Parfumerie, written by the almost forgotten but joyously gifted Hungarian-American playwright Miklós László, was a huge hit for Soulpepper in the Distillery District two years ago, even grabbing a Dora for best production. How inspired to bring it back; how perfect is this adaptation by Adam Pettle and Brenda Robins; how sad that it is nearly entirely sold out until its last matinee on Dec. 31.
I shall not go into its amazing staging or gorgeous set; nor the stunning direction by Morris Panych or the fabulous star-turns by Oliver Dennis, Patricia Fagan, Jeff Lillico, William Webster and Joseph Ziegler, among several others, Soulpepper stalwarts, all. If I were you, I would start phoning Soulpepper to beg for a standing-room spot. That is how my wife and I saw it, and we have not stopped talking about it since.
In honour of the season, I shall make just once more push to get you to try to catch this exquisite play and production: Parfumerie was the basis for the sweet Tom Hanks vehicle You've Got Mail a few years ago, as well as one of the best film comedy/romances of all time: The Shop Around the Corner. It's even better than those versions, believe it or not.
Do go! And a happy, healthy, relaxing holiday season and New Year's to you all.
Parfumerie, Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Runs until Dec. 31.
Allan Gould is Post City Magazines’ theatre critic. He has a Ph.D. in english and theatre from York University and has written over 40 books. His writing has appeared in Toronto Life, Chatelaine, en Route, Canadian Business, Good Times and Financial Post. He is married with two children. Aside from his family, his major passions are theatre and film, because they enrich life with pleasure and meaning.