"Carousel"

Last night I went to the Avon Theatre in Stratford, to see and hear 'Rogers and Hammerstein's masterpiece, (one of many of their masterpieces ) “Carousel”.

The show opened in April of 1945, just weeks before the end of the European Theatre of WWII

and it is loosely based on the Hungarian Playright Ference Molnar's “Liliom”.

“Carousel” is a complicated Musical on many levels but the music as well as the lyrics are so moving and heart rending as it champions unconditional love, that one easily accepts the fantasy filled ending.

And now I will say something, which will, I am certain, bring either howls of protest, or condescending smiles: “Carousel” is the fines piece of musical entertainment I have ever seen, and I include all the Operas I have attended.

Unfortunately, photography was “strictly forbidden” and the lighting conditions were not conducive to the taking of non-flash, clandestine images. So you have to be satisfied with what can be seen below.:

Segment of the interior  of the Avon Theatre .

The "Carousel" where Billy, the hero of this play works.

Rather than be captured and imprisoned, Billy commits suicide.

A messenger from Heaven,  riding a Carousel Horse, gives Billy a second chance to do the right thing.

A bitter-sweet ending to a marvellous production.

Tonight it will be "Hamlet" in the Festival Theatre.

Bertstravel

looks forward to this production.

  

Today and Tomorrow

I'm off today to Stratford (Ont) to see 'Carousel' and tomorrow 'Hamlet' is on the Agenda.
Then back to Toronto, where I shall visit the 'Canadian National Exhibition', for short: The EX...
The Ex is the largest annual show in Canada, founded in 1879. (compared to 'Bleiburgs Wiesenfest' it's just a youngster). 
It does attract many visitors. During the 18 day run in 2014 it counted 1,430,000 visitors, and more are expected for 2015.
Countries from A (Austria) to Z ( Zimbabwe) exhibit their wares and accomplishments.
It truly is a self renewing spectacle.

Bertstravels 
shall not miss it and will report in word and pictures

More downtown Toronto

The GO train.

These two stories, green train wagons are commuter trains

operated by the Government of Ontario.

the CN Tower sticks his head into almost every picture.

Close to Lake Ontario, Sea Gulls are everywhere

The CN Tower... headless...

Dancers from Togo

Down at Toronto's Harbour Front, where the entertainment never stops, a group of dancers gathered prior to their performance on stage. They were, so they told me, from Togo and their costumes were genuine local celebratory dresses. Given Toronto's multi-cultural character, they could also be Toronto girls, belonging to a dancing group. It really does not matter: They are good looking women and great costumes.
So here they are: The dancers from Togo.!

St. Lawrence Market

Right in Downtown, actually "Lowertown" Toronto you will find the St. Lawrence Market.
If you are keen on cooking and/or eating, this is the place for you.
If you are on a self imposed diet, I recommend that you stay away from this place, as far as you can.

Ohne Worte

Without Words

Senza Paroli

People:

Lianne and Jason

Steven

Steven and Janet

Janet and Howard

Lake Simcoe Fun

Drove to Jackson"s Point on the South shore of Lake Simcoe.
Wanted to get some swimming in.
Unfortunately I was not the only one with this brilliant idea. There were thousands of them.
What a wonderful day.
34 degrees, but with the "humidity factor" it felt like 39. 
I'm telling you: That"s plenty hot.

Just a very small section of "South Beach"

You lose your desire for a swim in a hurry.

The boats, anchored close together,

form a safe-zone for the kids

A flock of "Canada Geese" join the party