DIVINE
  • English
    • Français
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Family
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Living
  • Reviews
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Instagram
  • Legal
Stay Connected
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
DIVINE
  • English
  • French
DIVINE
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Living
  • Family
  • Health
  • Reviews
  • Reviews

DIVINE Reviews: Life After

  • May 3, 2025
  • 2 minute read
  • Jill Schneiderman
Life After: A scene from the musical Life After Yonge Street
Photo by Michael Cooper
Total
2
Shares
0
0
2

Yonge Street Theatricals’ production of Life After is a must-see for anyone looking for a moving, musical exploration of grief, family, and moving forward. As a theatre lover, I jumped at the chance to experience this show, even though I didn’t know much about it beforehand. Life After first debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2016, and now, with book, music, and lyrics by Britta Johnson and direction by Annie Tippe, it has been beautifully brought to the stage once again.

Life After: The Details

  • It is a limited engagement, on until May 10th, 2025
  • Location: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street, Toronto
  • Running Time: 90 minutes (there is no intermission)
  • Tickets: Mirvish.com

The Story

Life After: The characters of Alice and Frank dancing on the stage
Photo by Michael Cooper

Despite being a famous self-help author, Frank Carter’s optimistic advice offers little solace to his 16-year-old daughter, Alice. After his untimely death, Alice embarks on a quest for truth, unravelling the events that changed her family forever. Filled with heart, and extraordinary music, the show offers a powerful exploration of love, memory, and the journey of moving forward. [From the press release.]

The Review

Life After boasts one of the most powerful scripts I’ve encountered in recent memory. The story of loss, guilt, and grief strikes a deep chord, yet it avoids feeling maudlin, offering a nuanced narrative that resonates deeply. Life After avoids being cliche with a powerful story that also includes laugh out loud moments.

Isabella Esler, as Alice, delivers an unforgettable performance. Her portrayal of a grieving daughter on a mission for truth, not to absolve herself of guilt, but to understand her father’s death, brings Britta Johnson’s words and music to life in a raw and deeply emotional way. Mariand Torres, playing Alice’s mother Beth, has one of the standout moments of the evening with her powerful rendition of the song “Wallpaper.” It’s a moment of heartache and reflection, showcasing the emotional depth of both the character and the performance.

Life After: Cast dancing on stage
Photo by Michael Cooper

Supporting characters, including the “Furies” (fans of Alice’s late father) and her hilarious best friend Hannah (Julia Pulo), contribute to the richness of the production. Each character brings something unique, from poignant moments to comedic relief, helping to lift the weight of the story without detracting from its emotional core.

Jake Epstein, as Frank, captures the essence of the character with warmth and complexity, leaving the audience feeling connected to the figure who is no longer physically present but whose influence lingers.

While I may not remember every song as I would a classic like Wicked, Life After stands out because of its emotional impact. The story lingers long after the curtain falls, and that’s what makes it so special. Some may debate whether it’s ready for Broadway, but I believe it is. Whether or not it makes it to the Great White Way, Life After is a show that deserves to be seen. Take the time to experience it in Toronto—it’s truly worth it.

Total
2
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 2
You May Also Like
How to Share an Egg: Copy of the book next to a small dish with a hard-boiled egg
    • Books
    • Reviews

DIVINE Reads: How to Share an Egg by Bonny Reichert

  • Jill Schneiderman
  • June 25, 2025
Canada Online Gambling: Woman on smartphone
    • Reviews

Canada’s Casino Boom Goes Online: A 2025 Market Overview

  • divine.ca
  • June 19, 2025
Nova Music Festival Exhibition: Commemoration Area of Exhibit
    • Reviews

DIVINE Reviews: Nova Music Festival Exhibition

  • Jill Schneiderman
  • June 18, 2025
    • Reviews
    • Travel

Monos: Functional Elegance for Families Who Travel in Style

  • Caroline Elie
  • May 31, 2025
Apple Watch for Kids: 3 Apple Watches with memojis
    • Family
    • Reviews

Apple Watch for Kids: A Smart Family Ally!

  • Caroline Elie
  • May 31, 2025
Related Topics
  • Annie Tippe
  • Britta Johnson
  • CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
  • Life After
  • Life After Broadway
  • Life After Musical Review
  • Life After Play
  • Life After Reviews
  • Life After Toronto
Jill Schneiderman

Jill Schneiderman is a publicist and editorial director/partner at DIVINE.ca, where she blends her extensive experience in media with her passion for storytelling. An award-winning marketing professional, Jill has dedicated her career to crafting compelling stories and campaigns in the media landscape for both blue chip clients and the stable of lifestyle experts that she now works with.

Previous Article
Patio Furniture: two loungers and assorted, brightly coloured furniture
  • Living

Our Favourite Patio Furniture for 2025

  • May 3, 2025
  • Jill Schneiderman
View Post
Next Article
Mother's Day Gift: Heart shaped pancakes with MOM letters. Mothers Day breakfast concept. Top view table scene with a white wood background.
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Living

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Our Top 6 Last Minute Gift Ideas

  • May 9, 2025
  • Jill Schneiderman
View Post
Search
Featured Posts
  • Apple Family Sharing: Silhouettes of a family of 4 at sunset

    3 Key Benefits of Using the Apple Family Sharing Feature

    • 2 min
    View Post
  • Super Bowl Menu

    4 Recipes from Paula Stachyra’s Super Bowl Menu

    • 4 min
    View Post
  • Monos: Functional Elegance for Families Who Travel in Style

    • 2 min
    View Post
Get in on the Fun
Top Posts
  • Basement Waterproofing: Empty basement area with hardword floors and a staircase 1
    Basement Waterproofing in Mississauga: Protecting Homes with Pryde Group Corp
    • 4 min
  • The Paper Palace: Book against a white background 2
    Should Heather’s Pick Be Your Pick? The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
    • 3 min
  • Inagene: Medication reminder with medications in slots and near reminder 3
    DIVINE Reviews: Inagene Complete Health
    • 4 min
Stay Connected
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Featured Posts
  • Casino Bonus: Man on chair with mobile phone

    Do You Need to Deposit Funds to Claim an Online Casino Bonus?

    • 4 min
    View Post
  • Fashion Essentials: Woman standing in front of a bridge in a blue button down top

    5 Canadian Fashion Essentials for a Stylish and Versatile Spring

    • 2 min
    View Post
  • Porter Airlines: Porter Jet in the air

    Flight Deck: Porter Airlines Review

    • 3 min
    View Post
about
DIVINE Magazine

Canada's Online Women's Magazine

DIVINE Magazine is the bilingual online destination for Canadian women. Bringing you trending features that are relevant and interesting to Canadian women, DIVINE is the place to visit for useful, practical and entertaining content.
Subscribe
Partner Network
SWAGGER Magazine, North America’s
Online Men‘s Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.Ohlala.ca, Canada’s Destination for Everything You Need to Know About Dating & Sex.
about
Stay Connected

Follow along on Instagram @DIVINEdotca

Kick your feed up a notch with the hottest beauty, style trends, recipes and more! It's not too late, follow along today and you might just catch the behind-the-scenes of our next shoot or even a contest. You can thank us later. ;) #Divinistas
Follow Us
DIVINE
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Making your life a little more DIVINE.

Copyright © 2022 Divine.ca · All Rights Reserved

Input your search keywords and press Enter.