Canadian Stage announces Topdog/Underdog extension
iPhoto caption: Photo by Lorne Bridgman.
News out of Canadian Stage: its season opener, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play Topdog/Underdog, has been extended through October 22.
Topdog/Underdog concerns Lincoln and Booth, brothers haunted by their names and past. When Lincoln gets a gig impersonating his presidential namesake, Booth takes over his brother’s old racket of dealing three-card monte; a torrent of secrets, lies, and one-upmanship follows.
The darkly comic fable of brotherly love and sibling rivalry has been deemed a modern classic, with the New York Times calling it the best American play since Angels in America. Canadian Stage’s new production comes hot on the heels of a wildly successful 2022 Broadway revival.
Tawiah M’Carthy directs, making the production his third at Canadian Stage this year, following March’s Fairview (which he directed) and April’s Maanomaa, My Brother (which he performed in and co-created). Actors Mazin Elsadig and Sébastien Heins join him as Lincoln and Booth, respectively.
The design team includes Rachel Forbes (set), Joyce Padua (costumes), Jareth Li (lighting), and Stephen Surlin (sound).
The show plays at the Berkeley Street Theatre’s main performance space, the Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre. M’Carthy and Forbes have significantly transformed the space, offering extended orchestra seating that allows the audience to experience Topdog/Underdog “as it was meant to be seen.”
Parks is widely considered one of the most adventurous playwrights of her generation, and Topdog/Underdog might be her most iconic work. As cards fly, stakes raise, and America’s darkness revs its engine, who will end on top?
Topdog/Underdog runs at the Berkeley Street Theatre until October 22. Tickets are available here.
Liam Donovan
Liam is Intermission’s publishing and editorial assistant. A critic and theatre artist from Toronto, his writing has appeared in Maisonneuve, This Magazine, NEXT Magazine, and more. He loves the original Super Mario game very much.
LEARN MORE
iPhoto caption: A graphic for the National Centre for New Musicals at Theatre Aquarius.
Theatre Aquarius reveals inaugural selections for National Centre for New Musicals
Following a request for submissions that drew over 260 applications, the NCNM curatorial committee has selected five works for support.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Rita Taylor
TO Live brings theatrical premiere of SKéN:NEN to the Bluma Appel Theatre
This May, TO Live will collaborate with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre to present SKéN:NEN, an immersive dance performance with a narrative rooted in cultural knowledge.
iPhoto caption: Tarragon Theatre. Photo by Peter Harte
Tarragon Theatre announces exhilarating 24-25 season
Tarragon Theatre has announced its 53rd season, brimming with local premieres, new plays, and exciting co-productions.
iPhoto caption: Courtesy of Brampton On Stage
Brampton On Stage assembles heavenly cast for one-night-only Pasek and Paul concert
Curated by Darryn de Souza and performed by a dynamic four-piece band, the show features a cast of stellar singers led by Elysia Cruz and Julia Pulo, currently starring in Mirvish’s Six.
Introducing the next act of Intermission Magazine
Today, we’re launching some exciting new features and initiatives at Intermission, starting with a gorgeous new website by Mouth Media.
iPhoto caption: Graphic courtesy of Theatre Calgary.
Theatre Calgary announces star-studded cast and creative team for Beaches the Musical
Theatre Calgary has announced the full cast and creative team for its upcoming international premiere of Beaches the Musical, beginning previews on May 18 in the Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Dahlia Katz
REVIEW: Studio 180 Theatre’s Four Minutes Twelve Seconds stirs one moment and puzzles the next
As the script ties itself in narrative knots, Megan Follows never loses sight of the dramatic situation’s overwhelming nature; it’s as if her character is fending off a panic attack at every moment, grabbing onto any scrap of hope she can.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Rita Taylor
TO Live brings theatrical premiere of SKéN:NEN to the Bluma Appel Theatre
This May, TO Live will collaborate with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre to present SKéN:NEN, an immersive dance performance with a narrative rooted in cultural knowledge.
iPhoto caption: Courtesy of Brampton On Stage
Brampton On Stage assembles heavenly cast for one-night-only Pasek and Paul concert
Curated by Darryn de Souza and performed by a dynamic four-piece band, the show features a cast of stellar singers led by Elysia Cruz and Julia Pulo, currently starring in Mirvish’s Six.
REVIEW: Tarragon’s El Terremoto offers a delicate look at a family navigating disaster
Playwright Christine Quintana’s attention to character sets El Terremoto apart.
iPhoto caption: Photo by Nika Belianina
REVIEW: No One’s Special at the Hot Dog Cart is a heartfelt slice of autobiography
As a memoir, Charlie Petch's play has significant power, and the writing — laced with occasional jaunts into poetry — often resonates.
iPhoto caption: Posters by Jesús Rivera Zavala
Ottawa’s GCTC reveals 50th anniversary season
GCTC's 2024-25 season features joyful comedy, big ideas, and a local world premiere.
Comments