rev:text
| - We had our tickets for months, anticipating a show that I saw years ago at the old Pantages. The Princess of Wales Theatre is a throwback to the grandeur of the past; elegant, classy and sophisticated. Definately a spectacular marker for Toronto theatre set, up there with the Royal Alex a few steps away.
Entering the doors you are met with well dressed ushers, replete with the standard-issued headsets and ticket scanners. At every corner you are met with additional staff to ensure you arrive at the correct seat, often tripping over and squishing kneecaps to get there. A full house for tonight's performance reflects the reviews of this updated version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical. Synthisizers, cheezie 80s bombastic sounds, and you are transported back to two eras;, 19th century France and he 1980s golden era of musical. Splashy, effects laden, with a budget all up there on stage. With the theatre, you can catch the smells of the gunpowder, the ambiance and sound you just don't get from the cinema. What an amazing experience. When we were in New York, we got to see Evita on Broadway, and this performance certainly rivals the best of them.
For the theatre operations itself, a bit of a miss with restroom line ups and facilities availability. Many missed out at intermission to buy a snack because they waiting in lines (especially the ladies) when they should have relaxed with a drink or snack. Speaking of snacks, I know it's a theatre but $3.50 for a bottled water grabbed out of the case in a bit lax and poor taste. The popcorn was good (bad for teeth) but definately an opportunity to add a roving kiosk to service more folks as the intermission is brief. Overall, a great theatre and show. Well done! -Zuk
|