Monthly Archives: March 2020

Talking to Stacey about fearing fear: Choose Joy

When you have a toothache you go to the dentist. When you’re feeling troubled in spirit where do you go? At times in my life I’ve gone to a psychotherapist or to a church for solace. Live theatre & concerts … Continue reading

Posted in Essays, Food, Health and Nutrition, Interviews, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Lenten Casualties

It’s the most perfect Lenten season I have ever seen. For those of you who aren’t deeply into the Christian calendar, Lent is a 40 day period before holy week, corresponding to Jesus’s own meditations in preparation for his Crucifixion, … Continue reading

Posted in Essays, Personal ruminations & essays, Spirituality & Religion | Leave a comment

Beautiful day in the neighborhood and goodness

There are at least a couple of Mr Rogers films out there. There’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a 2018 documentary. And there’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, the 2019 film based on an Esquire magazine interview by Tom … Continue reading

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

TOT Pinafore

Last night’s HMS Pinafore from Toronto Operetta Theatre was a reminder of what they do best. For some works there is a kind of social contract at work, a simple plan that begins with the music and the words. If … Continue reading

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

James Rhodes & the Beethoven Revolution

Koerner Hall was jammed full tonight. Apparently everyone wants to hear James Rhodes play Beethoven. I’m late to the party, having no idea who this guy is, just intrigued by the interest I sense all around me, an electricity.  The … Continue reading

Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Leaning into the Unknowable @nationalballet

As I consider renewing my Canadian Opera Company subscription, it was worth having a look at the other company occupying the Four Seasons Centre. Watching the new program at the National Ballet of Canada was a great way to spend … Continue reading

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments