Chase Padgett’s one-man show “6 Guitars,” returning May 6 through 10 to Mirvish’s CAA Theatre (651 Yonge St.), is a tour de force evening of entertainment. Weaving together music, comedy and improv, it follows six characters (coming from blues, jazz, rock, classical, folk and country backgrounds) and their relationships with guitars. I fell in love with this incredibly moving and humorous show when it was last it in the city three years ago. Anyone with an affinity for music, or who played an instrument in their youth, will also be deeply touched. 鈥擩oshua Chong
Chase Padgett in his one-man show “6 Guitars.”
Klyment Tan
Movie: 鈥楽paceballs鈥
The underrated and enduring 1987 comedy, screening Sunday as part of Paradise Theatre鈥檚 Mel Brooks retrospective (1006 Bloor St. W.), is not just a spoof of 鈥淪tar Wars,鈥 but a strike back at the entire Hollywood Empire. Ever the sly insider, Brooks understood that the real Force in the film industry is ancillary revenue, and the best jokes in 鈥淪paceballs鈥 are about sequels, spinoffs, and shameless product placement. In his first leading role, Bill Pullman ably splits the difference between Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford as an intergalactic crusader who travels by Winnebago; he鈥檚 supported by the great John Candy as Barf, a cheerful mutant who introduces himself as a 鈥淢og鈥 (鈥渉alf man, half dog 鈥 I鈥檓 my own best friend鈥). Cameos abound, including John Hurt, Brooks鈥檚 old pal from 鈥淭he Elephant Man,鈥 who gallantly reprises his role from 鈥淎lien鈥: 鈥淥h no,鈥 he whimpers as a xenomorph pushes through his stomach. 鈥淣ot again.鈥 鈥擜dam Nayman
Book: 鈥楾he Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman鈥
As a culture critic, Niko Stratis strikes a perfect balance between wit, self-deprecation and earnest moral clarity. In her soul-baring memoir, 鈥淭he Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman鈥 (University of Texas Press), Stratis leans on these same qualities to guide readers through the sadness and despair that coloured her experiences as a closeted young trans woman living in the Yukon. In a series of essays, Stratis shares how she found solace and belonging in the music of the Replacements, R.E.M. and the National聽鈥 bands through whose vulnerable and honest music she 鈥渃ould access worlds beyond her own.鈥 鈥擱ichie Assaly
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Art installation: ‘Electric Theatre’
The Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.) is a lovely spot to while away a few hours, sampling snacks or sipping on coffee聽鈥 or perhaps having a quick tipple. Now, you can add a bit of art to your itinerary聽鈥 by ducking into a darkened room as coloured lights dance over 海角社区官网artist Philippe Blanchard鈥檚 new immersive fabric installation, 鈥淓lectric Theatre,鈥 鈥渁nimating鈥 the yarn and bringing it to joyful life. 鈥擝riony Smith
Philippe Blanchard’s “Electric Theatre” at Waterworks Food Hall.
Alison Postma
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Richie Assaly is a culture reporter for the Star, with an
interest in music, pop culture and food reporting. He is also a
juror for Polaris Music Prize.
Joshua Chong is a Toronto-based arts critic and culture reporter
for the Star. Follow him on X: .
AN
Adam Nayman is a Toronto-based critic, lecturer and author. He
is a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow him on Twitter:
.
BS
Briony Smith writes about culture, entertainment and
lifestyle for the Star.
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