Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, ON (May 29, 2013) – SkyDome, May 29, 1990. Exactly 23 years ago today, Madonna calls Toronto “the fascist state” in her iconic doc Truth or Dare. Now turning the spotlight on Ms. Ciccone herself, TRUTH/DARE: A Satire (with Dance), created by Salvatore Antonio and Adamo Ruggiero, takes over Tallulah’s Cabaret at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre for two special performances during Pride week: Wednesday June 26 & Thursday 27, 2013 at 8pm. Join a motley crew of performers as they breathe life and laughter into the transcript of the 1991 documentary that followed the Material Girl on her Blond Ambition Tour.
TRUTH/DARE is a live staged reading performed by a cast of notable Toronto artists and aficionados, combining memorable text from the film, original video, choreographed dance and the infectious music from the Blond Ambition tour. Much like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the spirit of TRUTH/DARE is one where the audience is invited to dress up in their finest early ‘90s street wear, echo their favourite lines, and join the cast in dancing to the music of the era. The Queen of Pop demands: ‘Dance, sing, get up and do your thing!’
After a successful public workshop of TRUTH/DARE at the experimental art space Videofag in December 2012, Antonio and Ruggiero have further developed the project specifically for Buddies’ Pride Week festival. Joining Salvatore and Adamo on stage is an exciting cast of both emerging and established talent from various artistic backgrounds including: Gavin Crawford, Sharron Matthews, Damien Atkins, Keith Cole, Terrence Bryant, Sebastien Heins, with dancer-choreographer Paul Charbonneau and dancer Roney Lewis, plus a few surprise cameo appearances along the way. As a part of the show, there will also be a screening of an original Truth/Dare short film; cinematography by Sam Pryse-Phillips.
More than an uproarious, sweaty night on the dancefloor, TRUTH/DARE sheds light on the many layers of fame, ego, and the power of fandom. Revealing not only the icon, but the woman behind the icon, and the many behind her. It is a night that gives us permission to laugh at the glorious pretensions of her celebrity, and at ourselves for being still enamoured by it - even moved by it – over twenty years later.
Buddies in Bad Times artistic director Brendan Healy offers: "It is such a pleasure to welcome TRUTH/DARE at Buddies for Pride. Like many people from my generation, the movie Truth or Dare was seminal in my gay education - for better AND for worse. To watch a group of talented artists reclaim, reconstruct, revile and rejoice in everything that this represents is borderline therapeutic. And hilarious.”
Madonna’s 1991 documentary Truth or Dare redefined the concert film experience. Following the Queen of Pop on her Blond Ambition tour, the film offers an intimate glimpse into the court of Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. The film juxtaposed black and white behind-the-scenes footage with the vivid colours of Madonna’s stage show, exposing the woman behind the cone bra and the motley crew she keeps. Truth or Dare screened at the Cannes Film Festival and was the highest grossing documentary of all time when it was released. The film also has local Toronto significance for its memorable scene from Madonna’s concert at the recently-opened Skydome, depicting her showdown with Toronto Police over artistic freedom.
TRUTH/DARE is proudly partnered with the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to PWA, the largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada.
Salvatore Antonio - creator/performer/producer
Salvatore is an actor, writer, and director. His play In Gabriel’s Kitchen had its world-premiere at Buddies in Bad Times and was named a Finalist for the Governor General’s Award. He wrote and directed his play THE SHEETS, THE... last year at Harbourfront Centre as a part of HATCH. He currently plays Victor Reis on the hit CTV series Saving Hope.
Adamo Ruggiero - creator/performer/producer
Adamo is an actor, host and producer. He has played lead roles in television, film and theatre, hosted on various networks as well as written and produced original projects. Best known for his long-running role as Marco on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Ruggiero has gone on to become an openly gay advocate and community leader for LGBT youth issues. He has received both Gemini and Canadian Screen Award nominations for hosting YTV’s The Next Star.
Chris Reynolds - producer
Chris is an artistic associate at Harbourfront Centre, his work as a producer has taken him to the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Chris was also the co-founder and artistic director of Crate Productions, a Dora Award-nominated site-specific theatre company based in Toronto.
Performance details and box office info:
TRUTH/DARE
Created by Salvatore Antonio and Adamo Ruggiero
Presented as part of Queer Pride 2013 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4
Wednesday June 26 & Thursday 27, 2013
Doors open at 7:30pm, performance begins at 8:00pm
Tickets $15 advance / $20 door
Box office: 416-975-8555 or buddiesinbadtimes.com
TRUTH/DARE encourages the audience to stand and move about during the performance, and therefore does not have traditional theatre seating. If you or a member of your party will require special assistance due to mobility issues, please contact the box office at 416-975-8555.
There will be a TRUTH/DARE After Party in the space starting immediately following the performance (10pm) featuring DJ Konstantine Kurelias. Admission to the After Party is $7 or free with a ticket to the 8:00pm performance.
2013-05-29
Toronto: Experience the ultimate game “Truth/Dare” this Pride June 26-27 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre