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Culture & Reviews
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Reinventing Juul Haalmayer
Zoomer, November 2014 A feature profile of legendary costume designer Juul Haalmayer. He worked on nearly every Canadian TV show, including SCTV. Link |
Balm for the Soul
In Toronto, February 2014 A profile of Canadian operatic superstar Adrianne Pieczonka, debuting in the role of Amelia in the COC's A Masked Ball. Story |
Magical Treasures
In Toronto, December 2013 Reviews of three, glamorous, historically-oriented art books. Story |
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Shimmering, Terrible Beauty
gordonbowness.com, October 2013 My review of the COC's Peter Grimes starring Ben Heppner. Story |
'No One See the Flower Falling'
In Toronto, February 2013 My interview with dancer Laurence Lemieux and choreographer James Kudelka on the sorrows haunting From the House of Mirth, the unique opera/dance/theatre production from Coleman Lemieux & Company. PDF |
Magical Master Class
In Toronto, December 2012 My review of the National Ballet of Canada's production of Giselle. Story |
This Is What Freedom Looks Like
In Toronto, February 2012 A profile of The House of Monroe, Toronto's exuberant dance troupe cum chosen family. The photos are by Christopher Cushman, a long-time supporter of the house. PDF |
The Dark Prince
In Toronto, June 2010 My cover story on Rufus Wainwright following the death of his mother, Kate McGarrigle, and leading up to the North American premiere of his opera, Prima Donna, and the release of his CD, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu. PDF |
A Single Man: One of the Best Gay Movies Ever
Xtra, December 2, 2009 In my rave review of A Single Man, starring Colin Firth, I contrast Tom Ford's directorial debut with Christopher Isherwood's original novel. Story |
Unwieldy Passions at the Limits of Perception
Xtra, Dec 2, 2009 A review of the National Ballet of Canada's mixed program in which I compare choreographer Aszure Barton — not necessarily favourably — to Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine. Story |
Two Mature, Hard-Edged Looks at Relationships
Xtra, Nov 30, 2009 My review of Dances in a Small Room by Moonhorse Dance Theatre. Story |
Nightingale's Wondrous Song
Xtra, October 28, 2009 My review of the Canadian Opera Company's The Nightingale and Other Fables by Igor Stravinsky, directed by Robert Lepage. Story |
Handel's Israel in Egypt
Xtra, October 28, 2009 My review of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir performance of Handel's Israel in Egypt during the inaugural month of Koerner Hall. PDF |
Prince of Sodom
Xtra, July 15, 2009 An editorial I wrote exploring the serious, and not-so serious, implications of Michael Ignatieff's memoir, The Russian Album. Story |
A Hot List of Banned Books
Xtra, February 2, 2009 Free-speech proponents list their fave banned authors and books: Joyce, Pullman, Blume.... Story |
Shimmering Melancholy
Xtra, September 13, 2007 A review of Guy Maddin's historical fantasia, My Winnipeg, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2007. As a Winnipegger, myself, the screening was a vertiginous experience. Story |
The Babs Codex
Xtra, October 12, 2006 What Al-Anon is to alcoholics, Al-à-Babs is to the cult of Barbra Streisand. A former insider tells all... unironically. PDF |
Mary Walsh on Satire
Go Big, May 2000 A photo spread featuring comedian Mary Walsh and underwear from the late great Will Munro. I wrote the story, art directed the shoot and even supplied Mary's long underwear. (Apologies for the roughly assembled scans) Jpeg |
Dany Lyne on Inspiration
Go Big, May 2000 Theatre designer Dany Lyne discusses her creative process. The stunning photo is by Paula Wilson. PDF |
Humming Bird
Xtra, May 20, 1999 An entertaining piece of comics reportage from the world premiere of James Kudelka's Swan Lake at the National Ballet of Canada. The illustrations are by the incomparable Maurice Vellekoop. PDF |
Dangerous Love
Xtra, May 6, 1999 My preview of Swan Lake at the National Ballet of Canada that connects the lives of the ballet's male leads, Aleksandar Antonijevic and Rex Harrington, to James Kudelka's choreography. Also includes a run-down of the National's rich history with Swan Lake. PDF |