Category: TheatreAezir

During the run of Marion Bridge in early March, David Pasquino, my board member and treasurer and I made a visit to the London Arts Council. I had received a project grant in 2019 for Falling: A Wake. I wanted to see if we would be eligible for further funding on our next projects. I was delighted to find out that since we became a not-for-profit corporation, we would now be eligible for the CAIP Organizational stream. This is of great benefit to Theatre Aezir because this type of grant covers operational expenses that a project grant does not. We had a productive meeting with Rebekah Morrison, and we left the meeting very encouraged. The application deadline was the end of March.  There was plenty of work to do in a short time. The grant came together, and I am ecstatic to say we were successful. We gratefully thank the London Arts Council and the City of London for their substantial support.

“Art, good art, manages in its wonderful way to combine the utterly unique with the universal.“

– Jon FOSSE, Norway
Norwegian writer, playwright

Join us as we celebrate March 27th, World Theatre Day 2024!! It is the perfect time to share this year’s message, brought to us by the Nobel prize winning author, Jon Fosse… Art is Peace!
Click Here to read his inspirational message

#WorldTheatreDay2024 #theatreaezir #londonontario #nonprofit

Greetings, fellow theatrical art enthusiasts! 

Today, let’s explore the world of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 which is a co-production by The Musical Stage Company and Crow’s Theatre in Toronto. This is a long-awaited Canadian premiere of the Broadway musical was written by Dave Malloy, directed by Chris Abraham, choreography by Ray Hogg and music direction by Ryan deSouza.

A contemporary style musical that combines indie rock, pop, folk, electronic dance, and classic Broadway music. Adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel “War and Peace,” audiences are dropped into imperial Russia of 1812. The narrative follows Natasha, a young aristocrat engaged to Andrey, as she becomes entangled in a web of love and intrigue that mixes time and space. 

The set is gorgeous and innovative. They built balconies with golden staircases, plentiful draperies and chandeliers. We have been lucky enough to have snatched one their scenic painters to work on our upcoming production of Marion Bridge. The center of the acting space is a square platform that turns. While a turning platform can indicate different scenes, I think they liked turning it because it was cool. Not every rotation was necessary. 

The balconies were used for seating, walkways, and some members of the orchestra. Call me an old fogey but why does the sound have to be so loud? I have seen many plays at Crow’s Theater under the direction of Chris Abraham and if he is not the best Artistic Director around, I don’t know who is. I’m glad I saw Natasha, Pierre, et al but it was my least favourite production at Crows. Those who know me will say, but you don’t like musicals.  Yes, but I loved The Musical Theatre Company’s production of Kelly vs. Kelly.  

Winner of two Tony Awards, three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, a Special Obie Citation, and the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater, NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 is “the most innovative and the best new musical to open on Broadway since Hamilton” (The New York Times). 

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this spectacular play in the vibrant Crow’s Theatre, from Dec 5, 2023 – Feb 11, 2024, where the art of storytelling comes to life in its most enchanting form.

#theatreaezir #londonontario #marionbridge #crowstheatre
Cover Image Credit: Hailey Gillis by Colton Curtis.

Welcome to the new Theatre Aezir website! A platform that promises to be a haven for all things theatrical. From prop-making to costume and set design, this online space is where artists, practitioners, and enthusiasts can come together to celebrate and explore the world of theater production.

From behind-the-scenes stories of theatrical productions to in-depth guides on crafting the perfect props or designing stunning costumes, Theatre Aezir promises to be your go-to destination for all things theatrical. The website is the brainchild of passionate individuals who have an unwavering love for the performing arts.

So, if you’re intrigued by Theatre Aezir, go ahead and pay a visit to their website. You’ll be greeted with a rich tapestry of articles, videos, and resources that will inspire and ignite your passion for the theater. Here’s to the exciting journey ahead with Theatre Aezir, where creativity knows no bounds!

Home of theatre that makes you think!