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Ilana Lucas

@ilanalucas.bsky.social

236 followers 69 following 128 posts

Playing a part in the Great Theatre of Life, and trying to dramaturg it, too. English professor. Globe+Mail/BroadwayWorld Toronto/Intermission Magazine critic and current president of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association. Amadeus Choir Soprano.

Posts Replies Media

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#Review: A sparkling young cast buoys slick 'Spring Awakening' at Soulpepper (for @intermissionmag.bsky.social) #theatre #theaTO www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/spri...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: A sparkling young cast buoys slick 'Spring Awakening'

If knowledge is the best defence, the adults in 'Spring Awakening' hand their children suits of armour perforated with thousands of holes.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#Review: Icarus Theatre's WALDEN The Theatre Centre takes off to the stars for an engaging 90 minutes of speculative fiction www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: WALDEN at The Theatre Centre

WALDEN is more successful in its exploration of family dynamics than as a work of speculative fiction. However, Icarus Theatre’s production at The Theatre…

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Review: 'Pre-Existing Condition' at Coal Mine is engaging but contradictory (for @intermissionmag.bsky.social) #theatre #theaTO #review www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/coal...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: 'Pre-Existing Condition' is engaging but contradictory

The play sends the message that we shouldn’t allow domestic violence to define a person while simultaneously staging that definition.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

#review: Saturday, Sunday, Monday at Stratford is a rich drama with flavourful characters #theatre www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...

theglobeandmail.com

Saturday, Sunday, Monday at Stratford is a rich drama with flavourful characters

The three-act, three-hour production is Antoni Cimolino’s last directorial outing as festival’s artistic director

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

#REVIEW: Stratford's 'The Tao of the World' is a sharp satire by Jovanni Sy #Theatre www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/the-...

intermissionmagazine.ca

REVIEW: Stratford’s 'The Tao of the World' is a sharp satire

Stratford’s 'The Tao of the World,' written and directed by Jovanni Sy, reimagines a classic Restoration comedy in post-lockdown Singapore.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Pleased to announce that the Orpheus Choir is remounting Songs My Mother Taught Me, featuring my libretto performed by Ramona Gilmour-Darling (of The Big Comfy Couch, among other things), on October 24th at Runnymede United! #theatre #theaTO #concert #choral orpheuschoirtoronto.com/2026-2027-co...

orpheuschoirtoronto.com

2026-2027 Concert Season - Orpheus Choir of Toronto

Orpheus Choir of Toronto is proud to present our 2026-2027 Concert Season with four unique, inspiring, and provocative concerts.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Review: @stratfest.bsky.social takes on revenge in two compelling productions (I recommend pairing them for full effect) #theatre #shakespeare www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/stra...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Stratford Festival reviews: 'The Tempest' and 'Othello'

The two strong productions, seen as a double bill, make a compelling case against choosing vengeance — 'Othello' is particularly riveting.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Getting to talk to the amazing Fiona Reid about her work with @stratfest.bsky.social was definitely a bucket list item! Lady Bracknell tells all: www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti... #theatre #theater

broadwayworld.com

Interview: Fiona Reid of THE TEMPEST AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Stratford Festival

BroadwayWorld spoke to Reid about infusing audiences with a renewed love of language, creating immersive, magical spaces, and subverting hierarchies while challenging expectations both on stage and be...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

UPDATE: Tonight's show has been cancelled. Thank you to Canadian Stage for making a responsible decision for the actors and audience. #theatre #theaTO

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

I'm worried for the actors and for all of us. This can't be good for anyone. #theatre #theaTO

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

#Review: Sara Farb shines in 'Funny Girl' at the Shaw Festival www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/funn... #theatre #theaTO

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Sara Farb shines in 'Funny Girl' at the Shaw Festival

One theme of 'Funny Girl' is acceptance of the self despite its flaws. The musical, too, is full of flaws, but compelling all the same.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

New review up at The Globe and Mail for Mirvish's The Outsiders, a sensory ride of a show based on S.E. Hinton's classic novel. #theatre #theaTO www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...

theglobeandmail.com

The Outsiders takes you on one heck of a ride

Creative staging makes magic with an exuberant cast, though the lyrics by Jamestown Revival could use more variation

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

#Review: Stratford Festival's 'Death of a Salesman' is stark and melancholy @intermissionmag.bsky.social #theatre www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/deat...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Stratford’s 'Death of a Salesman' is stark and melancholy

The relatively straightforward production is aesthetically austere, but strong central performances of the family at its core keep it human.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Review: Yiddish 'Fiddler' bursts with both elation and pain @intermissionmag.bsky.social #theatre #theaTO www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/fidd...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Yiddish 'Fiddler' bursts with both elation and pain

In this 'Fiddler on the Roof,' the word “Torah” in Hebrew dominates centre stage, constantly illuminated and glowing like an eternal flame.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

It was lovely to be interviewed by Jeff at the CBC for this article. #theatre www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...

ANALYSIS | More celebrities on Broadway. Is theatre changing? | CBC News

As it becomes more common to see celebrities involved in Broadway, there are both pros and cons about this phenomenon, ultimately shedding light into the financial barriers within the industry along w...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Review: The Division @crowstheatre.bsky.social confronts the impossibility of knowing the past #theatre #theaTO www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/the-...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: The Division confronts the impossibility of knowing the past

Playing at Crow’s Theatre, 'The Division' examines inherited guilt and the relentlessness of eye-for-an-eye justice.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Review: STRIFE at Tarragon Theatre from Punctuate! is a gorgeously complex and healing antidote to today's age of anger. A must see. #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: STRIFE at Tarragon Theatre

Anyone who’s spent ten minutes online in the past decade knows that we live in an age of anger and polarization when it comes to the issues and identities we hold dear. Stories abound about families w...

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Review: THE MOORS from Riot King at The Theatre Centre is Gothic Gone Wild (in a delightful way) #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: THE MOORS at The Theatre Centre

In Jen Silverman’s The Moors, the slightly deranged love child of the Brontës, Waiting For Godot, and Six, Emilie the governess (Blessing Adedijo) arrives at a manor amidst the titular plains to find ...

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

Toronto Fringe @toronto-fringe.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

We stand with our 2STNBGD community today and every day 🏳️‍⚧️

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Thank you, @mirvish.bsky.social CYRANO, for providing me the opportunity to write the line, "A man with the body of a Greek god and the brain of a Greek yogurt" #theatre #theaTO

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Review: CYRANO at @mirvish.bsky.social CAA Theatre takes a chance on radical optimism #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: CYRANO at CAA Theatre

When it comes to adaptations of French playwright Edmond Rostand’s romantic tragedy Cyrano de Bergerac, you can take your pick of the nose.

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

Playwrights Canada Press @playcanpress.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

From March 27–29, enjoy 40% OFF all products on our website! Learn more about our World Theatre Day Open House and Free Book Giveaway on March 27: www.playwrightscanada.com/Blog/2026/Wo...

playwrightscanada.com

World Theatre Day Sale & Open House

Playwrights Canada Press. Canada's foremost publisher of theatre books.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Review: Tarragon’s 'Queen Maeve' packs an emotional wallop #theatre #theaTO www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/quee...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Tarragon’s 'Queen Maeve' packs an emotional wallop

Coulter manages to appear one moment as if she’d blow away in a faint breeze, another as though she’d cleave you in twain with a broadsword.

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

J. Kelly Nestruck @nestruck.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Here's @ilanalucas.bsky.social's review of Shucked. www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...

theglobeandmail.com

Shucked is a cornucopia of dad-jokes and relentless puns

Whether you enjoy the humour of the Tony-nominated musical is a matter of taste rather than execution

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Review: THE NEIGHBOURS at Tarragon Theatre from Green Light Arts is a tense exploration of complicity #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: THE NEIGHBOURS at Tarragon Theatre

What did our critic think of THE NEIGHBOURS at Tarragon Theatre?

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Bad Dog Theatre's PEOPLE OF THE CITY pairs true stories with wild improv #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: PEOPLE OF THE CITY at Factory Theatre

Bad Dog Theatre’s new improv show at Factory Theatre revolves around a storyteller who shares three short stories from their lives about what it means to be a person in Toronto. After each tale, the t...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Review: Ronnie Burkett's hilarious LITTLE WILLY at Canadian Stage is a love letter to backstage chaos, with plenty of chaos of its own on offer #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: LITTLE WILLY at Canadian Stage

Master puppeteer Ronnie Burkett brings the beautiful handcrafted marionettes of the Daisy Theatre to Canadian Stage’s Berkeley St. location for a run of LITTLE WILLY, an anarchic riff off Shakespeare’...

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Review: LOVE YOU FOREVER AND MORE MUNSCH at Young People's Theatre is a charming show full of fun for kids--and some emotion for the adults in their lives. #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: LOVE YOU FOREVER AND MORE MUNSCH at Young People's Theatre

I grew up with Robert Munsch stories. If you grew up in Canada, it’s likely you did, too—or you’ve read them to your children, or grandchildren.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Do I have a bestselling play? No. But do I have a blurb on the back of a bestselling play? Apparently. Congrats to Yaga (a play, not a screenplay)! #theatre #theaTO

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

I have rarely laughed harder in a #theatre than during one picture-perfect scene in Coal Mine's production of EUREKA DAY. Worth a watch. #theaTO #review www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: EUREKA DAY at Coal Mine Theatre

Many of us have, at some point in our lives, operated on the basic assumptions that our chosen communities, particularly those aligned by basic ideology, had our best interests at heart and would look...

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Pleased to share: My review of Red Like Fruit for the Globe and my piece on gender inequity in theatre washrooms for the Star are runners-up in the 2025 Nathan Cohen Awards for Outstanding Review and Outstanding Critical Essay, respectively (judge Natasha Tripney) www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Review: YOU, ALWAYS at Canadian Stage is a beautiful, kaleidoscopic look at a sisterly bond www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti... #theatre #theaTO

broadwayworld.com

Review: YOU, ALWAYS at Canadian Stage

Erin Shields’ beautiful YOU, ALWAYS, directed by Andrea Donaldson at Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Street Theatre, is a kaleidoscopic, fragmented look at all moments of a sibling relationship, from childh...

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

Steve Fisher, BFA, CD (he/him) @gracingthestage.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

#BZ to @aislingmurph.bsky.social , who's won both Outstanding Review & Outstanding Critical Essay for this year's Nathan Cohen Awards! Also to Emerging Critic winner J.D.Angubua; runners up @ilanalucas.bsky.social , @emmapaling.bsky.social & R.Grant-Moran, L.Ossip, & H.Hoosaney. Deets here: #TheaTO

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Review (for @intermissionmag.bsky.social): 'Summer and Smoke' warms up @crowstheatre.bsky.social (and I'm going to Theatre Hell for mentioning Tennessee Williams and Grease in the same paragraph) www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/summ...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: 'Summer and Smoke' warms up Crow’s Theatre

I wondered if this ambitious and heartfelt production of a Tennessee Williams deep cut could have sparked just a little bit hotter.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Didn't write the headline/that last claim but had a genuine good time at the silly-with-a-little-depth Some Like It Hot. Review up at the Globe: www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/arti... #theatre #theaTO

theglobeandmail.com

Some Like It Hot is fun, airy and just as memorable as its Hollywood version

The touring production adds depth to characters, ups the stakes and re-shifts the romance

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Loved doing this interview with #theatre powerhouse Anusree Roy--and honoured to be the first to know that Through the Eyes of God isn't just a sequel to Dora-winning Pyaasa, but the second instalment of an upcoming trilogy! #theato www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Interview: Anusree Roy of THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD at Theatre Passe Muraille

BroadwayWorld spoke to Roy about the play’s history, her fascination with writing complex women, and the possibility of a future instalment to make Chaya’s story a trilogy.

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

J. Kelly Nestruck @nestruck.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I understand Americans are upset about the Washington Post - but their new smaller newsroom will have about the same number of editorial as all of Postmedia's 130 print and digital news titles combination. Canadians slept through this consolidation, foreign ownership, gutting.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Review: @shakesbashd.bsky.social brings focus to Troilus and Cressida #theatre #theaTO @intermissionmag.bsky.social www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/troi...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Shakespeare BASH’d brings focus to Troilus and Cressida

This spare, thoughtful staging prioritizes a clarity of text that comes through even when the script’s overall trajectory is less than clear.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Review: MISCHIEF at Tarragon Theatre (co-pro with Native Earth and Neptune Theatre) crackles with righteous rage, snappy dialogue, and stellar design #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: MISCHIEF at Tarragon Theatre

The fish leads a more exciting life when it jumps out of the water to visit mischief on the birds. That’s what Emily (Nicole Joy-Fraser), a 288-year-old spirit, tells Brooke (Lisa Nasson), a young Mi’...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Review: Talk Is Free Theatre’s 'Company' is valiant but imperfect #theaTO #theatre www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/tift...

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Talk Is Free Theatre’s 'Company' is valiant but imperfect

Playing at The Theatre Centre, this 'Company' is an entertaining staging that, like its central character, is still waiting to connect.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Interview: Aidan DeSalaiz of Talk is Free Theatre's COMPANY at The Theatre Centre #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Interview: Aidan DeSalaiz of COMPANY at The Theatre Centre

BroadwayWorld spoke to actor Aidan deSalaiz, who plays Bobby in the immersive production, about the show’s contemporary relevance, its fascinating and revealing contradictions, and the joys of connect...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

So much to applaud in my annual Top Toronto Theatre roundup! @crowstheatre.bsky.social @shakesbashd.bsky.social @toronto-fringe.bsky.social @thehowlandcompany.bsky.social @mirvish.bsky.social @studio180theatre.bsky.social @outsidethemarch.bsky.social and more! www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Feature: Ilana Lucas Picks the Top Toronto Theatre 2025

In a world where AI increasingly tries to consume and simulate real human experiences, theatre sometimes feels like one of the last gasps of being in a room together. When we watch a show with others,...

Reposted by Ilana Lucas

J. Kelly Nestruck @nestruck.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Can’t wait to see Rogers v Rogers later this week. www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag...

theglobeandmail.com

Rogers v. Rogers is v good

The one-man nature of the show calls attention to how much destruction gets caused by a family fighting itself

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Latest for @theglobeandmail.com -- Rogers v. Rogers @crowstheatre.bsky.social is v. good www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stag... #theatre #theaTO

theglobeandmail.com

Rogers v. Rogers is v good

The one-man nature of the show calls attention to how much destruction gets caused by a family fighting itself

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

@intermissionmag.bsky.social #Review: Bad Hats' 'Narnia' is a joyful, heartwarming escape at Soulpepper www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/bad-... #theatre #theaTO

intermissionmagazine.ca

Review: Bad Hats’ 'Narnia' is a joyful, heartwarming escape

The spirit of openness and the joy of discovery rule over this 'Narnia' at Soulpepper in the Distillery District. Open the wardrobe and see.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Review: Predictable Holiday Rom-Com at The Second City vs. The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical at The Royal show what makes a parody work (and what doesn't) #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: PREDICTABLE HOLIDAY ROM-COM/THE UNAUTHORIZED HALLMARK(ISH) PARODY MUSICAL at Second City/The Royal

Within a week, Toronto audiences had the opportunity to see two musicals which parody that scourge of November to January television, the Hallmark Christmas Movie.

Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Review: Drift in tandem with THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON at Canadian Stage #theatre #theaTO www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON at Canadian Stage

“Since we surveyed, mapped, explored, and planted a flag,” writes Robert Lepage in his director’s note to THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON, “our interest in the moon seems to have greatly diminished.” Lepage,...

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Review: SPOTLIGHT at The Second City #comedy www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti...

broadwayworld.com

Review: SPOTLIGHT AT THE SECOND CITY at Second City

What did our critic think of SPOTLIGHT AT THE SECOND CITY at Second City? For its October Spotlight series, the featured acts were $20 Sandwich and Sarah Bennett.

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Review: TICK...TICK...BOOM! at Alumnae Theatre www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/arti... #theatre #theaTO

broadwayworld.com

Review: TICK...TICK...BOOM! at Alumnae Theatre

What did our critic think of TICK...TICK...BOOM! at Alumnae Theatre?

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Ilana Lucas @ilanalucas.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

'The Comeuppance' unpacks high-school reunions with precision at Soulpepper www.intermissionmagazine.ca/reviews/the-... #theatre #theaTO

intermissionmagazine.ca

'The Comeuppance' unpacks high-school reunions with precision

Macabre and drama-filled yet surprisingly gentle, 'The Comeuppance' will probably be most compelling to the around-40 crowd.

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