Orpheus Musical Theatre 2010 Archives - Capital Critics' Circle / Le cercle des critiques de la capitale

Orpheus Brings in Enjoyable Performances in This Totally Credible Version of the Well Known Show Annie.

By Iris Winston | November 1, 2010

The story of Annie the orphan who is adopted by billionaire Daddy Warbucks is as familiar as it is sentimental.

Originally a popular comic strip, the fairytale was meant to inject hope into a bad time. Set in 1933 New York City against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Depression and the advent of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, it promises that dreams can come true. The poorest of children may be adopted by the richest of men, who will even be willing to take in a stray dog.

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The Orpheus production of the Producers steers its way expertly through the potential minefields of offending audience members of all stripes, while successfully maximizing humour

By Iris Winston | June 7, 2010

Distributing offence equally outrageously among assorted groups leaves no one offended and everyone amused.

At least, this appears to be Mel Brooks’ philosophy in The Producers, the multi-award winning 2001 stage musical adapted from his 1968 movie.

The Orpheus Musical Theatre Society production, with director Richard Elichuk at the helm, steers its way expertly through the potential minefields of offending audience members of all stripes. (This production is far more successful in maximizing humour and minimizing potential offence than the 2004 Toronto production, which closed early, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many of those unfortunate enough to be in the audience.)

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