Critical Acclaim!

The Gypsy Princess (2011-2012)

“Lara Ciekiewicz, as the cabaret-singer title character, literally carries the show.  She lit up the stage with charisma and a voice that just wouldn’t quit…Ciekiewicz’s stellar work was abetted by Keith Klassen, her earnest princely suitor, and Elizabeth Beeler, a mugger extraordinaire in her best impersonation of the late Madeline Kahn as she stole her every scene.”

John Terauds, Toronto Star

“It has one great tune after the next, with no lack of that typical Hungarian dance, the czardas, and a plot that moves forward less because of artifice than because of the interplay of complex human emotions.  The current TOT production has much to recommend it, particularly the stunning performance of Lara Ciekiewicz in the title role…”

Christopher Hoile, The WholeNote Magazine

“Lara Ciekiewicz as Sylia and Keith Klassen as Prince Edwin are excellent in the lead rolls, particularly Klassen whose diction is perfect.”

Paula Citron, Classical 96.3 FM

“The Gypsy Princess is a delightful show that will definitely have you smiling...The costumes were beautiful and the entire show exuded an air of colourful liveliness…it was funny, sad and happy and you just can’t beat the amazing voices singing such beautiful operetta songs.”

Tasha DeLoreto, Mooney on Theatre

“…the current production is full of vim, some wonderful singing and a good way to end the old year and greet the new one…The directing is efficient and well done.  This broad comedy is handled ably and there are a few references to current events that are funny without being glaringly inappropriate…Once again TOT has managed to do a superior job in producing an operetta against a background of reduced arts funding.”

James Karas, Review and Views

The Merry Widow Music Makes for a Merry, Magical, Widow

"Give this group a classic genre piece like The Merry Widow, which opened last night at the Jane Mallett Theatre, then watch them rise to the occasion beautifully. Beeler's comic touch is deft and her singing a joy. The way she sings "Vilja," turning a folk tale into a saga of personal longing, is sheer magic. But then, so is this whole production of The Merry Widow. Go see it and smile!"

Richard Ouzounian; Toronto Star

Candide

"Toronto Operetta Theatre's mid-season offering (Dec. 27-Jan 7) was a lively, cabaret-like staging of Leonard Bernstein's Candide - The phantasmagoric auto-da-fe scene and colorful Venetian episode were also great examples of how creative direction (by TOT General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin) can make a little go a very long way ! TOT assembled an accomplished vocal cast that was both individually distinguished and impressive in ensemble."

Wayne Gooding, Opera Canada

The Mikado

"I don't think I have heard some of the musical numbers sung better than they were last night. Nowhere was a "less is more" philosophy better illustrated than in Guillermo Silva-Martin's simple but effective staging."

Robert Crew, Toronto Star

"Toronto Operetta Theatre has certainly shown itself to be a deft hand at producing Gilbert and Sullivan. This year's offering is The Mikado which fielded a terrific cast and effective ritualized staging by artistic director Guillermo Silva-Marin"

Paula Citron, Classical 96.3 FM

Leo, The Royal Cadet

"The performances remained lively and charming, bathed in rich, melodic content"

Geoff Chapman, Opera Canada

Iolanthe

"Up in the sky-high, sky-high! sings the cast in the finale of "Iolanthe", and that's pretty much exactly how you'll feel after watching this effervescent production from Toronto Operetta Theatre. The best-sung and the most clearly directed "Iolanthe" I have ever seen."

Christopher Hoile, Stage Door

Knickerbocker Holiday

"A timely revival of this thirties operetta! Baritone David Ludwig shines in a tour-de-force performance as the villainous Governor Stuyvesant."

Ken Winters, The Globe and Mail

"It was an earnest, straightforward reading of the complete script and score, performed without apology and with abundant affection. The audience loved it"

Kim H. Kowalke, The Kurt Weill Newsletter, N.Y.

"In the can-do spirit of the title character's family - Toronto Operetta Theatre successfully conjures up the retro-Vienna of The Count of Luxembourg. This is a fine, fun night out"

John Terauds,; Toronto Star

"I'm grateful for a production that reminds us what a gently charming evening The Chocolate Soldier affords."

William Littler, Toronto Star

"This 'Chocolate Soldier' is an ideal treat for the holidays, a warm, delectable entertainment you will savour long after the final chords have sounded."

Christopher Hoile, Stage Door

The Land of Smiles

"Seven virtually sold-out performances at the Jane Mallett - tenor Marcel van Neer has a sweet, steady sound and a dignified manner - soprano Tamara Hummel, was at her best in the operetta's finest ensemble, Love said Goodbye with princess Mi (soprano Saemi Chang) - one of the musical high points of the production."

Ken Winters, The Globe and Mail