The Fantasticks is often fantastic, and quite delightful

9:27 am

There are monster musicals, with giant orchestras and expensively-costumed casts, and then there is The Fantasticks. This is a sweet, unassuming, almost Our Town-type of musical, with a piano and harp as its “orchestra,” a cast of eight, an invisible wall, a ladder and a sun-and-moon on two sides of a piece of balsa wood.

Both types of musicals have their place in the universe, but no one can deny the haunting beauty of Harvey Schmidt’s music and the charming, quirky book and lyrics by Tom Jones. And Soulpepper, which continues to be the finest theatre company in Canada, has done a solid, occasionally inspired and always entertaining production of a tiny show which opened in 1960 (at the towering cost of $16,000, which today would not cover the weekly coffee breaks at most Broadway shows), and did not close for over four decades. When it did, it was quickly revived four years later, and it continues to sell out.

It is the very little show that could – and did. And while it can be awkwardly whimsical in places, at its best – as most of the present production of it is – it’s an unforgettable, very funny play, so sweet that you can almost get diabetes from watching it. (It is supposed to close on March 24, but with Soulpepper’s wise business decision to leave themselves open to extend popular productions, I here predict that it may well run for many weeks longer. It deserves to.)

Internet reviews, by their very nature, must be brief, so let me just say that Joseph Ziegler’s direction is as crisp and witty as any of the ones I’ve seen off-Broadway over the decades; Paul Sportelli’s musical direction is as fine as his always-superlative work at the Shaw Festival; Albert Schultz’s “narrator,” El Gallo, has a lovely voice and a good presence; and the two young lovers, played by the talented Jeff Lillico and Krystin Pellerin, are both very good, although their voices are occasionally a little soft. The less major characters, played by Michael Hanrahan and William Webster (both pictured, left and right respectively) Derek Boyes, Oliver Dennis and Michael Simpson, are often the best people on the stage.

Based on a minor play by the extraordinary French dramatist Rostand, who perfected the concept of romantic comedy with his wonderful Cyrano de Bergerac, The Fantasticks is truly one-of-a-kind. Soulpepper’s production has its flaws, but one longs to ignore them in the same way that people in love want to ignore the scratches or wrinkles on the face of their beloved. This is an irresistible and memorable evening (and you’ll have no trouble trying to remember it) suitable for children as young as 10. And let’s hear it for whoever at Soulpepper cleaned up one song which had a very ugly four-letter word in it – and no, not the f-word. I was sure they’d have the wisdom to do so and they did.

Bravo, Soulpepper!

Allan Gould is Post City’s theatre critic

Pizza Gigi makes comeback, so do oregano jokes

6:22 am

Earlier this month, fans of Harbord Street’s Pizza Gigi probably thought they’d never see the place open again. Its legacy would be comprised of an endless tirade of oregano jokes, with some pizza nostalgia on the side. Well, Pizza Gigi is back and ready to serve. Apparently, the place wasn’t closed down due to the now-infamous police raid, but because of renovations, which are now complete.

“We weren’t shut down,” says manager Rosa Crimi. “We could have opened the very next day.” She says the pizzeria was closed for a while, by choice, to clean up the interior a bit and to make some minor renovations, which include a brand new ceiling.

According to The Star, owner Salvatore Crimi faces 15 drug-related charges after a sizeable cache of drugs was found at the pizzeria, including $1-million worth of marijuana. But Rosa Crimi says he’ll still be around the shop while the charges get sorted out. Pizza Gigi, she says, is here to stay.

Meanwhile, the customer response has been great. “Everyone’s very happy,” she says. “People have been coming in and saying they missed our pizza, or giving us thumbs up through the window."

The Dressing Room: Cocktail attire worthy of coveting

1:12 pm

As someone who shares a star with Charlie Brown, working at a fashion magazine — a job characterized by the unpredictable, owing to its particular combination of deadlines, travel and egos — has been an education in Murphy’s Law. And, as the trusty adage would have it, the day the office is in a mad scurry to create order out of chaos, it is almost guaranteed that I will have an event — work-related or social — that requires looking like I took more than 10 minutes to get ready, when 20 is all I can spare.

When attending an event toasting Toronto’s Worthy 30, a collection of the city’s most eligible singles hand-picked by National Post columnist Shinan Govani (and presented by Grey Goose), one can only assume that the room will be decorated with well-manicured specimens of glamour. The pressure to look “done” at an event such as this might seem less unwieldy were one to have time to find proper cocktail attire (remembering the date of the event would help) and to not have their 1:30 plane from New York delayed till 3:30 the day of the party, leaving minimum amount of time to wash the smell of the wearisome journey off and apply the faux shine of beauty rest on. Travel: it’s the forerunner in the trifecta of imminent disruption listed above.

Help would be required if I planned on looking worthy of this cocktail event. Lucky for me, I knew just the two fairy godmothers capable of the pumpkin transformation at hand: up and coming Toronto fashion designer Sarah Stevenson, whose spring/summer 2011 collection impressed front row critics at last fall’s Toronto Fashion Week with its use of hand designed prints, and jewellery designer Eliza Korzurno, known for creating dramatic pieces that showcase her background in fine arts.

I arrange to meet the two at my place and, of course, due to delayed baggage and a shortage of cabs at the airport, I arrive late to both designers waiting outside my house only one hour before the event begins. After futilely trying to use the crunch for time as an excuse to not try on the dresses and jewelry Sarah and Eliza have brought, wanting to just eyeball a combo, jump in the shower and hope everything fits and matches, I end up trying on a few looks. The girls’ expert eye for fashion makes the fitting a speedy one. Within 20 minutes the outfit is chosen, and, all would be well, if only my hips were sample size. Out come the scissors and goodbye goes the bottom half of the dress’s lining. From one scullery maid to another, fairy godmothers are an indispensible thing.

Now about the look: The spectrum of cocktail attire can be a confusing thing; deciding where your event falls between casual and formal is the difference between a blazer, blouse, jean ensemble and a short elegant dress. On this occasion, a less structured, silk satin printed dress by Stevenson matched with one of Korzurno’s bold mono-coloured bib necklaces and beaded bracelets, created a look that fell nicely in the middle of the poles; ideal for a weekday event where a strategically loosened skinny tie is not an anomaly amongst the gentlemen partygoers.

Left: Amy Verner (L) and Shinan Govani (R), photo JJ Thompson Right: Ashleigh Dempster (L) and Aliya-Jasmine Sovani (R), photo Ryan Emberley

As for this partygoer, pumpkin-time that evening came with a sigh of relief. The event dazzled in all the ways it was meant to, but sleep sat on my eyelids like a petulant child. While parties and pretty frocks do delight, nothing quite compares to the couch and worn in flannel pajamas when work is wild and your brain is wired. I made a resolution this year to spend more time with the things I love: my pjs are number three on that list.

Toronto-based writer Jennifer Lee is the Editorial Director of FILLER magazine, an online fashion & culture journal. She is also the Co-Editor of Hardly magazine, an arts-centric online teen publication for Canadian girls. Her column, The Dressing Room, appears weekly.

Coffee prices rising; waking up sucks even more

12:12 pm

Get ready to start paying more for coffee. According to The Wall Street Journal, increased demand for high-quality coffee combined with some poor harvests has meant that coffee prices are skyrocketing. The price of Arabica coffee, for example, has increased 48 per cent in the last six months alone. It’s a trend that’s almost certain to affect prices at coffee shops in Toronto and elsewhere.

Sam James, owner of Sam James Coffee Bar on Harbord Street, says he’s known for some time that he’ll soon have to increase the price of his coffee. “My roaster has informed me of the heightened prices of coffee and the eventual rise in cost that I’ll incur,” he says. “Not all roasters are passing the increase on to their customers yet, so there’s going to be a visible difference between shops until it catches up across the board.”

James estimates that costs per cup in Toronto will likely increase 10 to 25 cents in the near future. And if New York City is a sign of things to come, then he’s probably bang on: at NYC’s Joe the Art of Coffee, apologies have been posted up for an impending price increase of 10 to 20 cents per cup.

Still, James thinks coffee is quite a bargain these days anyway, considering the labour involved. “It’s hand picked and sorted, processed, roasted and brewed manually,” he says. “It’s a considerable steal when compared to other specialty items like chocolate, wine or truffles.”

Apparently, not for much longer.

[The Wall Street Journal]

Sears gets some attitude with Jay Manuel

4:10 pm

Sears Canada is getting a new kind of attitude, thanks to Toronto’s Jay Manuel. Manuel (of America’s Next Top Model fame) has just been named creative director for ATTITUDE Jay Manuel, a Sears Canada private label collection. He’ll be involved with all aspects of the new line, including product development, design, fit, in-store retail and marketing.

In addition to women’s apparel, ATTITUDE Jay Manuel will also feature shoes, bags, and accessories. The inaugural Fall/Winter 2011 Collection will be revealed at LG Fashion Week in Toronto on Wednesday, March 30. Apparently the colour palette is inspired by Morocco, and consists of slate, cognac, peacock, marine, raspberry and black, accented by stylized animal prints. The line will be available at Sears across Canada in August 2011 and will range from $12.97 to $139.99.

Reasonably-priced style from a "top" fashionista? We can’t wait!

CycleCouture brings Copenhagen cycling to Toronto

4:06 pm

Where some Torontonians see a frame and two wheels, Jeff Scullion sees personality. Which is why he’s opening CycleCouture, his salute to the high culture of urban cycling. "In Europe, in Asia, biking is incorporated into everyday life … it’s part of your personality, the transportation you use," he says. "I’m really trying to bring this to Toronto."

The College and Ossington bike shop will open its doors on Friday, April 1, offering a variety of sleek and sophisticated commuter-type rides, including bikes from two of Copenhagen’s hottest designers — Velorbis and Herskind + Herskind. "These bikes are exactly designed to stand up to salt, to sleet, to snow," he says. "Their gearing is internal, the brakes are all internal, everything about the bike is built to stand up to the climate."

Scullion says CycleCouture will feel more like a gallery space, with select bikes, such as some of Velorbis’ vintage models, featured on the wall. "It’s going to have an uncluttered, minimalist look," he says.

In addition to pedal bikes, the shop will carry electric bikes, which will cost between $3,000 and $4,000. Scullion says he’ll also have the items that help make up an urbanite’s bike personality, including customized baskets, luggage carriers and messenger bags. Finally, he says he’ll be on hand himself, ready and willing to take on bike repairs.

CycleCouture, 926 College Street, 416-880-7734

Constructing a world of difference

3:48 pm

The year was 1992 — not long after the Berlin Wall had fallen. Local otolaryngologist (a head and neck surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery) Peter Adamson was having a conversation with a woman from Washington who worked for an adoption agency. She was telling him about the thousands of orphans from Russia who had facial deformities. “They couldn’t be adopted because they had cleft lip and much more severe deformities,” recalls Adamson.

It was then that Adamson and some fellow colleagues felt compelled to help. They rounded up a few surgeons to operate on some of the children and to also provide training for local doctors. Some trips later, the Canadian Foundation for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (CFFPRS) was formed. Adamson, who runs a private clinic in Yorkville and is the author of Fabulous Faces, has been its president since it was established in 1996.

To date, his team of doctors and support workers have been to places as varied as China, Croatia, El Salvador, Haiti and Cambodia. More than 1,000 children have received surgery, helping improve congenital facial deformities or deformities resulting from war and violence. The operations have saved lives, increased chances of adoption and helped relieve social stigmatization. “In some parts of Russia today, if a child has a cleft lip he can’t go to school because the other parents won’t have that kid in the class with their children,” says Adamson. “That’s how socially behind they are.”

Most times, medically speaking, the regional doctors are also behind. Adamson says it could be because doctors have a hard time accessing the latest information on procedural methods. Or they are restricted from learning about scientific advances because of the political climate. Or perhaps they just don’t have the funding or the equipment to perform modern surgeries. “Money’s a huge issue, and they just don’t get the infrastructure,” he says.

Which is why CFFPRS volunteers also teach during operation missions. Adamson says from day one, local doctors are very involved in the process. They choose what surgeries they would like to learn and decide which patients are to receive surgery. “We’re teaching a man to fish, not giving a man a fish,” he says.

Many of the volunteer physicians return to the same place several times, so that they can help the local doctors on a continual basis. And if they’re lucky, the volunteers also get to follow up with their patients. “I just got one e-mail from a young woman we operated on,” says Adamson. “She’s at university in Bulgaria now, studying law.”

Adamson is currently planning the next mission to Guatemala. He says the surgeons have a lot more work to do. “The work is not just about surgery; it’s about making a person’s life better,” says Adamson. “It’s about improving lives.”

New shot glass saves money, sticks it to imperial system

2:26 pm

A groundbreaking new shot glass known as the Can-Pour looks exactly like a standard shot glass. A drink poured with it tastes exactly the same as any other drink. It feels the same and works in the same way. But it could save Canadian bars and restaurants thousands of dollars per year.

So what’s “groundbreaking” about the Can-Pour? Simply this: it actually holds a Canadian fluid ounce. Just about every other shot glass in Canada holds an American fluid ounce, which is approximately 30 mL. A Canadian fluid ounce is around 28 mL. That means most drinks have been over-poured across the country this whole time (well, at least for establishments that don’t purposely under-pour).

A difference of 2 mL may seem miniscule, but Can-Pour co-developer Kyle Tweter says the difference over time is huge. A 40-ounce bottle of liquor in Canada will only yield 38 American fluid ounces, which means the sale of two drinks per bottle is lost. And then there’s the issue of taxes, which are being paid for shots that aren’t even poured. An establishment that spends $20,000 per month on liquor could expect to save $16,800 per year with the Can-Pour, Tweter says.

The inconsistency was discovered a few years ago when Tweter and some co-workers were trying to account for lost inventory at their Vancouver restaurant. “The instinct is that it’s going to theft or spillage,” Tweter says – but that instinct was wrong.

After hiring an independent inventory company and still coming up with unaccountable losses, the golden moment came when Tweter and his co-workers decided to weigh a shot of liquor, which, of course, weighed too much. “We were shocked.”

Tweter searched for Canadian-sized shot glasses but couldn’t find any outside of Europe. So he and his partner Dan Wilson decided to make their own: the Can-Pour. The physical differences of the glass are undetectable to the eye, but the key change is a slight thickening of the walls, which makes it hold 2 mL less (and also, incidentally, makes the glass stronger).

Tweter says it’s probably Canada’s proximity to the U.S. that led to an unwitting, nearly universal adoption of American-sized shot glasses. Since the Can-Pour was rolled out in B.C. a few months ago, restaurants and bars have apparently reported dramatic improvements in inventory. The shot glass has just became available nationwide at major distributors like Sysco and GFS Restaurant Supply.

And while 2 mL less per drink could mean tighter inventory, we’re still trying to figure out what this means for our yearly collective partying output.

The ladies love Lando: Billy Dee Williams at Comic Con

11:38 am

There is more to Billy Dee Williams than his role as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back: in addition to numerous other acting roles – including his long-time stint as the spokesperson for Colt 45 beer – he’s an avid painter and often shows his work in town at the Liss Gallery. But for those heading down to Toronto Comic Con (a pop-culture convention at the Direct Energy Centre, March 18-20) dressed as imperial guards, Wookies and Jedi Knights, it is all about Lando.

We tracked down Williams to settle the score once and for all.

What do you get asked most often at an event like a fan expo?
Well, they remember me for all the movies, like Lady Sings the Blues, Brian’s Song, Mahogany, Nighthawks, the Colt 45 commercials that I did for about nine years. I get a lot of that from the young guys, bringing their large bottles of Colt 45. But you know, the Star Wars movies, too.

Have your Star Wars fans forgiven you for handing over Han Solo to the Imperial Fleet?
Oh yeah. [Laughter]

They don’t hold a grudge?
I think people are starting to understand what that whole situation was all about. That was a very delicate kind of situation. Poor Lando lost his whole situation as a result of that.

Right. He was under threat.
[Silence].

Lando has got to be one of the most popular Star Wars characters ever. Why do you think that is?
Well, Lando was a very charming guy, you know. Characters who have something dubious about them are always interesting. They’re good guys, but you’re not always sure where they’re coming from.

Right. They could be double-crossing you.
Yeah, you don’t know. But that’s always a good character to play. But certainly me playing that character makes a huge difference … Because of the, well, you know, I have good looks.

The ladies do love Lando.
Yeah, I got the Billy Dee looks, the Billy Dee charm.

And I hear you’re doing a guest spot on White Collar this year.
Yeah, I don’t know exactly when it’s coming on, but it’s a good character. An old-time gangster.

Kind of a sneaky guy, similar to Lando? No, no, he’s not sneaky. Lando’s not sneaky!

Well, that dubious quality you were talking about.
Well, yeah. He’s a good guy–bad guy–good guy. Charming, charming is the word.

Fashion trends at the Oscars, and where to get them

3:07 pm

Even if the ceremony itself was a bit of a snoozefest, the fashion at last night’s Academy Awards didn’t disappoint. With a rainbow of colours, a splash of glitter, and nods to old Hollywood, the stars gave us a sneak peek of what’s hot this season. We break down the big trends of the night, who we think wore it best on the red carpet, and tell you where you can get your favourite look.

Purple: The ladies from Black Swan dueled yet again, this time both choosing to wear purple to the show. However, Mila Kunis chose a periwinkle shade for her Elie Saab gown, while best actress winner Natalie Portman wore a plum Rodarte. In a similar vein, we like this pretty dress from Toronto’s online store, Little Black Dress Shop.

Red: It can be difficult to wear red on a red carpet, but presenter Sandra Bullock (in Vera Wang) and nominee Jennifer Lawrence (wearing Calvin Klein) certainly made it look easy. Turn heads in your own hot little number with the Jezebel Tivoli available at Fashion Crimes.
Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes, 322 Queen Street West, 416-592-9001

Glitter: Sometimes all that glitters isn’t gold, but both nominee Amy Adams (in a navy L’Wren Scott) and Gwyneth Paltrow (wearing a silver Calvin Klein) bucked that cliché. The Sherri Hill Katy Perry dress at Toronto’s Want Boutique will guarantee you shine like a star.
Want Boutique, 1694 Avenue Road, 416-256-9268

Old Hollywood: What’s the Oscars without the glamour of Hollywood past? Nominee Michelle Williams in Chanel carried that torch perfectly, reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Mia Farrow. Get the look with this 1960s Crepe and Beaded dress from Toronto’s Cabaret Vintage.
Cabaret Vintage, 672 Queen Street West, 416-504-7126

Revel in the rain: five umbrellas for spring

1:46 pm

No one likes getting stuck outside when it’s pouring, but if you have the right gear you’ll be good to go. Spring is just around the corner, so be smart and survive the showers in style with an umbrella that suits your every sensibility. While they may not incite singing, our top umbrella picks are sure to keep you dry and looking good.

1. Seek salvation under the Fulton birdcage bubble umbrella ($30) from Raindrops, the go-to store for all wet weather needs. Originally designed for the Queen Mother, Fulton of England remains the official umbrella supplier to the royal family and a name you can trust. This particular model will cover your head and shoulders (consequently keeping everything – from your knees to your toes – from getting drenched). With its clear see-through dome design (complete with a border available in a wide range of colors) and classic curved handle, this is an excellent choice for city slickers wanting to stay sleek the whole day through.
Raindrops, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Lower Level, 100 Front Street West, 416-203-RAIN (7246)

2. Invest in the best by snatching up a Burberry umbrella (Kensington or pop dégradé, $160) from Holt Renfrew. Small enough to fit in your purse, you’ll be thankful to have it on hand for days when the rain comes unexpectedly. The Kensington is the more classic choice. It comes in Burberry’s signature plaid and has a solid, rectangular leather handle. Similar in style but better suited for the funk (and the funky), the pop dégradé comes in colors that are bright and bold and will provide the perfect punch of colour to all your spring outfits.
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St W, 416-922-2333

3. Three may be a crowd, but two is just right under this large men’s Tumi auto close umbrella ($100) from Holt Renfrew. Perfect for couples, it is simple and sophisticated with a sliver of silver detailing. Offering a 47" vented, wind-resistant canopy with reflective edge trim for high visibility, and a sure-grip, custom-moulded carry handle and more, it’ll be your savior on showery days with your sweetie.
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St W, 416-922-2333

4. For those who don’t like to lift a finger (or, rather, more than one), SWIMS umbrella long shaft for men ($99) from Harry Rosen is the way to go. It opens and closes automatically with a simple click on the button on the handle and comes with easy to follow step-by-step directions depicted on the umbrella cover. The avant-garde design – primarily black with an unexpected splash of color on the handle and at the end – is perfect for any man who likes to look good. Its classic style (big and bulky) renders it ideal for keeping in the car (or alternatively, using as a walking stick).
Harry Rosen Menswear 1600-77 Bloor St W, (416) 935-9200

5. In eager anticipation of spring flowers, opt for a floral totes auto open/close umbrella ($35) from The Bay. Fun and flirty, this skinny mini folds thin for easy carrying, making it an ideal option for the girl on the go. Complete with elastic carrying straps on the handle and matching storage sleeves, this miniscule-yet-mighty umbrella will truly “have you covered.” And with a lifetime warranty (if it is defective in materials or workmanship or fails to function properly, totes will gladly replace it), it’ll be a gift that keeps on giving.
The Bay, 171 Yonge Street (at Queen St.), (416) 861-9111

Relax: Victory Cafe going nowhere

11:32 am

Ever since the word got out that Victory Cafe changed ownership earlier this month, fans of the Mirvish Village stalwart have been a little jittery that impending changes would mean the end of their favourite pub. We even caught wind of a rumour on Twitter that the new owner planned to transform it into a sports bar. The reality isn’t quite so drastic – at least for now.

New owner Kole Ndreka says he plans to keep the Vic as it is, for the most part, with the exception of a few TVs added around the place. So yes, it will be a bit sportier, but the bar’s focus on locally crafted brew will stay the same.

“We’re going to try and improve the service and make sure it remains one of the best bars in the city,” Ndreka says. “We’re just going to build on what’s there already, no major changes.” That includes the staff, who have all been kept on board.

Ndreka took ownership of the bar from Blake Smith and Maz and Neil Brereton. He was previously owner and operator of the Danforth’s Noah’s Ark tavern.

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