Lake Shore W. facebook.com/ events/1490828984532340. rebel WIthout a cosmos See Thu 15. sara schaeFer Empire Comedy Live presents the comic in a live show. 7 pm. $20. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com. sunDaY nIGht lIVe The Sketchersons’ weekly sketch and live music show. 9 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
Monday, January 19 altDot comeDY lounGe John Hastings, Dylan Gott, Todd Graham, Cleve Jones, ñ Sara Hennessey, Mark Forward, MC Mike Rita and others. 9 pm. $5. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. altdotcomedylounge.com.
cameron house comeDY: I surVIVeD mY FamIlY oVer the holIDaYs! Weekly themed
pro/am comedy show w/ Dena Jackson and Jen Sakato. 8 pm. Pwyc. Cameron House, 408 Queen W. thecameron.com. cheap lauGhs Weekly open mic w/ Russell Roy and guests. 9:30 pm. Free. PJ O’Briens Irish Pub, 39 Colborne. 416-815-7562. lauGhable at unloVable Ian Lynch, DeAnne Smith, James Hartnett, Jarrett Campbell, Jeff Paul, Steve Dylan and hosts Nick Flanagan & Steph Tolev. 9 pm. Pwyc.
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Unlovable, 1415 Dundas W. 416-532-6669. pancake monDaYs Comedy and pancakes. 7:30 pm. $5. Smiling Buddha, 961 College. facebook.com/groups/PancakeMondays. sara schaeFer Empire Comedy Live presents the comic in a live show. 8 pm. $15. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com. 200% VoDka Weekly improv hosted by Matt McCready. 8 pm. Pwyc. 2nd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca.
Tuesday, January 20 all Female ImproV Jam Biweekly improv jam
for women hosted by Moniquea Marion. 9:30 pm. Pwyc. 3rd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388, socap.ca. rebel WIthout a cosmos See Thu 15. stuDent boDIes Weekly improv showcasing the Social Capital Rep Players and House Teams. 8 pm. Pwyc. 2nd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. socap.ca. Yuk Yuk’s neW talent tuesDaYs The Humber School of Comedy at 7:30 pm, New Talent Showcase at 9:30 pm. $4/show. 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com.
Wednesday, January 21 ac pro-am nIGht Aaron Kinnersly, Jill Knight, Anthony Ciardulli, Dylan Beeson, Kesh Koshal, Peter Aterman, headliner Matt Davis and host Jenn Hayward. 8:30 pm. $6. Absolute Comedy, 2335 Yonge. absolutecomedy.ca. Dope n’ mIc comeDY Weekly show presented by Jeff Paul, w/ Dylan Gott, Steph Tolev, DeAnne Smith, Christophe Davidson & Arthur Simeon. 9 pm. $5. Underground Cafe,
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670 Queen E. facebook.com/jeffpaulcomedy. the hIVe Weekly improv w/ 8 rotating teams. 8 pm. Pwyc. 3rd floor. The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388, socap.ca. I loVe tosketchFest 2015 T.O. Sketchfest celebrates its 10th anniversary with a fundraising party with comics, music, prizes and more. 7-10 pm. $30. Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner. torontosketchfest.com. rebel WIthout a cosmos See Thu 15. sean emenY Stand-up. To Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, late show Fri-Sat 10:30 pm. $13-$22. Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W. yukyuks.com.
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sIren’s comeDY 5-Year-annIVersarY shoW!
Open-mic stand-up w/ co-hosts Marc Hallworth and Mike Kellett and headliner Reid Brackenbury. 8:30 pm. Free. Celt’s Pub, 2872 Dundas W. 416-767-3339. toronto, I loVe You BDT presents an unscripted, unconventional love letter to the city. Jan 21-31, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. troubaDour Competitive musical improv every Wed in January. 8 pm. $10, stu $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. untrIeD & true New material from DeAnne Smith (see feature, page 46) & Nick Flanagan, also featuring Kurt Smeaton and Arthur Simeon. 9:30 pm. $7. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, 875 Bloor W. baddogtheatre.com. the WeIrDo shoW #372 Idiot Gallant and Chuckle Co present stand-up by Diana Bailey, Mark DeBonis, Tim Gilbert, Amanda Brooke Perrin, Darryl Orr, Pat Thornton, Sallie SmithFitch and host Todd Graham. 9:30 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca. 3
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dance listings New this week
DanceWeekenD 2015 Dance Ontario and
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Harbourfront NextSteps present various genres performed by hundreds of dancers and troupes, including Ritmo Flamenco, Kaeja d’Dance, YMI Dancing, Hanna Kiel, Newton Moraes Dance Theatre and others. Jan 16-18, Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm. $10 sugg donation. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceontario.ca. FloWchart Dancemakers presents a series of interdisciplinary performances curated by Amelia Ehrhardt as part of its season launch event. Jan 21 at 8 pm. $15. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity. 416-367-1800, dancemakers.org/flowchart. I’ll crane For You Toronto Dance Theatre presents Christopher House performing his adaptation of a new solo by Deborah Hay. (See story, page 46.) Jan 15-18, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $26, stu/srs $20, Sun pwyc. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. tdt.org/craneforyou.
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serIes 8:08 choreoGraphIc perFormance Workshop Monthly performance work-
shop showcasing new dance ideas, featuring Alice Irene Whittaker-Cumming, David Houle and others. Jan 19 at 8:08 pm. $10. Videofag, 187 Augusta. series808.ca. shen Yun perFormInG arts Classical Chinese theatrical dance and music inspired by myths and legends. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $60-$200. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca.
Continuing
pulse Jasmyn Fyffe presents contemporary dance inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and other legends of Motown. Part of the Next Stage Theatre Festival. Runs to Jan 18, see website for schedule. $15, passes $48-$90. Mainspace. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fringetoronto.com. 3
a world premiere by Diane Flacks directed by Richard Gleenblatt
Jan 6–Feb 15, 2015 in the Mainspace What are you willing to risk to save a life? A doctor embarks on a ground-breaking medical experiment despite the objections of his colleagues. Meanwhile, a couple are torn about whether the doctor has what it takes to save their baby. This is a play about life in the waiting room of a major children’s hospital. This is a play about the needs of the heart and the extremes of medicine. This is a play about hope.
30 Bridgman Ave · 416.531.1827 · tarragontheatre.com season sponsor
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= Critics’ Pick
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NOW january 15-21 2015
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movies more online nowtoronto.com/movies
Audio clips from interview with JOSH HUTCHERSON • Stories on CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS AND OSCAR NOMS • and more Marion Cotillard and Timur Magomedgadzhiev play factory workers facing moral dilemmas in Two Days, One Night.
DARDENNES DELIVER The Belgian directors didn’t give star Marion Cotillard any preferential treatment By RADHEYAN SIMONPILLAI
TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT written and
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directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, with Marion Cotillard and Fabrizio Rongione. A Mongrel Media release. 92 minutes. Subtitled. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59.
Social dramas by the Dardenne brothers, like Rosetta and L’Enfant, are known for their neo-realist austerity. Set in working-class milieus, their films take a
spare but hard-hitting approach to characters who struggle with hardship and ethics. The brothers aren’t known for casting recognizable movie stars, however, which is why Marion Cotillard’s low-key yet stirring performance in Two Days, One Night is something of an attention grabber. “We wanted to work with a great actress for this movie, and Marion is a great actress,” says Luc Dardenne, who explains that their only concern in casting a star like Cotillard was whether she could adapt to the Belgian duo’s minimalist and democratic style of filmmaking. “She said in the beginning, ‘Do with me what-
director interview
Dardenne brothers
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JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
ever you want.’ That’s sometimes easy to say, but as you’re working you find ways to not realize that promise, not to give yourself. But Marion really trusts you and gives you her all.” “She became just one more of the group,” adds Jean-Pierre, adding that the set was always an even-keeled environment where Cotillard was never singled out for special treatment. “If there are other actors who are willing to give themselves to us like Marion, we are open to it. We actually met Ethan Hawke here. Unfortunately, he doesn’t speak French.” We’re sitting in a hotel room during the Toronto Film Festival, and the brothers are in a giddy, wisecracking mood. Far from the solemn, philosophical sociologists I was expecting, they come off more like your warm and mischievous uncles, speaking through a translator though occasionally sounding off in broken English when they feel particularly inspired. Two Days, One Night is a story they’ve wanted to tell for a decade, but it only took shape in recent years as the recession really started to be felt in Europe. Cotillard plays Sandra, a factory employee who’s let go so that her co-
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REVIEW TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT (Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne) Rating: NNNNN The Dardennes chisel out yet another excellent working-class drama, this time with the magnificent Marion Cotillard at the fore. Her Sandra is struggling with depression and has just received word that co-workers voted to eliminate her factory job in order to save their bonus. While her initial reaction is to drown her sorrows in pills, her husband and friends insist that she convince her colleagues to have a change of heart. Sandra’s door-to-door pleading makes up the time span of the title, but her appeal for socialism eventually takes a back seat to her furious private struggle against mental illness, beautifully conveyed in Cotillard’s quivering face and resigned posture. This is a powerful, minimalist film about rallying self-worth in RS a dehumanizing economy.
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workers can keep their 1,000-euro bonuses. She rallies her former colleagues one by one to help save her position, visiting them at their homes or second jobs. Gradually the Dardennes build a panorama of Belgium’s working class, a demographic the two-time Palme d’Or-winning directors feel at home with. “It’s not like we needed to do research at all,” says Jean-Pierre. “We’ve been working in this area, where we live, for 39 years. We know the people. We know the reality because we have friends and acquaintances that have that reality. We don’t live in the film world. We live in real life.” However, the brothers’ dedication to reality doesn’t hinder them from indulging in a little Hollywood escapism. They are first and foremost ardent cinephiles. “We watch all movies,” says Luc, describing the duo as “bon public” – undemanding spectators – before listing off a few Hollywood names that make them purr. “I have no prejudice. I like to see what other directors are doing. The Matrix? Spielberg? Fincherrrr? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.” 3 movies@nowtoronto.com
= Critic’s Pick NNNNN = Top ten of the year NNNN = Honourable mention NNN = Entertaining NN = Mediocre N = Bomb
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Benicio Del Toro’s (left) Escobar hires Josh Hutcherson’s surfer in unconvincing crime picture.
LIFE AFTER HUNGER GAMES Escobar star discusses life in the spotlight, playing Canadian and hip-hop heroes By RADHEYAN SIMONPILLAI
ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST directed by Andrea Di Stefano, written by Di Stefano and Francesca Marciano, with Josh Hutcherson, Benicio Del Toro and Claudia Traisac. A VVS release. 120 minutes. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59.
Josh Hutcherson will give you tips on kissing, but he’ll probably be grinding his teeth throughout the lesson. The 22-year-old Hunger Games star, who you may only know as Peeta, is already a
veteran at soldiering through inquisitions about kissing, sexting and everything else that would accompany his photo in Seventeen and its ilk. “Honestly, all those magazines where they ask you who is your celebrity crush, or what’s the best way to kiss someone – I’m just like, ‘It’s not my field of expertise,’” Hutcherson says, laughing off the silly headline-making answers he can’t avoid giving. “The hardest thing about those interviews is they
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Josh Hutcherson 56
JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
talk about things I just don’t care about. You feel like you have to fake an interest, and then all of a sudden you’re not being yourself. But if I were being myself, I would be like, ‘I don’t want to answer that.’ And then I’d be like an asshole. So it’s awkward.” I refrain from questions about kissing J-Law while Hutcherson leans forward with concentration and regularly smiles, which is nice since his resting face looks like a sulk. We’re in a hotel room overlooking the downtown skyline during the Toronto Film Festival, discussing Hutcherson’s latest effort outside the long Hunger Games shadow. In the crime thriller Escobar: Paradise Lost, Hutcherson plays Nick, a fictional Canadian surfer taken under the wing of the titular realworld drug lord. Nick was originally written to be Irish, but the actor wasn’t up for tackling such a challenging accent, so he made the decision to be a Canuck. “We wanted him to be very genuine and not American,” Hutcherson recalls. “Americans come with the baggage of overconfidence – not that Canadians aren’t confident.” Following its premiere, the cast had to defend the film against accusations that it romanticizes Esco-
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REVIEW ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST (Andrea Di Stefano) Rating: NN Whenever Benicio Del Toro is on the screen, which is not often enough, he commands the scene, playing Pablo Escobar as a jovial, grandfatherly type whose deadly reputation is only hinted at by a slight menace in his eyes. However, Paradise Lost’s main focus is Josh Hutcherson’s fictional and bland Canadian surfer boy Nick. We see Escobar filtered through his perspective, which is like trying to enjoy a dark roast Colombian coffee brewed at Tim Hortons. Nick hooks up with the drug lord’s niece and becomes an unwitting associate in his empire. While Del Toro’s Escobar fills the space with his looming presence, Hutcherson and Claudia Traisac (as his flame) must work with characters who are nothing more than pawns in a generic and unconvincing RS gangland thriller.
bar, who’s played charismatically by Benicio Del Toro before the facade is peeled away to reveal the kingpin’s monstrous nature. “The thing that was scary about Escobar was that he wasn’t obviously menacing,” Hutcherson says. “He seemed like a family guy and did many good things for the poor community. Honestly, up until this movie, I didn’t know all the horrendous things he did. I had this idea of him as a Robin Hood. As I did more research, I saw all the horrific things.” I would argue Paradise Lost runs against the romantic view of Escobar that’s been propped up in pop culture, particularly in rap. Hutcherson recalls Nas’s alias Nas Escobar, one of many examples that makes the Scarface model something to worship. While a fan of hip-hop, Hutcherson was never drawn to that aspect of rap culture. Instead, he’s more of A Tribe Called Quest head, with a little Lil’ Wayne and Jay Z on the side. “I was a huge Drake fan when he first came out,” says Hutcherson. “I think he’s really great. The fact that he started as an actor and he’s Canadian, you know, is a cool thing.” 3 movies@nowtoronto.com
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Interview clips at nowtoronto.com
= Critic’s Pick NNNNN = Top ten of the year NNNN = Honourable mention NNN = Entertaining NN = Mediocre N = Bomb
A TRUE CRIME STORY ABOUT A MAN FROM ONE OF AMERICA’S RICHEST FAMILIES, TWO CHAMPIONS AND A MURDER THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD.
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“A career-high performance from Oscar®-winner Marion Cotillard.” TIME OUT
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57
family
Rebecca Henderson (left) and Desiree Akhavan don’t make a clean break.
Fur flies Paddington (Paul King). 95
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minutes. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59. Rating: nnnnn
dyke dramedy
Edgy debut aPProPriate BeHaVior (Desiree Akhavan). 87 minutes. Some subtitles. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59. Rating: nnn The main character in Desiree Akhavan’s feature debut, Appropriate Behavior, is way too unlikeable, but there’s something wonderful about a filmmaker on the brink of finding her footing. Writer/director Akhavan stars as Shirin, who in the opening scene is breaking up with her girlfriend, Maxine (Rebecca Henderson), and spends the rest of the pic trying to recover. She semi-stalks her ex, hooks up with strangers, tries a three-way, takes up with a passive-aggressive guy – you get the picture. Flashbacks reveal how the couple
met – not cute – and the issues they consistently fought about: mostly Shirin’s refusal to come out to her Iranian immigrant parents because she considers herself bisexual. There are precious few loving moments between the two, but until the breakup the arguments seem to act as aphrodisiacs. The essential problem with the film is the character of Shirin. She’s wholly narcissistic and consistently snide. It’s hard to stay interested in someone only interested in herself. Truculent girlfriend Maxine, ferociously played by Henderson, at least has some political passion. But the Brooklyn setting is lovingly evoked (subways are used to great effect), Akhavan knows how to write dialogue that sounds authentic, and the whole thing winds up being pretty entertaining. This deeply flawed debut is worth checking out. Akhavan is definitely SUSan g. cole one to watch.
Bradley Cooper’s solid performance is wasted in American Sniper.
drama
Missed shot american SniPer (Clint Eastwood). 132 minutes. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59. Rating: nn Clint Eastwood is an awfully lazy director these days. American Sniper is based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL turned Iraq War sniper turned right-wing poster boy Chris Kyle. But I’m not sure Eastwood realized that the script, developed by producer/star Bradley Cooper with writer Jason Hall, is more interested in Kyle’s PTSD than in his confirmed kill count. I read Kyle’s alpha-male autobiography. The film’s protagonist agonizes over whether to shoot women and children more than the real man ever did. The movie’s Kyle is an interesting, almost tragic character. A bulked-up,
58
January 15-21 2015 NOW
bearded Cooper does a fine job of showing us how deeply uncomfortable he is stateside, though Sienna Miller gets little more to do than look concerned as his wife, Taya. But Eastwood’s disconnected direction means we spend the entire movie with a man in stasis: Kyle’s either hiding behind the scope of a rifle or sitting very still, drinking himself insensate. Forcing Cooper and Miller to play a key scene with a rubber doll instead of an actual baby is another indicator of Eastwood’s late-period apathy, the most egregious sign since he included a child actor’s flubbed line reading in Hereafter. Sure, at 84 Eastwood’s earned the right to coast, but we don’t have to pretend he’s still making good movies. norman Wilner
Paddington is perfect. I just don’t say this as a cold-hearted, cynical middle-aged film critic, but as a cold-hearted, cynical, middle-aged film critic who’s been actively dreading the project ever since seeing those first weirdly creepy images of the CGI bear. I’m happy to admit I was completely wrong to prejudge this movie and its lovingly realized hero. Indeed, that’s sort of the theme of Paul King’s remarkable adaptation of Michael Bond’s beloved children’s books, which spins the story of the lost little bear from Darkest Peru – voiced by The Hour’s Ben Whishaw – into a thoughtful and genuinely moving metaphor for the immigrant experience. It even underlines the theme by having racist neighbour Mr. Curry (Peter Capaldi, eminently hissable) tell the little bear’s human guardians (Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville and Blue Jasmine’s Sally Hawkins) he doesn’t want to hear any of Paddington’s “jungle music” at night. Oh, kids won’t get it, but their parents will gasp, because Capaldi delivers the line so sharply and Bonneville and Hawkins are genuinely affronted but too polite to push back. It feels real. The film is cartoonish in precisely the right way, situating its talking, marmalade-loving, tragically accident-prone protagonist in a lush, just slightly exaggerated universe of delightful British actors. And on an emotional level, it’s the story of a lost child finding friends and a place to belong. I’d have loved this when I was a kid. Hell, I love it now.
Morgana O’Reilly (left) and Rima Te Wiata have a bloody good time in Housebound.
horror comedy
Hellish laughs HoUSeBoUnd (Gerard Johnstone). 107 minutes. Opens Friday (January 16). For venues and times, see Movies, page 59. Rating: nnn
The feature debut of New Zealand writer/director Gerard Johnstone is a highly eccentric horror comedy about an angry young woman named Kylie (Morgana O’Reilly) who finds herself under house arrest in her family home, which her mother (Rima Te Wiata) insists is haunted. The genius of Housebound is it’s a horror film where the protagonist is too wrapped up in her own stuff to be scared. Johnstone creates a convincing genre world and then totally punctures it: Kylie is the sort of person who,
when surprised by a creepy doll, will throw it across the room or set it on fire rather than scream. She’s a marvellous character, and O’Reilly’s pissy, impatient performance never stops paying off, especially once the movie really starts digging into Kylie’s relationship with her mom. Te Wiata is also really good as her mother, finding a credible emotional level for someone who could easily have come off as a smothering nutter. The mixture of slapstick and splatter recalls the earlier, funny films of Johnstone’s countryman Peter Jackson, though Johnstone doesn’t quite have the demented conviction that powered Jackson’s Bad Taste and Braindead to their delirious payoffs. That said, there’s still plenty to enjoy about Housebound, especially with a norman Wilner crowd.
Kevin Hart (left) downs some liquid courage at Josh Gad’s nuptials in The Wedding Ringer.
norman Wilner
also opening The Wedding Ringer (D: Jeremy Garelick, 101 min) Kevin Hart and Frozen’s Josh Gad star in this comedy about a socially awkward guy who hires someone to be the best man at his wedding.
Blackhat Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, will wow kids and adults.
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(D: Michael Mann, 127 min) Action specialist Michael Mann directs Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis and Wei Tang in this cybercrime thriller. Both open Friday (January 16). Screened after press time – see reviews January 16 at nowtoronto.com/movies.
= Critic’s Pick nnnnn = Top ten of the year nnnn = Honourable mention nnn = Entertaining nn = Mediocre n = Bomb
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS (Ridley Scott)
Playing this week
turns. 106 min. NNN (NW) Canada Square, Rainbow Market Square, Yonge & Dundas 24
ñBIG HERO 6
(Don Hall, Chris Williams) centres on 14-year-old robotics genius Hiro Hamada (voiced by Ryan Potter), who “upgrades” himself and four college-aged scientists to battle an emerging super-villain. Directors Hall and Williams find new angles on the required action beats, but their real focus is on Hiro’s bond with his initial subject, a marshmallowy medical droid called Baymax (30 Rock’s Scott Adsit). The world in which it all takes place is a production designer’s dream. 108 min. NNNN (NW) Canada Square, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande Steeles, Kingsway Theatre, Queensway, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, Yonge & Dundas 24
How to find a listing
Movie listings are comprehensive and organized alphabetically. Listings include name of film, director’s name in brackets, a review, running time and a rating. Reviews are by Norman Wilner (NW), Susan G. Cole (SGC), Glenn Sumi (GS), and Radheyan Simonpillai (RS) unless otherwise specified. The rating system is as follows: NNNNN Top 10 of the year NNNN Honourable mention NNN Entertaining NN Mediocre N Bomb
BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) (Alejandro González
Ñ= Critics’ pick (highly recommended)
Movie theatres are listed at the end and can be cross-referenced to our film times on page 62.
ADVANCED STYLE (Lina Plioplyte) follows
seven stylin’ women over 60 who are devoted to all things fashionable. They’re all delightful and fascinating in their own way, but you don’t get enough of any them, and the film has no narrative arc. Pleasurable, though. 72 min. NNN (SGC) Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
AMERICAN SNIPER (Clint Eastwood) 132 min. See review, page 58. NN (NW) Opens Jan 16 at 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24 ANNIE (Will Gluck) is a hip-hop and R&B
influenced adaptation of the Broadway musical about an orphan searching for her parents and being taken in by a wealthy tycoon. The writing and direction are execrable. This is a cynical, heartless ode to greed. 119 min. N (GS) 401 & Morningside, Canada Square, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
Iñárritu) is a near-total fiasco from a filmmaker bent on impressing the world with his prodigious talent, a show-offy drama about a former superhero actor (Michael Keaton) making his Broadway debut by writing, directing and starring in a drama based on the stories of Raymond Carver. It’s a godawful mess. 119 min. NN (NW) Fox, Kingsway Theatre, Regent Theatre, Revue, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
BLACKHAT (Michael Mann) 127 min. See
Also Opening, page 58. Opens Jan 16 at 401 & Morningside, Carlton Cinema, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Queensway, Rainbow Woodbine, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale
ñBOYHOOD
(Richard Linklater) is the best American movie I’ve seen in years – and one of the very best movies about America ever made, capturing the maturation of Texas kid Mason (Ellar Coltrane) from first grade through leaving for college. If I see another movie more ambitious, more honest or more illuminating this year, I’ll be stunned. 164 min. NNNNN (NW) Carlton Cinema, Fox, Kingsway Theatre, Regent Theatre, Yonge & Dundas 24
ñCITIZENFOUR
(Laura Poitras) chronicles the eight days Edward Snowden spent in a Hong Kong hotel room with filmmaker Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald, where he blew the whistle on America’s secret data-collection programs and the complicity of foreign governments in those efforts. It’s as unnerving as any espionage thriller. Some subtitles. 114 min. NNNN (NW) Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, TIFF Bell Lightbox
exists in relation to The Ten Commandments in much the same way producer/ director Scott’s Oscar-winning Gladiator did to The Fall Of The Roman Empire – a big, historically questionable genre picture upscaled with CGI and a lot of very serious acting. Scott’s self-serious approach demands sombre realism even during the depiction of miracles, which proves kind of a drag. 150 min. NN (NW) 401 & Morningside, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Colossus, Grande - Steeles, Queensway, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
ñFORCE MAJEURE
(Ruben Östlund) follows a picture-perfect Swedish family’s skiing vacation in the French Alps, where the father (Johannes Kuhnke) panics in a moment of potential crisis, destroying his standing as benevolent patriarch and sending him into a spiral of self-justification. The deeper he digs, the funnier Force Majeure gets, and the more perceptive and uncomfortable it becomes. Some subtitles. 118 min. NNNN (NW) Carlton Cinema, Kingsway Theatre, Mt Pleasant
FOXCATCHER (Bennett Miller) finds director Miller returning to the chilly tone of his debut feature Capote for another real-life tale of interpersonal tensions and murder. All three leads wear distracting prosthetics, which work against Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo’s naturalistic performances and make Steve Carell’s precise, creepy turn as the self-absorbed, deluded John du Pont seem far too obviously unhinged. 134 min. NNN (NW) Canada Square, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Eglinton Town Centre, Kingsway Theatre, Revue, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
(David Fincher) is a little cold, but that’s why Fincher (Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network) is the perfect director for it, clinically dissecting what happens to a small-town bar owner (Ben Affleck) when his wife (Rosamund Pike) goes missing on the morning of their fifth anniversary. Gone Girl feels machine-tooled in the best possible way, spotless and chilly and perfect. It’s exactly what this story and these characters continued on page 60 œ
ine
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heads, plenty of sitar plucking but not much tension, it tells the story of Paramahansa Yogananda, who brought Eastern religion to the West. 87 min. NN (GS) Kingsway Theatre, Revue
Check out online DEARour WHITE PEOPLE (Justin Simien)
Check out our online
RESTAURANT
GUIDE
ñ RESTAURANT GUIDE OVER 2,000 RESTAURANTS! OVER 2,000
BIG EYES (Tim Burton) reunites the direc-
tor with Ed Wood screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski for the story of Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), who obsessively painted sad-eyed children, and her husband (Christoph Waltz), who became a minor celebrity by selling her art as his own. It’s stronger and more interesting than Alice In Wonderland or Dark Shadows, but Burton can’t or won’t engage honestly with the tale’s darker
is a vital, immediate comedy about contemporary attitudes toward race, gender and sexuality, set at a fictional Ivy League school where racial tensions are creeping toward a flashpoint. Social awareness can be fun! 108 min. NNNN (NW) Royal
RESTAURANTS!
Search by rating, genre, price, neighbourhood, review & more! Opens Jan 16 at Carlton Cinema
MR. TURNER
This must-see doc looks at how Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the U.S. National Security Agency’s secret data collection programs and the complicity of foreign governments.
Timothy Spall won best actor honours at Cannes playing the grumpy painter J.M.W. Turner in this gorgeous, subtle film. Other movies about famous people are getting attention. Don’t miss this atypical biopic.
SELMA
This powerful look at key moments in the movement for black voting rights in 60s America is more timely than ever. It’s anchored by David Oyelowo’s superb performance as Martin Luther King Jr.
WILD
Reese Witherspoon is riveting as Cheryl Strayed, who walked the 1,110mile Pacific Crest Trail alone, looking to reclaim her sense of self after substance abuse and selfloathing.
“GRIPPING!”
LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM Directed by Rory Kennedy FRI, JAN 16–29, select dates and times
EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT!
ed ctor Rory Kenn e ir d g in n in -w By award
y
@thebloorcinema /bloorcinema 506 Bloor St. W. @ Bathurst, Toronto
ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST (Andrea Di Stefano) 120 min. See interview and
nowtoronto.com/food review, page 56. NN (RS)
CITIZENFOUR
– The New York Times
ER 2,000 RESTAURANTS! AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (Paola
ART HOUSE HISTORICAL DRAMA
ñGONE GIRL
COPENHAGEN (Mark Raso) is a modest,
by rating, genre, review & more! di Florio, Lisa Leeman)price, is the kindneighbourhood, of hagiography you’d expect to find in a gift shop at a New Age store. With serene talking nowtoronto.com/food
DOC
reworking of Karel Reisz’s 1974 thriller about a literature professor whose gambling addiction threatens to consume his life, assuming you can buy Mark Wahlberg instead of James Caan in the lead. 112 min. NNN (NW) 401 & Morningside, Carlton Cinema, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Yorkdale
ESTAURANT GUIDE
appealing study of a pissy American (Game Of Thrones’ Gethin Anthony) who makes an unexpectedly profound connection with a young woman (Frederikke Dahl Hansen) while holidaying in the eponymous city. It’s a small film – almost selfconsciously so – but it lingers in a very pleasant way. Some subtitles. 98 min. NNN (NW) Kingsway Theatre
NOW picks your kind of movie
THE GAMBLER (Rupert Wyatt) is a decent
Check out our online
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR (Desiree Akhavan) 87 min. See review, page 58. NNN (SGC) Opens Jan 16 at Carlton Cinema
Flick Finder
Serving Ontario Beer and Wine
nowtoronto.com/food NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
Check out our online
59
œcontinued from page 59
require.149min.NNNN(NW) Scotiabank Theatre, Yonge & Dundas 24
Hermitage revealed(Margy Kinmonth) dutifullyandunimaginativelyrecounts thehistoryoftheRussianinstitution,from itsfoundingbyCatherinetheGreatin 1764tothepresentday,whencontemporaryartsharesspacewithOldMasters andpricelessantiquities.WhensometalkingheaddiscussesaTitianorLeonardo masterpiece,you’llwanttohitthemute buttonandgetaclose-up.Somesubtitles. 82min.NN(GS) Bloor Hot Docs Cinema tHe Hobbit: tHe battle of tHe five armies(Peter Jackson)istheclimaxof
thedirector’sgargantuanadaptationof J.R.R.Tolkien’sslenderprequeltoTheLord OfTheRings,andmostviewerswillbe strugglingwithMiddle-earthfatigue.At twohoursand24minutesit’stheshortest ofthetrilogy,butitstillfeelslongerthan itneedstobe,especiallysincetheSmaugrelatedcliffhangerisresolved15minutes in.Somesubtitles.144min.NN(NW) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
Horrible bosses 2(Sean Anders)finds
thehaplesstrioofNick(JasonBateman), Kurt(JasonSudeikis)andDale(Charlie Day)onceagainattemptingarevenge stingwhenanill-advisedbusinessdeal
pitsthemagainstamogul(Christoph Waltz)andhisunhingedson(ChrisPine). NowheelsarereinventedandnoOscars willbewon,butit’sanenjoyablefollowuptotheoriginal.108min.NNN(NW) Colossus, Grande - Steeles, Scotiabank Theatre
HousebouNd(Gerard Johnstone)107 min.Seereview,page58.NNN(NW) Opens Jan 16 at Carlton Cinema tHe HuNger games: mockiNgjay – Part 1(Francis Lawrence)keepsthefran-
chiseinaholdingpattern,focusingon Katniss(JenniferLawrence)whileshe wrestleswithwhethershewantstobe theMockingjay,thepublicfaceoftherebellionagainsttheCapitolandevil PresidentSnow(DonaldSutherland).It’s verywellmadeandLawrenceisriveting, asusual,butit’salljustset-upforthe grandfinale.123min.NNN(SGC) 401 & Morningside, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande Steeles, Queensway, Revue, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale
ñtHe imitatioN game
(Morten Tyldum)starsBenedictCumberbatchasmathematicianandcryptanalyst AlanTuring,who’shiredbytheBritish governmenttocracktheGermans’EnigmacodeduringtheSecondWorldWar. Hemustcollaboratewithateamofmisfit geniusesandkeeptheirworkasecret. Alsosecretishishomosexuality.Thefilm exploresfascinatingmoralissues,and CumberbatchisrevelatoryasTuring.114 min.NNNN(GS) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Cine-
Follow us on Twitter NOW @nowtoronto Michael Hollett ...............................................@m_hollett Alice Klein ...........................................................@aliceklein Susan G. Cole .................................................@susangcole Enzo DiMatteo ....................................@enzodimatteo Norm Wilner ..............................................@normwilner Glenn Sumi ......................................................@glennsumi Kate Robertson...............................................@katernow Sarah Parniak ................................................@s_parns Ben Spurr ............................................................... @benspurr Jonathan Goldsbie ........................................@goldsbie Adria Vasil ...........................................@ecoholicnation Sabrina Maddeaux...........@SabrinaMaddeaux NOW Promotions .......... @NOWTorontoPromo
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january 15-21 2015 NOW
Haluk Bilginer bundles up for the superb Turkish film Winter Sleep. plex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
iN tHe gallery – girl WitH a Pearl earriNg aNd otHer treasures from tHe mauritsHuis museumisahigh-deftour ofthemuseumintheHague,withaspeciallookatVermeer’smasterpiece.85 min. Opens Jan 18 at Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, Yonge & Dundas 24
iNHereNt vice(Paul Thomas Ander-
ñ
son)isagiddyadaptationofThomas Pynchon’sdetectivenovelaboutasometimedetective(JoaquinPhoenix)fumbling furtherandfurtherintoanelaborate(and franklyinsane)conspiracyin1970L.A. Phoenixmakesanexcellenttourguideto thePynchon/Andersonfunhouse,andthe director’scasualmasteryofimageand soundisheretobeadmired,asalways.It’s afantasticallydensemovieworthyofrepeatviewings.149min.NNNN(NW) Canada Square, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Scotiabank Theatre, Varsity
iNterstellar(Christopher Nolan)isa stunningvisualaccomplishmentinservice ofastorythat’sprettydopeyifyouthink aboutitforevenamicrosecond.Matthew McConaugheyplaysanastronaut-turnedcorn-farmerwhopilotsamissionintoa wormholeinhopesoffindinganewhome forthehumanrace,butdirector/co-writer Nolanundercutsthehard-SFpremisewith aweirdlygoopyrelianceonprimalconceptslikedestinyandthepoweroflove. 169min.NNN(NW) Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande Steeles, Kingsway Theatre, Queensway, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, Yonge & Dundas 24 tHe iNtervieW(Seth Rogen, Evan Gold-
berg)isaverysillyespionagepicturein whichadim-bulbTVjournalist(James Franco)andhismoreserious-mindedproducer(Rogen)landasit-downwithKim Jong-un(RandallPark)andareimmediatelytaskedbytheCIAtoassassinatethe NorthKoreandictatoronthedown-low. RogenandGoldbergaren’touttodeliver
Ñ
anykindofmajormoralstatementorprovokeanyinsulardictatorships.Instead, they’vecraftedasubversivecharacter comedythatforgoesbigpunchlinesfor sharplittlemoments,usingitsmasterplot asacommentaryontherelationshipbetweencelebrityinterviewersandtheir subjects.Somesubtitles.111min.NNN (NW) Carlton Cinema, Kingsway Theatre
iNto tHe Woods(Rob Marshall)isan awkwardadaptationofStephenSondheim’swittyandprofoundmusical mashupoffairytales.Sondheim’smusicalsareconstructedforthetheatre.His cleverwordplay,complexrhythmsand harmonies,thewayhisstoriesintersect andunfold–noneofthesethingstranslateseasilytofilm.There’spoignantmaterialhereaboutparentsandchildren, loss,commitmentandforgiveness,butin Marshall’sfilm,theplotseemsconvoluted andthelanguagelaboured.Thelesstime spentinthesewoodsthebetter.125min. NN(GS) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24 last days iN vietNam ñ NNNN
(Rory Kennedy)98min.Seereview,page63. (NW) Opens Jan 16 at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
tHe metroPolitaN oPera: tHe merry WidoW liveisahigh-defbroadcastof
theFranzLehároperetta,starringRenée Fleming,NathanGunnandKelliO’Hara. 185min. Jan 17, 12:55 pm, at Beach Cinemas, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge
moNk WitH a camera: tHe life aNd jourNey of NicHolas vreelaNd(Tina
Mascara, Guido Santi)recapsNicholas Vreeland’sfascinatingtransformation fromwealthysocialitetoTibetanmonk andphotographer.Whileeveryoneseems tobuyhisspiritualconversion,thefilm keepsenoughdistancetocallintoquestionhisglad-handingwithRichardGere andtheDalaiLama.Ironically,hestill
enjoyingpleasureshisconversionwas meanttoescape.Somesubtitles.90min. NNN(RS) Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
ñmr. turNer
(Mike Leigh)stars CannesbestactorwinnerTimothy SpallaspainterJ.M.W.Turneratthepeak ofhisfame.DickPopeshootsthelandscapesthatinspiredthepaintingsspectacularly,butwriter/directorLeighalso conveystheimpactofreality–slaveships, theriseofthesteamengine–ontheartist’sotherworldlymasterpieces.Anart filmineverysenseoftheword.150min. NNNNN(SGC) TIFF Bell Lightbox, Varsity
my old lady(Israel Horovitz)starsKevin
Klineasapenniless,middle-agedloser whotravelstoParistoclaimasprawling apartmentintheMaraisbequeathedhim byhisdad.Butundertheviagersystem, thepreviousowner(MaggieSmith)and herdaughter(KristinScottThomas)can stilllivethere.Theplot’stelegraphedin thefirst10minutes,butthestarsare watchable.107min.NN(GS) Kingsway Theatre, Mt Pleasant
NatioNal gallery(Frederick Wiseman)
putsthenoteddocdirector’sfly-on-the wallcamerainsideLondon’sNationalGallery.Forthemostpart,veryknowledgeabledocentsguidegallery-goersthrough thevenerableinstitution’simpressivecollectionofOldMasters,sheddinglighton thestorytellingpowersofpainting.Too badWisemanhewasn’tshootingduringa particularlyinterestingperiod.180min. NNN(SGC) Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
NigHt at tHe museum: secret of tHe tomb(Shawn Levy)occasionallyamuses
thanksBenStillerandhiscohorts,who managetobefunnydespitethelazy screenplay.Inthefranchisefinale,Stiller’s nightwatchmanandhiscrewheadtothe UKtobattlemorereanimatedrelics.For alltheCGIwhizz-bangandencyclopedia ofhistoricalfigures,directorLevystill hasn’tfiguredouthowtomakethe proceedingsexciting.98min.NN(RS) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Canada Square, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Queensway, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
= Critics’ Pick nnnnn = Top ten of the year nnnn = Honourable mention nnn = Entertaining nn = Mediocre n = Bomb
ing from the previous ones, and Dougray Scott is so embarrassingly miscast that he might as well have been digitally superimposed from old Mission: Impossible II footage. Some subtitles. 109 min. N (NW) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
ñthe tale Of the priNcess kaguYa
(Isao Takahata) is a return to form for legendary Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli, a beautiful fable about a humble bamboo carver who finds a mysterious infant in the forest. If it meanders a bit in its midsection, that just means we have more time to sink into its gorgeous world. Screening in both subtitled and English-dubbed versions. 137 min. NNNN (NW) Revue
the theOrY Of everYthiNg (James
ñNightcrawler
(Dan Gilroy) is a twitchy Los Angeles thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a creepy loner who worms his way into a career as a freelance videographer. His performance keeps you watching even as writer-director Gilroy’s slippery character study backs itself into a narrative corner. 117 min. NNNN (NW) Royal, Scotiabank Theatre
the 100-Year-Old MaN whO cliMbed Out the wiNdOw aNd disappeared
(Felix Herngren) stars Robert Gustafsson as the titular hero, a former explosives expert who escapes from a seniors facility and finds a suitcase full of money belonging to drug dealers. The Forrest Gumpian conceit feels very old, and the scattershot attacks on historical figures make no distinctions between good and bad guys. Worse, the pic’s not funny. Subtitled. 114 min. NN (SGC) Kingsway Theatre
ñthe OverNighters
(Jesse Moss) is an incredibly sympathetic portrait of Jay Reinke, a Lutheran pastor in North Dakota trying to shelter people drawn there by the promise of jobs in the fracking industry. Documentarian Moss structures it as a portrait of both an individual and a community, allowing everyone a point of view even when that point of view seems reactionary and ill-informed. 100 min. NNNN (NW) Revue
ñpaddiNgtON
(Paul King) 95 min. See review, page 58. NNNNN (NW) Opens Jan 16 at 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24
peNguiNs Of Madagascar (Eric Darnell, Simon J. Smith) is a deflated return to the franchise’s blah beginnings, where the antic humour and infectious Red Bull energy of Europe’s Most Wanted make only brief cameos. This Madagascar spinoff focuses on those super-smart and selfserving penguins, who must step up from scene-stealers to characters with an arc, becoming derivative in the process. 92 min. NN (RS) 401 & Morningside, Canada Square, Colos-
sus, Eglinton Town Centre, Fox, Grande Steeles, Queensway, Yonge & Dundas 24
pride (Matthew Warchus) is an ex-
ñ
cellently played crowd-pleaser based on the true story of a London gay and lesbian grassroots organization that offers to support striking mineworkers against Margaret Thatcher’s vicious regime. It gets a bit too warm and fuzzy – bordering on manipulative – at the end, but this is an important story proving that activists with ingenuity can build improbable political coalitions. 119 min. NNNN (SGC) Kingsway Theatre
st. viNceNt (Theodore Melfi) seems
designed explicitly to win Bill Murray an Oscar, casting the beloved star as a cranky alcoholic whose hostile exterior masks deep sorrow and a heart of gold. But even as writer/director Melfi piles on the complications and contrivances, Murray refuses to condescend to them. 103 min. NNN (NW) Fox
ñselMa
(Ava DuVernay) traces key moments in the movement for black voting rights in 60s America and comes at a time when racist killings have galvanized activism all over the U.S. David Oyelowo’s superb performance as King and DuVernay’s skill directing both the massive set pieces and intimate details would make this a powerful film even without its current political resonance. 128 min. NNNN (SGC) 401 & Morningside, Canada Square, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Yorkdale, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
sONg Of the sea (Tomm Moore) draws
from Gaelic folklore to tell the story of young children discovering magic and peril. The animation is imaginative and rich, but the sluggish plot and characters left me wanting a bit more Pixar-brand pizzazz. Though the adventure drags along, it features some of the most artistic designs outside of Studio Ghibli. 93 min. NNN (RS) TIFF Bell Lightbox
takeN 3 (Olivier Megaton) forces Liam Neeson’s glowering security expert Bryan Mills into a clumsy reworking of The Fugitive. Director Megaton can’t cut an action scene coherently, screenwriters Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen seem to have assembled this script by cutting and past-
Marsh) takes the remarkable, complex story of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and imprisons it in the inspirational treacle of a disease-of-the-week movie about a young couple struggling with life-altering illness. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones make it worth watching, but Anthony McCarten’s script sees them only as noble sufferers waiting for the next challenge. 123 min. NNN (NW) Fox, Rainbow Market Square, Rainbow Promenade, SilverCity Yonge, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
(J.K. Simmons) for a potentially lifechanging spot in his school’s jazz orchestra. Teller and Simmons commit completely, but Chazelle’s plot twists grow increasingly ridiculous – to the point where the final act has the feel of a fever dream. I just couldn’t go with it. 106 min. NN (NW) Canada Square, Carlton Cinema, Fox, Kingsway Theatre
ñwild
(Jean-Marc Vallée) stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, who walked 1,100 miles solo along the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995. What could have been a mawkish and sentimental true-life story plays as intelligent drama thanks to the sure hand of director Vallée, and Witherspoon is entirely credible as the worndown Strayed. 115 min. NNNN (NW) Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Queensway, Rainbow Promenade, Varsity, Yonge & Dundas 24
wiNter sleep (Nuri Bilge Ceylan) is
ñ
set at an exclusive Turkish hotel owned by retired actor Aydin (Haluk Bilginer), who chats with his guests and maintains some neighbouring properties. A charged confrontation with a tenant in one of those properties forces Aydin to reflect on his life. Not much happens, but Ceylan understands the power of setting
/nowmagazine
and the subtle shifts that happen when complex people bump up against each other. Subtitled. 196 min. NNNNN (GS) TIFF Bell Lightbox
the wOMaN iN black 2: aNgel Of death (Tom Harper) is a so-so spook show
that packs none of the original’s scariness and emotional punch, offering instead a predictable story, drab visuals and heavily underscored jump scares. Forty years after the events of the first film, a psychologically damaged teacher and her little band of moppets are evacuated from the London Blitz to the remote ruin where the titular ghost plies her murderous trade. 98 min. NN (Andrew Dowler) 401 & Morningside, Carlton Cinema, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Queensway, Rainbow Woodbine, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yorkdale
ZerO MOtivatiON (Talya Lavie) plays like
an Israeli version of Broad City, with a neurotic underachiever (Nelly Tagar) forever dragged into trouble by her manic BFF (Dana Ivgy). The twist is that they’re both low-ranking soldiers stuck in clerical jobs. Be prepared for some darkness amidst the laughs. Subtitled. 100 min. NNN (NW) Mt Pleasant 3
@nowtoronto
@nowtoronto
ñtOp five
(Chris Rock) is a showbiz satire starring director Rock as a comic-turned-movie-star who’s had a string of flops since going sober and trying to become a serious actor. He uses his familiarity with the industry to goofy and hilarious ends, but surprises us with an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and pain – a human side to celebrity that is often overlooked. 102 min. NNNN (RS) Carlton Cinema, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Scotiabank Theatre
ñtwO daYs, ONe Night
(Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne) 92 min. See interview and review, page 54. NNNNN (RS) Opens Jan 16 at TIFF Bell Lightbox
THE ALL-NEW nowtoronto.com IS HERE.
uNbrOkeN (Angelina Jolie) tells the story of how Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) survived a Japanese prison camp during World War II, where he was unremittingly brutalized by the camp commander (Takamasa Ishihara, who’s excellent). But there’s no point here, beyond measuring Zamperini’s endurance. Strictly for sadists. 137 min. NN (SGC) 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Canada Square, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Cineplex VIP Cinemas Don Mills, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Humber Cinemas, Queensway, Rainbow Market Square, Scotiabank Theatre, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge uNder the sea (Howard Hall) is a daz-
zling travelogue airily narrated by Jim Carrey, an alternative for those of us who can’t afford to go scuba diving off southern Australia. The mere 40-minute run time might make it a waste for those who have to travel just as long to see it. 40 min. NNN (RS) Ontario Science Centre OMNIMAX
the weddiNg riNger (Jeremy Garelick) 101 min. See Also Opening, page 58. Opens Jan 16 at 401 & Morningside, Carlton Cinema, Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Eglinton Town Centre, Grande - Steeles, Queensway, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Fairview, SilverCity Yonge, SilverCity Yorkdale, Yonge & Dundas 24 whiplash (Damien Chazelle) is a battle of wills between a drummer (Miles Teller) who challenges a monstrous conductor NOW january 15-21 2015
61
movie times complete first-run, independent, repertory and festivals Online expanded Film Times
Aurora Cinemas • Cine Starz • Coliseum Mississagua • Courtney Park 16 • Elgin Mills 10 • Empire Studio 10 • First Markham Place • 5 DriveIn Oakville • SilverCity Newmarket • SilverCity Richmond Hill • SilverCity Oakville • Winston Churchill 24 nowtoronto.com/movies
(CE)..............Cineplex Entertainment (ET).......................Empire Theatres (AA)......................Alliance Atlantis (AMC)..................... AMC Theatres (I)..............................Independent lndividual theatres may change showtimes after NOW’s press time. For updates, go online at www.nowtoronto.com or phone theatres. Available for selected films: RWC (Rear Window Captioning) and DVS (Descriptive Video Service)
Downtown BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA (I) 506 BLOOR ST. W., 416-637-3123
ADVANCED STYLE (PG) Mon 4:30 Tue 3:45 CITIZENFOUR (PG) Fri 3:45, 9:00 Sat, Wed 6:30 Sun 6:15 HERMITAGE REVEALED (PG) Thu 4:00 IN CONTEXT VIDEO DOCUMENTARY SERIES Mon 6:45 LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM Fri 6:30 Sat 4:00, 9:15 Sun 3:45, 9:00 Mon 9:00 Tue-Wed 9:15 MONK WITH A CAMERA: THE LIFE AND JOURNEY OF NICHOLAS VREELAND Thu 9:15 NATIONAL GALLERY (G) Sun 12:00 Wed 2:30 THE ROYAL BALLET - MANON Sat 12:00 A WILL FOR THE WOODS Thu 6:30
CARLTON CINEMA (I) 20 CARLTON, 416-494-9371
AMERICAN SNIPER (14A) Fri-Wed 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30 APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Fri-Wed 9:20 BLACKHAT (14A) Fri-Wed 1:20, 4:05, 6:55, 9:35 BOYHOOD (14A) Thu 1:05 Fri-Wed 1:50 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST (14A) Fri-Wed 1:15, 3:50, 6:35, 9:10 FORCE MAJEURE (14A) Fri-Wed 1:30 THE GAMBLER (14A) Thu 4:10, 9:30 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (PG) Thu 1:15, 4:30, 8:00 Fri-Sun, Tue-Wed 4:00, 8:00 Mon 4:00 HOUSEBOUND (14A) Fri-Wed 9:20 THE INTERVIEW (14A) 1:25, 3:55, 6:45 Thu 9:10 late INTO THE WOODS (PG) 1:35, 4:10, 6:50, 9:25 SHORTS THAT ARE NOT PANTS Thu 7:00 STAR OF MIDNIGHT Mon 7:00 TAKEN 3 (14A) Thu 1:40 4:15 6:55 9:15 Fri-Wed 1:45, 4:15, 6:50, 9:15 THERE’S ALWAYS A WOMAN Mon 9:00 TOP FIVE (18A) Thu 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:05 UNBROKEN (14A) Thu 1:10, 3:50, 6:40, 9:25 THE WEDDING RINGER (14A) Fri-Wed 1:40, 4:15, 6:40, 9:05 WHIPLASH (14A) 7:00 Thu 1:45 mat THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2: ANGEL OF DEATH (14A) Thu 1:30, 4:20, 7:05, 9:35 THE WORLD MADE STRAIGHT Thu 4:05, 9:20
RAINBOW MARKET SQUARE (I) MARKET SQUARE, 80 FRONT ST E, 416-494-9371
AMERICAN SNIPER (14A) Thu 7:00, 9:35 Fri, Sun-Mon, Wed 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:25 Sat, Tue 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:25, 11:10 BIG EYES (PG) 3:30, 9:35 Sat, Tue 11:40 late THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (PG) Thu
62
JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
Keira Knightley (left), Benedict Cumberbatch (front) and a lot of other talented Brits bring a disturbing chapter of history alive in The Imitation Game.
12:20, 3:20, 6:50, 9:50 THE IMITATION GAME (PG) Fri-Wed 12:40, 3:40, 6:50, 9:30 INHERENT VICE (14A) Thu 12:30, 3:30, 6:55, 9:45 Fri, SunMon, Wed 1:00, 4:30, 7:30 Sat, Tue 1:00, 4:30, 7:30, 10:25 INTO THE WOODS (PG) Thu 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:20 PADDINGTON (G) Fri-Wed 12:25, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15 TAKEN 3 (14A) 12:35, 3:35, 7:05, 9:25 Sat, Tue 11:30 late THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG) Thu 3:25 Fri-Wed 12:30, 6:55 UNBROKEN (14A) Thu 12:40, 3:40, 7:00, 9:40
REG HARTT CINEFORUM (I) 463 BATHURST ST., 416-603-6643 METROPOLIS Thu 7:00
ROYAL (I)
608 COLLEGE ST, 416-466-4400 CLUELESS (PG) Thu 9:00 Sun 4:00 DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (14A) Sat 4:00, 9:15 Sun-Mon 7:00 FANTASTIC MR. FOX (PG) Sat-Sun 2:00 HAWK JONES Wed 9:30 MYSTERY MOVIE NIGHT Tue 7:00 NIGHTCRAWLER (14A) Thu, Sat, Wed 7:00 Sun-Tue 9:15
SCOTIABANK THEATRE (CE) 259 RICHMOND ST W, 416-368-5600
AMERICAN SNIPER (14A) Thu 7:00, 10:10 Fri 12:30, 3:00, 3:30, 6:10, 6:40, 9:10, 9:50 Sat 1:10, 3:00, 4:30, 6:10, 7:30, 9:10, 10:40 Sun 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, 9:35 Mon 12:30, 3:00, 3:20, 6:10, 6:40, 9:10, 9:50 Tue 1:05, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, 7:00, 8:30, 10:05 Wed 1:05, 2:30, 4:00, 5:45, 7:00, 8:45, 10:00 AMERICAN SNIPER: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE (14A) Fri 1:10, 4:20, 7:30, 10:40 Sat 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:50 Sun 1:00, 4:00, 7:30, 10:30 Mon 1:00, 4:20, 7:30, 10:30 Tue-Wed 1:25, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 BLACKHAT (14A) Thu 9:50 Fri 1:00, 4:10, 7:20, 10:30 Sat 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 10:20 Sun 1:10, 4:10, 7:20, 10:20 Mon 12:50, 4:10, 7:20, 10:20 Tue 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:15 Wed 1:00, 3:55, 7:10, 10:10 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS (PG) Fri, Sun-Mon 12:30, 3:40 Sat 12:30, 3:45 Tue-Wed 12:45, 3:55 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS 3D (PG) Fri, Sun-Mon 6:50, 10:00 Sat 7:00, 10:15 Tue-Wed 7:05, 10:20 THE GAMBLER (14A) Thu 1:40, 4:20, 7:30, 10:00 Fri 2:05, 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 Sat 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 Sun 1:50, 4:30, 7:10 Mon 1:30, 4:00, 9:30 Tue 2:00, 4:30, 7:10 Wed 1:45, 4:25, 10:30 GONE GIRL (14A) Thu 12:25, 6:30 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES – AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE (PG) Thu 1:10, 4:10, 7:20, 10:25 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3D (PG) Thu 12:40, 3:35, 6:40, 9:40 HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 (18A) Thu 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 FriSat 1:40, 7:00 Sun 1:20 Mon 6:40 Tue 1:25, 7:00 Wed 1:25, 6:30 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 (PG) Thu 1:20, 3:55, 6:30, 9:10 Fri, Wed 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:15 Sat 4:30, 7:20, 10:15 Sun-Mon 1:30, 4:15, 7:10, 10:10 Tue 1:00, 4:00, 7:20, 10:15 INHERENT VICE (14A) Thu 12:30, 3:45, 7:00, 10:15 Fri 12:30, 3:40, 7:00, 10:20 Sat 12:25, 3:40, 6:50, 10:10 Sun 12:25, 3:40, 7:00, 10:10 Mon 12:25, 3:35, 6:50, 10:10 Tue-Wed 12:55, 4:10, 7:20, 10:30 INTERSTELLAR (PG) Thu 2:50, 6:20, 9:50 Fri-Sat, Mon 2:40, 6:20, 10:00 Sun 2:45, 6:20, 10:00 Tue 2:45, 6:20, 9:55 Wed 1:35, 7:00, 8:55 THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: THE MERRY WIDOW LIVE Sat 12:55 NIGHTCRAWLER (14A) Thu 3:50, 10:35 Fri-Sat, Tue 4:10 Sun, Wed 3:50 Mon 4:00 TAKEN 3 (14A) Thu 1:30, 2:20, 4:10, 5:15, 6:50, 7:50, 9:25, 10:25 Fri, Mon 1:20, 2:20, 3:50, 5:00, 6:30, 7:40, 9:20,
10:20 Sat 1:20, 2:20, 4:40, 5:15, 7:20, 8:00, 10:00, 10:40 Sun 1:20, 2:00, 3:50, 4:45, 6:30, 7:40, 9:05, 10:20 TueWed 1:35, 2:10, 4:05, 4:45, 6:40, 7:40, 9:25, 10:15 TOP FIVE (18A) Thu 1:50, 4:40, 7:40, 10:00 Fri-Sat 9:30 Sun 9:45 Mon 9:10 Tue 10:00 Wed 9:05 UNBROKEN (14A) Thu 12:50, 4:00, 7:10, 10:10 Fri, Mon 12:40, 3:40, 6:50, 9:55 Sat 12:30, 3:40, 6:50, 9:55 Sun 12:30, 3:40, 6:50, 9:50 Tue-Wed 12:55, 4:00, 7:00, 10:05 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2: ANGEL OF DEATH (14A) Thu 1:00, 2:00, 3:25, 4:25, 5:45, 8:10 Fri, Mon 12:50, 3:15, 5:40, 8:05, 10:30 Sat 5:40, 8:05, 10:30 Sun 12:50, 3:15, 6:40, 9:15 Tue 1:15, 3:50, 6:40, 9:15 Wed 1:15, 3:40, 6:40, 9:15
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX (I) 350 KING ST W, 416-599-8433
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (PG) Thu 6:00 Sun 3:45 Tue 8:00 Wed 7:00 BARRY LYNDON (14A) Sat 5:00 CITIZENFOUR (PG) Thu 1:00, 8:45 Fri 3:45, 6:15, 8:45 Sat 12:45, 5:20, 10:00 Sun 3:50, 8:45 Mon 8:45 Tue 6:00, 8:45 Wed 12:10, 4:45, 8:45 A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (18A) Sat 9:00 DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB (PG) Fri 6:30 EYES WIDE SHUT (R) Sun 7:00 THE KILLING (PG) Sun 1:00 LOLITA (14A) Fri 9:00 MR. TURNER (14A) Thu, Sat 12:10, 3:20, 6:30, 9:40 Fri 12:10, 3:20, 6:40, 9:45 Sun 3:30, 6:45, 9:50 Mon 6:00, 9:10 Tue 6:30, 9:40 Wed 12:00, 3:20, 6:30, 9:40 THE SHINING (R) Thu 9:00 SONG OF THE SEA (PG) Thu 2:30, 4:00, 6:15 Fri 1:00, 3:10, 5:10 Sat 3:15, 5:10, 7:50 Sun 2:25, 4:55, 6:20 Mon-Tue 6:15 Wed 4:00, 6:15 SPARTACUS (14A) Sat 1:00 TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT (PG) Fri-Sat, Wed 12:15, 2:30, 7:15, 9:30 Sun 12:15, 2:40, 7:15, 9:30 Mon-Tue 7:15, 9:30 WINTER SLEEP (14A) Thu 12:30, 4:30, 6:40, 8:30 Fri-Sat 12:30, 4:30, 8:30 Sun 12:00, 4:30, 8:30 Mon 6:40, 8:30 Tue 8:30 Wed 12:30, 2:40, 4:30, 8:30
VARSITY (CE)
55 BLOOR ST W, 416-961-6304 BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) (14A) Thu, Mon-Tue 1:30, 4:25, 7:15, 10:00 Fri-Sun 1:35, 4:25, 7:15, 10:00 Wed 12:45, 3:25, 10:00 FOXCATCHER (14A) Thu, Tue-Wed 12:25, 3:20, 6:20, 9:20 Fri-Sun 12:10, 3:15, 6:20, 9:20 Mon 12:25, 3:20, 10:00 THE IMITATION GAME (PG) 1:05, 1:50, 4:00, 4:40, 6:50, 7:30, 9:45, 10:20 INHERENT VICE (14A) Thu, Mon-Wed 12:20, 3:35, 6:55, 10:15 Fri-Sun 12:15, 3:35, 7:00, 10:25 MR. TURNER (14A) Thu, Mon-Wed 12:20, 3:45, 7:05, 10:25 Fri 12:10, 3:20, 6:45, 10:05 Sat-Sun 12:05, 3:20, 6:45, 10:05 SELMA (PG) 1:10, 4:15, 7:20, 10:25 WILD (18A) Thu, Mon-Wed 1:10, 3:50, 6:35, 9:15 Fri-Sun 12:55, 3:50, 6:35, 9:15
VIP SCREENINGS
BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) (14A) 3:40, 9:30 THE IMITATION GAME (PG) 12:20, 3:20, 6:10, 9:00 Thu 12:30 3:20 6:10 9:00 Mon only 12:30 3:20 6:10 9:00 MR. TURNER (14A) Thu-Fri, Mon-Tue 3:05, 6:30, 9:50 Sat-Sun 11:50, 3:05, 6:30, 9:50 Wed 6:30, 9:50 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG) 1:00, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 WILD (18A) 12:40, 6:50
YONGE & DUNDAS 24 (CE) 10 DUNDAS ST E, 416-977-9262
20 ONCE AGAIN Fri 3:55, 7:10, 10:05 Sat-Sun 12:40, 3:55, 7:10, 10:05 Mon-Wed 3:55, 7:15, 10:05 AMERICAN SNIPER (14A) Fri 3:45, 7:30, 10:45 Sat 12:30, 3:50, 7:30, 10:45 Sun 12:30, 3:50, 7:30, 10:40 Mon-Wed 3:30, 7:10, 10:25 ANNIE (PG) Thu 10:10 Fri 1:40 Sat-Sun 1:35 BIG EYES (PG) Thu 7:40, 10:15 Fri-Sun 4:05, 9:55 Mon-Wed 10:10 BIG HERO 6 (PG) Thu 1:55 Fri 1:50 Sat-Sun 11:55 BIG HERO 6 3D (PG) Thu 4:30, 7:15, 9:55 Fri 4:30, 7:15 Sat-
Sun 3:00, 7:15 Mon-Wed 7:30 BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) (14A) Thu 3:00, 7:25, 10:30 Fri-Sun 1:45, 4:35, 7:25, 10:30 Mon-Wed 4:10, 7:25, 10:15 BOYHOOD (14A) Thu 9:15 Fri 4:30, 10:30 Sat 12:45, 7:00 Sun 6:00 Mon 1:40 Tue 3:40, 9:45 Wed 6:15 CITY LIGHTS (G) Thu 2:00 Mon 7:00 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE (PG) Thu 3:20, 6:40, 10:00 FOXCATCHER (14A) Fri 2:15, 6:40, 9:40 Sat 12:00, 6:40, 9:40 Sun 12:00, 6:40, 9:50 Mon-Wed 2:15, 7:00, 10:00 GONE GIRL (14A) Thu 6:45 Fri 1:45, 7:45 Sat 4:15, 10:15 Sun 9:30 Mon 9:00 Tue 7:00 Wed 1:45, 9:45 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES – AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE (PG) Fri 3:30, 6:55, 10:20 Sat-Sun 12:10, 3:30, 6:55, 10:20 Mon-Wed 3:25, 6:55, 10:20 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3D (PG) Thu 2:40, 6:45, 10:00 Fri-Sun 2:30, 6:00, 9:20 Mon-Wed 2:30, 5:40, 9:00, 9:20 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (PG) 6:10 Sat-Sun 3:00 mat THE IMITATION GAME (PG) Thu 1:40, 3:20, 4:25, 6:15, 7:25, 9:10, 10:25 Fri 1:40, 3:15, 4:25, 6:30, 7:25, 9:45, 10:25 Sat 12:00, 1:25, 3:15, 4:25, 6:30, 7:25, 9:45, 10:25 Sun 12:00, 1:25, 3:15, 4:25, 6:30, 7:25, 9:40, 10:25 Mon-Wed 1:40, 3:00, 4:25, 6:10, 7:25, 9:20, 10:10 IN THE GALLERY – GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING AND OTHER TREASURES FROM THE MAURITSHUIS MUSEUM Sun 12:55, 3:30 Mon 5:00 Tue 1:45 Wed 4:15 INTERSTELLAR (PG) Thu 2:00, 5:45, 9:40 INTO THE WOODS (PG) Thu 1:45, 4:00, 4:35, 7:15, 7:30, 10:20, 10:30 Fri, Mon-Wed 1:45, 4:35, 7:35, 10:30 Sat-Sun 12:50, 4:00, 7:15, 10:15 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB (PG) Thu 4:20, 7:35, 10:20 Fri 2:45, 5:15, 7:35, 10:20 Sat-Sun 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:35, 10:20 Mon-Wed 7:35, 10:20 ODE TO MY FATHER Thu 3:30, 6:40, 9:45 Fri 3:30, 6:25, 9:45 Sat-Sun 12:30, 3:30, 6:25, 9:45 Mon-Wed 6:25, 9:45 PADDINGTON (G) Fri, Mon-Wed 1:55, 4:20, 6:50, 9:30 Sat-Sun 1:40, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR (G) Fri 1:45 Sat-Sun 1:35 Mon-Wed 1:50 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 3D (G) Thu 10:00 SELMA (PG) Thu 4:45, 7:30, 10:25 Fri, Mon-Wed 1:50, 4:40, 7:30, 10:25 Sat-Sun 1:05, 4:00, 7:00, 9:55 TAKEN 3 (14A) Thu 4:40, 7:45, 10:40 Fri 4:15, 7:00, 10:15 Sat 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 10:15 Sun 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 10:00 MonWed 4:00, 6:40, 9:40 THE TAKING OF TIGER MOUNTAIN (14A) 3:15, 6:20, 9:35 Sat-Sun 12:10 mat TEVAR (PG) Thu 3:35, 6:50, 10:05 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG) Thu 7:20, 10:10 Fri 3:10, 6:05, 9:05 Sat-Sun 11:55, 3:10, 6:05, 9:05 Mon-Wed 7:30, 10:25 12 YEARS A SLAVE (14A) Thu 4:00 THE WEDDING RINGER (14A) Thu 7:00, 9:45 Fri 2:30, 4:45, 5:00, 7:45, 8:00, 10:30, 11:15 Sat 2:00, 2:30, 4:45, 5:00, 7:45, 8:00, 10:30, 11:15 Sun 2:00, 2:30, 4:45, 5:00, 7:45, 8:00, 10:30, 11:00 Mon-Wed 2:30, 4:30, 5:00, 7:40, 7:45, 10:30, 10:45 WILD (18A) Thu 7:05, 9:50 Fri 4:25, 7:10, 10:00 Sat-Sun 4:20, 7:05, 10:00 Mon-Wed 7:10, 10:00
Midtown Canada Square (Ce) 2200 Yonge St, 416-646-0444
Annie (PG) thu 5:40, 8:20 Fri 7:15 Sat-Sun 1:30, 7:15 MonWed 8:20 Big eyes (PG) thu 5:30, 8:00 Fri 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Sat-Sun 1:50, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Mon-Wed 5:45, 8:15 Big Hero 6 (PG) thu 5:10, 7:40 Feng sHui 2 (PG) thu, Mon-Wed 5:20, 8:30 Fri 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 Sat-Sun 1:50, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 FoxcAtcHer (14A) thu 5:00, 8:00 Fri-Sun 4:15, 10:00 Mon-Wed 5:10 inHerent Vice (14A) thu 5:20, 8:00 Fri 3:30, 6:50, 10:00 Sat-Sun 12:20, 3:30, 6:50, 10:00 Mon-Wed 5:00, 8:00 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) Fri 4:45, 7:15, 9:45 Sat-Sun 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45 Mon-Wed 5:30, 8:10 Penguins oF MAdAgAscAr (G) thu 5:20, 7:30 selMA (PG) Fri 3:50, 6:50, 9:45 Sat-Sun 1:00, 3:50, 6:50, 9:45 Mon-Wed 5:20, 8:20 unBroken (14A) Fri 3:45, 6:45, 9:50 Sat-Sun 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:50 Mon-Wed 5:15, 8:15 WHiPlAsH (14A) thu, Mon-Wed 5:30, 8:00 Fri 4:50, 7:30, 10:00 Sat-Sun 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:00
Mt PleaSant (I)
675 Mt PleaSant rd, 416-489-8484 Force MAjeure (14A) thu, tue 7:00 Fri 6:45, 9:15 Sat 4:25, 9:20 Sun 2:00, 7:00 My old lAdy (PG) Sat 6:55 Sun 4:30 Zero MotiVAtion (14A) Wed 7:00
regent theatre (I) 551 Mt PleaSant rd, 416-480-9884
BirdMAn or (tHe unexPected Virtue oF ignorAnce) (14A) Fri, tue 9:15 Sat 3:30, 9:00 Sun 1:30, 7:00 Wed 7:00 BoyHood (14A) thu 6:30 Fri, tue 6:15 Sat 6:00 Sun 4:00
SIlverCItY Yonge (Ce) 2300 Yonge St, 416-544-1236
AMericAn sniPer (14A) Fri 1:15, 4:15, 7:25, 10:30 Sat 1:15, 4:15, 7:20, 10:30 Sun-Wed 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:15 BlAckHAt (14A) Fri 12:50, 3:50, 6:50, 10:05 Sat 12:40, 3:50, 6:50, 10:05 Sun 12:40, 3:40, 6:40, 9:55 Mon-Wed 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:55 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) thu 3:40, 6:50, 10:05 Fri-Sat 3:40, 7:10, 10:25 Sun 3:30, 7:00, 10:15 Mon-Wed 3:40, 7:00, 10:15 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thuFri, Mon-Wed 12:30 tHe Hunger gAMes: MockingjAy – PArt 1 (PG) thu 12:35, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 1:10, 4:10, 7:00, 9:55 Fri 1:05, 4:00, 7:00, 9:55 Sat 1:30, 4:40, 7:40, 10:35 Sun-tue 1:00, 3:55, 6:50, 9:50 Wed 12:30, 3:20, 6:50, 9:50 in tHe gAllery – girl WitH A PeArl eArring And otHer treAsures FroM tHe MAuritsHuis MuseuM Sun 12:55 interstellAr (PG) thu 1:00, 5:00, 9:00 into tHe Woods (PG) thu 12:50, 3:45, 6:40, 9:40 Fri 12:40, 3:30, 6:40, 9:40 Sat 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:40 Sun 12:30, 2:55, 6:20, 9:30 Mon-Wed 12:40, 3:30, 6:20, 9:30 tHe MetroPolitAn oPerA: tHe Merry WidoW liVe Sat 12:55 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) thu 12:30, 3:20, 6:20, 9:10 PAddington (G) Fri 12:45, 3:05, 5:25, 7:55, 10:20 Sat 12:30, 5:00, 7:50, 10:20 Sun-tue 1:25, 4:50, 7:40, 10:05 Wed 4:50, 7:40, 10:05 tAken 3 (14A) thu 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10 Fri 1:40, 4:40, 7:35, 10:15 Sat 1:40, 4:50, 7:30, 10:15 Sun-Wed 1:40, 4:40, 7:30, 10:10 tHe tHeory oF eVerytHing (PG) thu 1:20, 4:20, 7:30, 10:15 Fri, Sun 12:30, 3:20, 6:30, 9:20 Sat 3:20, 6:30, 9:20 Mon-tue 12:50, 3:45, 6:30, 9:20 Wed 3:45, 9:40 unBroken (14A) thu 12:45, 3:55, 7:10, 10:15 tHe Wedding ringer (14A) Fri 1:50, 4:50, 7:45, 10:30 Sat 1:05, 4:30, 7:00, 9:50 Sun-Wed 1:50, 4:30, 7:20, 10:00
Metro West End huMber CIneMaS (I) 2442 bloor St. WeSt, 416-769-2442
AMericAn sniPer (14A) 3:30, 6:40, 9:30 Sat-Mon 12:45 mat tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thu 3:40, 6:30, 9:25 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) 3:40, 6:50, 9:20 Sat-Sun 1:00 mat into tHe Woods (PG) thu 4:10, 6:50, 9:45 PAddington (G) 3:50, 6:30, 8:45 Sat-Mon 1:15 mat tAken 3 (14A) thu 4:20 7:00 9:55 Fri-Wed 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 Sat-Mon 1:30 mat unBroken (14A) thu 3:50, 6:40, 9:35
KIngSWaY theatre (I) 3030 bloor St W, 416-232-1939
AWAke: tHe liFe oF yogAnAndA (G) Sat, Mon, Wed 12:45 Big Hero 6 (PG) Sat-Sun 10:45 BirdMAn or (tHe unexPected Virtue oF ignorAnce) (14A) Fri-Wed 7:20 BoyHood (14A) thu 12:15, 9:15 Fri, Mon-Wed 12:55, 8:55 Sat-Sun 8:55 coPenHAgen (14A) Sat, Mon, Wed 2:30 elsA & Fred (PG) thu 1:45 Fri, Sun, tue 2:30 FitZWilly thu 10:30 Fri, Mon-Wed 10:45
Ñ
Force MAjeure (14A) thu 7:15 Sat, Mon, Wed 5:00 FoxcAtcHer (14A) Fri-Wed 5:00 interstellAr (PG) 9:15 Sat-Sun 12:25 mat tHe interVieW (14A) thu 3:05, 9:15, 11:15 Fri-Wed 7:05 My old lAdy (PG) thu 3:25 Fri-Wed 11:00, 3:15 tHe 100-yeAr-old MAn WHo cliMBed out tHe WindoW And disAPPeAred (14A) thu 11:30 Fri, Sun, tue 12:45 Pride (14A) thu 5:15 Fri, Sun, tue 5:00 WHiPlAsH (14A) thu 5:00 Fri-Wed 3:15
indie film spotlight
queenSWaY (Ce)
1025 the queenSWaY, qeW & ISlIngton, 416-503-0424 AMericAn sniPer (14A) thu 7:10, 10:15 Fri 1:20, 3:20, 4:35, 6:40, 7:40, 10:00, 10:50 Sat 11:05, 12:00, 1:20, 3:20, 4:35, 6:40, 7:40, 10:00, 10:50 Sun 12:00, 12:50, 3:20, 4:00, 6:40, 7:20, 10:00, 10:25 Mon-tue 1:00, 3:45, 4:00, 7:00, 7:20, 10:15, 10:25 Wed 3:45, 4:00, 7:00, 7:20, 10:15, 10:25 Annie (PG) thu 12:30, 3:15, 6:10 Fri-Sat 2:10 Sun-Wed 1:50 Big Hero 6 (PG) thu 12:35 BlAckHAt (14A) thu 9:20 Fri 12:50, 4:00, 7:20, 10:25 Sat 12:40, 4:00, 7:20, 10:25 Sun 12:20, 3:30, 7:00, 10:05 Montue 12:35, 3:30, 7:00, 10:05 Wed 4:00, 7:00, 10:05 city ligHts (G) Mon 7:00 exodus: gods And kings (PG) thu 3:10 tHe gAMBler (14A) thu 1:50, 4:40, 7:30, 10:10 Fri-Sat 5:05, 8:00, 10:40 Sun-Wed 4:40, 7:40, 10:20 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) thu 1:10, 4:30, 5:00, 8:00, 8:30 Fri-Sat 3:20, 6:40, 10:10 Sun 3:00, 6:20, 9:45 Mon-Wed 5:30, 8:50 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thu 2:40, 6:00 Fri-Sat 12:00 Sun 11:50 Mon-Wed 2:00 tHe Hunger gAMes: MockingjAy – PArt 1 (PG) thu 12:45, 3:30, 6:30, 9:25 Fri 1:40, 4:50, 7:55, 10:45 Sat 4:50, 7:55, 10:45 Sun, tue-Wed 1:30, 4:30, 7:35, 10:30 Mon 1:40, 4:30, 7:35, 10:30 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 1:20, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:20, 9:00, 10:05 Fri 1:00, 3:50, 4:00, 6:50, 7:15, 9:50, 10:30 Sat 11:30, 1:00, 1:05, 3:50, 4:00, 6:50, 7:15, 9:50, 10:30 Sun 12:40, 1:00, 3:40, 4:00, 6:50, 7:15, 9:40, 10:30 Mon 1:30, 3:00, 3:40, 6:00, 6:50, 9:00, 9:40 tue 12:55, 3:00, 3:40, 6:00, 6:50, 9:00, 9:40 Wed 12:50, 3:00, 3:40, 6:00, 6:50, 9:00, 9:40 in tHe gAllery – girl WitH A PeArl eArring And otHer treAsures FroM tHe MAuritsHuis MuseuM Sun 12:55 inHerent Vice (14A) thu 2:40, 3:20, 6:30, 6:50, 10:15, 10:30 Fri 12:20, 2:20, 3:40, 6:00, 7:05, 9:30, 10:30 Sat 11:40, 2:00, 3:00, 6:00, 6:30, 9:30, 10:00 Sun 12:25, 2:00, 2:50, 6:00, 6:10, 9:30, 9:35 Mon 2:50, 4:15, 6:30, 8:00, 9:00 tue-Wed 1:35, 4:15, 5:10, 8:00, 8:35 interstellAr (PG) thu 9:05 into tHe Woods (PG) thu 12:40, 2:40, 3:40, 6:30, 6:40, 9:45, 10:30 Fri 1:10, 4:25, 7:30, 10:35 Sat 12:10, 4:40, 7:30, 10:35 Sun 1:00, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 Mon-Wed 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 tHe MetroPolitAn oPerA: tHe Merry WidoW liVe Sat 12:55 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) thu 2:50, 5:25, 7:50, 10:20 Fri-Sat 3:10, 5:45, 8:20 Sun, tue 1:40, 4:20, 6:40 Mon 4:20, 6:40 Wed 1:25, 4:20, 6:40 PAddington (G) Fri 12:00, 1:50, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 Sat 11:20, 1:50, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 Sun 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:30, 10:00 Mon-Wed 2:20, 4:50, 7:30, 9:55 PAul BlArt: MAll coP (PG) Sat 11:00 Penguins oF MAdAgAscAr (G) thu 12:55 Fri 1:30 Sat 1:40 Sun-Wed 1:20 selMA (PG) thu 1:00, 4:10, 7:05, 10:00 Fri 12:35, 3:30, 6:30, 9:35 Sat 12:30, 3:30, 6:20, 9:30 Sun 12:10, 3:20, 6:30, 9:30 Mon-Wed 12:35, 3:25, 6:20, 9:30 tAken 3 (14A) thu 12:30, 2:00, 4:00, 4:50, 7:00, 7:40, 10:00, 10:25 Fri 12:30, 2:30, 2:50, 5:25, 6:00, 8:10, 9:00, 11:00 Sat 11:50, 12:00, 2:30, 2:50, 5:25, 6:00, 8:10, 9:00, 11:00 Sun 12:00, 2:05, 2:50, 5:00, 6:00, 7:50, 9:00, 10:35 Mon-Wed 2:10, 3:30, 5:00, 6:30, 7:50, 9:30, 10:35 unBroken (14A) thu 12:50, 3:50, 6:20, 9:30 Fri 12:05, 3:15, 6:20, 9:25 Sat 4:30, 7:35, 10:45 Sun 3:45, 7:05, 10:15 Mon-tue 12:45, 3:45, 7:05, 10:15 Wed 12:40, 3:45, 7:05, 10:15 tHe Wedding ringer (14A) thu 7:00, 9:35 Fri 12:10, 2:40, 5:00, 5:15, 7:50, 8:00, 10:30, 11:00 Sat 11:10, 1:30, 2:40, 5:00, 5:15, 7:50, 8:00, 10:30, 11:00 Sun 12:00, 1:30, 2:40, 5:00, 5:20, 8:00, 10:35, 10:50 Mon-Wed 2:40, 4:45, 5:20, 7:30, 8:00, 10:30, 10:35 Wild (18A) thu 1:30, 4:20 Fri 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Sat 4:10, 7:10, 9:55 Sun 3:50, 6:35, 9:20 Mon 3:50, 9:50 tue-Wed 3:50, 6:30, 9:20 tHe WoMAn in BlAck 2: Angel oF deAtH (14A) thu 3:10, 5:35, 8:00, 10:30 Fri-Sat 10:55 Sun-Wed 9:10
raInboW WoodbIne (I)
WoodbIne Centre, 500 rexdale blvd, 416-213-1998 AMericAn sniPer (14A) Fri-Wed 12:45, 3:40, 6:35, 9:40 Annie (PG) thu 12:50, 3:35, 6:35, 9:20 Big Hero 6 (PG) thu 1:05, 3:45 BlAckHAt (14A) Fri-Wed 12:55, 3:45, 6:40, 9:45 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thu 6:30, 9:30 into tHe Woods (PG) thu 12:55, 3:50, 6:40, 9:35 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) 1:10, 4:05, 6:50, 9:15 PAddington (G) Fri-Wed 1:15, 3:55, 6:55, 9:20 selMA (PG) thu 12:45, 3:40, 6:45, 9:40 Fri-Wed 12:50, 3:35, 6:30, 9:25 tAken 3 (14A) thu 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45 Fri-Wed 1:05, 3:50, 6:45, 9:35 tHe Wedding ringer (14A) Fri-tue 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30 Wed 4:00, 7:00, 9:30 tHe WoMAn in BlAck 2: Angel oF deAtH (14A) thu 1:15, 3:35, 6:55, 9:25
revue (I)
400 ronCeSvalleS ave, 416-531-9959 AWAke: tHe liFe oF yogAnAndA (G) Wed 7:00 BirdMAn or (tHe unexPected Virtue oF ignorAnce) (14A) thu, Mon 7:00 Fri 9:30 Sat 6:30 tue-Wed 9:00 FAntAstic Mr. Fox (PG) Sat-Sun 2:00
The final weeks of America’s presence in Vietnam are depicted with stories and archival footage.
LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM
(Rory Kennedy) ñ Rating: nnnn
If you think you’ve seen all there is to see about the Vietnam war, well, here’s 98 minutes that you haven’t. Directed by Rory Kennedy (Ghosts Of Abu Ghraib, Ethel), Last Days In Vietnam looks at the absolute chaos of the final weeks of America’s presence in the convulsing nation. The war effort was collapsing into incoherence, half a
FoxcAtcHer (14A) Fri, tue 6:30 Sat 9:00 Sun-Mon 9:30 Wed 2:00 FroM uP on PoPPy Hill (PG) Sun 4:00 tHe Hunger gAMes: MockingjAy – PArt 1 (PG) Sat 4:00 tHe oVernigHters (PG) thu 9:00 tHe tAle oF tHe Princess kAguyA (PG) Sun 6:30
East End beaCh CIneMaS (aa) 1651 queen St e, 416-699-1327
AMericAn sniPer (14A) 7:10, 10:00 Fri 4:00 mat Sat-Sun 12:50, 4:00 mat tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) thu 6:45, 10:00 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) 7:00, 10:10 Fri 3:50 mat Sat-Sun 12:40, 3:50 mat tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 7:10, 10:10 Fri 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 Sat-Sun 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, 9:30 Mon-Wed 6:50, 9:30 into tHe Woods (PG) thu 6:30, 9:30 Fri 4:20, 7:20, 10:15 Sat, Mon-Wed 7:20, 10:15 Sun 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 10:15 tHe MetroPolitAn oPerA: tHe Merry WidoW liVe Sat 12:55 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) thu 7:30, 9:50 PAddington (G) 7:30, 9:50 Fri 4:30 mat Sat-Sun 12:30, 2:50, 5:10 mat tAken 3 (14A) thu 7:20, 10:15 Fri 3:40, 6:40, 9:15 Sat-Sun 1:00, 3:40, 6:40, 9:15 Mon-Wed 6:40, 9:15 unBroken (14A) thu 7:00, 10:05
Fox (I)
2236 queen St e, 416-691-7330 BirdMAn or (tHe unexPected Virtue oF ignorAnce) (14A) Fri, Mon 6:40 Sat-Sun 7:00 tue 9:45 Wed 9:15 BoyHood (14A) Fri, Mon 9:00 Sat-Sun 3:30 tue 6:30 Penguins oF MAdAgAscAr 3d (G) Sat-Sun 1:30 st. Vincent (14A) thu 7:00 tHe tHeory oF eVerytHing (PG) thu 9:15 WHiPlAsH (14A) Sat-Sun 9:20 Wed 7:00
North York CInePlex CIneMaS eMPreSS WalK (Ce) 5095 Yonge St., 416-847-0087
AMericAn sniPer (14A) Fri 4:10, 7:20, 10:25 Sat 1:00,
= Critics’ Pick nnnnn = Top ten of the year nnnn = Honourable mention nnn = Entertaining nn = Mediocre n = Bomb
million civilians were trying to claim refugee status so they could escape through the U.S. embassy in Saigon, and Americans were doing everything they could to save individual lives. Four decades on, Kennedy and her crew have collected stories from Americans and Vietnamese who were there, matching them to archival footage to construct a narrative that’s as close to definitive as possible. It’s a fascinating saga of
institutional denial and personal commitment – both of which are somehow bound up in the personal arc of Graham Martin, the U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam who refused to acknowledge the deteriorating state of the war but finally reversed himself to marshal a last-ditch effort to evacuate hundreds of people. Humanity won out. Opens Friday (January 16) at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.
4:10, 7:20, 10:25 Sun 1:00, 4:10, 7:15, 10:15 Mon-Wed 4:10, 7:15, 10:15 exodus: gods And kings 3d (PG) thu 6:30 FoxcAtcHer (14A) thu 3:30, 6:45, 9:45 Fri-Wed 3:45, 9:50 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies – An iMAx 3d exPerience (PG) thu 3:40, 6:55, 10:10 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) Fri-Wed 6:50, 10:05 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) 3:40 Sat 12:30 mat Sun 12:35 mat tHe Hunger gAMes: MockingjAy – PArt 1 (PG) thu 3:30, 9:55 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 4:00 7:20 10:00 Fri-Wed 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 Sat-Sun 1:20 mat in tHe gAllery – girl WitH A PeArl eArring And otHer treAsures FroM tHe MAuritsHuis MuseuM Sun 12:55 into tHe Woods (PG) thu 4:40, 7:30, 10:15 Fri 3:30, 6:30, 9:55 Sat 6:30, 9:55 Sun 12:40, 3:30, 6:25, 9:55 Mon 3:30, 9:55 tue-Wed 3:30, 6:25, 9:55 tHe MetroPolitAn oPerA: tHe Merry WidoW liVe Sat 12:55 nigHt At tHe MuseuM: secret oF tHe toMB (PG) thu 4:20, 6:40, 9:30 ode to My FAtHer thu 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Fri 3:55, 7:10, 10:15 Sat 12:50, 3:55, 7:10, 10:15 Sun 12:50, 3:55, 6:55, 9:40 Mon-Wed 3:55, 6:55, 9:40 PAddington (G) Fri 4:40, 7:40, 10:10 Sat 12:35, 5:20, 7:40, 10:10 Sun 1:30, 4:30, 7:40, 10:10 Mon 4:30, 7:45, 10:10 tue-Wed 4:30, 7:40, 10:10 tAken 3 (14A) thu 4:30, 7:40, 10:15 Fri 5:00, 7:50, 10:30 Sat 2:20, 5:00, 7:50, 10:30 Sun 1:10, 5:00, 7:10, 9:45 Mon 5:00, 7:10, 9:45 tue-Wed 4:20, 7:10, 9:45 unBroken (14A) thu 3:50, 6:55, 10:05 Fri-Wed 6:40 tHe Wedding ringer (14A) Fri 4:30, 8:00, 10:30 Sat 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30 Sun 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:15 Mon 3:35, 7:25, 10:15 tue-Wed 3:45, 6:30, 9:20 Wild (18A) thu 3:35, 6:20, 9:15 Fri 4:20, 7:30, 10:20 Sat 7:30, 10:20 Sun 12:45, 3:25, 6:15, 9:30 Mon 3:30, 7:35, 10:10 tue-Wed 3:30, 6:15, 9:30
tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thu 9:00 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 3:00, 4:00, 6:00, 7:00, 10:00 Fri 3:00, 6:00, 9:40 Sat 2:30, 6:00, 9:40 Sun 12:30, 3:30, 6:45, 10:00 Mon, Wed 2:20, 5:30, 8:30 tue 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 in tHe gAllery – girl WitH A PeArl eArring And otHer treAsures FroM tHe MAuritsHuis MuseuM Sun 12:55 tHe MetroPolitAn oPerA: tHe Merry WidoW liVe Sat 12:55 tAken 3 (14A) thu 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 Fri 3:30, 6:40, 10:20 Sat 2:00, 6:40, 10:20 Sun 1:30, 4:10, 7:15, 10:30 Mon 2:50, 6:00, 9:00 tue 3:00, 6:00, 9:10 Wed 3:00, 6:00, 8:50, 8:55 unBroken (14A) thu 2:20, 5:20, 8:30 Fri-Sat 5:20, 9:00 Sun 4:50, 8:30 Mon 3:50, 9:30 tue 4:30, 7:50 Wed 4:35
CInePlex vIP CIneMaS don MIllS (Ce) 12 MarIe labatte road, 416-644-0660
AMericAn sniPer (14A) Fri 4:00, 7:20, 11:00 Sat 12:30, 4:00, 7:20, 11:00 Sun 12:00, 3:00, 6:15, 9:30 Mon 3:20, 6:30, 10:00 tue 3:30, 6:30, 9:50 Wed 3:30, 6:30, 9:40 city ligHts (G) Mon 7:00 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) thu-Fri 4:30, 8:00 Sat 4:50, 8:30 Sun 2:00, 5:30, 9:00 Mon 4:20, 8:00 tue-Wed 4:00, 7:10
norMAn Wilner
ontarIo SCIenCe Centre oMnIMax (I) 770 don MIllS rd., 416-429-4100
greAt WHite sHArk thu 12:00, 1:00 Fri-Sun 12:00 HuBBle Fri, Mon, Wed 1:00 Sat-Sun 2:00 tHe HuMAn Body Mon, Wed 12:00 tue 12:00, 1:00 islAnd oF leMurs: MAdAgAscAr (G) thu-Fri, MonWed 11:00, 2:00 Sat-Sun 11:00, 4:00 rocky MountAin exPress Sat-Sun 3:00 under tHe seA Sat-Sun 1:00
SIlverCItY FaIrvIeW (Ce)
FaIrvIeW Mall, 1800 ShePPard ave e, 416-644-7746 AMericAn sniPer (14A) Fri-Wed 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:15 Annie (PG) thu 1:20, 4:05, 6:50, 9:40 Big Hero 6 (PG) thu 1:40, 4:15 BlAckHAt (14A) Fri-tue 1:20, 4:15, 7:15, 10:20 Wed 4:15, 7:15, 10:20 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies 3d (PG) thu 4:10, 7:25, 10:30 Fri-Wed 4:00, 7:05, 10:10 tHe HoBBit: tHe BAttle oF tHe FiVe ArMies (PG) thuFri, Mon-Wed 1:00 tHe Hunger gAMes: MockingjAy – PArt 1 (PG) thu 4:20, 10:10 tHe iMitAtion gAMe (PG) thu 2:00, 4:45, 7:40, 10:15 Fri, Sun-Wed 1:55, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00 Sat 1:25, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00 in tHe gAllery – girl WitH A PeArl eArring And otHer treAsures FroM tHe MAuritsHuis MuseuM Sun 12:55 continued on page 64 œ
NOW january 15-21 2015
63
movie times œcontinued from page 63
Interstellar (PG) Thu 7:00, 10:20 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 1:30, 4:35, 7:30, 10:25 Fri, Mon-Wed 1:35, 4:30, 7:25, 10:20 Sat 4:30, 7:25, 10:20 Sun 1:00, 4:30, 7:25, 10:20 the MetropolItan opera: the Merry WIdoW lIve Sat 12:55 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 2:10, 4:40, 7:05, 9:30 Fri, Sun-Wed 2:00, 7:00 Sat 11:30, 2:00, 7:00 paddIngton (G) Fri, Sun-Tue 1:50, 4:25, 6:50, 9:30 Sat 11:20, 1:50, 4:25, 6:50, 9:30 Wed 4:25, 6:50, 9:30 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 taken 3 (14A) Thu 1:50, 4:25, 7:15, 9:50 Fri, Sun-Wed 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:05 Sat 11:40, 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:05 unbroken (14A) Thu 1:10, 7:10 the WeddIng rInger (14A) 1:30, 4:20, 6:55, 9:50 Sat 11:10 mat the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 2:20, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00 Fri-Wed 4:35, 9:40
SilverCiTy yorkdale (Ce) 3401 duFFerin ST, 416-787-2052
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Fri-Sat 1:10, 4:20, 7:30, 10:40 Sun 12:40, 3:45, 7:00, 10:00 Mon-Wed 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:05 annIe (PG) Thu 1:10, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30 Fri 1:30 Sat 11:20, 2:10 Sun 1:15 Mon-Wed 1:20 blackhat (14A) Fri-Sat 1:00, 4:00, 7:20, 10:30 Sun 12:50, 4:00, 7:20, 10:20 Mon-Wed 12:50, 3:50, 7:15, 10:15 exodus: gods and kIngs (PG) Thu 3:30, 9:45 the gaMbler (14A) Thu 1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 9:50 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu 12:30, 3:50, 7:00, 10:10 Fri-Sat 6:50, 10:05 Sun-Wed 6:30, 9:45 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) FriSat 3:30 Sun-Wed 3:00 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu 12:40, 6:50 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Thu 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 10:05 Fri-Sat 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50 Sun 1:00, 4:15, 7:10, 9:55 Mon-Wed 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:40 Fri-Sat 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30 Sun 12:10, 3:15, 6:40, 9:30 MonWed 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:30 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 1:00, 3:50, 6:30, 9:00 Fri-Sat, Mon-Wed 12:30 Sun 12:20 paddIngton (G) Fri 12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 Sat 11:50, 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 Sun 11:40, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Mon-Wed 1:40, 4:20, 6:45, 9:10 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 selMa (PG) Thu 1:20, 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Fri-Sat 12:20, 3:50, 7:00, 10:00 Sun 12:30, 3:30, 6:50, 9:40 Mon-Wed 12:40, 3:40, 6:50, 9:40 taken 3 (14A) Thu 2:00, 4:40, 7:30, 10:15 Fri-Sat 12:00, 2:40, 5:20, 8:00, 10:40 Sun 11:50, 2:30, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20 Mon-Wed 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:15 the WeddIng rInger (14A) Fri-Sat 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:15 Sun 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:05 Mon-Wed 1:50, 4:50, 7:40, 10:10 the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 2:15, 4:50, 7:40, 10:15 Fri 4:30, 7:50, 10:20 Sat 5:00, 7:50, 10:20 Sun 4:45, 7:40, 10:10 Mon-Wed 4:40, 7:20, 9:50
Scarborough 401 & MorningSide (Ce) 785 Milner ave, SCarborough, 416-281-2226
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Fri, Tue 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 Sat 11:30, 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 Sun 1:10, 4:10, 7:05, 9:55 Mon, Wed 5:00, 7:55 annIe (PG) Thu 5:00, 7:40 blackhat (14A) Fri, Tue 4:20, 7:20, 10:20 Sat 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 10:20 Sun 1:20, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 Mon, Wed 5:10, 8:05 exodus: gods and kIngs (PG) Thu 8:00 the gaMbler (14A) Thu 5:50, 8:20 Fri-Sat, Tue 10:25 Sun 10:05 Mon, Wed 8:20 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu, Mon, Wed 8:10 Fri, Tue 3:40, 6:45, 10:00 Sat 3:30, 6:45, 10:00 Sun 3:30, 6:45, 9:50 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) Thu, Mon, Wed 5:00 Sat-Sun 12:20 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu 5:10, 7:55 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Thu 5:15, 7:50 Fri, Tue 4:30, 7:00, 9:40 Sat 1:30, 4:30, 7:00, 9:40 Sun 1:30, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Mon, Wed 5:20, 7:50 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 5:20, 8:15 Fri, Tue 4:00, 6:50, 9:45 Sat 1:00, 4:00, 6:50, 9:45 Sun 1:00, 4:00, 6:50, 9:35 Mon, Wed 5:30, 8:15 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 5:40, 8:00 Fri, Tue 5:30, 8:00 Sat 12:40, 3:10, 5:30, 8:00 Sun 12:40, 3:10, 5:25, 7:45 Mon, Wed 6:00 paddIngton (G) Fri, Tue 4:45, 7:30, 9:55 Sat 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:30, 9:55 Sun 12:15, 2:15, 4:45, 7:30, 9:50 Mon, Wed 5:05, 7:40 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 penguIns of Madagascar (G) Fri, Tue 6:40 Sat-Sun 12:30, 6:40 Mon, Wed 5:40 penguIns of Madagascar 3d (G) Thu 5:30 selMa (PG) Fri, Tue 3:45, 6:55, 9:50 Sat 12:50, 3:45, 6:55, 9:50 Sun 12:50, 3:45, 6:55, 9:45 Mon, Wed 5:15, 8:00 taken 3 (14A) Thu 5:35, 8:10 Fri, Tue 5:00, 7:50, 10:25 Sat 2:30, 5:00, 7:50, 10:25 Sun 2:30, 5:00, 7:35, 10:05 Mon, Wed 5:45, 8:20 unbroken (14A) Thu 5:05, 8:05 Fri, Tue 3:45, 9:30 Sat 3:20, 9:30 Sun 3:20, 9:00 Mon, Wed 8:00 the WeddIng rInger (14A) Fri, Tue 5:10, 7:40, 10:15 Sat 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:15 Sun 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:00 Mon, Wed 5:50, 8:15 the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 6:00, 8:20
ColiSeuM SCarborough (Ce) SCarborough ToWn CenTre, 416-290-5217
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Fri-Wed 1:10, 4:15, 7:25, 10:35 annIe (PG) Thu 1:20, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 bIg hero 6 (PG) Thu 1:55, 4:40, 7:25 blackhat (14A) Fri-Wed 1:00, 4:05, 7:15, 10:25 feng shuI 2 (PG) 1:40, 4:20, 6:55, 9:50 Thu 1:10 4:00 6:55 9:55 Sun only 2:15 4:20 6:55 9:50 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu 6:40 10:00 Fri-Wed 6:30, 10:00 Sat-Sun 3:10 mat the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) Thu 2:50 Fri, Mon-Wed 3:10 Sat-Sun 11:55 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu
Special Screenings Thursday, January 15
Sunday, January 18
clueless Monthly Underground Female Film
clueless Monthly Underground Female
Society screening of films that celebrate and champion women in film. Photo booths, costume contests, raffles and more. Doors 9 pm. Jan 15 at 9 pm, Jan 18 at 4 pm (no frills screening). Royal Cinema, 608 College. theroyal.to. la haIne Screening of the 1995 Mathieu Kassovitz film, in French w/ English subtitles. 7 pm. Free. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd. 416-922-2014. shorts that are not pants Short films. 7 pm. $12, adv $10.20. Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton. shortsnotpants.com.
Friday, January 16 flaWless: a feMInIst fIlM serIes Screenings
Film Society screening of films that celebrate and champion all facets of women in film. 4 pm. Royal Cinema, 608 College. theroyal.to. cupcakes Screening of the 2013 film by Eytan Fox and guest speaker Jamie Levin for the U of T Centre for Jewish Studies. 4 & 7:30 pm. $15, young adults 18-35 $10. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina. 416-9246211 ext 606, mnjcc.org.
Monday, January 19 WInter pop-up fIlM lectures In nayMan’s terMs Film clips and lecture by crit-
ic Adam Nayman on David Fincher’s Zodiac. 7-9 pm. $12. Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina. 416-924-6211 ext 606.
of Maya Deren Meshes Of The Afternoon and Cheryl Dunye’s Watermelon Woman. 8 pm. Likely General, 389 Roncesvalles. facebook.com/events/1507859942786253 IngrId venInger Writer/director Veninger talks about her process plus a screening of The Animal Project. 7 pm. Free. Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex. alumni.innis.utoronto.ca.
brtv pIlot screenIng Humber College showcase for second year Broadcasting Television and Videography students. 6:30 pm. Free. Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor W. bloorcinema.com.
Saturday, January 17
Wednesday, January 21
the last pogo juMps agaIn Screening of
the 2013 film by Colin Brunton and Kire Paputts. Sat-Mon, 7 pm. Cineforum, 463 Bathurst. 416-603-6643.
64
january 15-21 2015 NOW
Tuesday, January 20
haWk jones Laserblast Video Club presen-
tation. 9:30 pm. Royal Cinema, 608 College. theroyal.to.
Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace attempt to take your money in the completely unnecessary Taken 3. 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:15 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Thu 1:30 4:30 7:30 10:20 FriWed 1:20, 4:15, 7:05, 10:20 In the gallery – gIrl WIth a pearl earrIng and other treasures froM the MaurItshuIs MuseuM Sun 12:55 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 1:25, 4:25, 7:35, 10:30 Fri-Wed 1:05, 4:05, 7:10, 10:05 the MetropolItan opera: the Merry WIdoW lIve Sat 12:55 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 2:20, 4:55, 7:40, 10:20 Fri-Wed 1:15, 7:20 paddIngton (G) Fri, Mon-Wed 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Sat-Sun 12:00, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 pk (PG) Thu 2:45, 6:20, 9:50 Fri-Wed 3:50, 9:55 taken 3 (14A) Thu 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:30 Fri, Sun-Wed 1:55, 4:50, 7:30, 10:15 Sat 11:20, 2:00, 4:50, 7:30, 10:15 top fIve (18A) Thu 10:05 the WeddIng rInger (14A) 2:40, 5:15, 7:55, 10:30 SatSun 12:10 mat the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 2:00, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50 Fri, Mon-Wed 2:25, 5:05, 7:35, 10:10 Sat 4:40, 7:35, 10:10 Sun 5:05, 7:35, 10:10
eglinTon ToWn CenTre (Ce) 1901 eglinTon ave e, 416-752-4494
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Thu 7:00, 10:05 Fri-Sat 1:10, 4:20, 7:30, 10:40 Sun 12:50, 4:00, 7:10, 10:20 Mon-Wed 4:00, 7:10, 10:20 annIe (PG) Thu 4:10, 7:00, 9:50 Fri 1:55 Sat 11:15, 2:10 Sun 1:50 bIg hero 6 (PG) Thu 5:15 blackhat (14A) Thu 9:50 Fri 12:50, 3:55, 7:05, 10:15 SatSun 1:00, 4:05, 7:15, 10:25 Mon-Wed 4:05, 7:15, 10:25 cIty lIghts (G) Mon 7:00 foxcatcher (14A) Fri 1:05, 4:10, 7:15, 10:30 Sat-Sun 12:40, 3:55, 7:00, 10:10 Mon-Wed 3:45, 6:55, 10:05 the gaMbler (14A) Thu 4:50, 7:35, 10:20 Fri 4:50, 7:40, 10:35 Sat 5:05, 7:55, 10:45 Sun 4:45, 7:35, 10:25 Mon 4:05, 6:55, 9:45 Tue 4:10, 6:55, 9:45 Wed 3:55, 9:45 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu 4:00, 7:15, 10:30 Fri 4:05, 7:25, 10:45 Sat 3:45, 7:00, 10:20 Sun 3:45, 7:00, 10:15 Mon-Wed 3:40, 7:00, 10:15 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) Fri 12:50 Sat-Sun 12:30 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu 3:55, 6:50, 9:55 Fri 10:05 Sat 10:10 Sun 9:50 Mon-Wed 9:55 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Thu 4:15, 7:10, 10:00 Fri 1:25, 4:15, 7:00, 9:50 Sat 1:40, 4:30, 7:20, 10:15 Sun 1:35, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 Mon-Wed 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 In the gallery – gIrl WIth a pearl earrIng and other treasures froM the MaurItshuIs MuseuM Sun 12:55 Inherent vIce (14A) Thu 3:30, 6:55, 10:20 Fri 12:40, 4:00, 7:20, 10:40 Sat 12:25, 3:50, 7:10, 10:30 Sun 12:10, 3:30, 6:50, 10:10 Mon 3:30, 6:50, 10:10 Tue-Wed 3:30, 6:50, 10:15 Interstellar (PG) Thu 3:10 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 3:45, 6:45, 9:45 Fri 12:45, 3:45, 6:50, 9:45 Sat 4:10, 7:10, 10:05 Sun 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45 Mon-Wed 3:50, 6:45, 9:40 the MetropolItan opera: the Merry WIdoW lIve Sat 12:55 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 5:15, 7:45, 10:15 Fri 2:25, 4:55, 7:35 Sat 12:00, 2:35, 5:10, 7:40 Sun-Wed 4:50, 7:20 paddIngton (G) Fri 12:55, 2:20, 4:45, 7:10, 9:40 Sat 11:30, 12:15, 2:45, 5:00, 7:25, 9:50 Sun 12:05, 2:35, 5:15, 7:40, 10:05 Mon-Wed 4:35, 7:05, 9:30 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 penguIns of Madagascar (G) Thu 4:50 Fri-Sun 2:00, 4:25 Mon 4:10 Tue-Wed 4:40 penguIns of Madagascar 3d (G) Thu 7:10 pk (PG) Thu 2:45, 6:20, 9:30 Fri 3:20, 6:55, 10:25 Sat 3:40, 7:05, 10:35 Sun 1:15, 3:00, 6:30, 10:00 Mon 3:30, 6:30,
9:35 Tue-Wed 3:30, 6:50, 10:20 selMa (PG) Thu 2:15, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10 Fri 1:15, 4:15, 7:20, 10:25 Sat 1:05, 4:35, 7:35, 10:40 Sun 12:25, 3:35, 6:40, 9:40 Mon-Wed 3:35, 6:40, 9:40 taken 3 (14A) Thu 2:20, 5:00, 7:40, 10:25 Fri 2:30, 5:15, 8:00, 10:45 Sat 11:40, 2:20, 5:15, 8:00, 10:45 Sun 11:55, 2:35, 5:05, 7:50, 10:30 Mon-Wed 5:05, 7:45, 10:30 unbroken (14A) Fri-Sun 6:45, 9:55 Mon 10:00 Tue-Wed 7:00, 10:10 the WeddIng rInger (14A) Thu 7:20, 10:00 Fri 2:40, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20 Sat-Sun 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20 Mon-Wed 5:20, 7:50, 10:25 the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 4:45, 7:55, 10:30
WoodSide CineMaS (i) 1571 SandhurST CirCle, 416-299-3456
aaMbala Fri, Mon-Wed 4:00, 7:15, 10:30 Sat-Sun 1:00, 4:15, 7:15, 10:30 darlIng Fri-Wed 4:00, 7:00, 10:15 MeaghaMann (14A) Thu 4:00, 10:30 tevar (PG) Thu 3:00, 6:15, 9:30 Fri, Mon-Wed 4:00, 7:00 Sat-Sun 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 vellakkara duraI Thu 7:30, 10:30
GTA Regions North ColoSSuS (Ce) hWy 400 & 7, 905-851-1001
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Thu 7:00, 10:05 Fri-Sun 12:30, 3:40, 6:50, 10:00 Mon-Wed 3:55, 6:45, 9:35 aMerIcan snIper: the IMax experIence (14A) Fri-Sat 1:10, 4:20, 7:30, 10:40 Sun 1:10, 4:20, 7:30, 10:30 MonWed 4:35, 7:25, 10:15 annIe (PG) Thu 3:50, 6:30, 9:20 Fri-Sun 1:15, 4:05 MonWed 3:40 bIg hero 6 (PG) Thu 4:05 Fri 2:00 Sat 11:30, 2:00 Sun 1:25 bIg hero 6 3d (PG) Thu 6:35 blackhat (14A) Thu 9:55 Fri-Sun 1:00, 4:10, 7:20, 10:20 Mon-Wed 4:00, 7:00, 9:55 exodus: gods and kIngs (PG) Thu 3:30 Fri, Sun 12:45 exodus: gods and kIngs 3d (PG) Thu 6:40 Fri-Sun 6:45, 10:05 Mon-Wed 6:30, 9:45 the gaMbler (14A) Thu 4:25, 7:00, 9:30 Fri-Sat 2:10, 5:00, 7:50, 10:45 Sun 1:45, 4:35, 7:35, 10:10 Mon-Wed 3:30, 6:20, 9:10 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes – an IMax 3d experIence (PG) Thu 6:00, 9:10 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu 3:40, 6:50, 10:00 Fri-Sat 3:55, 7:10, 10:30 Sun 3:55, 7:10, 10:25 Mon-Wed 3:30, 6:40, 10:00 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) FriSun 12:40 horrIble bosses 2 (18A) Thu 9:25 Fri-Sat 5:20, 8:15, 10:55 Sun 4:00, 6:35, 9:25 Mon-Wed 3:40, 6:25, 9:00 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu 3:55, 7:00, 9:45 Fri-Sun 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 Mon-Wed 3:50, 6:50, 9:35 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Thu 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 Fri 1:45, 4:40, 7:45, 10:30 Sat 11:15, 1:50, 4:40, 7:45, 10:30 Sun 1:35, 4:25, 7:25, 10:00 Mon-Wed 4:25, 7:10, 9:45 Inherent vIce (14A) Thu 3:45, 7:05, 10:15 Fri-Sun 12:35, 3:50, 7:05, 10:25 Mon-Wed 3:45, 6:55, 10:05 Interstellar (PG) Thu 3:30 Into the Woods (PG) Thu 4:00, 6:50, 9:35 Fri-Sun 12:50, 3:45, 6:55, 9:45 Mon-Wed 3:50, 6:40, 9:25 the MetropolItan opera: the Merry WIdoW lIve Sat 12:55 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu
4:40, 7:20, 9:40 Fri, Sun 1:30, 4:15, 6:40, 9:10 Sat 12:25, 4:30, 6:50, 9:20 Mon-Wed 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 paddIngton (G) Fri, Sun 12:30, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40 Sat 12:00, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40 Mon-Wed 4:30, 7:00, 9:20 paul blart: Mall cop (PG) Sat 11:00 penguIns of Madagascar (G) Fri-Sun 1:05 penguIns of Madagascar 3d (G) Thu 4:10, 6:25 pk (PG) Thu 3:35, 6:55, 10:10 selMa (PG) Thu 4:20, 7:15, 10:05 Fri-Sat 1:20, 4:25, 7:25, 10:35 Sun 12:30, 3:25, 6:35, 9:35 Mon-Wed 4:10, 7:05, 9:55 taken 3 (14A) Thu 5:00, 7:45, 10:15 Fri 2:30, 5:15, 8:00, 10:50 Sat 11:55, 2:30, 5:15, 8:00, 10:50 Sun 2:30, 5:15, 7:55, 10:30 Mon-Wed 5:00, 7:35, 10:10 top fIve (18A) Thu 9:00 unbroken (14A) Thu 3:45 Fri-Sun 4:00, 7:00, 10:15 MonWed 3:35, 6:35, 9:40 the WeddIng rInger (14A) Thu 7:00, 9:20 Fri, Sun 2:45, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 Sat 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 MonWed 5:05, 7:30, 10:00 the WoMan In black 2: angel of death (14A) Thu 4:30, 6:55, 9:15 Fri-Sat 12:55, 3:20, 5:50, 8:30, 11:00 Sun 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:50 Mon-Wed 5:25, 7:50, 10:15
rainboW ProMenade (i)
ProMenade Mall, hWy 7 & baThurST, 416-494-9371 aMerIcan snIper (14A) Fri-Wed 12:50, 3:45, 6:40, 9:30 annIe (PG) Thu 12:55, 3:55, 6:55, 9:35 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) Thu 9:20 the IMItatIon gaMe (PG) Fri-Sun, Tue-Wed 12:55, 3:55, 6:55, 9:25 Mon 3:55, 6:55, 9:25 Into the Woods (PG) 1:00, 4:00, 6:50, 9:30 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 1:10, 4:05, 7:00, 9:15 paddIngton (G) Fri-Wed 1:10, 4:05, 7:05, 9:15 taken 3 (14A) 1:15, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45 the theory of everythIng (PG) Thu 12:50, 3:50, 6:45 WIld (18A) Thu 1:05 3:45 6:50 9:25 Fri-Wed 1:05, 3:50, 7:00, 9:35
West grande - STeeleS (Ce) hWy 410 & STeeleS, 905-455-1590
aMerIcan snIper (14A) Fri 3:55, 7:05, 10:15 Sat-Sun 12:45, 3:55, 7:05, 10:15 Mon-Wed 5:15, 8:30 bIg hero 6 (PG) Thu 5:30, 8:05 Fri 3:40 Sat-Sun 12:15 Mon-Wed 5:20 blackhat (14A) Fri 3:45, 6:55, 10:05 Sat-Sun 12:35, 3:45, 6:55, 10:05 Mon-Wed 5:20, 8:25 exodus: gods and kIngs (PG) Thu 5:20, 8:30 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes 3d (PG) Thu 5:20, 8:25 Fri-Sun 6:40, 10:00 Mon-Wed 8:20 the hobbIt: the battle of the fIve arMIes (PG) Fri 3:30 Sat-Sun 12:10, 3:30 Mon-Wed 5:15 horrIble bosses 2 (18A) Thu 5:25, 8:00 Fri-Sun 9:45 Mon-Wed 8:05 the hunger gaMes: MockIngjay – part 1 (PG) Thu 5:30, 8:15 Fri 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Sat-Sun 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:00 Mon-Wed 5:30, 8:25 Interstellar (PG) Thu 7:00 Fri 6:30, 10:05 Sat-Sun 2:50, 6:30, 10:05 Mon-Wed 7:55 nIght at the MuseuM: secret of the toMb (PG) Thu 5:40, 8:10 Fri 4:55, 7:20 Sat-Sun 12:05, 2:30, 4:55, 7:20 Mon-Wed 5:25 paddIngton (G) Fri 5:00, 7:30, 9:50 Sat-Sun 12:00, 2:25, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50 Mon-Wed 5:35, 8:00 penguIns of Madagascar (G) Thu 5:35, 7:50 Fri 5:15, 7:35 Sat-Sun 12:25, 2:45, 5:15, 7:35 Mon-Wed 5:40 taken 3 (14A) Thu 5:15, 7:55 Fri 5:05, 7:40, 10:15 Sat-Sun 12:00, 2:30, 5:05, 7:40, 10:15 Mon-Wed 5:35, 8:15 unbroken (14A) Thu 5:15, 8:20 Fri-Sun 9:55 Mon-Wed 7:50 the WeddIng rInger (14A) Fri 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 Sat-Sun 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 Mon-Wed 5:25, 7:45 3
Classifieds 416 364 3444 {
DEADLINES > Tuesday at 6pm Adult Classifieds ~ Monday at 6pm
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS NEW ADS UPDATED 24/7 nowtoronto.com/classifieds
Crossword Puzzle Getting Carried Away — AND FEELING LIKE YOU’RE AT THE TOP By Matt Jones ©2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords editor@jonesincrosswords.com 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 19 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 37 40 41 ACROSS 1 Affected mannerisms 5 “The Munsters” son 10 Dollar bill’s weight, roughly 14 Abbr. on a bottle of Courvoisier 15 New, in Nogales 16 2000s sitcom starring a country singer 17 Response to King Kong after being carried away? 20 Depression Era agcy. 21 Checks out suggestively 22 Big song 25 Type 27 Urban blight 29 Haifa resident, e.g. 31 Roofing material 32 Castellaneta, the voice of
Homer on “The Simpsons” 35 Low poker hand 36 One-eyed character on “Futurama” 38 Bob Hope’s entertainment gp. 39 King Kong’s act of barroom generosity? 43 Mighty tree 44 Meteorologist’s tracked prediction 45 Parallel, e.g. 46 Retreating 47 “___ favor!” 48 Breakfast fare where you might take your lumps? 51 Catch forty winks 52 Earth orbiter until 2001 53 Punctured tire sound
54 Corrective eye surgery 57 “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van ___ Beek 59 King Kong’s hoped-for response? 67 Paste alternative 68 Constellation with a belt 69 Bring under control 70 “The camera ___ 10 pounds” 71 Becomes liquid 72 Christian Louboutin item DOWN 1 Beginning for the birds? 2 Patriot ending 3 “Ruh-___!” (Scooby-Doo gulp) 4 Disgorge 5 Final purpose
42 49 50 51 54 55 56 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Penn & Teller, e.g. “Slumdog Millionaire” actor ___ Patel “So, ___ been thinking...” Musical taste Allman brother who married Cher Slot machine spinner Up to the task ___ movement “Four and twenty blackbirds baked in ___” “Yay, team!” “Hungry Hungry ___” Washington dropped from “Grey’s Anatomy” Deceptive East Texas city or college Parent not related by blood ___ liquor Boat full of animals Job description list Yoga postures Prestigious prizes Iberian Peninsula’s cont. “Looks like ___ too soon” File cabinet label for the latter half of the alphabet “A Nightmare on ___ Street” Actors Quinn and Mitchell Uno + dos Small change? Annika Sorenstam’s gp. “___ Lang Syne” Poker option Charlie Brown utterance Burt Reynolds co-star DeLuise Hematite, e.g. “Star Trek: TNG” alum Wheaton Forget-me-___ “Boo-___!” Music genre with a lot of guyliner “What’d I tell ya?”
solution in next week’s classifieds
Classified
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www.TorontoJobs.ca
}
Employment
=
POSITION FILLED.
ATTENTION RECRUITERS! Buy a recruitment ad in NOW Classifieds and receive a Contact your NOW Classified Sales Rep @ 416.364.3444 nowtoronto.com/classifieds FREE posting on TorontoJobs.ca – The Greater Toronto Area’s leading recruitment source.
help wanted
nowtoronto.com/classifieds
CONTACTS > classifieds@nowtoronto.com 416 364 3444 fax 416 364 1433 189 Church, Toronto, ON M5B 1Y7
Hotel in Toronto
looking for Bussers/Servers/dishwashers downtown. Email resume to recruit@alrichhospitalitystaffing.com
education Children's Ministry Coordinator FAIRBANK UNITED CHURCH,
2750 Dufferin Street, Toronto ON, is seeking applicants for the position of Children's Ministry Coordinator. The full position description - including the email address to send resumes to can be viewed online at our website at www.fairbankunitedchurch.com Or resumes may be mailed to 2750 Dufferin Street, Toronto ON, M6B 3R4. Deadline: Jan. 31, 2015
salon/spa Male waxing service from exp cert Wax Tech, in pristine home clinic. www.maircare.ca
386,000 Print Readers Weekly.
Source: PMB Fall 2013, National 18+
Research Studies Research subjects needed.
Are you a regular smoker? • Do you want to quit smoking? Are you 19-65 years old? CAMH is conducting a study on the effects of a medication on smoking cessation You will be required to take this medication and attend CAMH to complete questionnaires and tests. Financial compensation provided. If you are interested please call 416-535-8501 x 30595 REB # 082-2012
Do you want to quit using MARIJUANA? We are looking for participants for a RESEARCH STUDY ON TREATMENT FOR MARIJUANA DEPENDENCE! In this study, we aim to determine whether a medication containing similar ingredients as cannabis, in addition to weekly therapy sessions with a psychologist, are effective for treating marijuana. Compensation for time and travel are provided if you participate in this study. To participate or learn more,
please call 416-535-8501 x 36012
RESEARCH SUBJECTS NEEDED
Do you smoke cannabis every week? Are you 19 to 25 years old? Do you have a G2 or G driver’s licence? CAMH is conducting a study on the effects of cannabis on driving using a state-of-the-art driving simulator. For more information PLEASE CONTACT: 416-535-8501 ext: 36587
We
NOW readers.
DO YOU HAVE PANIC DISORDER?
ONLINE classifieds Book your ad 416.364.3444 NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
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Research Studies
Medicines come in all shapes and sizes So do our volunteers Healthy men and women ages 18 to 55, who use opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin or codeine for non-medicinal purposes are needed for a clinical research study. Study consists of one screening visit, one 4-day qualification session, four 3-day in-clinic treatment visits and a follow-up visit. Eligible subjects will receive up to $3710 in financial compensation for participation in this clinical trial.
www.studies4u.com • 416.640.4004 • 1.866.222.8063 (toll free) 720 King Street West, 7th floor (north elevators)
66
JANUARY 15-21 2015 NOW
416-364-3444
Opioid Drug Users
Research Studies
416-364-3444
NOW JANUARY 15-21 2015
67
DO YOU EXPERIENCE ANXIETY?
accommodations Family/friends visiting? Need a place to stay? Check this out www.airbnb.com/rooms/454927
It may be time to consider your options.
for rent - general Leslie/Queen
The START Clinic is currently enrolling adult volunteers in a research study examining generalized anxiety and treatment options.
Apt for rent $800 month incl.,N/S avail. immed., Call 416-469-4784
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Eligible participants must be: • Experiencing worry and anxiety • At least 18 years of age
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Savage Love By Dan Savage
My fiancée hates porn My fiancée is extreMely bothered by
me looking at porn. It revolves around in securities that have gotten so bad that even other girls bother her. (We can hardly go to a beach any more.) I don’t have any weird rela tionship with porn – no addiction, no violent stuff, and I look pretty infrequently. She acknowledges that it’s a normal thing but is unable to get past it. She has gone through two counsellors on her own, and we have gone through two couples counsellors. They have all said the same thing: “It’s completely reasonable to want him to not look at porn, and if he loves you, he won’t look at it any more.” I have been asked how often I look at it, why I won’t stop looking at it, why is it so important to me. They have recommended “clinics” to help me abstain from porn. This all happens after both of us say that our goal is for this – me looking at porn very occasion ally – to not be a problem and even after we’ve told them that she used to be totally okay with it (four years ago) but now she feels crazy and doesn’t want to feel this way about it. Our last therapist said my refusal to go to a clinic showed that we had a toxic rela tionship! I’m dumbfounded. Every time we see a therapist like this, it damages our rela tionship. Lack Of Sane Therapists
masturbation with random women. I found out, and we are talking now about our prob lems and working to resolve them. The cam ming has stopped, and we are going to at tend counselling as a couple, but I also think he should attend counselling for himself. Our newfound communication and intimacy has reawakened my libido, and now I want it more than him. I’m angry that the lack of frequent sex is what drove him to porn, but now the problem is that I want it too much! I don’t know how to handle my newfound li bido and his lack of interest. I need him to be more adamant about showing me he wants me. Am I reading too much into it and being too needy? Paranoid And Reawakened
“Increased porn use in men is very often a response to loneliness – due to divorce, separation, etc – or stress or depression,” said Dr. Ley. Deployment to a war zone, needless to say, can be highly stressful and very lonely. “Sexual arousal is very good at diverting us from things we’re bothered by,” said Dr. Ley. “For many people that’s fine, and it works great to let off steam. But if you’re not taking care of the real issue – loneliness, depression, stress – then the porn use can sometimes become its own problem.” Which is what seems to have happened in your case, PAR. Dr. Ley agrees that your hus“The therapists seen by LOST have drunk the band should get some solo counselling in Kool-Aid: porn is automatically bad, stopping Newsletter addition to the couples counselling you’re porn use is always the best answer, the perplanning on getting together. son who doesn’t like porn is always right,” said Dr. David Ley, writer, clinical psychologist, As for your out-of-sync libidos, PAR, try to and author of The Myth Of Sex Addiction. bear in mind that all of this – the discovery “Such therapists develop target fixation when that it wasn’t just porn, the communication porn is involved and lose sight of other real that’s happened in the wake of that revelaissues that need to be addressed.” nowtoronto.com/newsletters tion, the reawakening of your libido – basicThe most obvious issue that needs addressing is your fiancée’s evident and apparently metastasizing insecurity. (Yesterday you had to stop watching porn, today you can’t go to the beach, tomorrow you won’t be able to have female friends.) But since all the therapists you’ve seen thus far were batshit-crazy sexphobes – or “fixated” on porn, as Dr. Ley put it – her issues haven’t been addressed. “LOST’s fiancée probably sees his use of porn as a reflection of his level of attraction to Newsletter her,” said Dr. Ley. “Or she’s worried that a man who looks at porn is a man who will cheat. I understand and empathize with her fear.” But Dr. Ley wonders if something else is at work here. “LOST’s fiancée might be dealing with a form of anxiety disorder, where obsession is sometimes expressed through irrational fears of infidelity,” said Dr. Ley. “A therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioural therapy (the ‘other kind of CBT’) for anxiety disorders may be helpful, and less likely to get distracted by blaming porn.” To find a therapist who specializes in CBT and isn’t a batshit-crazy, smut-shaming sexphobe, nowtoronto.com/newsletters Dr. Ley suggests you find one through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (aasect.org) or the “Kink Aware Professionals Directory” at the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (ncsfreedom.org). “The therapists LOST will find For weekly contests! there are more likely to be sex-positive,” said Dr. Ley, “and less likely to jump on the ‘porn is the root of all problems’ bandwagon.” You can follow Dr. David Ley on Twitter Hottest @DrDavidLey.
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ally just went down. It may take some time (and counselling) before you two reconnect and re-establish your sexual groove. “PAR’s husband might be intimidated by his wife’s libido and desire – if he is a guy who is struggling with unmanaged feelings of depression and anxiety,” said Dr. Ley. “So he could benefit from seeing a therapist and doing some work around how he’s coping with these feelings while on deployment, and how he communicates these feelings to his wife. This way, she would know that when he’s not interested in sex, it’s because he’s stressed or depressed, not because of the porn.”
Compromise lives My boyfriend likes to watch porn,
but I do not. (Male couple, both 22, together two years.) He sometimes wants to watch it “with” me, and this is our compromise: he sits on my face, I rim him while he watches porn, we stroke ourselves. He’s not “present” when we do this – he’s focused on his porn. My best friend says this isn’t sex and isn’t
healthy. She says I’m being used and she thinks less of my boyfriend now. I don’t feel like I’m being used. We still have good “regu lar” sex with no porn. But it’s true that I wouldn’t do this (rim him while he basically ignores me) if it weren’t for my boyfriend’s desire to watch porn sometimes instead of having “regular” sex with me. Should I stop doing this? Am I being used? Really Into My Man P.S. I love eating his ass and I always come when we do this. “If it’s working for him and his boyfriend, RIMM shouldn’t let anybody tell him what he should be feeling,” said Dr. Ley. “This is the epitome of healthy GGG compromise. Rim away.” On the Lovecast, Dan and Heather Havrilesky of Ask Polly discuss unfortunate tattoos: savagelovecast.com. mail@savagelove.net @fakedansavage on Twitter
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a) To my knowledge, it’s never happened. in fashion news, b) The If mylatest partner tells me not to take it views & sales! personally, then I don’t. nowtoronto.com/newsletters c) I feel like a failure. d) So? What’s the problem?
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My husband and i have been Married for 10 years and have two children. We had a wild sex life in the beginning, but his job (he’s military) took him away so many times that our relationship (and the sex) took a nose dive. Upon coming back from deployments, he would always have an addiction to porn. I would believe him when he’d tell me that he stopped, but every time he’d come back it would start again. Last fall, he was gone for four months, and the addiction is still there. For the past year, he was going on to anony mous webcam sites and engaging in mutual
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