Montréalités Theatre

Walking About On the Stage: My Interview with Aussie Comedian Joe Avati

2015-07-30T22:32:16Z

If you're a veteran in the Montreal comedy scene then chances are you've heard the name Joe Avati. He's the Australian-Italian comedian who's been touring around North America, England, and his native of Australia for almost 20 years! With his charming accent and ability to perform in both English and Italian, it's no wonder Joe continues to fill up venues all over the world and has been called "the greatest comedian you've never heard off". I caught up with Joe back in June, right before he hit the stage for his Back To Basics Tour show at the Leonardo Da Vinci Center to discuss the tour, upcoming projects, and all other things comedic. The evening also marked his 67^th show at the LDV Center proving how Montrealers just can't seem to get enough of this wonder from down under.

]]> GC: Welcome back to Montreal Joe. How has the tour been going so far?

JA: It's going really well! It's basically a North American tour. We just added Montreal because we get so many requests on Facebook from fans. We thought while I'm performing in North America we'd jump up and do a couple of quick shows for the people who missed out last time or want to see it again.

GC: What can fans expect from the Back to Basics tour?

JA: On this tour there's always new material. I haven't been here for 3 years, been touring around. I would describe it as the best of the old, best of the new for this particular show. We haven't built it as a new show on purpose. You wouldn't want to fool anybody. When it's a new show, which I'm writing now at the moment, I'll probably come and tour that. I'm doing a 20^th anniversary tour next year and that's when I'll probably have a new show.

GC: You're very popular here in Montreal and people can't seem to get enough of you. How would you describe Montreal fans versus other cities?

JA: They're very loyal fans! They really embrace the comedy. Many acts are doing this kind of comedy and they're selling really well, which is fantastic and good to see. I would hope that the 67 shows that I've done at this venue over the years would've helped started an Italian- comedy culture in Montreal. There are people who've been doing this a long time as well. I take no credit for their success. But I hope that I had a big part to the play in the culture of Italian comedy in Canada.

GC : Besides Montreal, what are some of your other cities to perform in?

JA: I love performing in New York. London is fantastic as well. The crowds in Vancouver are great. Shows that are normally supposed to be an hour and a half end up being about two hours because of all the laughter

GC: Who are your comedic inspirations and idols?

JA: Definitely Bill Cosby. Billy Crystal. Billy Connolly. All the famous Billy's pretty much! There's also an Australian guy called Austin Tayshus who's great as well.

GC: When you're not performing on stage what do you like to do?

JA: Nothing! I really enjoy having time on my own.

GC: You're known making jokes about Italian culture and stereotypes. You often include your own family members in your jokes. How do they feel about being inspirations for your acts?

JA: They love it! They come and see me all the time. They're a bit older now and don't come as much as they used to. I actually brought them along with me to Canada in 2002. They're very proud of what I've done and very supportive.

GC: Do you ever get bad crowds or audiences and how do you handle them?

JA: I don't really have bad crowds but they do vary. Probably the worst show I ever had was here (at the LDV center). Normally I would do an hour and twenty-five minutes and then do another seven minute encore. This particular night, by the time I did all my material and got off stage it was an hour and five. It was twenty minutes less than I did the night before and I did the exact same material. The reason was that the laughter was so lame. I've never had a bad show in terms of people booing or anything like that, it's often due to audiences not laughing or not getting it.

GC: Can you share some crazy stories that have occurred while on tour?

JA: I've had bomb scares in Perth. Underwear thrown at me from old Italian ladies. I've had people die during my show, have heart attacks, epileptic seizures and asthma attacks. I once had a guy in Melbourne beat up his girlfriend. He would hit her every time the audience would laugh so no one would hear the slap and scream.

GC: What's next for you after the tour is done?

JA: I'm going to continue to tour. Touring never stops. I also do a lot of corporate work, which is something I never used to do. The reason is because my show has gone from being bilingual to all in English and it's clean, family friendly and non-offensive. I get a lot of requests from corporations to perform at various conferences and I do a lot of motivational and key not speaking. A lot of people don't know that

Cheers to great interview with a very funny mate. A big thanks to Joe Avati for making time to chat with me during his busy schedule. Like always, the show was fantastic. Be sure to check out Joe's website and follow him on Facebook and Twitter for tour schedules and upcoming performances.

Photos courtesey of www.joeavati.com

A Duddy-Ful Story- My Take On The Musical Adaptation Of A Montreal Classic Novel

2015-06-25T23:57:10Z

Fundamentally, all writing is about the same thing; it's about dying, about the brief flicker of time we have here, and the frustration that it creates- Mordecai Richler

Fans of famed Montreal author Mordecai Richler will be thrilled to see his popular novel, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz appearing live on stage in a musical number at the Segal Centre. The tale is being brought back to life by award winning composers Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Carol) and David Spencer (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables). Prior to the stage, the novel was adapted into a 1974 film starring Richard Dreyfuss and Randy Quaid. Originally published in 1959, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz continues to be a must read novel, whether you're from Montreal or not. Those familiar with the novel (like myself) will notice the differences and similarities between the play, film, and novel.

]]> Set in the slums of rue Saint-Urbain, the story reflects on the life of Duddy Kravitz, a young Jewish boy who wants nothing more than to make a name for himself in the world and fulfill his grandfather's mantra of "a man without land is nobody". When opportunity knocks for Duddy to own a piece of vacant land, he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means hurting those who love him most.

Above: Book cover of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz

Above: Movie poster for the 1974 film adaptation

Like the story itself, the play is appealing to all audiences and age groups. All 306 seats in the theatre were filled with eager spectators. The set design was well done and clearly thought through, from the local delicatessen to the rural suburb of Saint-Agathe, no detail was left out. Constant background changes occurred and it was very clear where the scenes were taking place in.

The actors used the space accordingly; our eyes were constantly following the movements from one end of the stage to the other. There were choreographed group numbers and acts with just one or two main actors saying (or singing) their dialogues. Some scenes included jumping and hurdling like a hyperactive child while others, had beautiful intimacy like a sweet kiss in the rain. The sound was perfect and the actors' voices projected well in the theatre. There were moments that made us laugh, scenes that touched our hearts, and times when we wanted to get up and be part of the action.

Above: Yvette (Marie Pierre De Brienne) and Duddy (Ken James Stewart)

Overall the actors were well cast. The title character of Duddy Kravitz was played exceptionally by Ken James Stewart (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Wanderlust). Stewart does a great job of portraying Duddy's innocence and naivety. He also shows Duddy's scheming side with a devious, weasel-like laugh similar to the one Richard Dreyfuss lets out in the film version of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz.

Duddy's father Max is played by the very likeable George Masswhohl (Oh What A Lovely War, Fiddler on the Roof). Masswhohl also plays the role of narrator and often appears off to the side, recounting his son's story to the audience in a Shakespearean soliloquy like fashion. At times we found ourselves more focused on his actions than on the play itself. Adrian Marchuk (Marry Me a Little, The Light in the Piazza) plays Duddy's do-gooder brother Lenny. Unlike his dreamer brother, Lenny is a straight arrow but nonetheless, some touching scenes occur between the brothers as well as the entire Kravitz family. These scenes prove that no matter how different family members may be, they're still bonded together.

Above: Simcha (Howard Jerome) with his grandsom Duddy (Ken James Stewart)

Duddy's grandfather Simcha is portrayed by Howard Jerome (From Moses to Madonna, The Kabbalah Kabberet), another likeable character who can easily remind everyone of their own lovable grandfathers. The most unlikeable member of the Kravitz clan is Uncle Benjy, played by Victor A. Young (White Christmas, Hamlet). Like in the novel, as the story progresses we start to rethink about how we feel about Uncle Benjy.

Duddy's love interest Yvette, portrayed by Marie-Pierre De Brienne (La Melodie du Bonheur, Spring Awakening) does a believable job of playing a girl hopelessly in love with a somewhat shady guy. The chemistry between De Brienne and Stewart is authentic. Duddy's love for Yvette is more genuine in the play and he never refers to her as "his girl Friday" as he does several times in the novel. Another budding relationship is that between Duddy and his new American friend Virgil, played by David Coomber (Next to Normal, Men's Eyes). Coomber does a convincing job getting the audience to easily like and feel sympathy towards him, especially after an unthinkable act from Duddy.

Above: Yvette (Marie-Pierre De Brienne), Duddy (Ken James Stewart) and Virgil (David Coomber)

The not as likeable characters in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz were just as convincingly portrayed as the likable ones. Sam Rosenthal (The Chosen, Skin Flick) plays the wealthy Mr. Cohen, Michael Rudder (Godspell, The Heidi Chronicales) plays the phony Jerry "the Boy Wonder" Dingleman and Kristian Truelsen (Laughter on the 23^rd Floor, Anne of Green Gables) plays the flighty Peter John Friar. Other cast members, Albane Chateau (The Little Match Girl), Gab Desmond (Forever Plaid), Julia Halfyard (Two Divas, One Spotlight) and Michael Daniel Murphy (Lies My Father Told Me) played multiple characters.

Overall I enjoyed the play, the cast was excellent and the musical numbers enchanting; however the three-hour performance felt long at times and the sequences were repetitive. There is a section where they show a Bar Mitzvah scene from the movie adaptation of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz involving a graphic circumcision. They should perhaps warn people of this ahead of time. I had seen this scene but my companion and other audience members hadn't and were quite shocked when it aired.

Above: Rue Saint-Urbain, the principle setting for The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz

Above: Photograph of author Mordecai Richler

Fans of the book will easily make comparisons and be more critical of the play's storyline. For one thing, Duddy is much more (if not too much so) likeable in the musical version than in the novel and film. Many of his mischievous adventures were taken out. The biggest difference, the story's ending is quite different and a much happier one, perhaps to make it more suitable for a musical and younger audience. Despite this, the play is definitely worth seeing, especially if you're a fan of musicals. The story of Duddy Kravitz is an important staple in Montreal literature and the memory and great works of Mordecai Richler should continue to live on.

Be sure to get your tickets to The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz at the Segal Centrebox office. The show will be playing until July 12th. Visit their website or contact them at (514) 739-2301.

Gemma Cocomello Presents: My Top Five Favourite Films of Alfred Hitchcock

2015-05-31T22:42:59Z

I've been a fan of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock for years and believe that he is an icon in the world of cinema. Hitchcock, known as the "master of suspense", was quite ahead of his time. He wasn't afraid to push the envelope and make movies that were unique from anything else. His actions were at times questionable, such as his infatuations with the women in his movies and his ill treatment of actress Tippi Hedren in The Birds. Despite his flaws, Alfred Hitchcock has influenced many directors: Steven Spielberg, Brian De Palma and David Fincher to name a few.

]]> With his many iconic and infamous films, it was quite a task to narrow it down to five. Some of my favorites are his lesser-known movies while others are his classic masterpieces. Along with the titles of my favorite Hitchcock films, I included some behind the scenes stories and information that die hard fans (like myself) may not have known and facts that can intrigue a "Hitchcokian" newbie. Please share your comments as well as your favorite films from the famous director.

1. Psycho (1960)

"We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?" Norman Bates, Psycho

No Alfred Hitchcock list would be complete without Psycho, a movie that has changed the way most people take showers. This black and white film starring Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles, is considered to be one of Hitchcock's best films and is filled with iconic scenes, lines and musical score. The story is adapted from the novel Psycho written by Robert Bloch. Hitchcock had many challenges turning Psycho from script to screen. Film executives refused to finance the film due to its violent scenes, and feared that the movie was promoting homosexuality and cross-dressing. Hitchcock had to fund the film himself and in order to cut down on costs, he filmed in black and white and used the set and crew of his television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

The film's protagonist is Marion Crane, played by the lovely Janet Leigh (mother of actress Jamie Lee Curtis). Marion gets herself into trouble by stealing 40,000$ from her employer so she can finally marry her long distance boyfriend Sam Loomis, played by John Gavin. On her way to tell Sam about the money she stops at the Bates Motel where she meets the owner Norman Bates, played effortlessly by Anthony Perkins. Norman is an odd, socially awkward man who is seemingly controlled by his mysterious mother Norma. When Marion's conscious finally convinces her to return home and give back the money, it appears to be too late for our heroine as she is killed by a shadowy figure while taking a shower. Sam, her sister Lila, played by Vera Miles and detective Milton Arbogast played by Martin Balsam, work together to try to solve the mystery of Marion's disappearance and what's really going on at the Bates Motel. Psycho's conclusion is horrific, mysterious and thrilling all at the same time.

The infamous shower scene was so powerful that Janet Leigh never took a shower again in her life. Other scenes considered controversial were the opening scenes where Marion and Sam are lying in bed together and, a close up shot of a toilet flushing. These types of scenes were quite uncommon if not non-existent for this time. Despite the controversies and difficulty getting Psycho produced, it ended up being Hitchcock's highest grossing film and a huge commercial success. The film executives who rejected the film must have gone quite mad themselves after Hitchcock's triumph with Psycho.

2. Shadow of Doubt (1943)

"Go away, I'm warning you. Go away or I'll kill you myself. See... that's the way I feel about you"- Young Charlie, Shadow of a Doubt.

One of his earliest movies, Shadow of a Doubt is said to have been Alfred Hitchcock's personal favorite film. Once you watch this film noir, it won't be hard to see why and how it can easily be added to anyone's favorite Hitchcock film list. The movie stars Joseph Cotton and Teresa Wright in a gripping tale of family, murder and how the people we know and love aren't always what they seem.

Shadow of A Doubt pulls audiences in with a beautiful opening scene consisting of a dance sequence called The Merry Widow Waltz. The story is set in a small California town where the female protagonist Charlotte "Charlie" Newton, played wonderfully by Teresa Wright, is anxiously awaiting for the arrival of her Uncle Charlie, played by the legendary Joseph Cotten, who is coming to visit the family. Everyone, especially Charlotte idolizes Uncle Charlie. However once he arrives, his behavior changes drastically.

We first see Uncle Charlie's odd behavior when two men claiming to be surveyors photograph him. One of the surveyors Jack Graham, played by Macdonald Carey, begins a romance with Charlotte. He confesses to be a detective who suspects Uncle Charlie of being the "Merry Widow Murderer". At first Charlotte refuses to believe that her beloved uncle could ever do such a thing, but later discovers signs proving Jack could be right. Along with Uncle Charlie's continuous strange behavior, Charlotte realizes a ring her uncle gave her has the initials of one of the murdered women engraved in it. Her attitude towards Uncle Charlie quickly changes and she wants nothing more than for him to leave her home. After confronting her uncle, a silent battle ensues between the two resulting in some near death "accidents" for Charlotte. With a heart pounding conclusion and final battle between Charlotte and Uncle Charlie, many secrets are exposed and lives will never be the same.

Along with its suspense, Shadow of a Doubt has some touching and humorous scenes. There are many family moments, proving what a tight bond the Newtons have and how Charlotte will stop at nothing to protect them. The entire Newton family are very likable characters Especially Charlotte's mother and Uncle Charlie's sister Emma, played by Patricia Collinge. She proves to be a very loving mother, wife and older sister to her brother Charlie who she idolizes almost as much as Charlotte does. The humorous element of the film is courtesy of Charlotte's father Joseph, played by Henry Travers (best known for playing Clarence the angel in It's a Wonderful Life). He is constantly discussing with his friend Herbie, played by Hume Cronyn, on how they would commit the perfect crime. All this without realizing that he is actually harboring a murderer in his house. Undoubtedly, one of Hitchcock's earlier masterpieces.

3. To Catch a Thief (1955)

"For what it's worth, I never stole from anybody who would go hungry'- John Robie, To Catch A Thief.

Alfred Hitchcock's most visually appealing piece of work, the romantic thriller To Catch A Thief, is a lighter film compared to his many darker themed ones. The two main leads consisting of the handsome Cary Grant and the stunning Grace Kelly are reason enough to see this film. What's even more pleasing to the eye than the two Hollywood leads is the breathtaking scenery of the French Riviera. If this film does not make you want to book your next trip to the south of France, then you're not watching it properly.

The films main character John Robie, played by Cary Grant is a retired jewel thief who also goes by the nicknames "cat burglar" or "the Cat". John went from thieving to spending his days tending to his vineyard. After a series of robberies occurs John is the number one suspect in the eyes of the law. After escaping the police he makes it his goal to catch the robber red handed and prove that he's innocent. John's plan to clear his name by finding potential targets for the new "cat burglar". Two potential targets include Jessie Stevens, played by Jessie Royce Landis, and her daughter Frances, played by Grace Kelly. Frances is a bored rich girl seeking some thrill in her life and is immediately drawn to John. But after more robberies occur, Frances worries that John may in fact be the cat burglar. With plot twists and turns and the constant question of the real criminal is, To Catch a Thief is a treat to all of our senses.

The chemistry between Grant and Kelly is undeniable. Along with the attractive cast, Kelly's fashions in the film also distract audience members from the storyline. To Catch A Thief has some of these familiar faces from previous Alfred Hitchcock films. Cary Grant has done four films in all with the legendary director (Suspicion, Notorious, North by Northwest, To Catch A Thief). Jessie Royce Landis also appears in North by Northwest and Grace Kelly has appeared in three of his films (To Catch a Thief, Dial M For Murder, Rear Window). To Catch a Thief was Kelly's final film with Alfred Hitchcock and one of her final films altogether before becoming Princess Grace of Monaco. To Catch a Thief is a royal addition to any Alfred Hitchcock collection.

4. Rebecca (1940)

"I watched you go down just as I watched her a year ago. Even in the same dress you couldn't compare" -Mrs. Danvers, Rebecca.

Rebecca is an adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's classic novel of the same name and was Alfred Hitchcock's first American project. Fans of the novel will enjoy this film and seeing the characters come to life onscreen. What appears to be a fairytale love story is actually a dark story filled with twisted characters and an infamous villain who has perhaps ruined anyone with the last name Danvers.

The main female protagonist is a nameless woman played by Joan Fontaine. She meets and falls in love with wealthy widowed Englishman Maxim De Winter, played by legendary actor Sir Laurence Oliver. They quickly marry and Maxim brings her to his Manderley mansion in England. Once they wed, the unnamed heroine is now referred to as the second Mrs. De Winter. Wedded bliss instantly becomes a nightmare once the couple returns from their honeymoon. Maxim's housekeeper the creepy Mrs. Danvers, played too convincingly by Judith Anderson takes an instant dislike to her master's new bride. Mrs. Danvers was enamored with Rebecca, Maxim's late wife and ensures that the second Mrs. De Winter knows that with constant threats and comparisons. The second Mrs. De Winter then begins to wonder if she'll ever have a place in Maxim's life and fears she will always be haunted by the presence of the late Rebecca. With storyline twists and revelations about the first Mrs. De Winter, Rebecca is dark, heart pounding film.

Joan Fontaine gives an exceptional performance as a naïve and confused heroine. A young Sir Laurence Olivier is quite dashing and Judith Anderson is quite simply gives one of the scariest onscreen performances one may ever see. Anderson doesn't even have to say or do much to instill fear, her stare is enough to send chills down anyone's spine. Rebecca is a prime example of the beginning of what would be a long line of scary and suspenseful Hitchcock films.

5. Marnie (1964)

"The idea was to kill myself, not feed the damn fish."- Marnie Edgar, Marnie.

One of Alfred Hitchcock's most underrated films Marnie, while a little slow at times it does not shy away from the intense mystery that we love so much about his movies. Not as successful as Psycho or The Birds, it is nonetheless an iconic movie. Tippi Hedren (mother as actress Melanie Griffith) plays the title character and Sean Connery plays Mark Rutland, her one time boss who later becomes her husband.

The film centers around Marnie, a troubled woman who moves from city to city and takes on different identities in each location. She has very particular anxieties and phobias, which include a strong distrust of men and a fear of the color red. She also happens to be a thief who robs her employees' blind before running off to her next destination. The only person in Marnie's life is her mother Bernice played by Louise Latham. Mark is instantly intrigued by Marnie and pursues her despite her rebuffs. He forces her to marry him and proves to be the only person willing to love Marnie and help her. We eventually discover the reasons behind Marnie's anxieties and how all it took was one person to not give up on her.

While quite a different role from the one she played in The Birds, Hedren does a great job in making the role in Marnie an iconic one for her. The role of Marnie was originally intended for Grace Kelly. However as she the princess of Monaco, her royal handlers objected to her playing such a complex role. While working on The Birds with Tippi Hedren, Hitchcock offered the lead role in Marnie. Despite their complicated relationship, Hedren accepted. Marnie can steal the spotlight from the other more successful Alfred Hitchcock movies.

An Un-Sealed Hit- My Intimate Review of Vittorio Rossi's "The Envelope"

2015-04-02T20:12:02Z

"Unless it's a love letter or a pay check, nothing good ever came out of an envelope." - Franco, The Envelope

The 2014-2015 season of the Centaur theatre has been nothing less than stellar with smash hits such as Venus in Furs and The Goodnight Bird. The hot streak continues with The Envelope, the newest play written and directed by Montreal's very own Vittorio Rossi (A Carpenter's Trilogy, Paradise By The River), who has been referred to by the Canadian Encyclopedia as the "inaugural Italian-Canadian voice on the English-Canadian stage". The Envelope is not only Rossi's first original play since The Carpenter in 2007, it's also an important milestone in his expanding and impressive career. This play will mark Rossi's 10^th collaboration with the Centaur Theatre Company, a huge institution for English theatre here in Montreal. The Envelope is presently playing at the Centaur Theatre from March 24^th until April 19^th. Fans of Rossi's previous plays have been anxiously waiting for his newest piece of work. The anticipation is finally over and like many joyous occasions in life, good things are worth waiting for.

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Above: Me seeing how it feels like to sit in the director's chair

A Good Sense of Direction

"There are two things I detest in this country. [...] One is winter. The other is a Canadian film producer. I've learned to cope with winter but I will never trust a Canadian film producer." - Michael, The Envelope

The Envelope is set at the Italian restaurant Da Franco's. Rossi took inspiration for the set and its lively characters from the real Restaurant Da Franco's located in Old Montreal. The set was true to life from the actual Da Franco's. From the terra cotta colored walls adorned with old black and white photographs to the granite countered bar displaying assorted brands of liquor. The real award winners for the set décor go to the wine bottles (675 of them to be exact) visible from atop the stage to give the feeling of a true Italian cantina.

In a large open theatre that seats 422 guests with one main stage, directing our senses can be quite a daunting task. The stage has a clear division of the restaurant's interior setting and the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal for exterior scenes. To enlighten our hearing along with our vision, the music playing in between scenes was clearly thought through. Jazz and blues music are played between acts rather than typical Italian melodies. Each song went with the mood and theme of the next scene. These include: a slower harmony similar to those from film noirs played in between serious scenes while upbeat sounds play just before the fun scenes. A perfect way to keep the audience entertained as we patiently wait for the story to unfold in front of us.

Above: Photos of the real life Risorante Da Franco. The inspiration for the set of The Envelope

A Not So Stationary Tale

"You ordered the veal. You're in an Italian restaurant. This guy goes to the bathroom. Usually he comes back to the table with a gun." Franco-The Envelope

The Envelope is a comedic drama that exposes us to the world of bureaucratic institution that is the Canadian film industry, and what really goes on behind the scenes of trying to get a film produced in Canada. The story is loosely based on Rossi's real life experiences and reveals what it's really like to be an artist in Canada trying to make a name for themselves.

The main protagonist is playwright Michael Moretti, a veteran in the theatre business. He's approached by his frenemy, Canadian producer Jake Henry Smith, with an offer to help him turn his successful play, Romeo's Rise into a Canadian feature film with a multi-million dollar contract. Jake has an envelope with the documents that ensures the film is made and that Michael gets his profit, all he's missing is Michael's signature. The compromise with accepting a profitable offer through the Canadian system? Michael has no control over his work. The system will change everything in his screenplay causing Michael to lose his artistic integrity.

As if Michael doesn't already have enough on his plate, he receives another offer from an American based producer who's also interested in bringing Romeo's Rise from stage to screen. His deal offers Michael complete freedom and control over his work, but with a much lower salary. What appears to be an easy decision is in fact the exact opposite.

So how does one decide between integrity and income? Easy, with a lot of help. Along comes Sarah Mackenzie, head of script development for the Canadian National Movie Fund. She connects with Michael and the two are often in situations that keep the audience wondering- will they or won't they? Other lively characters in The Envelope include the trio of actors in Michael's successful play Romeo's Rise. There's the colorful and animated Andrew Morgan, innocent newcomer Caroline Lemay and the charming and passionate Marcello Maldini. Throw in Marcello's lively and unfiltered cousin Franco Maldini, the owner of Da Franco's, and you have a well-balanced cast of characters that each bring something unique and different to the table. From Franco's wise cracking comments to Marcello's strong dislike of Jake, The Envelope makes us laugh, gasp and cheer all throughout the play. Right up until the dramatic conclusion when Michael makes his life changing decision, there's never a dull moment and the clever storyline always keeps us guessing.

Above: The cast of The Envelope : Shawn Campbell, Guido Cocomello, Melanie Sirois, Leni Parker, David Gow, Ron Lea, Tony Calabretta, and writer/director Vittorio Rossi

Pushing the Envelope

"Do you think I'm starving Jake? I'm Italian, we don't do starving"- Michael- The Envelope

The actors each play their parts exceptionally and with very convincing performances. Ron Lea (The Book of Bob, Little Blood Brother) does a great job playing the torn Michael, a likable character that easily gets the audience to sympathize with him. There is good chemistry between himself and Leni Parker who plays Sarah (Top Girls, Helix), the conflicted employee of the Canadian National Movie Fund who appears to be having a career crisis and possibly, a more than professional interest in Michael. David Gow (The Chain, Steel Toes) plays the antagonist Jake, a snaky Canadian film producer who will stop at nothing to convince Michael to sign his deal. Gow gives an almost too realistic portrayal of a bloodthirsty producer who only sees visions of dollar signs in his head.

The comedic force and at times, voice of reason of The Envelope is Tony Calabretta (Paradise by the River, Stonewall) who plays Franco, the amusing owner of Da Franco's. Calabretta offers great comedic timing and a breath of fresh air to intense scenes. Franco's actor cousin Marcello, played effortlessly by Guido Cocomello (Paradise by the River, The St-Leonard Chronicles), took emotion to a whole other level with his standout performance. From his unbiased opinions of Canadian film producers and the country's film industry to his admiration of Michael, he commands the stage and grabs the audiences' attention with every word.

Melanie Sirois (Son Of A Hundred Maniacs, Helix) portrays Marcello's love interest Caroline. Though her part is small, she adds a touch of innocence and naiveté to the play that's goes along well with the rest of the cast. And last but certainly not least, there is Shawn Campbell (Suits, Murdoch Mysteries), who plays over the top actor Andrew Morgan. Campbell delivers his dialogues in a Shakespearean tone and much like Franco, is another voice of humor and reason. Best way to describe his character is Hamlet meets Dr. Phil, but nonetheless a great compliment to the cast.

Stamp of Approval

*"Here's to one f***ed up business" Michael-The Envelope*

Like most of Rossi's plays, The Envelope includes insight and jokes on Italian culture and stereotypes. With references to Italian films and stating that Italians are mainly known for restaurants and the mafia, some viewers may not fully understand some of these ethnic jokes. The play also has more fowl language and swear words compared to Rossi's other works that may not be suitable for younger viewers, or older more conservative ones.

Rossi does not hold anything back in The Envelope and does not shy away from exposing the (very few) good, the bad and the downright ugly truth about the business. What we see as a glamorous industry has a very dark side often lead by devilish characters. The play is not only entertaining but educational as well. Many audience members (myself included) left the theatre with a different view of Canadian films and how they compare (or don't) to other countries.

Like a large pot of Italian Wedding Soup, The Envelope combines many different ingredients together to make a complete and satisfying dish. With comedy, emotion, camaraderie and realistic situations, we leave the theatre full yet wanting more.

To learn more about and purchase tickets for The Envelope, please visit the Centaur Theatre Company website.

To make a reservation at Ristorante Da Franco contact them at (514) 844-9481 and visit their Facebook page.

The Envelope video from Centaur Theatre on Vimeo.

Life is Better When You're Laughing...at the Comedyworks!

2015-03-05T23:20:20Z

Friday June 20^th, 2014, could be considered the day that comedy died in the city of Montreal. This was the day when the famed Comedyworks club abruptly closed its doors after being open for over 24 years. With its central location on Bishop Street in Montreal's busy downtown area, this iconic comedy club was a popular hotspot for anyone looking to include laughter in an evening out.

]]> It was a great place to support up-and-coming comedians and grab a few drinks at Jimbo's Pub located on the first floor (also closed). Comedyworks not only welcomed local talent such as Joey Elias, Mike Patterson and Massimo Cannistraro (known professionally as Massimo), but also opened the stage to aspiring comedians from all over Canada and the rest of the world. Many famous comedians such as Ray Romano, Aziz Ansari and Louis C.K. made early appearances at Comedyworks before they became big names in the entertainment industry.

No Laughing Matter

The news of the sudden closure was a great shock to both comedians and regular audience members. Joey Elias told the Montreal Gazette that the closing was "Shocking... What was special about the Works was that it was one of the last old-school comedy clubs with the brick wall and all the photos of comedians on another wall. Most important, it was just great for providing stage time for local comics: with the Open Mic nights, the improv troupes, the weekly Mike Paterson show. This will really hurt." Comedyworks regular Massimo, who got his early start at the club, said of the shocking news "when it closed, I was incredibly sad. It was like finding out that the house you grew up in had burned down."

So why would such a popular establishment close it's doors without so much as a notice? The club's founder Jimbo Skomorowski states that lack of parking and high debts to be the main reasons for the shutdown. "Saturday nights used to be our best night, with much of our business coming in from the suburbs. But now they don't come any more because they just can't find parking. We've had to rely on students and tourists, but that hasn't come close to covering our costs." The sudden closing of this popular club proved to be no laughing matter. Many English local comedians were left without work, some forced to leave the province of Quebec to find comedy gigs.

Above: Comedyworks regular headliners Eman El-Husseini and Mike Patterson

Working on the Comedy

Thankfully not all good things come to end, Comedyworks has now been taken over by new management and officially re-opened its doors on Thursday February 5^th, 2015. The new owner is businessman Troy Lourensse and previous general manager Ian Campbell has returned to the new and improved Comedyworks. Lourensse has visions and ideas for not only the comedy club but for the bar downstairs as well. The club has gone through an extensive renovation and is now offering indoor parking at a fee of 5$, proving that he's given much thought to previous issues and complaints. Lourensse told The Montreal Gazette about his decision to re-vamp the Comedyworks: "I was always looking to have an upscale bar with an entertainment aspect to it, and I am confident this will do the job. I also think the future is bright for comedy in this town, and what better place to get it going than in a place with this kind of history."

Above: New owner Troy Lourensse with general manager Ian Campbell

Above: Comedians Massimo, Tim Rabnett, and Mike Paterson with Ian* Campbell during the renovations*

Laughing it Off

I was fortunate to receive an invite to the Comedyworks' grand re-opening on the evening of Thursday February 5^th, 2015. What better way to keep warm during a cold Canadian winter than with a little (or a lot of) laughter? I've attended several shows at the Works and was eager to return for this special night. When I entered the club it still felt the same but there were some obvious differences. The pictures on the walls are gone, new floors have been put in, modern lighting has been added and the bathrooms are completely renovated and actually work (they were previously cold and never functioning). The classic interior brick wall remains as well as the small bar at the corner of the main room. Best way to describe it is a good combination between old and new.

It was a full house filled with staff, club regulars, and lots of new faces. The guest list included many local talents such as, Andrew Searles, Franco Taddeo and Guido Grasso, who gladly came out to support their fellow comedians. The MC for the evening was stand up veteran Peter J. Radomski, who overall did a great job. He always ensured that the crowd was laughing even if it meant taking a few jabs at himself. The performers included Emma Wilke, Scott Andrew Carter and Morgan O'Shea. The main headliner was none other than Montreal comedian and actor Massimo. The comedians all had their humble beginnings on the Comedyworks stage and didn't hesitate to get the chance to return on this special night.

Above: The evening's main headliner Massimo rocking the stage

No jokes were off limits. From the questionable plumbing of the Works prior to the renovations to gags regarding newsmakers Bill Cosby and Jiam Gomeshi. In true comedic style some unpredictable moments happened. The Comedyworks sign unexpectedly fell to the floor during Morgan O'Shea's act and the comedians were occasionally met with some not so cooperating audience members. Being the professionals they are, the performers carried on effortlessly and didn't let anything stop them from doing what they were there to do, make us all laugh. They succeeded and even took the time to show their appreciation to the club's new owner. There was no doubt everyone was content about the Comedyworks getting another chance.

Once the show was over many made their way to the bar downstairs for some (or several) celebratory drinks. I asked the new owner Troy Lourensse about what he thought about the turnout of the grand re-opening and summarized his reaction in one simple word "Awesome". Andrew Searles told me about the clubs new look that "inside it still has the same basic layout, just more modern and nicer, has that new industrial look you're starting to see in these factory turned condo's. I tell everyone 'It's like the Comedyworks moved to Griffintown!' Can't wait to see what's lined up for the ComedyWorks for 2015 and into the future"

The re-opening is proving to already be a success with many events coming up with great show and performers. Some of these events include a Valentine's Day weekend show with Mike Patterson , the Underground Comedy Railroad Show with Andrew Searles and Rodney Ramsay and the Just For Laughs Audition Showcase. The show is indeed going on and we can only look forward to what's next for the new Comedy Works. Looks like this club will not be getting the last laugh after all.

Be sure to check out all upcoming events at the Comedyworks and follow them on Twitter.

Sources

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Comedyworks+closing+comes+shock+many/9959984/story.html

http://thesuburban.com/news/articles/?id=article04753

http://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/the-comedyworks-is-reborn-with-parking-options

http://montrealrampage.com/the-legend-is-back-comedyworks-grand-reopening-weekend/#prettyPhoto

Feature Presentation...The Do's and Dont's of Proper Theater Etiquette

2015-01-29T23:16:06Z

Thank you for your interest in theater and supporting your local talents. Your attendance proves that you are a well-cultured individual with a passion for the arts. Bear in mind that there are certain rules of conduct that everyone must be made aware of in order to have a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Remember that you're about to view someone's hard work and dedication come to life, it is important to show respect and courtesy.

Whether you're new to the theater scene or an active theatregoer, it's important that you take the time to read the following tips and regulations. Enjoy the show and we look forward to seeing you at our next venue.

]]> 1.Select a theatrical performance that you would like to attend

Research a show that may be of interest to you and that you know you will enjoy. If you enjoy musicals select a show with musical numbers. If you like to laugh and be entertained, choose a play that is comedic. All information of the plays and can be available on the theater's website. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, the same applies to theater.

2. Dress accordingly to the venue.

Keep in mind that when attending a theater performance it is important to dress accordingly to the venue. We recommend dress casual, not too elegant but comfortable enough to sit through a two hour performance. The temperature in the theater can vary on where you are seated. If one is seated close to stage you may feel the heat of the stage lights. Or one can be seated in a cooler area. We advise dressing in layers in order to be prepared for unpredictable interior temperatures.

3. Remember to bring all necessary documents

Don't forget to purchase your show tickets in advance. If you've purchased your tickets online, read the instructions of what you are required to bring the day of the performance. If you've purchased your tickets through an operator, make sure to ask all the appropriate questions. Ensure that when you leave for the show that you have all required documents. Also make sure you are aware of all important information. Such as correct dates, show times, theater address, and location.

4.Respect the times.

In order to avoid unnecessary disruptions to fellow attendees and performers, please be seated 30 minutes prior to performance commencement time. If you are enjoying a meal at a nearby restaurant, be mindful of the time to avoid a rushed and unpleasant dinner. Late attendees may prohibited from entering the theatre once show has started. Also keep in mind if the theater has it's own parking lot or not. If it doesn't you may have to allow some time to search for parking.

5. Follow instruction given by theater employees

The theater employees are there to assist you, do not be shy to ask them anything. They will guide you to your seats, provide you with necessary documents, and can response to any questions or queries you may have. Show them respect and politeness and they will gladly do the same in return.

6. Before seating take off excess articles of clothing (if applicable)

If you're seeing a performance during the winter season, please remove your jacket before taking your assigned seat. Seats in the theater are close together and it can be awkward to take off a heavy coat while others are attempting to do the same while finding their seats.

7. Be aware of what is permitted inside the theater.

Most theaters do not allow smoking, food, beverages and animals into the establishment. Make sure beforehand you are aware of what you can and cannot bring to avoid getting the item confiscated and/or being asked to leave the theater.

8. Please sit in YOUR assigned seats

When purchasing theater tickets you are automatically assigned a seat number. Follow the directions to your seats to avoid any sort of confusion and do not sit in a seat assigned to someone else. Should you not know where to find your seat, once again the theater employees will gladly assist. Do not put or shove fellow audience members while finding your seat.

9. Turn off any electrical devices

When seated immediately turn off any electrical devices. Do not simply switch to vibrate. Noises and vibrations are very distracting to the actors and can cause disruptions to the performance.

10. All photography is prohibited.

Do not take any photographs with cameras and mobile devices. Similar to noise, flashes are disruptive and distracting to the actors.

11. Read all documents given to you by the theater employees.

Take time to read pamphlets, brochures, or guidebooks given prior to entering the theater in order to know all necessary information regarding the theatre establishment, performers and or any upcoming shows. Keep in mind that someone worked very hard to create these documents. Do not throw them in the garbage or on the floor.

12. Silence when the lights go off.

When lights are closed and the performance begins, all audience members must be seated and all conversations should come to an end. No talking will be permitted during the show. If you're seeing a musical number, please do not sing a loud with the performers.

13. Avoid unnecessary and actions during the show.

Avoid any noise and actions that are distracting and that can throw off the stage performers. Ex: chewing gum, texting, unwrapping candy, usage of mirrors, flashlights, taking photographs, applying make up, etc.

14. Be mindful of intermission times.

Should there be an intermission; respect the times given. This time can be for using the restrooms, making phone calls, smoking, or for taking a breath of fresh air. Once again be seated prior to performance re-commencing and ensure that all electrical devices are turned off. Again late attendees may be denied entry into the theater if they arrive late.

15. When show is over do not leave right away.

When the performance is finished, wait for the performers involved to appear on stage to take their final bow. Give them the well-deserved applause and praise they deserve for all their hard work.

16. Be patient and cautious when exiting the venue.

When exiting the theater wait for your turn. Do not push or shove fellow audience members. Be patient given that a large number of attendees are exiting the theater at the same time. If you have any garbage (candy wrappers, papers etc), wait until you see garbage basket or bin and discard them.

Curtain Call With Vittorio Rossi

2014-11-27T23:38:22Z

Vittorio Rossi is a very important figure in the world of Montreal theatre and to the Italian community. His work has won him awards and recognition as a playwright, actor, screenwriter and director. Some of his best-known plays are A Carpenter's Trilogy, a series that constitutes three parts (Hellfire Pass, Carmela's Table, and The Carpenter), and Paradise by the River. His newest play, The Envelope about the film industry begins in March 2015 at the Centaur Theatre. The show will mark Vittorio's tenth play produced at the Centaur Theatre. I caught up with Vittorio in the warm and welcoming family atmosphere of Da Franco's restaurant in Old Montreal. This restaurant is the inspiration for the setting of The Envelope, and also happens to be and owned by my cousins! Here's what Vittorio had to say about his latest work and his successful career.

]]> GC: Your newest play The Envelope deals with the film industry, is any of the story based on your real life experiences?

VR: Yes absolutely. At the heart of the play is a playwright/director/actor like me who's had a successful career as a playwright but hasn't had his break yet as screenwriter and director. A lot of it is due to the film system and the way it's set up here in this country, which is all based on government funding. Therefore you're forced to be at the mercy of bureaucratic decision-making.

GC: How much control do you have in the process of bringing your work from manuscript to main stage?

VR: As playwright you have a lot of control in terms of the text, story, dialogue, and action. When I'm not directing I don't control the set, costume or lighting designs, but I do have a say in the casting. As a playwright's domain, what an audience sees and experiences in terms of the storytelling, that is all my responsibility.

GC: You've acted in a few of your plays but others you did not. Why do you choose to act in some and remain behind the scenes in others?

VR: When I write a play I'm a playwright, I don't go into it thinking about writing a part for myself. When I first started off my career right out of university I acted in those more out of necessity. I didn't have the contacts yet and wasn't familiar with the theatre community and so I chose to be in them out of necessity. Once I became established professionally and had a company like the Centaur Theatre at my disposal, then I had access to hundreds of actors and actresses and therefore there was no need for me to be in them. Also it's challenging to get an original play off the ground while at the same time doing re-writes (which often happens during rehearsals) and act it in as well. I wouldn't advise someone to do both, unless they happen to be an actor and a writer as I am.

GC: How do those close to you (family or friends) feel when they're being portrayed in your work?

VR: They love it! They enjoy and are intrigued at the fact that I've taken real events and situations and fictionalized them to a degree into my plays. The trilogy A Carpenter's Trilogy is essentially the story of my father and my mother and that's the closest in historical accuracy when it comes to my writings about my family.

GC: Was your family always supportive when you told them you wanted to go into the arts?

VR: My dad was a little skeptical at first since I was a shy character and the idea of me acting and writing didn't make any sense to him. My mother was always supportive. However when I gained success, particularly with my third play The Chain, my first full length play, my father was convinced from that point that I had talent as a playwright and was able to sustain myself professionally.

GC: You've also performed in numerous plays by other talented writers (such as Steve Gallucio's In Piazza San Domenico and The Saint-Leonard Chronicles). Is it different starring in your own plays versus someone else's work?

VR: Absolutely. When I'm acting in my own plays I'm still the playwright so I have the freedom and the power to change a line, or if I see an interpretation that interferes with the essential storytelling of the play I can sit down with the director and say if it's not the direction that the scene should be going. When you're acting in someone else's play you're job as the actor is to do your job as an actor, it's not your job to re-write the line. If the way I'm acting influences the writer or director to change a line it's their prerogative to do so. The main difference is when you're acting in someone else's work you're not there to nurture the text at all. You can bring something up if there's a problem, which I have, like if a line is repetitive or inorganic, but ultimately it's not you're power to make any changes.

GC: Between acting, directing and writing what is your favorite and why?

VR :I definitely love acting and writing. What I love about the writing is that it's totally you're creation, it's like you're creating a child. I've written about a dozen plays and in a way it's as if I've created a dozen little children. They each have their own life and story. There's a certain power that I have with that, I can control what I want to say and how I want to say it. There's a certain gratification with that. As an actor it's pure fun, I just love it. Out of these three jobs the first one that came to my mind as a child was acting. Even when I acted last year on stage, at my age now I still feel like that six-year-old kid trying to imitate a soldier. When it comes to directing I actually prefer directing film than I do stage. Although films are more challenging, I feel more naturally inclined to direct a film rather than a play. In a film you're dealing with shorter segments. For instance; let's say if you're filming a scene in a restaurant, the restaurant is the scene. On stage the director has to think more metaphorically and more poetically. In my play Paradise By the River, where the scenes were often in different settings, we really had to think about how to pull it off. One moment a scene would be in prison then the next would be in someone's backyard, then in an office, you have to figure out how to do this on a stage. Whereas if you were shooting a film you'd have more space and locations. So in that sense my mind works better with the reality of film.

GC: Did you always know you wanted to work in the arts?

VR : Yes. I knew from grade three that I wanted to be an actor.

GC: Who are some of your inspirations?

VR: My playwriting heroes are Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, David Mamet and of course William Shakespeare. Some of my favorite actors include Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, Jack Nicholson, Gary Oldman, and Daniel Day Lewis. But the absolute best in my eyes hands down is Marlon Brando.

GC: You've become a popular figure for the Italian community, what has the response been from the Italian community as well as non-Italians?

VR: The Italians appear to be proud. I still get the feeling that a lot of them feel as if I do this simply as a hobby. They don't realize that this has been my profession for the past 30 years. But they're very supportive and love it when they're culture is portrayed on the stage. As for the general public, I've had great respect from them. I always feel proud when I go somewhere and people recognize me based on my work. It's something that I take a lot of pride in.

GC: Many who want to make it in the entertainment industry or the arts move out of Montreal due to language issues and growing opportunities elsewhere. The recent closing of the comedy works has let a huge dent in comedy. What do you think of the current state of theatre in Montreal?

VR: If you were to remove the Centaur Theater from the picture, in terms of the English language you're basically dealing with very experimental theater groups that I believe struggle greatly with finding and audience. We do have the Segal Center but they don't do anything original. They simply bring in and rework existing works. To me Centaur has always been the epitome of English language theatre in this province. If we to lose the Centaur theater I don't know where else we would go.

GC: What projects are you working on now?

VR: Right now I'm fully focused on The Envelope. I'm completing the fourth draft and finalizing the set design. Once that's done, over the holidays I will be getting back to a screenplay I will be finishing and hoping to get produced.

GC: What is your favorite quote?

VR: "In vino veritas". My father loved this saying. It's Latin; it means that drinking wine brings out the truth.

And cheers to a great interview! Be sure to catch Vittorio's latest play The Envelope, from March 24 to April 19, 2015 at the Centaur Theatre.

Heeere's Massimo!!!

2014-10-30T23:05:46Z

If laughter is the best medicine then Montreal's very own Massimo Cannistraro could be considered a doctor who uses comedy as a form of healing. Born in Laval into an Italian family with two older brothers, Massimo's interest in stand up comedy started at a very young age. He grew up idolizing comedy legends Johnny Carson and Eddie Murphy and hoped to one-day follow in their footsteps. With hard work and dedication, Massimo has brought his talents outside of the city boroughs and onto various comedy platforms. From performing on stage at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival to appearances in blockbuster films, there's no denying his versatility. While he prefers to be referenced on a first name basis like Bono or Drake, his stage presence and high energy certainly make him a recognizable name in the world of comedy.

]]> Prior to stand up comedy Massimo was very passionate about being a painter. While studying as an independent student at Concordia University, his interest shifted from painting to creative writing. It was during this time Massimo made his first attempt at stand up comedy and performed his first open mike at Montreal's well renowned Comedy Works club. He was immediately hooked on the adrenaline rush. He loved being on stage and entertaining a crowd with jokes he had written himself. After this he focused all his energy into making it as a successful comedian. Massimo performed endlessly at colleges, theatres and several open mikes in hopes to jumpstart his career. When asked how he handles rejection in a cutthroat and competitive business, he claims to "deal with rejection well. I know when I don't get a part or a gig its nothing personal, I'm just not what they are looking for".

Massimo's comedic style is long form story telling and usually includes events going on in his life. Except for politics, there's no topic off limits for him to share with the audience. Massimo can take the simplest topics and turn them in into laugh out loud stories, from his mother's cooking (who he refers to as a food wizard) the trials and tribulations of dating, and how "gelato" is merely a fancier way for non-Italians to say "ice cream". Massimo will even take a few jabs at himself often poking fun at his burly appearance and Italian stereotypes, such as how he inherited his Sicilian born father's large amount of body hair at an early age. In an interview with Laval News regarding his seemingly unscripted and spontaneous delivery, he states that he's "always running new material. So for me that's how I always keep it fresh. If it's not a new joke, then I'm adding something new to an already-existing one or making it tighter and better". Massimo's not afraid to be edgy and to deliver some pretty dirty and inappropriate material, even when his sweet Italian mother is in the crowd watching.

Massimo spent his early days on stage at the Comedy Works club, an institution that welcomes local talent as well as international performers. Some of these early performers went on to become household names such as: Ray Romano, Louis CK and Lewis Black. Massimo's continuous appearances at the Comedy Works would eventually get him his own headline acts becoming one of the their most popular local comedians. He has brought his high-octane performances throughout Canada, the U.S and the United Kingdom. Along with touring, he's been featured in several competitions such as Yuk-Yuk's Great Canadian Laugh Off and Stand Up and Bite Me. He's recently been entered as a contestant in the Boston Comedy Festival happening this November. On top of this Massimo's made it three times into the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, a huge honor for comedians everywhere.

Proving that his talent is versatile, he's transitioned from the comedy stage to the theater stage. He played Big Jule in a local production of the hit Broadway show Guys and Dolls, a play that was also a hit film starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. The Gazette called him "a terrific Big Jule, whose enthusiasm for shooting craps knows no limits". His acting didn't end on there, Massimo has appeared in television as well as films, including the blockbuster smash hit X-Men Days of Future Past and Robert Zemeckis' latest film The Walk starring Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Ben Kingsley.

Like many Montreal comedians Massimo moved to Toronto due to the growing opportunities for Anglophone comics. When asked by Cult Montreal about working as a comedian in Toronto versus Montreal he claims that there's " definitely more happening here (Toronto). In Montreal there's a comedy scene, but when it comes to sketch comedy, there's not really that much. Here there are a troupes and nights devoted to sketch. There is that scene in Montreal, but it's more on the French side". The recent closing of the Comedy Works has certainly left a dent in Montreal leaving many wondering about the future of Anglophone comedy here. If more comedic establishments keep closing it's no wonder we keep losing our finest comedians to rival Canadian cities.

Massimo currently resides in Toronto but makes frequent trips to Montreal for both work and family purposes. Having just completed tour with award winning comedian and fellow Montrealer Sugar Sammy, Massimo's career does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. With his growing number of fans and being called "a big loud Italian with a charming soft side" by Hour magazine, seeing one of his performances will make it very clear why Massimo is a major staple in Montreal comedy. Legendary actor/comedian Milton Berle said that "laughter is an instant vacation", proving that the power of comedy and to laugh is a great way to be transported elsewhere, even if it's for a brief moment.

According to Gem: My Life As I Know It So Far

2014-10-02T23:39:16Z

My name is Gemma Cocomello, I am 30 years old and not ashamed of it! I was born and raised in Montreal and have lived my whole life in the Ville Saint-Laurent area. I am the youngest of three and the only daughter. I was my parents' third and final attempt for a girl. My father was born in Italy and my mother in Argentina. Looking back at my life I've learned that everything happens for a reason and what may seem unfair and impossible at that time, has a way of working itself out. Marilyn Monroe once said that things fall apart so better things can come together. Perhaps I'm getting too ahead of myself, how about we start from the beginning.

]]> Growing up I was quite shy, loved to read and didn't have the best social skills. I began to come out of my shell when after I graduated high school thanks to my big Italian family filled with crazy cousins and protective brothers. Most people I've met after the age of 17 don't believe me when I tell them I used to be painfully shy and anti-social. At times I still feel like that shy, awkward girl. I guess deep down inside our insecurities and anxieties never fully leave us.

I was always (and still am) a dreamer and have a wild imagination. I believe this began thanks to my favorite movie The Wizard of Oz. A film that teaches us that it's okay to dream over the rainbow and think a little differently than everyone else. I'm still looking for my very own pair of ruby slippers but I have yet to give up that dreams to come true, we just have to keep believing and never give up. It can be quite difficult to stay positive in a world constantly filled with negativity, and though there have been moments when I've let the negative crush the positive, I quickly snap out of it and let positivity triumph.

One of my passions is watching old movies. I'm just so fascinated by the world of old Hollywood and the talented actors and actresses that lit up the screen. They got famous through hard work, without today's social media and reality television. Some of my favorites include: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Grace Kelly, James Dean, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, and Jimmy Stewart just to name a few. I'm a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock films. He was a talent way ahead of his time and created classic films than no one else could've pulled off. Most times I'd rather watch an old film that I've seen dozens of times over the latest Hollywood film craze.

Another passion of mine is travelling, which I inherited from my father. I travelled several times to Italy with my family when I was younger and began travelling on my own at the age of 21. I got the opportunity to travel frequently thanks to my first job in the tourism industry. I was lucky enough to get the chance to travel to lovely destinations, at times even for free. During my three years at the company I travelled to: Las Vegas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Vancouver, San Francisco, Edmonton, Cuba, Barbados and Chicago. These places were lovely and each had their own scenic beauty and incredible sites, but I was tired of taking the same type of trip and wanted something different. I wanted to travel to more exotic destinations like Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, Middle East, etc.

Someone must have heard my wishes; at the company Christmas party there was a draw for two tickets to Asia and guess whose name was called, mine! And off to Asia I went- China to be exact, with my parents. We got to walk on the Great Wall of China, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and shopped our way through Shanghai. It was a memorable trip that increased my hunger for travel. After that voyage I decided it was time for me to break free (at least temporarily) from the uneventful life I was leading. I was twenty-four years old, single (which at that time felt like the end of the world), not happy with my job and feeling restless. I left my life behind to do something I always wanted to do, working holiday abroad in Australia.

Most people (if not everyone) thought I was crazy to move to the other side of the world where I did not know anyone and away from my comfortable life. But nothing was going to stop me. My first few days in Australia were rough but I quickly bounced back. I met a lot of friends who also left their lives behind and who shared the same passions as I did. Living alone in a foreign country did have its challenges; it wasn't all beach parties and hot surfers. There were times I became extremely homesick and lonely, but in the end I got through it and left with nothing but great memories and an even broader mindset. Hearing other people's travel stories made my travel bucket list grow into more of a novel than a list. During my time abroad I was lucky enough to get the chance to travel throughout most of the Land of Oz, parts of New Zealand, Singapore and Fiji. I also got the chance to spend a month with my father in Dubai, who was living and working there at the time.

When I returned home from Australia I felt very confused about my life. I didn't know what I wanted to do and what direction I was headed in. As much as I missed my home, family and friends, I was feeling restless and had the urge to move abroad again. . I took creative writing classes through Concordia University's continuing education for fun and to pass the time. It was my first time in a classroom in over five years and surprisingly I enjoyed them. I was always an average student and not exactly a fan of school. These courses made me interested in school and I thought- why don't I try to go for my first ever degree.

I decided to return full time to school and pursue a degree in something I was always interested in, English Literature. While registering I discovered the Professional Writing program and figured that the programs would work well together (and they definitely do). It was overwhelming at first and I was worried that I was too old. I'm now proudly completing my last year and couldn't be happier with my decision. I've made new friends, received better grades than I ever had, and feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. My ultimate dream is to become a travel writer because I feel as if it would be wonderful if I can get a job that combines my three main passions in life: reading, writing, and travelling. A girl can dream right! This once again brings me back to watching Dorothy Gale singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

I also dream of completing my travel bucket list, perhaps one day take an around the world trip. Although I've been lucky to travel to many wonderful places such as: Argentina, Italy, Brazil and all over the Caribbean, I still feel as if I have a lot more to see. The world is a beautiful place filled with so many splendors and its just waiting for me to explore it.

Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way that sometimes life has a different plan for us. John Lennon once said "Life is What Happens to You While You're Busy Making Other Plans". He's definitely right about that! I lost my father suddenly from a heart attack in 2012. To say this was traumatic is an understatement; it was a truly horrible experience. Losing my father has made me realize how short and precious life is and that we sometimes take it for granted. When everything around me goes wrong and I feel like life is terrible, I take a moment to be thankful that I still have one. But with losses there are also gains. I am a proud aunt to 3 (and soon to be 4!) beautiful children who I love dearly. Life really does have to continue on and I intend to move forward with my head held high and seeing what's in store for me.

Now that I'm 30, I feel as if I am at a new stage in my life, a sort of new beginning. Thankfully I live in a time where 30 isn't considered too old and my goal for my thirties to be a bigger and better version of my twenties. I still haven't met the "One" but I haven't given up. I simply have to keep kissing a few frogs until one of them turns into my prince charming and not just another court jester. I often need to be reminded that real life is not like the (way too many) movies I watch. Unfortunately in real life if a girl shows up out of nowhere on a guy's doorstep asking him to love her, she will most likely be escorted by the police. But it doesn't hurt to hope and dream.

I often think of one of my favorite films, It's a Wonderful Life, a great movie with important messages. That every person and every action impacts not only our lives but those around us as well. Another is that we don't realize how wonderful our lives are. We all have a purpose in this world, sometimes it just takes us a little longer to realize what it is. As I continue to live out my autobiography, I intend to find out what mine is. Maybe my real story is just beginning. Perhaps life really does begin at 30.