“Angelwalk mounted a terrific production of Jason Robert Brown’s clever musical The Last Five Years. Brown is the current New York musical maven. He’s a whiz kid who does everything – music, lyrics and book. The show follows a couple from courtship to separation. Eric Craig and Adrienne Merrell are both sensational talents with fine direction by Jen Shuber.”
- Paula Citron
“Smart direction and wonderful performances. Bravo.”
- Lynn Slotkin
“Credit the director, Jen Shuber, for exploring every nuance of this piece. She brilliantly establishes time and place with each scene. As all the elements fall so quickly and seamlessly into place you find yourself involved, moved and genuinely caring for these two young lovers.”
“This is the best production of The Last Five Years that I have ever seen.”
- Mark Andrew Lawrence, Front Row Centre
Culture/Stage
By Miriam Cross
Jen Shuber studied at Tisch, received her Shakespeare Acting Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and danced with the National Ballet School. But now she’s settled full-time in Toronto to let her directing and choreography career flourish. “I believe there are lots of opportunities for Canadians right here at home,” she says.
One of those opportunities is Angelwalk Theatre’s final production of their inaugural season, the romantic musical The Last Five Years. Created by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, Years tells the story of Jamie and Cathy, two young New Yorkers who fall in love, marry, and separate over the course of five years. The two tell their story in overlapping songs, except Jamie starts at the beginning of their relationship while Cathy starts at the end, working her way backwards.
For Soulpepper Theatre Company
Choreographer & Assistant Director: Doc by Sharon Pollock. Starring R.H. Thompson, Jane Spidell, Derek Boyes and Hannah Gross
Choreographer and Assistant Director: Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee. Starring Nancy Palk, Diego Matamoros, Tim Campbell, Diana Donnelly
Assistant Director: Of The Fields, Lately by David French. Starring Eric Peterson, Kenneth Welsh, Jeff Lillico, Diane D’Aquila
For The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People
A Year With Frog and Toad
“Have you been longing to see an old-school Christmas musical? One with tuneful songs, witty lyrics and unabashed sentiment? Then get yourself and your kids down to the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, where A Year With Frog and Toad opened on Thursday.
This musical by Robert and Willie Reale, based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel, is a reminder of a kinder, gentler time, both in our lives and in family entertainment…..From my own personal perspective, I think it’s worth the price of admission for any adult, even without children, to see Louise Pitre, as Toad, delivering a performance that proves this massively talented artist can do much more than belt out tragic love songs….”
The Jewish Tribune
Significance of Young People’s Production Lies in Its Moral Value
Atara Beck
TORONTO – The most significant aspect of A Year with Frog and Toad at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (LKTYP) lies in its moral value, according to choreographer and associate director Jen Shuber.
“What resonates most to me in the show is what true friendship is, the ups and downs,” Shuber told the Jewish Tribune. “A true friend is there for you through thick and thin. It’s an important message… something both kids and parents could relate to.”
Celebrated Children’s Books get Stage Debut
By: ILAN MESTER Published: November 16th 2010
in Culture » Stage
Excerpt:
Jen Shuber has directed and choreographed plays for a number of different theatre companies around Toronto, including Soulpepper, the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company and Tarragon.
But the upcoming musical A Year With Frog and Toad (for which Shuber is the assiciate director and choreographer) has a special meaning for the celebrated artist. The play is based on the popular children’s books by Arnold Lobel — books Shuber used to read as a child. Shuber talks to Shalom Life about the show (on stage until Dec. 30 at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People’s Main Stage), working with the talented cast and her upcoming projects.
“Last month, Smile Theatre, the highly acclaimed company that brings professional productions to senior citizens throughout Ontario, performed “The Light in Winne’s Window” for an enthusiastic crowd at the Gibson Retirement Residence. The history and story of the Canadian war-bride captivated the audience from start to finish! The actors, stage managers, choreographers and designers are active professional theatre artists who combine their talents to scale a grand theatrical production into a small stage production to be enjoyed by eager audiences.”
-Snap North York
For Theatre By The Bay
Much Ado About Nothing - Assistant Director and Choreographer
Midsummer Night’s Dream – Choreographer
Romeo and Juliet – Choreographer
The Comedy Of Errors – Choreographer
For Tarragon Theatre
The Oxford Roof Climber’s Rebellion – Assistant Director
Humble Boy – Choreographer
Alias Godot - Choreographer
Excerpt from Broadwayworld.com
There is a wonderful event coming up in Toronto that is uniting the arts community in the fight against cancer…
The purpose of “I Move Forward” is to raise awareness and money for people in the arts community who are sick and struggling with finances as a result of being in a business that (more often than not) does not offer any sort of medical and benefit coverage.
The event will bring together many stars of the Toronto and North American theatre communites for one night only in an attempt to raise money for the cause. It will be a collaborative evening of music and dance not to be missed, with a focus on celebrating triumph and survival. In addition to all the Canadian talent coming out … it has been confirmed that Broadway star Gavin Creel (most recently of HAIR) will be heading North to lend his support as well.
Jane Mallett Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
“This show was poignant in portraying life during the eve of the Nazi regime while giving audiences a glimpse into the lives of the diverse people who called Berlin home….between the scenes, storyline and characters, this show was both raunchy and touching.”
-insidetoronto.com
“Music Man signs, seals and delivers a great show….Jen (Shuber) did an outstanding job of recreating Meredith Wilson’s beloved musical”
- The Guardian
“Brigadoon Sure to Delight All…..this show had everything: romance, tension suspense under the direction of Jen Shuber “
- Insidetoronto.com
From 2004 – 2011 Jen has worked in various capacities for The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. She is currently a consultant to the Club and held the position of Executive Producer Live Entertainment from 2006-2010. From 2004-2006 she was their in house choreographer.
