Sook-Yin Lee is playing it dangerous in 'Unsafe'

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Sook-Yin Lee explores complex and provocative questions in her latest project, Unsafe, a “meta-theatrical documentary performance” that blends genres and pushes boundaries.

The show was developed by Lee during a residency with Canadian Stage and is an exploration of censorship in the arts in Canada, performed by Lee and collaborator Christo Graham. Lee’s time in broadcasting, film, music and theatre informs her work on this issue — she has experienced various forms of censorship throughout a career, that has seen her go from VJing with MuchMusic to walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, where she had a starring role in the daring feature Shortbus.

“Unsafe is dangerous because it reveals the personal cost and consequences of opening up a difficult conversation,” says Lee. Part of that conversation is conducted through the show’s various documentary-style video interviews with big-name Canadian artists who have experienced silencing and/or censorship, including singer Jeremy Dutcher and playwright George Elliott Clarke.

“Unsafe is grounded in the broadcast interview form, which I consider to be one of my artistic practices,” Lee says. “It delves into the tension between our desire for freedom and the need to control.”

Unsafe is at the Berkeley Street Theatre, March 12 to 31.

Dear Evan Hansen
A smash hit on Broadway, this new musical is making its international debut at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Dear Evan Hansen is the dark, offbeat story of a lonely teen who tells a life-changing lie about a deceased classmate that both revives and ensnares him.

Written by musical wunderkinds Pasek and Paul, who already have an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe to their names, this acclaimed show won the Tony Award for Best Musical, along with five more Tonys (one of which went, of course, to Pasek and Paul).

In Toronto, the lead role will be played by Vancouver native Robert Markus, who recently finished a stint as Riff Raff in a Stratford production of The Rocky Horror Show, so popular that it was extended until it became the festival’s longest-running show ever.

Markus competed with more than 800 hopefuls to score the part of Evan, so his take on the character is sure to be worth seeing.

Dear Evan Hansen runs from March 5 to June 30.

Swedish pop star Robyn

Robyn
This Swedish chanteuse has held on to pop superstardom since first breaking out in the ’90s. If you don’t recall her early hits — “Show Me Love,” “Do You Know (What It Takes)” — you’ve at the very least probably been exposed to the video for “Call Your Girlfriend,” in which she gyrates wildly in a massive abandoned warehouse. The video spawned a number of spoofs, including a viral take by the Saturday Night Live cast.

In Toronto as part of her tour for Honey, released last year, Robyn brings her eminently danceable songs to the Rebel, and we predict one-of-a-kind costumes and glorious, spoof-worthy dance moves.

Robyn will be at the Rebel on March 14.

The Second City Guide to the Symphony
The symphony is serious business, no? Well, it depends on who you ask. If you’d like the opinion of, say, Colin Mochrie, you might find a few cracks in the solemnity of this treasured musical institution.

Mochrie, of Whose Line Is It Anyway? fame, is leading a troupe of Second City players in The Second City Guide to the Symphony at Roy Thomson Hall, with TSO conductor Steven Reineke as their straight man.

The show blends sketch comedy with classical music in a satirical assessment of all things symphonic. When it debuted in 2014, it earned a rave review from the Toronto Star, where the theatre critic called it “The funniest two hours I spent in a theatre this year.”

The show runs from March 5 to 7.

Hereditary chiefs disagree with elected councils

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Recent controversy over a natural gas pipeline blockade and the differing priorities of hereditary chiefs and elected band councillors illustrates a fundamental problem with our systems of governance and economics.

Elected councils for the Wet’suwet’en and other Indigenous bands have signed lucrative “impact benefit agreements” with TransCanada (now called TC Energy), builder of the Coastal GasLink pipeline that would bring fracked gas 670 kilometres from Dawson Creek, B.C., to an LNG Canada liquefaction plant at Kitimat, B.C. (A consortium that includes Malaysian, Chinese and Korean companies owns LNG Canada.) Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs oppose pipeline projects that threaten the health and well-being of people who live in the territory, which they have never ceded or surrendered.

Governments of B.C. and Canada claim agreements with elected band councils constitute consent, even though Supreme Court cases, including 1997’s Delgamuukw v. the Queen, which involved the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en, have recognized traditional governance forms, including the hereditary chief and clan system, on traditional territories. Elected band councils are more like municipal councils that have limited jurisdiction only over reserve lands.

The hereditary chief system was in place long before settlers and colonizers arrived. Chiefs, clans and house groups are responsible to the land and the people, and chiefs can be removed if they fail to fulfill their duties. The band council system is a product of the Indian Act, which also gave us residential schools.

The councils can’t be faulted for signing the agreements. Money and jobs are needed to support communities that struggle under the current economic system. But pipelines and other fossil fuel projects provide mostly short-term jobs and economic benefits, mainly related to pipeline construction. As with many elected bodies, it’s difficult for the councils to look beyond immediate priorities and election-cycle timelines.

The hereditary chiefs’ and land defenders’ world view goes beyond this pipeline and Indigenous issues. Neskonlith First Nation Chief Judy Wilson, of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, told news magazine the Tyee that defenders are standing up for everyone in the face of global warming.

“That’s what the Indigenous land defenders are talking about when they say we need to protect the land and the water,” she said. “It’s critical and crucial to every Canadian. Not only in B.C. and Canada, but globally there has to be an awakening now.”

Yorkville music shop sells building for $25 mil

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Remenyi House of Music, the beloved Yorkville piano and music shop, sold its iconic black and white building to Tribute Communities for $25 million this past spring. Now, the developer has submitted a proposal for a 29-storey condo building with 42 residential units and ground floor retail.

According to Michael Remenyi Jr., the general manager of the store, it will take up to five years for the development to be completed. An agreement between the store and Tribute ensures that Remenyi will reopen in the retail space of the future building, but during development it will have to seek out a new home.

“Nothing will replace Bloor, especially this location and arts community.”

Located directly across the street from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Remenyi House of Music has been at 210 Bloor St. W. since 1979. What was then a destination for hippie culture has turned into an arts and cultural haven. Not only is the Conservatory a stone’s throw away — so, too, is the Royal Ontario Museum.

“Nothing will replace Bloor Street,” said Remenyi, “especially this location and its proximity to the arts community.

“The plan for Remenyi House of Music moving forward is to still continue this operation,” he continued. “We have some time before we have to leave the building, so there is no immediate rush at the moment.”

Remenyi House of Music has served top-tier musicians since its opening, including members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and other international orchestras that have played in Toronto.

“We give our customers a certain level of privacy for shopping with us, and there have been many notable names,” said Remenyi. “One that I don’t mind saying is Oscar Peterson.”

The history of the music store can be traced four generations back to the 19th century. The first Remenyi House of Music opened in 1890 in Budapest, Hungary. The family and the store survived through two world wars, but once the Communist regime took hold in Hungary in 1951, all of the shop’s inventory was confiscated. In 1959, founder Zoltan Remenyi and his family fled Hungary and came to Canada.

“I think that this [development] is the catalyst for an expansion, possibly to open another location,” said Remenyi. “Now that we have to start considering another location in Toronto, it really opens up quite a bit for us.”

Holiday gift guide: Five cool coats for Toronto outdoors lovers

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THE LEAH COAT FROM PARAJUMPERS

Here we have just the loveliest item of winter clothing in town. This down-filled polyester/nylon twill coat is water resistant and all kinds of gorgeous for traipsing along the beach checking out the Winter Stations art exhibit, or watching Fido chase another snowball down the hill at Riverdale Park. The hood is adjustable with a drawstring and it has two zippered pockets in front as well as underarm vents. $730, available at Sportling Life or www.paramjumpers.it

SILENT DOWN SHIRT FROM PATAGONIA

Soft, stretchy and quiet, the Silent Down Shirt is made with 70% recycled polyester taffeta with a DWR finish that sheds moisture and increases durability. It is insulated with 100% recycled 700-fill-power down reclaimed from used duck and goose down products. Patagonia’s Silent Down collection also features Fair Trade Certified™ sewing. Oh, and the outdoor design aesthetic is high on style and looks good out in the woods or right downtown. $229, www.patagonia.com.

HALOES DOWN HOODIE FROM SALOMON

Suitable for high activity in the mountains, Salomon improved two key areas. First, we used a down-proof fabric that eliminates migration and loss of down over time. Second, we built the Haloes with a Smart SkinTM construction, substituting synthetic insulation under the arms and over the shoulders, areas where water typically builds. You get the best of both worlds: down’s loft and packability, and the confidence of synthetic when you sweat. $330, www.salomon.com.

CERIUM LT HOODY FROM ARC'TERYX

Lightweight, versatile down jacket provides exceptional warmth for its weight, whether out on a hike in Rouge Park, or shopping for heirloom root vegetables at the Evergreen Brick Works farmers market. The Cerium is stylish, and streamlined to keep the weight way down, and it has enough technical features to ward off the elements in case you happened to be cycling home. $450, www.arcteryx.com.

GOTHAM JACKET II FROM THE NORTH FACE

For those winters when just one type of insulation won't do, this little gem from The North Face offers both 550-fill down insulation as well as synthetic insulation. You'll stay warm, and we mean it. And, for those interested in a little winter dancing as you skate along the Bentway in downtown Toronto, there is an internal media pocket that allows you take the tunes with you. $250, www.thenorthface.com.

Toronto community rocked by rash of break-ins

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A recent spate of car break-ins has put residents in the St. Clair Avenue West community on edge, and they’ve decided to act quickly. After a series of meetings, an event was organized by the St. Clair West Residents Group (SCWRG) to set up a community watch program. SCWRG reached out to community leader Didi Cameron to help with this endeavour.

About a year ago, Cameron started another neighbourhood watch program in her own neighbourhood of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue after a spate of violent incidents.

“There is definitely an uneasiness every morning,” said Lorena Volkenborn. “My husband wakes up very early, and now the first thing he does is to go out and check the car.”

On the morning of Nov. 8, the Volkenborns found their Lexus severely damaged.

Theirs was only one incident in a total of 62 reported occurrences of mischief and theft from auto vehicles near Vaughan Road and St. Clair Avenue West. According to data from the Toronto Police Service (TPS), these incidents all occurred between Oct. 18 and Nov. 12.

According to the Volkenborns, officers followed up two days after they filed a police report to let the couple know that they were unable to find any leads based on insufficient evidence.

“This is unacceptable,” said Lorena Volkenborn. “I don’t care if they have to hire more people, but something has to be done. This is not something I am willing to settle for.”

Depending on the vehicle, damage costs can vary from $500 to $1,000 or more for a broken window. Nothing was stolen from their car, but the Volkenborns had to pay over $1,100 in damages. Based on their investigations, officers believe that this neighbourhood is specifically being targeted.

“It’s an organized crime issue. It’s not just a person with substance abuse issues, making sure no one is home and taking whatever they can,” said Rui Simoes, neighbourhood officer for TPS 13 Division. “They are targeting homes and vehicles that they know have value.”

“This is unacceptable. I don’t care if they have to hire more people, but something has to be done.”

Because most camera surveillance systems don’t capture footage particularly well at night, which is when most of these incidents occur, police have had difficulty gathering sufficient evidence.

“It has left many neighbourhood residents in a state of fear, not knowing what they are going to find the next morning,” said Josh Matlow, incoming councillor for Ward 12 Toronto–St. Paul’s, an incumbent whose newly expanded ward now covers the St. Clair West area.

A meeting was held on Nov. 21 at the Artscape Wychwood Barns, where Cameron and officers from the TPS 13 and 53 Divisions began the process of setting up a community watch program for St. Clair West.

On top of putting up signs warning away possible perpetrators, Cameron also has created an online announcement board where she posts updates for the neighbours and officers.

Residents correspond with Cameron directly via email, providing her with any information or evidence. She then checks with police to ensure only facts are presented and sends updates to the residents.

“It is different than Facebook because of the security and privacy,” said Cameron. “It is strictly me letting them know what has happened, if they have information, to give it to me or to send it to the cops.”

One common sentiment echoed by both the councillor and residents is the need to increase police presence in the area.

“Our community’s message to the police is that they do everything they can as quickly as possible to create a safer climate in the neighbourhood,” said Matlow.

“In turn, the police are asking community members that, if they are a victim or a witness to these crimes, to report directly to 13 Division.”

Business is blooming for Toronto's vintage flower truck

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Lou-Lou’s Flower Truck is one of the most unusual and fun flower-buying experiences in Toronto. Co-owners George Fawcett and Bo Hong operate this small business out of their 1966 Chevy truck. Patrons can find the flower truck on Saturdays at the Leslieville Winter Market and on Sundays in Rosedale at Yonge and Roxborough. The business is named after Louis, the honorary CEO and Bo’s nephew. Customers can buy bouquets, individual flowers or make their own creations (Leslieville Winter Market and Rosedale).

Olive Oil Emporium’s Leaside location has reopened. Three months ago, the store suffered significant damage when a flood caused part of the roof to cave in. The family-operated business sells and distributes fresh, ultra-premium extra virgin oils and balsamic and wine vinegars. They also offer flavoured oils, nut and seed oils and a range of specialty vinegars (1707 Bayview Ave., 416-902-9060).

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka now has a third location in Toronto. The popular ramen spot has been serving up noodles since 1980. Unique to the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue location, the menu has chicken teriyaki, pork cutlet and a variety of sushi alongside the specialty ramen dishes Hokkaido is best known for (2057 Yonge St., 647-351-1163).

Miya Bhai is a new restaurant that serves indian rotis, bowls, tacos and wraps. Patrons customize their own creations at this assembly line-style shop that is geared toward takeout. With a focus on Indian flavours, halal, vegetarian and vegan dishes are plenty. They even have gluten- and allergen-free options available, providing delicious options for everyone. The restaurant opened on October 18, giving out free roti tacos and dhals as well as samples of their Masala Chai tea and Mango smoothie (938 Bathurst St., 647-351-7080).

Kids & Company has a new location in north Toronto. The child care centre is best known for its learn-through-play philosophy, with programs catering to various child care needs from pre-literacy, including art and movement. Parents with non-traditional work schedules can create timetables to suit their needs as well (129 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-922-9814).

Blooming Orchid is an Asian fusion restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. On top of the traditional all-you-can-eat selection, sushi party trays and dim sum highlight the extensive à la carte menu. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are all available. The restaurant also offers personalized catering for any special occasion or corporate functions (525 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-481-3825).

City supports Rosedale home demo

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The future of a controversial development application to demolish a heritage property in order to build a modern condo building at the site of 5, 7 and 9 Dale Ave., in the South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District, is closer to being decided.

The property at 7 Dale Ave., one of three bungalows up for demolition, was built between 1944 and 1945 by prominent Toronto architect Gordon Adamson. In August 2016, an application was submitted to the city for a four-storey condo at this site by Vista Platinum, a real estate developer.

A new residents group, My Rosedale Neighbourhood (MRN), was formed to help protect 7 Dale Ave. and lobby for the City of Toronto to upgrade the home’s heritage designation from a category C to B, to elevate it to a property of citywide significance. According to heritage conservation district (HCD) bylaws, a category C building can be demolished if its proposed replacement is equally, or more, consistent with the heritage character of the district.

Separate reports from City of Toronto, Planning staff as well as the Heritage Preservation Services (HPS) opposed the demolition of the building, based on the initial development plans.

The last time Toronto City Council deliberated on this property was in July, when it was revealed a new settlement proposal, ahead of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal hearing, was being negotiated between staff and the developer.

“There is no question among all the experts that 7 Dale has significant heritage value.”

New plans were resubmitted by the developer, which planning staff deemed satisfactory. The adjusted plans include reusing existing paving materials and retaining certain heritage characteristics, as well as increasing setbacks.

“The settlement offer responds to the concerns raised by HPS and satisfies the guidelines regarding the demolition of the three Category ‘C’ buildings,” states the report.

Staff identified similar buildings built along Dale Avenue, which justified the height of the proposal.

“HPS staff have concluded that the demolition of 5, 7 and 9 Dale Avenue and the replacement building are acceptable,” the report states.

“We were obviously very disappointed especially because there is no question among all the experts that 7 Dale has significant heritage value,” said Kathy Lee, founder of MRN.

City council will vote on whether to support negotiations toward the settlement when it returns in December.

Vista Platinum did not respond to requests for comment.

Opinion: One parent on what happened at Bishop Strachan School

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NEWS-_0000_newsbss — Bishop Strachan School

It’s been more than a month since Bishop Strachan School (BSS), a prestigious private school for girls where my daughter is a student, “parted ways” with its head of school and, eventually, issued a genuine apology after Grade 11 students and some parents witnessed a controversial, clearly anti-Semitic, touring adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

I’ve had some time to reflect. The school, typical of most private schools, characterized the aftermath of this production as an isolated and unanticipated incident.

Previously, the play was performed at a private school in the U.K., where no one batted an eye. Whatever the intention may have been, how could any Jewish student or any student, really, or teacher not have been appalled when being prompted to cheer, “Hallelujah,” in response to statements like “Burn the Jews”?

Many asked if I was going to pull my daughter from BSS. That was never an option. My daughter is proud to be a BSS student, even as she told me how everyone was discussing the fallout, dividing the close-knit student population. On a private alumni Facebook page, there was a heated discussion about the incident with some saying it was too harsh, with others clearly disagreeing.

Do I think the school did the right thing? Yes. I do have confidence this was ultimately dealt with in an appropriate manner. The school will be educating the students on the Holocaust, in February.

I had encouraged BSS to reach out to Avi Benolo, director of the Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre (FSWC), and Bernie Farber, both with a lifelong mission to educate people about the Holocaust, in an effort to combat anti-Semitism. I also spoke, at length, to Josh Cooper, formerly VP of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), now head of the Baycrest Foundation, for advice on how I could become more involved. I took a tour of the Simon Wiesenthal centre and was very moved.

I am angry that the school did not take these people up on their offer to visit BSS and talk to the students immediately after the play. Why wait?

Private schools, generally, are protective of their reputation and tend to try to deal with incidents like this internally. “Keeping it in the club,” as some would say.

My daughter’s father and I have been donors for years. I received an email this week from BSS, asking for a donation, but no, not this year. I believe my charitable gifts are better directed to funding organizations such as the FSWC, JNF or the Baycrest Foundation.

BSS’s motto is “Girls can do anything.”

I’m doing all I can, as a BSS parent, to educate myself and advocate against anti-Semitism. All BSS parents, faculty and students should be asking themselves what they should be doing now.

Rebecca Eckler is the executive editor of SavvyMom.

Design star Debbie Travis' new book all about transforming her life

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Interior decorator Debbie Travis has been gracing television screens across Canada for more than two decades. She became a household name long before the likes of celebrity designers Sarah Richardson and Hilary Farr, with shows such as Debbie Travis’ Painted House and Debbie Travis’ Facelift.

In 2011, Travis made an unexpected move and bought a property in Tuscany. There, she redesigned a 13th-century farmhouse into a retreat and spent her days picking olives and such. It’s not exactly the path that most interior design personalities take, but it was the one that was right for her. And that brings us to her next adventure: Travis is releasing a book on Nov. 20 called Design Your Next Chapter, all about how she transformed her life and how others can do it too.

Toronto's non-greasy spoons reinvent a classic

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FOODPOPUP-_0002_Aloette — Aloette, Spadina

In our city of neighbourhoods, every neighbourhood has a diner –– and most of them have been around from time immemorial, beloved by the communities they cater to. But two new restaurants have elevated the concept, offering pedigreed cooking and expertly crafted cocktails with a side of Formica coziness.

Le Swan, the new project by Jen Agg, is a veritable culinary time machine, designed to send diners back to 1960s Paris, the epitome of cool.

Meanwhile, Aloette, chef Patrick Kriss’s down-to-earth answer to the world-renowned Alo two floors up, perfects greasy spoon offerings with a refined perspective. Both have been able to avoid the pitfalls of pastiche when it comes to revamping the diner concept while staying true to tradition.

SEPIA-TONED SOPHISTICATION AT LE SWAN

Under the meticulous supervision of a post–Black Hoof Jen Agg, the perennial Trinity Bellwoods hangout Swan Restaurant has been reincarnated.

Less the retro-’50s greasy spoon of its former life, Le Swan is ’50s new wave bistro-cool.

Gone is the “Have a Coke” sign, and in its place is a vintage Aix-Les-Bains poster from the absinthe era. The space feels somehow naturally sepia toned upon entry.

Soft vintage lighting, gleaming white tiles, burgundy-hued booths and a playlist that is Charles Aznavour–infused (RIP) transform all patrons into characters from a Godard film, not a chignon out of place (and the return of turtleneck season certainly assists the vibe). At Le Swan, anyone holding a smartphone seems like an anachronism.

The menu pairs French bistro comfort fare with diner staples: on offer are the gravy-drenched hot chicken sandwich and also its sophisticated cousin, a whole Parisian-style rotisserie chicken, quartered and served as rustic as they come: au jus with a handful of roasted veg and potatoes, alongside a basket of crusty bread ends.

The tuna melt at Le Swan

Similarly, a refined diner may opt for the smoked trout rillette, whereas the comfort craving customer can order a perfect, pillowy tuna melt, all creamy-centred goodness with crispy, cheesy edges, and douse it themselves with accompanying Tabasco sauce.

892 Queen St. W., 416-536-4440

DINING CAR CHIC AT ALOETTE

The first-floor, pedestrian-friendly Aloette may bill itself as an American diner, but one step inside its narrow, wooden interior indicates an elevated experience.

Indeed, Aloette promises a menu that is stocked with French and American bistro classics, but a few ambitious gourmet touches are thrown in.

The iceberg wedge salad, for example, is not the cherished wedge of yore. For one thing, it’s not even a wedge.

It’s a hemisphere, topped with creamy avocado, Parmesan, crunchy pepitas, shaved radish, evenly distributed chive cream and wild rice.

The finely engineered burger is a better burger: juiced up with aged beef fat, cooked medium rare by default and topped with a thick slab of Beaufort, and a wispy mound of lettuce and pickled onions. The messy marvel is served alongside hand-cut frites.

The interior of Aloette eschews all the pretension of its upstairs forerunner.

Closer to a diner of the train car variety, it’s all smooth, rounded edges; arched ceiling; booths steeped in natural light; and a long, narrow aisle separating bar patrons and booth tabletops. And unlike Alo, there’s no months-long waiting list –– in fact, with its walk-ins-only policy, there’s no waiting list at all.

Aloette, 163 Spadina Ave., 416-260-3444

How to do a Friends-themed night in Toronto

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THE ONE ABOUT THE THEATRE

We love our pop culture. And what might even be a smidge better is making fun of our pop culture obsession. Case in point, Friends! The Musical Parody, which runs at the CAA Theatre Nov. 1 to 25.

The New York City company that created the show is well versed in pop culture parody, having already knocked off send-ups of well-known sitcoms including Full House and Beverly Hills 90210. So why not tackle one of the sitcom world’s most revered shows?

“After five parody musicals about TV shows, we’re finally ready to pivot to one of the most popular TV shows ever,” says Bob McSmith, of the show writing team Bob and Tobly McSmith. “There’s plenty to celebrate and poke fun at on such an iconic TV show loved by millions all over the world. No pressure.”

Friends (as you may know) is a long-running American TV sitcom, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004.

The show chronicles a sextet of New York City twentysomethings — Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey — as they navigate the new world of adulting, pet monkeys, singing about smelly cats and more.

For a certain generation, the show brought new meaning to phrases such as “We were on a break!” “She’s your lobster” and “How you doin’?”

“It’s catnip for fans of Friends but also enjoyable to people who’ve never seen an episode in their lives (if those people exist).”

The parody musical is a highlight reel of moments all smooshed into one happy evening of whimsical entertainment.

“Friends! The Musical Parody is a loving lampoon of the TV show,” Bob says. “It’s catnip for fans of Friends but also enjoyable to people who’ve never seen an episode in their lives (if those people exist).”

Of course, picking and choosing episodes had its challenges.

“We approach each parody differently depending on what’s important to us about the source material,” he says.

“For Friends, we felt that it would be a disservice to not cram in all nine seasons of storylines and have some fun moments with fan favourites like Janice, Gunther, Marcel the Monkey and other surprises.”

Rumour has it even Fat Monica makes an appearance.

So what can patrons expect from an evening of Friends send-ups?

“You can expect to have a great night out with all your ‘friends,’ Bob says.

“The show has got a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. We want everyone who sees the show to laugh, reminisce and return to a simpler time when it wasn’t out of the ordinary to spend all day every day with a small group of people sitting on the same couch in the same coffee shop.”

For ticket information, go to Mirvish.com.

And just so you can really get your nineties fix, here are two additional hangouts to add to your day with the Friends gang.

There's now a Central Perk-themed coffee shop in Toronto

THE ONE ABOUT THE COFFEE SHOP

Although a long time in the making, a Friends-themed coffee shop named Central Café, modelled after the Central Perk café in the TV series, has opened in downtown Toronto at 52 Bathurst St.

What better way to get in the mood for a little bit of Chandler and his misplaced “wenus” than a big cuppa on a replica Friends couch and coffee table.

THE ONE ABOUT THE BAR

We all know that Toronto has a thing for trivia. On any given night, in watering holes across the city, people of the smarty-pants persuasion gather to sip libations and answer questions on topics ranging from punk rock to Party of Five. So it is no surprise than one of the most iconic TV comedies of all-time is also included in the fun.

Ready to test your knowledge? Throw your hat into the ring at a trivia challenge at Yorkville’s favourite pub, Hemingway’s.

On five nights in November, the Kiwi-loving tavern hosts Friends 4.0 Trivia. There is an $8.50 entry, and 25 per cent of ticket sales goes to charity.

Go to Hemingways.to for details.

Premier Doug Ford's plan for Toronto backfired

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There’s nothing more satisfying than to see a bully shoot himself in the foot. That’s the story of the 2018 Toronto city election.

Premier Doug Ford intervened in the city election as nominations were closing to arbitrarily slice the number of wards from 47 to 25, with the intention of getting rid of pesky downtown left-wing councillors.

But that’s not exactly the way things turned out. As I count the results, 13 candidates who are either progressive or leaning progressive have been elected, and only 12 are likely to support Doug Ford’s agenda.

That puts Mayor John Tory in the position of having to pay close attention to, perhaps even court, the progressive side of council.

It might be a case, as Yogi Berra said, of déjà vu all over again.

In 1834, the Family Compact was infuriated that the reformers were such a strong voice in the politics of Upper Canada and in the town of York. As the Family Compact brought in legislation to create the City of Toronto, it also restructured council to ensure the reformers would be stymied. The election was held, and the reformers swept into power, electing the lead reformer, William Lyon Mackenzie, as mayor. Just as in 2018, those in power at Queen’s Park found their best-laid plans had gone awry.

There was a sequel to that 1834 election. The Family Compact governed the province so badly and so incensed reformers that a rebellion exploded in 1837. An overweening use of power can sometimes backfire and bring about the very thing that was trying to be prevented.

Since Premier Ford’s style of governing is to act like a tyrant, it is unclear exactly what his response to this turn of events will be. Most likely he will barrel ahead with plans to dismember the TTC by seizing control of the subway system. He will probably try to proceed with plans to put a casino in Ontario Place. He might try to restrict funds needed by the city for more public transit, for daycare, for social services. He might even try restoring the old OMB to give developers a freer hand.

But the challenge will come from a strong council that is unlikely to bend to his wishes. We may not be able to move the city much ahead during the term of Ford, but we should be able to hold our own.

One cannot be entirely happy with the look of this city council. Only eight of the 26 members on council are women. Only four are people of colour. Only three are first-term members. Some of the rest have been here for eons. All of this means the council is not representative of the people who live here. Council will have to be very creative and establish committees of various kinds with serious powers to ensure that more women, more people of colour and more young people are involved in decision making. It is only by involving a more diverse range of people that council can become truly innovative.

John Tory captured two thirds of the vote for mayor, a decisive win for him. In his first term, he was tentative about including progressives in decision making, but he learned that working with people such as Joe Cressy was useful in addressing difficult and complicated city issues like safe drug injection sites, which the province has now agreed should continue. That experience should embolden him to be much more forthcoming in engaging people such as Gord Perks and Josh Matlow in this term.

Without their support he will be unable to get the votes needed to gain council approval for initiatives.

I suspect Tory has learned it is worth giving progressives real power, particularly since they are generally smart and innovative compared to some of the old guard he relied on in the past.

This election has opened possibilities for the city to define where it should be going and how it can get there.

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