Reviews
Home Deliveries
by Catherine Léger,
translated by Leanna Brodie,
directed by Diane Brown
Reviews
Grandma. Gangsta. Guerrilla. by Abi Padilla
Reviews
GRANDMA. GANGSTA. GUERRILLA. IS A LOT of things at once—an ambitious but grounded debut from playwright Abi Padilla, a play that navigates historical trauma and familial dysfunction, and a work that finds humour and heart in the treacherous terrain of both. – The Stir
Abi Padilla’s “Grandma. Gangsta. Guerilla.” Offers a Well-Knit Story, Brimming with Action-Packed Levity –The Vancouver Arts Review
Playwright and actor Abi Padilla strives for authentic Filipino cultural, linguistic, and historical vibe in Grandma. Gangsta. Guerrilla.- Charlie Smith, Pancouver
Padilla’s sense of humor and capacity to articulate multiple, coherent storylines is undeniably impressive. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
There is a lot to love about “Grandma. Gangsta. Guerilla.” and it appears poised to make waves with its outstanding production design and talented, all-Asian cast. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
GRANDMA. GANGSTA. GUERRILLA. IS A LOT of things at once—an ambitious but grounded debut from playwright Abi Padilla, a play that navigates historical trauma and familial dysfunction, and a work that finds humour and heart in the treacherous terrain of both. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
A fast-moving mix of wartime recollection, immigrant dramedy, and musical interludes, the Ruby Slippers Theatre premiere (in association with Blackout Art Society, the Shadbolt Centre, and Presentation House Theatre) still keeps its tender moments at its core. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
The production moves fast, with breaking-news interludes weaving together Philippine history and the Vancouver gang subplot. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
it is loud, funny, and full of heart, anchored by a family dynamic that feels real in all its chaos. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
In its complex simplicity, Grandma. Gangsta. Guerrilla. poignantly reminds us that if trauma is passed down, so is resilience. –The Vancouver Arts Review.
útszan (to make better)
Reviews
“útszan's simple storytelling carries powerful emotional impact”
“an earnest and engaging tale”
“Wallace wins viewers’ hearts with her immersive storytelling and complex characters, whom she embodies with equal parts humour and vulnerability.”
“útszan soars in its simplicity; there’s no need for frivolous theatrics. Wallace is a masterful storyteller who elicits laughter and tears in her audience.”
“Humble in its presentation, útszan is a captivating and intimate experience that speaks to the importance of language revitalization and the journey of healing that comes with it.”
“A powerful piece of theatre that every Canadian should see”
“a cross between an informative language lesson, a prime example of great storytelling and a powerful piece of relevant theatre that every Canadian should see.”
“Wallace treats every aspect of her story with respect and tenderness… Each rounded person is beautifully observed and convincing, and the transition from one to another is seamless.”
BENEVOLENCE
Reviews
“What a smart play Benevolence is. Ruby Slippers’ production takes on serious ethical issues in a theatrically dynamic way. Crisp rhythmic direction from Diane Brown; the power of the character’s anguish feels almost at times visceral.First rate drama…and it’s funny too!”
“Chris Lam’s Bruno is a jewel of a performance, the still centre around which everything revolves.”
Benevolence: exuberance, compassion
“Director Diane Brown has embraced the vivacity of Britt’s storytelling and infused this production with stylistic exuberance.”
“A fantastical, sometimes paradoxical adult fairy tale.”
“Stephanie Wong, who’s playing Isabelle, the grieving mom, delivers the least stylized characterization — and one of the most effective.”
“Diane Brown wisely allows the actors to maintain the pace of the play while assuring that the playwright’s Quebecois sensibility remained intact.”
we the same
Reviews
— Jay Minter, On the List @jminter Read Jay Minter's (On the List) review of we the same
The Duchess aka Wallis Simpson
Previews
- The Georgia Straight
- The Commentary
- I LIVE IN EAST VAN
- Vancouver Sun
- North Shore News
Reviews
Après Moi & The List
Previews
Reviews
You Will Remember Me
Reviews
- "There's a kind of GENIUS in You Will Remember Me. Director Diane Brown and her team do an excellent job with this script." - Colin Thomas, Georgia Straight
- "The best part of You Will Remember Me' is the discussion in the car on the way home and lingering long after..." - Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier
- "McNulty's acting is absolutely MUST-SEE for power, nuance, and visceral honesty. This was a rich and completely rewarding night of theatre. To confront so compellingly a future many of us will face that is both challenging & disquieting is nonpareil live theatre. Bravo! indeed.” - Baird Blackstone, Broken Leg Reviews
A Beautiful View
Reviews
Communion
Reviews
Les Belles-soeurs
Reviews
- "Diane Brown’s scathing, very funny and imaginative Ruby Slippers Theatre production features strong performances from a wonderful ensemble of women...” - The Vancouver Sun
- "Director Diane Brown and her cast of 15 do a terrific job” - The Georgia Straight
- "The cast is superb; the direction, by Diane Brown, spot on." - Entertainment Vancouver
- "Ruby Slippers pulls off what Tremblay wanted with panache and delight and relevance..." - Broken Leg Reviews
- "You know this is a winner when you realize you really care about each of those women." - Entertainment Vancouver
- Les Belles-soeurs a revolutionary sixties' take on women in Quebec - The Vancouver Sun
Marine Life
Audience Reviews
- “Thought provoking and absorbing and so well executed”
- “Excellent acting and directing.”
- “Amazing work by everyone involved.”
- “Very unique and captivating show. Wonderful to see something tackling a large scale issue with grace and heart.”
- “Loved it!”
- “What a great show. Great message. Great visual design.”
Critic Reviews
- “A wonderfully strange comedy-drama and a necessary wake-up call. Marine Life is an excellent case study in proving that a play centered around environmental activism can be as funny and charming as it is informative.” Issie Patterson, Prism Magazine
- “Marine Life is so beautiful”…“Terrific performances”…“Sensitive direction” Jo Ledingham, Theatre Reviews
- “Diane Brown’s handsome production made me laugh a lot.” Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Plays
videos
Diane Brown on Studio 4 with Fanny Kiefer
Diane Brown on Studio 4 with Fanny Kiefer from Laura Murray Public Relations on Vimeo.
The Duchess a.k.a. Wallis Simpson
Ruby Slippers Theatre Presents: “The Duchess a.k.a. Wallis Simpson” by Linda Griffiths
Hotel Bethlehem Trailer
The Nativity Story meets Fawlty Towers: see Ruby Slippers Theatre’s original Christmas farce HOTEL BETHLEHEM trailer here!
A Beautiful View Promo Video
Promo Video for Ruby Slipper production of Danael MacLvor’s “A Beautiful View”
A Beautiful View
Diane Brown, Artistic Director of Ruby Slippers Theatre, talks about how she managed to snag Daniel MacIvor to direct A Beautiful View
A Beautiful View
Colleen Wheeler talks about her role in A Beautiful View, what it’s like to work with Daniel MacIvor, and her new baby.
Lifesavers
The Express WTD
Diane Brown is interviewed by Johanna Ward for The Express. Original air date, March 25, 2009.
Lifesavers
Ruby Slippers presents Life Savers.