aisling murphy
@aislingmurph.bsky.social
đ€ 2322
đ„ 457
đ 407
"ash-ling" | theatre reporter + critic @ the globe and mail |
[email protected]
pinned post!
'Tis the season for season announcements. (Why do I feel like these start earlier every year?) I'll add to this thread as seasons roll in. I'm interested mostly in how theatres react to the Elbows Up era, plus anything in the world of new Canadian musicals, obv. First up: Citadel in Edmonton. đ§”
23 days ago
1
5
5
Had a nice chat with Drew Hayden Taylor about THE UNDENIABLE ACCUSATIONS OF RED CADMIUM LIGHT, playing in Winnipeg at
@prairietheatrex.bsky.social
until March 8. Q&A for
@theglobeandmail.com
here:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
New Drew Hayden Taylor play investigates Indigenous art fraud â and a fraught mother-daughter relationship
The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light runs at Winnipegâs Prairie Theatre Exchange until March 8
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-drew-hayden-taylor-indigenous-art-fraud-mother-daughter-relationship/
about 5 hours ago
0
2
1
Another one today (and more on their way, so I'm told): Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver, BC. đ§”
add a skeleton here at some point
about 5 hours ago
2
2
1
Fabulous to see more coverage of Canadian theatre in a publication like
@variety.com
, but Yaga is a play, not a screenplay, and The Globe got to this nearly a week ago.
variety.com/2026/shoppin...
loading . . .
Hudson Williamsâ Casting in Craveâs âYagaâ Adaptation Sends Physical Screenplay Sales Soaring
Physical copies of Kat Sandler's Yaga screenplay are selling out since Hudson Williams became attached to the TV adaptation of the mystery thriller.
https://variety.com/2026/shopping/news/yaga-screenplay-hudson-williams-buy-online-1236672480/
1 day ago
1
9
0
If you somehow missed the news, Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry) will appear in the TV adaptation of Kat Sandler's play YAGA. Here's my chat with
@playcanpress.bsky.social
about the epic surge in sales that followed the casting announcement:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/book...
loading . . .
Kat Sandler play Yaga sells out after Heated Rivalry star cast in upcoming TV adaptation
A surprise casting announcement sold out stock of Sandlerâs play, a remix of the myth of Baba Yaga, at multiple booksellers
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/books/article-kat-sandler-play-yaga-sells-out-after-heated-rivalry-star-cast-in/
4 days ago
0
8
3
reposted by
aisling murphy
Nellie Cubed
4 days ago
I just finished YAGA by Kat Sandler, and itâs a really great ride! (I didnât know itâs all over Twitter since Iâm not on that site now.) Itâs funny and feminist and folktale-y and freaky. And it might be on your libraryâs Hoopla digital service. Support authors by using public libraries! đđ
add a skeleton here at some point
0
7
2
What a treat to spend a few days immersed in Ottawa's theatre scene â I cut my teeth as a critic in that city and, judging by this trip, the quality of work has only improved since my last trip east. Here's the work that impressed me most:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
In Ottawa, two new plays and a Governor Generalâs Literary Award winner warm up the capital
The Globeâs theatre reporter and critic reflects on two plays with room to grow at Undercurrents Festival, plus a solid production of The Piano Teacher further south
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-in-ottawa-two-new-plays-and-a-governor-generals-literary-award-winner/
6 days ago
0
3
2
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
7 days ago
Went last night. Amazing to see Gabriella Sundar Singh really give'r for 45 minutes straight in a solo show. Anusree Roy as unflinching a dramatist as ever. Sold out as Aisling expected. The TPM Backspace has even fewer seats than it used to have!
add a skeleton here at some point
0
2
1
reposted by
aisling murphy
tapeworthy
8 days ago
fun fact. The original production of Kat Sandler's Yaga at Tarragon starred Seana McKenna. Seana McKenna's son is Callan Potter. Callan Potter plays Hayden Pike in Heated Rivalry, bff to Shane Hollander. Shane Hollander played by Hudson Williams who will now star in Yaga the TV series!
2
11
1
A Canadian play has taken over Twitter. (Yes, some of us are still on that godforsaken site.) Yaga has sold out on Amazon. There are Yaga memes in every other post. I couldnât be more thrilled for Kat Sandler â and I canât wait for the world to catch up with her brilliance.
8 days ago
1
9
3
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
8 days ago
Congratulations to
@aislingmurph.bsky.social
on her Nathan Cohen Awards! Judge this year was the Stage's Natasha Tripney - whose Café Europa newsletter is a must-read.
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/arti...
loading . . .
Globe theatre reporter Aisling Murphy wins two Nathan Cohen Awards
Murphy won for her writing on the Mirvish production MJ, and the opening of a production of Come From Away amidst a changing Canada-U.S. relationship
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/article-globe-theatre-reporter-aisling-murphy-wins-two-nathan-cohen-awards/
1
9
1
Really lovely surprise this month: I won both the Outstanding Review and Outstanding Critical Essay categories (plus runner-up for review! what!) for the Nathan Cohen Awards this year. Very, very grateful to my editors
@heypereira.bsky.social
and Rebecca Tucker at
@theglobeandmail.com
.
add a skeleton here at some point
8 days ago
2
16
2
COPPERBELT: A really enjoyable night at the theatre (I'm not sure I've ever heard an audience get that loud), but an imperfect new play with surprisingly clunky direction. Review
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Copperbelt offers a Zambian-Canadian perspective and plenty of laughs
Zambian-born, Toronto-based Natasha Mumbaâs debut script could use tweaks, but Nina Lee Aquinoâs production is zippy and bold
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-copperbelt-soulpepper-zambia-natasha-mumba-aquino/
14 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
16 days ago
Got my tickets. Anusree Roy is in her prime as a playwright. Should be done around the world.
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
1
THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD has some of the best onstage work I've ever seen. Gabriella Sundar Singh is a revelation as Chaya, a young mother tasked with saving her daughter from horrific circumstances. I all but guarantee it will sell out. Critic's Pick review:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Through the Eyes of God is a horrifying, gorgeous new play anchored by a virtuosic performance
Anusree Royâs play is a reminder of why we make theatre in the first place
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-through-the-eyes-of-god-anusree-roy/
16 days ago
1
5
2
#Exclusive
: American Ian Derrer has been named the next general director of the Canadian Opera Company. My interview with him is online now:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Canadian Opera Company names American Ian Derrer next general director
Derrer starts on July 1, following an eight-year leadership stint with the Dallas Opera
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-canadian-opera-company-names-american-ian-derrer-next-general-director/
16 days ago
0
3
2
A biggie today: Mirvish Productions has unveiled their subscription season. I chatted with Hannah Mirvish for The Globe:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
Here are my thoughts: đ§”
add a skeleton here at some point
17 days ago
1
3
0
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, revived in an overly bijou staging at the COC, mirrors the chromatics of Rossini's score with a colourful set and playful costumes. Decent singing, too. Review
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
The Barber of Seville is cutesy, whimsical and mostly well sung
Bright, lighthearted comic opera could be just the tonic needed for the frosty winter
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-barber-of-seville-opera-review/
17 days ago
0
2
0
Agreed. Small gripe with the show's design, however â would the ultra-progressive, anti-racist private school prominently display a Dr. Seuss book in its library? (Many of Seuss' cartoons were horribly racist, which the characters of this play would undoubtedly know.)
add a skeleton here at some point
17 days ago
1
2
1
Wish I'd loved WITCH â really nice work from Tantoo Cardinal and Nicholas Eddie in particular â but wow, that script is a dud. Review
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Tantoo Cardinal and Nicholas Eddie are excellent in Witch, but the play is maddeningly niche
Jen Silvermanâs play follows Elizabeth Sawyer, who was brought to trial under King James Iâs Witchcraft Act
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-witch-tantoo-cardinal-nicholas-eddie-elizabeth-sawyer/
20 days ago
0
0
0
YOU, ALWAYS isn't without its quirks. But man, I wept â such gorgeous performances from Repo-Martell and Beaty, and I think it might be my new favourite Erin Shields play. Critic's Pick review
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
You, Always is a weepy, wonderful portrait of modern sisterhood
Maev Beaty and Liisa Repo-Martell are easily believable as sisters in Erin Shieldsâs latest world premiere
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-you-always-review-berkeley-street-theatre/
21 days ago
1
6
1
Short one today: County Stage Company in Prince Edward County. đ§”
add a skeleton here at some point
22 days ago
1
3
0
Next: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. đ§”
add a skeleton here at some point
23 days ago
1
2
0
'Tis the season for season announcements. (Why do I feel like these start earlier every year?) I'll add to this thread as seasons roll in. I'm interested mostly in how theatres react to the Elbows Up era, plus anything in the world of new Canadian musicals, obv. First up: Citadel in Edmonton. đ§”
23 days ago
1
5
5
reposted by
aisling murphy
Judith Pereira
27 days ago
The AGO is disbanding the committee that decided not to go ahead with the Nan Goldin acquisition.
@joshokane.bsky.social
has been leading and breaking this story for the past week and a bit. A huge amount of work has gone into reporting this story.
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/arti...
loading . . .
AGO dissolving committee that declined to acquire a Nan Goldin artwork
Some members alleged that the Jewish-American artistâs views on Israel were âantisemiticâ
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/article-nan-goldin-ago-committee-dissolved/
0
6
4
reposted by
aisling murphy
Andrea James
29 days ago
Nice writeup of our film. Check out the thread above for a great backstory on the article.
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
1
Over the summer, I got stranded at Dulles Airport. (The worst.) But a lovely stranger helped me argue with Porter, and kept me company on a very bumpy hotel shuttle bus. Only after that ordeal did I find out who my fellow stranded passenger was â
@turnerschofield.bsky.social
. đ§”
29 days ago
2
6
1
Hat-tip to
@nestruck.bsky.social
for sending this my way â North America's largest repertory theatre festival is trying something new this year by.... continuing to perform in rep? Am I getting that right?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLg7...
loading . . .
Two shows, one cast: Stratford Festival tries something new
YouTube video by CTV News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLg7-KdCePU
about 1 month ago
1
3
0
Stepped into the opera beat this weekend with Christopher Alden's RIGOLETTO at the Canadian Opera Company. Lovely singing from Quinn Kelsey and Sarah Dufresne; heavy-handed (but usually effective) concept from Alden. For
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Christopher Aldenâs politically aware Rigoletto returns to the Canadian Opera Company
Verdiâs tragedy is very well-sung, if at times heavy-handed in its staging
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-rigoletto-canadian-opera-company-christopher-alden/
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
Using the snow day to watch the Elizabeth Smart documentary on Netflix. Itâs hard not to throw things at the TV: What were those cops DOING? Itâs a harrowing, awful watch, but fascinating at the same time. And Smart, though sheâs (understandably) a little rigid, is so very well spoken.
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
Lots to like in Lisa Nasson's MISCHIEF at Tarragon. I especially loved Andy Moro's set (less so his vertigo-inducing video designs). Review for
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Mischief plunges its audience into the belly of a whale â and the centre of the grieving process
Lisa Nassonâs sometimes overly taut script has moments of brilliance but feels like a first draft
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-mischief-review-tarragon-theatre/
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
about 1 month ago
I have a bee in my bonnet about all the Canadian theatres that programmed A Doll's House this season just because it was recently on Broadway - and using the American version of the Norwegian play seen there. But sounds like maybe I should relax my elbows and go see the Canadian Stage production.
add a skeleton here at some point
0
0
1
Absolutely loved A DOLL'S HOUSE at Canadian Stage â the production feels expensive and luxurious in all the right ways, and Hailey Gillis is stunning as Nora. Critic's Pick review for
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
A Dollâs House is claustrophobic and rich â and a star turn for Hailey Gillis
Brendan Healyâs polished production makes clever use of the Bluma Appel Theatre
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-dolls-house-canadian-stage-bluma-appel-theatre-hailey-gillis/
about 1 month ago
0
7
1
reposted by
aisling murphy
Andrea Woo
about 1 month ago
Hootsuite has been pursuing business with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the United States, more than five years after employee backlash forced the Vancouver tech company to cancel a contract to provide social-media management services to the agency.
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
loading . . .
Vancouver company Hootsuite seeks business with ICE amid financial pressures
Company has secured a project with ICE that involves âsocial listeningâ after cancelling a contract in 2020 over employee backlash
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-hootsuite-canada-vancouver-ice-social-media-contract/
1
66
76
I'll admit I didn't have many expectations for THE LAST FIVE YEARS. But Luke Marty's production isn't half-bad, and Nicolas Palazzolo in particular is a bright talent to keep an eye on. It's fabulous to hear Jason Robert Brown's score with a full band, too â god, that score.
about 1 month ago
1
3
0
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
about 1 month ago
I do love this musical and excited to see this Montreal-Toronto production.
add a skeleton here at some point
1
3
2
KIMBERLY AKIMBO is imperfect: Its second act is surprisingly holey, and Louise Pitre struggles a bit with the title role's vocal demands. Even so, I was really touched by it â I'll be seeing it again next week. Review
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Kimberly Akimbo is underwritten, vocally uneven â but itâs the most poignant musical in Toronto
As the show reminds us: Lifeâs too short to get hung up on the imperfections
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-review-kimberly-akimbo-musical/
about 1 month ago
1
2
1
Sigh. I'm a big fan of Talk Is Free Theatre. And Sondheim (of course). And the Theatre Centre. But COMPANY is a misfire across the board. This wasn't the review I hoped to write. For
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Barrieâs Talk Is Free Theatre brings a bumpy Company to Toronto
George Furth and Stephen Sondheimâs musical about love only occasionally succeeds in Dylan Trowbridgeâs staging
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-company-review-barrie-talk-is-free-theatre-toronto/
about 1 month ago
0
3
0
A promising sign out of Stratford: It looks like incoming AD Jonathan Church is following through on his desire to cast a wider net for talent across Canada, with audition stops scheduled in St. John's, Montreal, Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Toronto. (But no Ottawa?)
about 1 month ago
1
9
2
Ahead of their production of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I had a chat with Jon Chaters, producer for the Toronto Stage Company and the keyholder for the former Fleck Dance Theatre, now renamed the Terminal Theatre. Online
@theglobeandmail.com
:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Curtain rises on the Terminal Theatre, Torontoâs reimagined stage by the water
Toronto Stage Company begins performances of The Last Five Years, starring Steffi DiDomenicantonio and newcomer Nicolas Palazzolo, on Jan. 20
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-terminal-theatre-toronto-stage-company-jon-chaters-last-five-years/
about 1 month ago
0
3
0
reposted by
aisling murphy
Mark Medley
about 2 months ago
My book Live to See the Day is out today. I hope you read it.
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/645965...
loading . . .
Live to See the Day by Mark Medley: 9780771062261 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
An imaginative study of human nature, Live to See the Day is a globe-trotting exploration of what drives certain people to pursue a dream beyond all logic, reason, or reward. Â Â Â Why do...
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/645965/live-to-see-the-day-by-mark-medley/
3
16
5
reposted by
aisling murphy
The Globe and Mail
about 1 month ago
loading . . .
Trumpâs annexation threats raise thorny questions for Greenland and Denmark
Greenlandic people, resentful of Danish rule, face the U.S. Presidentâs threats with cynicism and indifference â while many Danes have long ignored the faraway islandâs fate
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-trump-annexation-threats-greenland-denmark-copenhagen/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
2
7
5
Woof. All performances of Playing Shylock at the Segal Centre have been cancelled, owing to a "personal issue" for Saul Rubinek. Hope all is OK.
www.instagram.com/p/DTakfSlEkx...
loading . . .
Login âą Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTakfSlEkx0/?img_index=1
about 2 months ago
0
2
0
Meet Mitch Wood, the Canadian influencer who mercilessly pokes fun at theatre people â including, yes, himself. This was a fun one for
@theglobeandmail.com
!
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Actor Mitch Woodâs parody videos get laughs â and sometimes even roles
Woodâs skits about working in the theatre industry have created a cult following
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-actor-mitch-woods-parody-videos-get-laughs-and-sometimes-even-roles/
about 2 months ago
0
12
2
Happy new year! The flu kicking around Toronto right now is a beast. Avoid it if you can. Two weird-week-between-Christmas-and-New-Year stories to share. đ§”
about 2 months ago
1
5
0
Happy to share this profile of the inimitable Ravi Jain, winner of the 2025 Siminovitch Prize and, relatedly, a relentlessly impressive human being. On
@theglobeandmail.com
's website today:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
loading . . .
Siminovitch Prize winner Ravi Jain on creating his own boxes in Canadian theatre
Co-artistic director of Why Not Theatre in Toronto stood out for his six-hour adaptation of Mahabharata
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-siminovitch-prize-winner-ravi-jain-canadian-theatre/
about 2 months ago
0
7
2
reposted by
aisling murphy
Steve Fisher, BFA, CD (he/him)
2 months ago
Here's
@glennsumi.bsky.social
's list:
www.goaheadsumi.com/the-top-10-t...
Here's
@joshuachong.bsky.social
's list:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Here's
@aislingmurph.bsky.social
's list:
www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...
& a few more
#TheaTO
year-end round-ups...
loading . . .
The Top 10 Toronto theatre productions of 2025
Anne of Green Gables, Red Like Fruit, The Welkin, Kimâs Convenience and Bright Star top my list of the most memorable shows of the year
https://www.goaheadsumi.com/the-top-10-toronto-theatre-productions-of-2025/
2
5
3
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
2 months ago
Global TV (in Canada) had last night's original 60 Minutes episode including the pulled segment on CECOT on its app and website today until about 5:45pm ET. I was watching it when it got yanked - but bootlegs abound.
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-pol...
loading . . .
60 Minutes segment cancelled by CBS was available on Global TV website
Episode highlights accounts of alleged torture of men sent by U.S. to El Salvador prisons
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-politics/article-60-minutes-segment-cancelled-by-cbs-was-available-on-global-tv-website/
2
26
11
reposted by
aisling murphy
Barry Hertz
2 months ago
Imagine stepping into S2 of the best show on TV, the audience instantly hostile â wondering why theyâre suddenly stuck with your annoying dick and not the characters they grew to love â and then winning âem over (not instantly, but incrementally) with a true tragic figure. RIP James âZiggyâ Ransone.
add a skeleton here at some point
1
17
2
reposted by
aisling murphy
J. Kelly Nestruck
2 months ago
Shaw Festival coming to Toronto October to March for three years. Sweet deal from Harbourfront from the clean-up CEO who will be gone in a month: The venue (now apparently called the Fleck, but not the theatre HF used to run called the Fleck) is provided for free; box-office revenue split.
add a skeleton here at some point
0
6
2
Load more
feeds!
log in