Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

Sierra Holder the dancer in orange YOUNG CARIBBEAN CANADIAN ACTRESS SIERRA HOLDER IS OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD STARTING TONIGHT By Stephen Weir When the curtain rises tonight at the Elgin Theatre for the official opening of the Pantomime Wizard of Oz, two cousins, and their dog will be performing together for the very first time.   Sierra Holder, an Ottawa actress with strong Caribbean ties (her mother is from St Lucia and her father from the Bahamas), is making her debut on the big stage – the first role since finishing Sheridan’s Musical Theatre Performance programme just a few months ago. Sierra Holder plays multiple supporting roles in the Pantomime and is the understudy for Dorothy – which means she has to be ready to fill in for the star, Camille Eanga-Selenge, if she can’t perform.   It is a sure bet that Sierra isn’t hoping that Camille literally breaks a leg out on stage. “ She is my cousin! I just so excited to be out there with her, ” explains the Ottawa

Soweto plays North Toronto Heavy on Revolution – Gospel Takes A Back Seat By Stephen Weir The Soweto Gospel Choir has been around the world more than a few times since their formation back in 2002. The South African singing group is so much in demand that they now have two choirs performing and touring simultaneously this December in the United States and Europe. The city got to see the Soweto Gospel Choir for two nights last Thursday and Friday in North Toronto.   They swooped into town, won the hearts and voices of an almost filled George Weston Theatre (North York), sold a whack of autographed CDs then hit the road to perform the next night in Montreal and the night after that in New Jersey. The Choir has dedicated their two exhaustive international tours to the celebration of the late Nelson Mandela in this his 100 th birthday year.   The 90-minute songfest, called Songs of the Free included – judging by the raised clench fists of the 20 singers on stage – historic s

Les Frères  – Sink of Swim for a Three-Day Run In Toronto By Stephen Weir Three Brothers. One’s nose and mouth   is underwater.  The two others are treading water, heads barely breaking the surface. The striking theatre poster is a metaphor for Haiti and an advertisement for  Les Frères ,  a new play debuting in Toronto next weekend. Les Frères   (The Brothers) is a 90-minute play set in Harlem and performed by the UC Follies in English (with a little bit of Creole thrown in for good measure). Written by New York based Sandra Daley-Sharif, her play, runs from November 29 to December 1 at the downtown George Ignatieff Theatre. The play  follows three estranged brothers of Haitian descent, who come home to Harlem for their father’s final days. Troubled memories filled with anger and abuse come rushing back as they deal with their father’s death. Abigail Whitney   “  We found the play through the New Play Exchange App and I successfully pitched it to the U of T drama

Etienne Charles on stage in Toronto, photo by Maria Nunes Etienne Charles in Toronto Carnival. The Sound of People Madly Clapping Volume 1 By Stephen Weir with notes from Ken Bruzual Trinidad born jazzman Etienne Charles proved the old adage never listen to the Rumour Mill. Word on the street earlier this month was saying that his big venue concert was going to be cancelled because of slow ticket sales.     Although not a total sell-out thanks to Caribbean Camera support Charles’ concert turned out to be hottest ticket in Toronto last Friday night. Described as one of the most “exciting young jazz artists today” Michigan based  Etienne Charles , launched the new “Jazz at the George Series” at the George Weston Recital Hall (the Sony Centre’s North York Theatre).   Charles, his five sidemen, a guest pan player and three costumed performers, also used their first Toronto performance as the North American launching pad for their brand new CD Carnival, the Sound of A