I was quite interested to see another production of this show after having enjoyed the one in New York so much, even though I was expecting that it wouldn't live up to that one, especially the original cast. And that was the case - although, if you hadn't seen the show before, I'm fairly certain you would enjoy the Toronto production!

Brenda and I were sitting up in the balcony, which was fairly empty, so the reaction to everything seemed quite muted, although that probably would have been different if we'd been down in the orchestra.

Sean Cullen is Max Bialystock in this production - he's better known here as a standup comic, and there were signs of that - the one part of the night where I felt that he was truly comfortable was during the ad-libbing during "intermission" in Betrayed. It was also the part of the night that made me laugh the hardest! But most of the time, he didn't look completely comfortable - like he couldn't just completely abandon himself to the character, which is something that this character really needs.

I'd seen Michael Therriault before, as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof at Stratford, and had found him very likeable there, and that continued in this production. His Leo was perhaps a little *too* out there in his first scene, but he quickly toned down to a more manageable connection with the audience. I wouldn't say he was up to either Matthew or Roger in the part, but he did some things that were unique, and does a fine job. Sarah Cornell was a really good Ulla, and she is soooooooo tall. She just towered over Michael during That Face.

Among the supporting roles, Paul O'Sullivan really stood out for me as Franz. His accent was great, and he's got a lovely voice. I also enjoyed Juan Chioran as Roger, but Brandon McGibbon didn't quite work for me as Carmen (not meaning he wasn't good, just that he wasn't quite Roger Bart :-).

The ensemble is great, and the sound was very good - I have to say that's the one area of the production that really struck me as better than New York - I could make out every word.