RETREAT
Part corporate internship, part Lord of the Flies, worst job interview, ever. In Kat Sandler’s biting satire, four interns are dropped off at a dilapidated children’s camp, led by intrepid scoutmaster Candace Matchwick (as played by drag superstar Pearle Harbour), and left to a winner-take-all battle royale. The grand prize? A coveted, salaried job at Fischer, Cox, Sutton & Tate. Maybe.
directed by Claire Burns // presented at Hart House Theatre, 2019
starring Pearle Harbour as Scoutmaster Candace Matchwick
WINNER:
FAVOURITE LEAD PERFORMANCE
Hart House Subscriber’s Choice Awards
My Gay Toronto:
“Harbour can make an entrance, arch an eyebrow, flex a clumsy gam, or deliver a double entendre without breaking a nail, but she also plays Matchwick's tragic flaws with more subtlety than burlesque… her final monologue that rivets as much as the copious violence and gore it punctuates. She earns her spectacular exit, complete with devastating double take, and the spontaneous applause it generates.”
My Entertainment World:
“An ace in the hole bit of casting… it’s Harbour who is the queen bee in these woods. And for those who have yet to see Pearle Harbour in one of her hit solo shows, she’ll be a Baby Jane-esque revelation.”
Mooney On Theatre:
“The casting of [Pearle] was a stroke of genius. As a performer Pearle Harbour is magnetic and larger-than-life. She is letter perfect for the role and deftly delivers both the campy humour as well as the few genuine heartfelt moments in the show. It felt as if the role was written specifically to showcase her talents and it is worth the price of admission to see her performance alone.”
DIE FLEDERMAUS
Toronto's indie opera darlings, Opera 5, present the wildest party of the year! The socialite heiress Orlofsky (and her BFF Pearle Harbour) are hosting an evening of dancing, gambling, and debauchery. A 360-degree immersive and interactive show, featuring burlesque, ariel silks, beer-sponsorship, and more! This outrageous adaptation of Johann Strauss' classic operetta was the surprise smash of the season.
directed by Aria Umezawa & Jessica Derventzis // presented at 918 Bathurst, 2016
starring Pearle Harbour as herself
SCHMOPERA TOP SHOW OF THE YEAR:
"A Die Fledermaus for the 21st century. This was one of the most fun nights I've had at the opera… When you get the chance to use a drag queen of Pearle Harbour's charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, you know you showed up at the right party."
Opera Ramblings:
“Then there’s Ms. Harbour. She’s simply divine darlings.”