Shangri-La Toronto has curated luxurious experiences designed around TIFF and inspired by this year’s highlight movies to ensure festival goers and guests receive the very best hospitality throughout the month of September. Launching a variety of exciting film-inspired offerings such as a specialty TIFF Afternoon Tea, Signature TIFF Inspired Cocktails, guest amenities, and endless Instagram-worthy moments in the hotel lobby, Shangri-La’s renowned hospitality is combined with the glitz and glamour of the film festival across the hotel.

TIFF Afternoon Tea: September 5-29

Shangri-La Toronto’s beloved Afternoon Tea will showcase a film-inspired menu crafted by Chef de Cuisine Troy Cabarios and Pastry Chef Steven Tran. The exclusive menu features a gourmet twist on iconic favourite movie snacks like popcorn, pizzas, and ice-cream sundaes. The menu includes highlights such as:

Screen-worthy savories:

• Tuna Taco: Saku tuna is elegantly paired with a crispy corn tortilla, pico de gallo, avocado gel, and cilantro, delivering a fresh and vibrant flavour reminiscent of coastal scenes.
• Popcorn Tart: A gourmet twist on a classic movie snack, featuring sous vide scallop, truffle and corn foam, chili lime gel, and puffed sorghum, this dish is a true showstopper.
• Corn Dog: Elevating a beloved fairground favourite, our house-made Frank is encased in a panko batter, served with sweet mustard and tomato jam for a perfect balance of flavours.
• Mini Pizza: A sophisticated take on a timeless classic, topped with puttanesca sauce, olive tapenade, buffalo mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano crisp, and basil, this dish is as satisfying as it is cinematic.

Edge of your seat sweets:

• Peach Gummy: A delightful treat featuring peach candy jelly, white peach compote, and Sablé Breton, this dessert offers a burst of fruity sweetness with a sophisticated twist.
• Popcorn: A playful nod to the quintessential movie snack, reimagined with caramel popcorn, palmier, and freeze-dried corn, this dish is a true indulgence for the senses.
• Cookies and Cream: A rich combination of mint cream, brownie, and dark chocolate ganache, delivering a decadent dessert that is both familiar and innovative.
• Sundae: A nostalgic favourite made with chocolate cream, strawberry compote, and buttermilk cake, offering layers of flavour in every bite.
• Donut: This cinnamon financier, paired with plum jam and cereal crunch, brings together comforting flavours in a delightfully playful twist.

This limited-time menu is available from September 5 to 29, 2024 providing the perfect backdrop for post-screening discussions or pre-show indulgences. Priced at $108 per person excluding taxes and gratuity, this experience includes a selection of scones, teas, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a signature mocktail. Available from Thursdays to Sundays, first seating is at noon and the last seating is at 4 p.m.

Signature TIFF-Inspired Cocktails: September 1 to 30

Shangri-La Toronto’s talented mixology team have created a range of TIFF inspired cocktails based on their favourite films this year. Award-worthy flavours bring to life unique creations priced from $35 CAD excluding taxes and gratuity, and include highlights such as:

• Glitz and Glamour: Inspired by the illustrious stage presence of Sir Elton John, this cocktail combines Don Julio Blanco, Campari, Chambord, Lemongrass, Lemon, and a touch of Gold Infusion. With a fierce and tangy profile, it’s a dazzling tribute to the glitter and glam of showbiz.
• The Wild Robot: A captivating blend of Rémy Martin XO, House Tonka Bean Liqueur, Orange & Chocolate Bitters, and Roasted Coffee Beans. This cocktail weaves together earthy and luxurious notes, reflecting the grand spectacle that is “The Wild Robot.”
• Green Dragon: Smooth and exotic, this Johnnie Walker Black-based cocktail with Green Apple, Cinnamon, Pineapple, and Coconut Clarification, mirrors the simple pleasures behind Sir Elton John’s stage persona, offering a taste of brilliance.
• K-9: Delicate yet strong, this cocktail features Belvedere, Grand Marnier, Cherry Brandy, and Pomegranate, with hidden herbal and spicy notes, representing the loyal and complex nature of a true canine companion.
• Seoul Dynasty: A cultural fusion in a glass, combining House-made Tepache, Kobosu, Plum Soju, and Fen Chew Fortified Soju. This cocktail represents historical compromise and unity, offering a balanced, sweet, and herbaceous experience.
• Last Call: A nod to the ever-changing art of filmmaking, this cocktail blends Charred Pineapple Casamigos Mezcal, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Fernet Branca, and Cinnamon Syrup. It’s a celebration of adaptation and creativity, much like the film editing process.

To learn more please visit the Shangri-La Toronto’s website here. To book your experience please call (1 647) 788 8281 or email at dineto@shangri-la.com.

Discover Shangri-La Toronto 

Located in the heart of the city, Shangri-La Toronto is an elegant sanctuary, nestled between the bustling business and entertainment districts. With not on all the excitement of TIFF, but also the city’s best shopping, sports, live theatre, and cultural venues just a stroll away, guests can enjoy unparalleled access to Toronto’s vibrant offerings. Be sure to stop by and indulge in culinary delights at the Lobby Lounge, known as Toronto’s urban living room, where guests can savor seasonally inspired Afternoon Tea, innovative cocktails, a curated collection of wines and spirits, and daily live music. Meanwhile, bosk, the hotel’s signature restaurant, presents a refined symphony of Northern Italian flavours, rooted in nature, and crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. From express lunches to elevated dinners and late-night cocktails, bosk offers diverse dining options to suit every palate.

The post Shangri-La Toronto rolls out the Red Carpet for TIFF 24, hosting the Opening Night Party along with Exclusive Experiences appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Pride Radio Canada has partnered with Pride World Media and Pride Radio UK, and CEO Peter Darrant stated,“In the North East of England, Pride Radio can now listen to by over one million people  on their home, office radios and in their cars. Through various online platforms, we have 137 countries tune in to the network with listeners in 37 of the 73 countries where it’s illegal to be LGBTQ+. Of the 13 countries where being LGBTQ+ is punishable  by death, seven tunes in. When Jason talked to us about Canada, we saw a strong partnership understanding the importance of sharing our stations and expanding our brand, because we are for the community, by the community.”

“We recognized a gap in music stations around Canada, playing Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ and marginalized artists, so we stepped up to the plate to fill the gap. The station is currently playing music from all over Canada, like Quanah Styles from Vancouver who is a two-spirited trans artist, Jada Shada Hudson from Toronto who was on Canada’s Drag Race, or Danny Dymond also from Toronto, and so many more. 

“While other stations are missing out by not playing current relevant Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ and marginalized artists, we jump at the chance to do this and our community deserves it. We play artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Elton John too, because we know what our community wants because we are the community.” said Jason Maclennan, Communications Director, North Bay Pride.

Listen here and download the app.

The post Pride Radio Canada plays LGBTQ+ artists from Canada and beyond appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

With the help of Ulta-Lit, millions of light sets that would have otherwise gone in the trash are still being used for Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and more. The #1 cause of light set failure is a shunt issue. Ulta-Lit Tree Company makes a gadget – the LightKeeper Pro – that identifies a shunt issue and quickly fixes it.

How LightKeeper Pro Works

Defective Bulb shunts cause most light set failures. Simply plug your LightKeeper Pro into the light set and pull the trigger. The LightKeeper Pro sends a pulse through the light set, finds the bad bulb, and fixes the shunt—allowing the light set to work properly.

How LED Keeper Works

The LED Keeper uses insulation piercing to connect to the copper within the light set wires and illuminate functioning sections by creating mini-circuits. Success will be achieved through the process of elimination.

“What really makes us proud is to know we have helped so many families across the country to keep their holidays bright,” says John DeCosmo, President and Founder of Ulta-Lit. “With our tools, we’ve prevented holiday season frustration, saved consumers money, and helped the environment by reducing waste.”

Whether you work with LED or incandescent lights, you decorate your own home or are professional decorator, or  you use your lights for the holidays or year-round, these light set repair tools are a must-have. Ulta-Lit tools are currently sold in over 10,000 stores across North America.

The company encourages consumers to contact them directly with any questions, by calling 888-ULTA-LIT (888-858-2548) or emailing inform@ultalit.com.

The post LED Keeper and Light Keeper Pro – easily repair burnt out holiday lights, instead of replacing appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

This dazzling musical follows the compelling and inspirational true story of Marc Hall as he navigates the Catholic school system to fight for his right to take his boyfriend to prom. With colourful pop-inspired songs and heart-warming unity, you won’t want to miss this electric love story at Theatre Calgary. Seventeen years later, the meaning and message of Marc’s story is just as important today, as it motivates and inspires people to embrace equality and stand up for who they are. It is a story about speaking up for what you believe, standing up for someone you care about, and making change.

The show features Evan Kinnane in the role of Marc Hall. He’s also appeared in, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Ragtime, Gypsy, Singin’ in the Rain, and A Chorus Line. The Louder We Get also features Canada’s Lee MacDougall (Come From Away, Broadway) and Thom Allison (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Broadway).

Marc Hall recalls his first meeting with Kinnane. “Shorty after Evan was cast, I received a surprise phone call from him. As you can imagine, it’s a bit surreal to speak with someone who is going to play you in a musical, “ says Hall. “I’m excited to share my story with him, I think he will be amazing at bringing it all to life, and sharing the message and meaning of the show.”

The Louder We Get is directed by Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard – revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Master Harold and the Boys, Broadway; Scotland, PA, Off-Broadway), along with Co-Director Matt Cowart (Sunset Boulevard – revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, 110 in the Shade, Broadway). “I am so delighted to be coming to Calgary to work with my old friend Stafford Arima on this exciting new Canadian musical,” says Price. “Kent, Akiva and Colleen have written an invigorating show about empowerment— about young people standing up and fighting for what they believe in. There’s a lot we can learn from the young people of today, and we need to.”

The cast of The Louder We Get also includes Calgary and Canadian talent returning to Theatre Calgary including Rielle Braid (Much Ado About Nothing), Kevin Corey (Billy Elliot the Musical), Naomi Costain (The Drowsy Chaperone), Deann DeGruijter (The Drowsy Chaperone), Alexa Elser (As You Like It), Fionn Laird (Billy Elliot the Musical), Ryan Maschke (Billy Elliot the Musical), Katie McMillan (Mary & Max – A New Musical), Glen Mills (Billy Elliot the Musical), Joel Schaefer (Billy Elliot the Musical), and Scott Olynek (Billy Elliot the Musical).

The play is based on the book by Alberta-born playwright Kent Staines, and lyrics and music by former Calgarians Akiva Romer-Segal and Colleen Dauncey.

The Louder We Get runs at Theatre Calgary from January 28 – February 22, 2020

Tickets are on sale now.

Theatre Calgary – 220 9th Ave SE Calgary, AB Canada, T2G 5C4, Box Office403-294-7447

Online Tickets

$35 and Under, PWYC, and other promotional offers here.

About Theatre Calgary

Founded on July 1, 1968 Theatre Calgary is Calgary’s first and largest professional theatrical company. Our mission is to stimulate, provoke, and delight through ambitious programming created to ignite local, national, and international engagement. We are a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, and operate within the jurisdiction of the Canadian Theatre Agreement. For more information, visit us at theatrecalgary.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The post “The Louder We Get” – the Marc Hall story, onstage until Feb 22, 2020 (Calgary) appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

La Fête Arc-en-Ciel has been around for a few years and is a delicious grassroots community event that is a much smaller version of Montreal Pride and Toronto Pride, with parties, entertainment, drag queens, a VIP lounge and a plethora of rainbows! Taking place over Labour Day weekend, it’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and escape to one of Canada’s oldest and quaintest cities.

I travelled with my partner, as I have done many times to Québec, so we were on familiar turf. After checking into the official hotel, the Delta Hotels by Marriott, I registered with the organizers in the main hub where I received a warm welcome and a kiss on each cheek from Executive Director, Julie Dubois. The main square at Place d’Youville, along with the iconic fortification wall in the background, was the site of all major events for the public. I went every day and was entertained by many DJs, Drag Queens, burlesque performers, and a few live performances that filled the Square with tourists and residents that were representing all parts of the rainbow and all the allies. The atmosphere was festive, and most importantly, accepting to our diverse community. We met many new friends as we sipped on our cocktails and danced in the VIP area and in the Square. It was fabulous!

But, it wasn’t just about parties. Luckily I speak French fluently so I was able to attend a couple of seminars where we met and heard from prominent LGBTQ+ members of the Québec City community as they discussed various issues. I was also very proud to march down la Rue St. Jean on Sunday morning in solidarity with 300 of my sisters, brothers and non-binary siblings. Despite the rain, we chanted, drummed and smiled. It was beautiful!

As for the city of Québec, all the local bars and restaurants were on board. Le Drague Cabaret Club, known for excellent drag performances and a great dance floor in the basement, was very busy with special events throughout the weekend. During Pride, they closed off the street out front where they held special events every day – including an outdoor foam party that was quite popular and bubbly. Le bar St-Matthew’s was also in full action as the bears came out in full force. It was leather, denim and hairy chests everywhere you looked… WOOF!

I was fortunate to spend a little time with Julie before I departed and she was thrilled with the festival. She rejoiced that it was well attended, and most importantly it was attended by an incredible wide array of diversity. She was ecstatic with the residents and tourists of Québec that joined the party.

Overall, we had a fabulous time. We partied. We made some new friends. We ate some amazing food. We visited a few sites. We even found some time to shop. We celebrated our LGBTQ+ community in Québec City.

I just might have to make this a yearly event. Totally worth it!

Bonne Fierté! Happy Pride!

The post La Ville de Québec: Full of History and Gay Pride appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Cyndi Lauper will be joined on stage this year by Aloe Blacc, Ballets with a Twist, Big Thief, Billy Corgan, Grace VanderWaal, Judy Gold, Kate Bornstein, Maya Jupiter, Oxymorrons, Sara Ramirez, Sharon Van Etten, Theresa Caputo, Tyler Glenn, and host Carson Kressley. Additional guests will be announced soon.

“For the sixth year, ‘Home for the Holidays’ will bring together an incredible group of performers to support the True Colors Fund’s work to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth,” said Lauper, the organization’s co-founder. “Our voices are stronger when we say something together. I’m so grateful to the artists, who are donating their time and talent to bring attention to this very important cause.”

In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Yet, less than seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, the True Colors Fund works nationally to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Through a broad continuum of public engagement, public policy, youth collaboration, research, and community organizing programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which young people can be their true selves.

Some highlights of the True Colors Fund’s work this year include:

• Hosting the second annual #40toNoneDay, a national day to raise awareness about LGBT youth homelessness, which reached over 98 million people online.
• Partnering with The White House to conduct a Policy Briefing on Youth Homelessness to help prioritize the needs of youth experiencing homelessness within the Federal Government.
• Launching the National Youth Forum on Homelessness, a youth-led project focused on ending youth homelessness in America, in partnership with the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
• Releasing At the Intersections, the most comprehensive resource on LGBT youth homelessness, in partnership with the National LGBTQ Task Force.
• Holding the third annual sold out 40 to None Summit, the only national annual gathering focused on innovative solutions to end LGBT youth homelessness in America.
• Training it’s second class of True Fellows, young LGBT leaders with experiences of homelessness, who conduct six-month service projects in their communities.
• Releasing its second annual 40 of the 40 list, which highlights 40 LGBT young people who have experiences with homelessness and provides them with opportunities to engage in the organization’s work.
• Providing free tools, resources, and training through its 40 to None Network for service providers and communities around the country to aid them in providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming support to LGBT youth experiencing homelessness.

“Home for the Holidays” is proud to have the support of: Platinum Sponsors Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Van Gogh Vodka; Gold Sponsors The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Jujamcyn Theaters; Silver Sponsors Kinky Boots, The Madison Square Garden Company, Masie Productions, Reveal, Stifel, and Keith Bell, Licensed Acupuncturist.

ABOUT THE TRUE COLORS FUND
Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and advocate Cyndi Lauper co-founded the True Colors Fund to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Through a broad continuum of public engagement, public policy, youth collaboration, research, and community organizing programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which young people can be their true selves. www.truecolorsfund.org

For more information please visit Home For The Holidays. Tickets at Ticketmaster

The post Cyndi Lauper & Friends “Home for the Holidays” – Dec 3, 2016 (New York City) appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

New York City is a great place to visit anytime of the year, for shopping, clubbing, sightseeing, and culture. This fall the hilarious Lady Bunny takes up residence at the infamous Stonewall Inn, chalking up one more reason to plan your next visit to The Big Apple.

NYC’s West Village legendary comic performer, Lady Bunny, is back with a month-long run of her blend of raucous, irreverent comedy in the form of the one-woman-show TRANS-JESTER at the Stonewall Inn, opening August 31st and running Wed-Sat at 7pm until October 1st. Trans-Jester’s 1st run from April to July brought out a wild mix of celebs like Susan Sarandon, Rupert Everett, Andy Cohen, Patricia Field, Anohni, Bianca Del Rio, Michael Musto, and John Cameron Mitchell.

In addition to new parodies of selections from Adele, Rent and Bruno Mars to hilarious, effect punctuated by zany Laugh-In style zingers, Bunny has widened her repertoire to include insightful social commentary. (Well, she thinks it’s insightful, anyway.) Targetting the current overemphasis on political correctness, Bunny breaks down some of the latest buzzwords that we’re all supposed to remember for every for every occasion as we “evolve.” Sometimes, Bunny feels, that we’re actually evolving away from common sense! Take the new name for our community–LGBTIA. Does anyone even know what that means?

While Bunny shies away from politics in this performance–because one train wreck on stage per night is enough and we all need a break from this toxic election–she doesn’t shy away from gender politics and the new pronoun we’re forced to learn every time Will Smith’s son puts on a dress. After Caitlyn Jenner reached out to Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz to become his “trans ambassador”, Bunny feels that it’s time for the gloves to come off while addressing that car crash. You don’t want to miss Bunny doing Cait’s twisted version of My Favorite Things.

Bunny may also shock you with revelations about her own gender identity. “She” asks pertinent questions about cultural appropriation prior to declaring her undying love for black cock in a vulgar version of Uptown Funk which has left recent audiences in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London reeling with mirth.

Theater queens rejoice! In her loooooong career in nightclubs, Bunny has never delved much into show tunes, but in Trans-Jester, Bunny brings it on home with a show-stopping finale featuring two classics from Gypsy and Follies. The eclectic evening also resurrects songs by country star Lynn Anderson, Millie Jackson and even an original tune which pokes fun at the dating life of whatever sex it is you want to call this “Lady”.

Back by popular demand, the show is now back for one month from August 31st-October 1st. Performances are from Wednesday to Saturday at 7PM.  Please note: no shows on Thursday September 8th and September 9th. Stonewall is an intimate venue, so please reserve now to guarantee seats! The tickets are a low $19.99–as cheap as her humor–and there may be tickets for cash only at the door after the online sales close nightly at 5:30PM. (There usually are.) There is a two-drink minimum and the drink prices range from $7:50 (beer) to $12 (well drinks). There is no drink maximum, and Bunny’s singing will drive anyone to drink. Doors open at 6PM and seating is first come, first serve.

Please note: This show is raunchy. Not politically correct by definition–that’s the whole point. So if that’s not your cup of tea, you should honestly skip it. Or prepare to grab a drink and laugh, cheer and possibly even be challenged by a salty old kook who isn’t afraid to express herself from a viewpoint which is often unique.

Trans-Jester is written by Lady Bunny and Facebook sensation Beryl Mendelbaum.

STONEWALL INN
53 Christopher Street
New York City, NY 10014
United States

Wed-Sat 7pm Shows, August 31-Oct 1
Tickets

The post Lady Bunny takes over NYC’s Stonewall Inn – Again! appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Elvira Kurt is one of those names that if you don’t know who she is directly, you know you’ve heard of her.  She has been a stand-up comedian for thirty years, a TV talk show host, a game show host and a radio personality among many other things in the entertainment landscape.  She has been credited with coining the term ‘fellagirly’ to describe herself and other lesbians like her as a combo of ‘butch’ and ‘femme’.

I was lucky enough to interview Elvira and got a first hand look at all of her neuroses, the things that make her so damn funny.

You have had a long and storied career, doing many things in the public eye.  Can you tell me who Elvira Kurt is today?

I’m the same person I’ve always been: a queer struggling with self-acceptance. Not that I knew that thirty years ago when I started doing stand up. Back then I was all high-functioning coping behaviours and knee-jerk survival mechanisms. I was lucky that they all presented in socially palatable ways, so that I was seen as ‘driven’ or ‘ambitious’ and ‘hard on myself’ or a ‘perfectionist’. Looking back now, it just feels… ugh, so messy. Like from a tornado.

So today, at 54, where I’m at is that along with my stellar repertoire of neuroses, I’ve added a growing self-awareness, which is one of those ‘be careful what you ask for’ things. About 15 years ago, all the coping stuff stopped working and it affected me onstage and off. Badly. I couldn’t figure out why I always seemed to choose the hard way or to choose unhappiness. Since then what I’ve uncovered and continue to unpack in therapy to this day has improved both my work and my personal life. But the price for choosing to be awake is that once you start, you stay awake. It’s not like you can go back and be unself-aware, I can’t ever un-know what I’ve learned. It can be annoying as hell but, for me, the alternative is worse.

Today, the reality is that I can’t avoid my shit and I have to face it constantly and also own it which, ugh. Externalizing your issues is so much easier but it also means always being a victim which, nope, done. For me, being a victim is just the lowest depth of misery. So. I deal, I own, I learn and I grow. And because I’m a comic, I make fun of it all along the way…. Yep, that’s exactly who I am today.

What are you currently working on?

Oh, not much… tomorrow, I head to the Halifax Comedy Festival where I’ll tape two different never-before-seen-on-TV sets of stand up, after just having had to do the same thing two weeks ago for the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. That’s a lot of material that has to be rock solid, so I’ve been getting up on stages around Toronto trying to work this shit out.

At the same time, I was asked, with less than two weeks notice, to step in as host of this year’s Writer’s Guild Awards. Couldn’t turn that down but now I have to adapt a script written for someone else so that it works for me and then perform it.

I’m also currently story editing a reality TV show that will air on CMT, a sweet 9-5 gig that’ll take me through the summer. Concurrent to that, I’m getting another draft done of a short film script that’s set for production in August as well as punching up a pilot script for a tween show that I really want to be involved in.

Last, but definitely most fun, are the three shows I have during Pride in Toronto at Buddies In Bad Times Theater, June 20, 21, 22. I’m excited about these shows because I’ve asked some of my favourite comics working today to come out and kill it, like they do.

Photo: Greg Wong

What are you most passionate about these days?

Answering questions as thoroughly as possible.

Why over the years have you chosen to stay with comedy, performing, the arts in general?

Ooh, I like this question. What I get from stand up comedy is that I can never get it right. Every show is an experiment. There’s no guarantee that what worked last night will work the same way tonight. I like that not knowing, I like the trying. A lot.

When I’m onstage, I don’t get bogged down in self-criticism, I don’t have the time or the head space. I’m totally in the moment. So on stage, doing stand up has always been the one place where I’m okay with myself, as is. Of course, once I’m off stage, hoo-boy, different story but again, working on it, thank you, therapy….

After 30 years as a performer I love stand up more than anything else I’ve ever done and I actually love it more now than when I started. I think it’s because now I do it for a different reason.

At first it was to make up for something, it was from a place of trying to fill myself up. Over time, as I’ve learned to make myself whole, doing stand up comedy has become about adding to what I have, so the way I approach my work has changed.  I still perform because I have a need, the need to do well, to get laughs, to try new ideas, to be seen and heard, but it’s need that comes from being curious and playful, not neediness that comes from desperation and scarcity… does that make sense?

Who or what are your main inspirations?

Bravery and audacity, in art or life.

How does your creative process work?

Kinda like this: throughout the day I notice things. I make a note of the ‘things’ I have the strongest reaction to. Some of those I connect to more deeply and they become ideas. Making an idea funny comes together in my mind, like a sensation, a visual sensation.

Before a show I pick and choose which ideas I want to try and keep the ones that best link together in a way that flows or makes sense to me. That way I can hold a bunch of different ideas at a time. Then I go onstage and use words and my body to act out what I see in my head. Plus whatever bonus new stuff appears in the moment.

But why read about my process when you can see for yourself how it works:

Funny AF & Fearless (Two Comedy Shows In One Night) June 20, 21, 22 / 8pm / $20 /

Buddies in Bad Times Theater 12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4

The post Elvira Kurt appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

Jonathan Scott, one half of the Canadian twin-brother-duo who bring television viewers renovation tips on the hit series Property Brothers, has recently teamed up with Mr. Clean to offer tips on sprucing your place up in 15 minutes! This almost sounds like one of those quirky quick-loss exercise gadgets, but this really can be done, and fairly easily as well.

So as we look forward to Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s, there’s often entertaining that’s part of these celebrations, and that means clean up time. Also, this time of year often involves travel plans to visit family and friends, and with the recent trend of home-exchange, couch-surfing, and AirBnB, there’s even more reasons to have your place in tip top shape. So whether entertaining for the night, or having guests stay at your place for a few days, here’s what Jonathan suggests as a quick #15minreno.

It all starts with the help of everyone’s favourite burly bald man dressed in white – Mr. Clean! While we all can’t have the luxury of having the man himself over to do the work for us, we can put his products to good use to make our lives easier. Here are a few ways that Jonathan says the Magic Eraser and Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner can be used to give a home a 15-Minute Renovation (#15MinReno). It’s not always possible to put a lot of time or money into making your home look new and fresh, so a #15MinReno with Mr. Clean can give you a like-new clean home that’s ready for all occasions.

Mr. Clean helps achieve a standard of clean that could mean avoiding major renovation or replacement purchases. With loads of unexpected uses, from restoring luster to floors, reviving tired-looking appliances, or even restoring your walls without having to repaint, Magic Eraser and Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner are the #15MinReno tools everyone needs in their arsenal.

This past summer Jonathan joined Mr. Clean at a launch event in New York City for the first-ever Mr. Clean Moving Institute, where he lent his home renovation expertise to demonstrate the ways in which the Magic Eraser and Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner can be used to make sure your home sparkles like new.

Demo stations showcased some of the #15MinReno tips for Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner, including these top five:

• Clean up the inside of your cabinets and get them looking like new again.
• Shine up refrigerator shelves, stove and oven, counters and backsplash to get them glistening again
• Brush the dirt, soap scum ring and discoloration that has built up around your tub and sinks
• Remove floor scuffs and wall markings that inevitably happen throughout the year
• Polish utensils, pots and pans, and other household items to give them a refreshed look

Watch Jonathan in action on Mr. Clean’s Vine page, and let these two men give you inspiration for your 15 minutes of clean.

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser features no harsh chemicals and is available in numerous varieties that remove scuff-marks, dirt and grime. Fans are encouraged to follow @RealMrClean on Twitter for a chance to win a #15MinReno kit full of Mr. Clean products, and for an opportunity to chat with Scott directly about his favorite #15MinReno ideas.

For more information on the Mr. Clean family of products, visit Mr. Clean website, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

Interesting Facts About Mr. Clean

Mr. Clean was created by Linwood Burton, a marine ship cleaning businessman, who was motivated to finding a cleaning solution that was effective yet less damaging and toxic that other cleaning abrasives. He later sold the product to Procter & Gamble in 1958, at which point the character Mr. Clean made his television commercial debut, and the product became the best-selling household cleaner on the market within six months of airing.

The original Mr. Clean jingle has been around since the product’s introduction, initially sung as a popular-music style duet between singers Don Cherry and Betty Bryan., which was written by Thomas Scott Cadden. Watch a vintage clip here.

About Property Brothers

Drew and Jonathan Scott have become household names in real estate and home renovation. And on Property Brothers, they’re as determined as ever to help couples find, buy, and transform extreme fixer-uppers into incredible dream homes. First, real estate specialist Drew tracks down hidden gems with untapped potential, and then it’s up to identical twin brother and contractor Jonathan to expertly overhaul these ramshackle properties. Convincing homebuyers to take a radical risk is their first challenge. Then they’ve got to deliver these ambitious renovation projects on time and on budget.

The show airs on both HGTV and W Network. Follow their adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The post #15MinReno with Jonathan Scott from Property Brothers appeared first on PinkPlayMags.