Sousatzka the Musical
189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1M4About
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Added by Jopie, at 01 January 2020
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39 Reviews
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09 April 2017
Final chance to catch #SousatzkaMusical – today at 2PM. Thank you for everything, Toronto!
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08 April 2017
Just three performances remain! Book your tickets now: bit.ly/Sousatzka #SousatzkaMusical
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07 April 2017
Final weekend of performances for #SousatzkaMusical. Don’t miss Sousatzka tonight (April 7) at 8pm, tomorrow (April 8) at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday (April 9) at 2pm at The Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge St.).
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07 April 2017
Four performances left! Get your tickets now: bit.ly/Sousatzka #SousatzkaMusical
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07 April 2017
Don't miss #SousatzkaMusical - through April 9 only! Book your tickets today: bit.ly/Sousatzka
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06 April 2017
Be sure to join us for one of the final 5 performances of #SousatzkaMusical! bit.ly/Sousatzka
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05 April 2017
Final 7 performances! Hurry and get your tickets now: bit.ly/Sousatzka #SousatzkaMusical
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05 April 2017
Don't miss out - #SousatzkaMusical is now in its final performances at the Elgin Theatre! bit.ly/Sousatzka
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04 April 2017
The inspiring new musical all of Toronto is talking about. See it before it leaves Toronto.
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01 April 2017
Our fans are loving #SousatzkaMusical! Book your tickets today – through April 9 only: bit.ly/Sousatzka
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31 March 2017
Only #Twelve chances left to see #SousatzkaMusical. Be the first to see it in #Toronto, at the historic Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge St.)
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30 March 2017
Enjoy a sneak peek at "Themba's Encore," led by the amazing Fuschia! #SousatzkaMusical
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25 March 2017
Limited Toronto engagement - through April 9 only. Book today: bit.ly/Sousatzka #SousatzkaMusical
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24 March 2017
Something monumental happened at The Elgin Theatre last night. #SousatzkaMusical #OpeningNight
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24 March 2017
Standing O for #SousatzkaMusical! 🙌👍👏
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24 March 2017
Check out highlights from our opening night!
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24 March 2017
ICYMI: Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire stopped by CBC's q radio this morning to talk about #SousatzkaMusical!
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23 March 2017
Tonight, we celebrate Opening Night! #SousatzkaMusical
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23 March 2017
Catch the action live on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram starting at 5:15PM. Catch it all! #SousatzkaMusical
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01 January 1970
My friend Sandra and I attended the final dress rehearsal last night and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! The book, music and cast are Tony award winning. I was moved to tears several times not just by the touching story but by the performances themselves in all their stunning glory. There wasn't a weak link. I was riveted from the moment the curtain went up to the moment it came down. The last time I was so taken with a show was when I saw Glengarry Glen Ross in the West End with Jonathan Pryce 10 years ago. Last night was truly inspiring.
I will be honest, I found the end of Act 2, for a finale, fell a little flat. I was a mess of tears (in a good way) as it was a stunningly moving moment. But it didn't feel like a strong enough ending for such a strong overall piece. I honestly wasn't certain it was the end. Where you have so many amazing ensemble pieces in this show, I would have liked to see it culminate in another one to celebrate this magnificent story. Anyway, just my two cents �.
You have a hit on your hands to be sure. I feel very lucky to be a member of its first audience!! To see the impeccable Victoria Clark, and my dear friend Rejean Cournoyer, was indeed a thrill. A night I will not forget!! Thank you so much for this opportunity. Merde to all the cast and crew as you continue this exciting journey to Broadway and beyond!
Much love,
Juliaresponse / report this review -
01 January 1970
I was privileged to watch Sousatzka during its rehearsals this summer and thought that is was one of the most moving, uplifting, and sophisticated stories that I’ve ever seen on the musical stage. There was not a dry eye in the house! To me, this musical gives expression to two, interwoven, themes: one being the enduring strength of the bond that exists within a family, whether it be a natural or adoptive one, and the other being the singular power of music-to transform us; to transfix us; and to connect us, emotionally and intellectually, no matter the diversity of our backgrounds. I found the performances to be uniformly excellent and was particularly blown away by Victoria Clark’s understated brilliance in the titular role. I think Sousatzka is an outstanding creative achievement and will appeal to a broad audience that is guaranteed to enjoy a very memorable experience in the musical theatre.
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01 January 1970
We highly recommend "Sousatzka!"
I really don't know why J. Kelly Nestruck of The Globe and Mail or Karen Fricker of the Toronto Star or for that matter any number of these other theatre critics went so off-base in their analysis of Garth Drabinsky's brilliant production of Sousatzka. Perhaps they are too young to grasp the complications that life can bring.
The show is as complicated as life itself and yet there is a wonderful blend of interracial and intergenerational friendships that develop through characters that have tragic past lives but through music in all it's varying forms find their redemption and strength to overcome the grip that their past lives have held them in.
Songs and dancing were wonderful. The movement from various locations in Africa, London and the Warsaw Ghetto was magnificently accomplished effortlessly. There were times I laughed and times my eyes where filled with tears.
Through the complications of their lives and their quirky differences, each character identifies with their own brand of music which is their common thread that pulls them together in their struggles towards reaching greater goals. This show is about the struggles of life. Some make it more than others in this quest to win over life's complications. It's a tough and real world out there and we see this reality in the presentation of this artistic work.
Sousatzka in my opinion (and in the opinions of those I saw it with, who have been in the performing arts for generations) fully deserves the standing ovation it received (even at a Wednesday matinee) and certainly deserves the accolades and respect of all seasoned theatre veterans over the shallow reviews it received from much younger and inexperienced critics.
#sousatzka, #elgintheatre, #torontolife, #mirvish, #theatre, #toronto, #torontotheatre, #sousatzkamusicalresponse / report this review -
01 January 1970
The actors did a really good job with what they had and give great performances, but the music is completely unmemorable. The mishmash of genres and styles seem disjointed. The story is also very unfocused and can't seem to decided who it is actually about and has lots of tangents that detract from what it is trying to say. And the ending feels anticlimactic and tacked on. It's unfortunate. I really wanted to like this show. I am a fan of musicals and was looking forward to seeing it in previews but it's just not a good musical. Forgettable music and a script that needs a lot of work. I am curious how it will do once it gets to Broadway and has some competition for audience attention from much stronger contenders. I wish them luck, but it's not a production I can recommend to friends to spend their hard earned money buying tickets to see.
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01 January 1970
Go. Go see this show. Just trust me on that one—you won't regret it.
It's one of the most powerful pieces of theatre I've experienced: brilliantly-written and -orchestrated, with music that comes seamlessly out of the story, and characters in situations about whom one cannot help but care. The main cast handles the story with gripping expertise, the strength of the ensemble will give you goosebumps, and the design is both beautiful and perfectly-fitting.
Previews start tonight (25 February) at the Elgin Theatre; the world premiere is 23 March. So, go! And don't forget your handkerchief.response / report this review -
01 January 1970
I have the privilege to see the last performance in Toronto.
The story, voices and music were outstanding. Some mentioned it was hard to follow, which found only happened on the first minutes when the story goes from the present to the past on the same scene, but after the first 2 times you get what is going on.
Ms Victoria Clark was amazing, what a voice.
The end I found it flat, after so much emotion and drama, I was not expecting that end, I thought another scene was coming after.
Nevertheless, I love it (so did my husband who is not a theatre goer) and hoping to see some awards nominations went the play makes it to Broadway.response / report this review -
01 January 1970
I have seen the video of the Sousatzka workshop many times and have watched the cast rehearse the show and scenes from the show also many times. What I find amazing is that I learn something and see new things in the story each and every time. Each one of the core themes: sacrifice, motherhood and redemption of the human spirit, are interwoven together on so many levels . The intricate way that this is done in the story is brilliant.
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01 January 1970
I attended the first preview on Saturday night. I desperately wanted to like this show because brand new book musicals are an increasing rarity but, sadly, the show needs work! The cast is good with stars Victoria Clark, Montego Glover and Judy Kaye and the young male lead, Jordan Barrow, showing lots of potential. But the show is too long and rambling as it tries to cover too much material. It's got Apartheid, the Holocaust, exiles and teenage angst all going on at the same time! This leads to a lot of jumping around which makes the narrative so unfocussed you end up not really caring about anyone onstage. Each act is over an hour long and both could lose numbers. The first act finale, although powerful, is not compelling enough to bring you back for the second act. I think I would have placed that number "Let Go" as a mid-point climax in Act One. It would help the audience to understand Madame Sousatzka and why she holds onto her pupils. Act Two has a wonderful song for Madame Sousatzka called "This Boy". At the end of it I turned to my friend and said "that should have ended Act One". There are too many numbers that feel tacked on and do nothing to further the plot (such as "Rainbow Nation") and the love interest for the boy goes nowhere. Hopefully they will make some adjustments during the run because I think there is the germ of a good show here but it is ultimately an intimate story that they are trying too hard to make epic. Some of the songs are good, a couple are brilliant, but there are several that could easily be cut ("Go Dancing" just seemed to take up time). The performances are generally good and the production values are strong. Sadly though the vision is too broad right now and the ending feels tacked on and contrived. Worst of all it detracts from the musical's main story of the relationship between the teacher and her pupil. She has a beautiful number, "Inexpressible", as she says goodbye to Themba and I was actually choking up but then the short epilogue ruined the moment and made Themba feel almost disposable. I am not sure how common it is to make dramatic overhauls to shows during previews but this is a show that needs a major rethink. It will be interesting to see how it develops over its run.
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01 January 1970
I was fortunate to get a sneak peak of this moving, yet joyous story of sacrifice, love, and acceptance. It is a timely lesson on how love & friendship can be found in unique lives, ages & places. The contrast of classical music & South African Beats had a shy theatre goer like me on my feet dancing, & moved to tears. See it in Toronto before Broadway bound. Hamilton is going to have a new neighbor & The Tony's a new friend. Bravo!
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01 January 1970
Ignore the formal media reviews and go see the show. I have seen it three times, enjoyed it each time, and shed a few tears each time. Yes, it is an ambitious undertaking, definitely not perfect, and could be trimmed in parts; however, a friend, my mother and I were satisfied with the performances.
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01 January 1970
Loved every bits of it!
Super!�
The story speaks to you and goes so deep in your heart.
Amazing energy! You will bring it home with you and feel the warmth of it for many many days!!!�response / report this review -
01 January 1970
Sousatzka is a moving musical about two very different peoples struggles in their youth in two different war times and how they overcame it. Only to come together, help each other, learn from each other and create beautiful music together. Great musical numbers and amazing dance routines help tell this beautiful story.
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01 January 1970
I was at the invited dress tonight and and so wanted to love this show. The book needs a fair bit of work, and the music is just OK. The Act 1 closer is excellent, however.extremely haunting and effective. The end of the show is quite weakyou can see it coming a mile away. This show really needs a musical finale that sends the audience into the heavens. Please consider it as you revise through the previews.
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01 January 1970
I had the good fortune of attending the matinee performance last Saturday. I was in awe of the talent of the performers. The acting and singing was spectacular. I thought the storyline to be powerful and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it.
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01 January 1970
I was at the opening night performance and even though I had already seen an early rehearsal performance I was still brought to tears at the ending. It's heavy and long, but I feel that these times call for material more mature in nature.
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01 January 1970
Magnificent production, wonderful singing, dancing and acting, wonderfully performed music. Scenography was very complex and really helps in overall feel. So many details. One of the best if not the best musical we watched so far (and we watched quite a few both in Toronto and on Broadway)
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01 January 1970
My friend and I went and it was just amazing!!!!!!!
But to be honest, the end scene was surprisingly flat. More thought needs to go into it, or forget it all together.response / report this review -
01 January 1970
I am glad -I went. A very, very good performance. Worth it every moment. I did cry .I loved it. Nice work with the costumes, good job with the lights and choreography. Bravo to everyone.
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01 January 1970
Amazing voices, great cast, and creative set, this is going to be a hit; a little long, I hope they edit a bit before the opening and add a wow song in the second act.
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01 January 1970
Just attended the show today. Exceptional show, with extremely talented performers. Different genres of music, and dance. The 'history' is moving. This is a show with a lot of depth.
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