Opera Revue to Protest Ontario Place Development Plans with ‘Ontario Place For(d) All’ Parody

By Logan Martell

On July 2, 2023, Canadian company Opera Revue will continue its run of “Ontario Place For(d) All.”

This new parody, with lyrics by Alexander Hajek, is set to the duet “Crudel! Perche Finora” from “The Marriage of Figaro.” It is performed by Hajek, along with Danie Friesen, and Claire Elise Harris, who also provides piano accompaniment. The work lampoons the recent decision to build a spa center and large-scale renovations over the majority of Ontario Place.

“A European-style spa biking distance from my house in Toronto – YES, PLEASE. But not at Ontario Place,” said Hajek in a press release. “I was able to reconnect with the space over the pandemic and appreciate its unique geography in relation to the city. Even in its run-down current state, it’s an absolute treasure with its sheltered beaches, animal sanctuary and space for art and food festivals. Perhaps I’m overly sentimental about what Ontario Place meant to my childhood: bumper boats, running through the Mega Maze, or going on the wilderness log ride for the dozenth time. But it’s an experience I’d want any Ontarian to have a chance to visit. And apparently 80 percent of us agree from the last online survey. So, the Premier can respectfully find another way to make his developers buddies richer. Ontario place for all,”

The work will perform at Castro’s Lounge in Toronto on July 2, Reid’s Distillery on July 9, and The Emmet Ray on July 16, 2023.

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