Based on the life of Oscar Wilde and his tragic condemnation, The Judas Kiss premiered in Toronto this week at Mirvish Theatre. Starring English star of screen and stage Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding, Shrek), the play runs in the City through May. The Show – which be warned –  features nudity and mature themes, makes its way here after a massively successful sold-out run in London’s West End.

Synopsis:

Rupert Everett plays Oscar Wilde in David Hare’s The Judas Kiss —a compelling drama about the power of all consuming love and the cruelty of betrayal. It is 1895 and Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, is playing in the West End after a triumphant premiere, but already the wheels are in motion, which will lead to his imprisonment, downfall and vilification.

Forced to make a choice between his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, and his freedom, the ever romantic Wilde embarks on a course towards self-destruction.

We caught-up with cast members Cal McAninch (Robbie Ross), Charlie Rowe (Lord Alfred Douglas), Elliot Balchin (Alfred) and Everett earlier as they head out for dinner break. The cast plays an evening show at 8 PM following a 2 PM matinee.

Everett despite being a bit unrecognizable at first, was kind and gracious to stop for Fans along with his cast mates. He next can be seen this September in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. He also is developing a Wilde Biopic, an extension of his longtime fascination of the Writer.

More on The Judas Kiss here.

See our Snaps:

With the cast of @Mirvish’s #TheJudasKiss, on now till May. With: #CalMacAninch #ElliotBalchin #CharlieRowe + #RupertEverett. #Theatre #Toronto #The6ix

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Mar 26, 2016 at 3:19pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Dreams really do come true! I think when many of you think of Bloggers, you envision a Hipster tuckered away into the corner of a Starbucks sipping a grande in a venti cup – or better yet, an independent coffee shop – for hours on end. Unfortunately, that Blogger is not me as I am zipping from home with Billy through the City covering launches, spotting stars, attending screenings, at the racetrack visiting Princess, writing/editing reviews, drafting contests and posting news.

I actually enjoy the quiet time I get on the bus or the subway, allowing me time to my own thoughts on commutes, and more importantly, getting sh*t done!

One thing many don’t realize is that a vast majority of my blogging and Social Media are done through my Smartphone. Occasionally I need to do some formatting of posts through my Laptop, but my Brand very much has become dependent on my mobile device. I have always been a Samsung boy.  Several Apple-favouring friends give me that judgmental stare when I gush about my phone, but I recognize there are Apple people in this World, and also Android people. Perhaps people are just threatened by what they don’t know?  My last three phones in fact have been from the Galaxy series – the S4, the S5 and the S6. I love the large screen size, I love that they’ve improved the battery life, I love the free apps through the Google Play store, the camera is amazing and it’s simple to use.

Just having launched a couple weeks back, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge now are in stores and you can imagine my surprise coming home to find a fishbowl filled with gravel and aquarium plants. More importantly, a brand new S7 was plopped right onto the gravel. “Is this real life??”, I asked.

Accompanying the delivery was a card from Samsung Canada, daring me to immerse the gorgeous, unused device into a fish bowl of water as part of its commitment to the promise of being waterproof. Remember that viral video of that guy that queued for days to get an iPhone and then smashed it within minutes? That’s exactly how I felt. My smile turned to a worried frown. Always up for a challenge though, I’d fill the bowl in my sink, as I mustered the courage for what would come next.

In the phone went, sinking to the bottom of the bowl. Something in the back of my mind kept hoping the screen would start pixelating before fizzling-out just to prove my instincts right, but it never happened. The phone was functioning perfectly still after ten long minutes in the water. Apparently it can endure up to 30 minutes immersed. I’m guilty of having washed my phone before and this alleviates a lot of worry for me.

Watch my Snapchat Story about the Samsung Galaxy S7:

Let’s highlight some of the exciting features of the S7 in addition to water (and dust) resistance:

–KNOX Security solution protects you against hackers + malware
–Smart Switch allows you with the simple plug of a cable from your old Galaxy to the Galaxy S7, to transfer all your data and contacts in a breeze!
-Super-fast charge literally is as advertised. In fact as I wrote this post, the S7 gained 30% charge over a bowl of oatmeal and a coffee
-People were miffed about the S6 no longer having expandable memory, so once again the S7 has an SD memory card slot!
-powerful processor is perfect for gaming, i.e. STAR WARS: GALAXY OF HEROES!
–Dual Pixel Sensor and 12 MP camera enables clear pictures in the dark
-It looks gorgeous!!!

Learn more about the SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 + S7 EDGE here!

You deserve something this cutting-edge and perfect.

We recently helped ring-in the launch of the Galaxy S7 with Kygo! More about that here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Universal Pictures + Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR! Screenings take place in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

Synopsis:
Discover the story that came before Snow White in The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Chris Hemsworth and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron return to their roles from Snow White and the Huntsman, joined by Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain.

Theron stars as evil Queen Ravenna, who betrays her good sister Freya (Blunt) with an unforgivable act, freezing Freya’s heart to love and unleashing in her an icy power she never knew she possessed. Retreating to a kingdom far to the north, Freya raises an army of Huntsmen as her protectors, with the only rule that no two of them should ever fall in love.

As a war for domination escalates between the two queens, the hero standing between them is Freya’s most elite Huntsman, Eric (Hemsworth). Alongside fellow warrior Sara (Chastain)—the only woman who has ever captured his heart—Eric must help Freya vanquish her sister…or Ravenna’s wickedness will rule for eternity.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, telling me about a time a family member did something absolutely unforgivable to you! Also indicate your City. You may click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thehuntsmanwinterswar @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #THEHUNTSMANWINTERSWAR. Out 4.22.

G’luck Willionaire$!

Universal Pictures Canada release THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER”S WAR on Friday, April 22, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Directed by Peter Berg, and starring Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O’Brien, Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson and John Malkovich, we’re expecting big things of DEEPWATER HORIZON. Maybe even a TIFF ’16 Premiere? We’ll see! We saw the Trailer a couple months ago and are happy to share it finally with you!

Synopsis:
Based on the true events that occurred on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, the story chronicles the courage of those who worked on the Deepwater Horizon and the extreme moments of bravery and survival in the face of what would become one of the biggest man-made disasters in world history.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

Elevation Pictures release DEEPWATER HORIZON Friday, September 30, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

SHE’S BACK! You’ll never know how big an impact Bridget Jones’s Diary had on my decision to blog. Upon hearing of Bridget Jones’s Baby being in production, our heart raced. We’re thrilled to share with you the first ever Trailer for the upcoming third installment of the beloved Franchise.

Synopsis:

Bridget Jones is back! In the third installment of the highly anticipated movie franchise, Renée Zellweger returns as the beloved Brit as she discovers she’s expecting, but with whom?

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release BRIDGET JONES’S BABY Friday, September 16, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

$20,000 doesn’t buy you a lot in this day and age, but at that price point you could own an economical, best-in-class take on Honda’s widely-popular CR-V, the HR-V. Yes, you read right. This is not a typo, as many of my friends thought when I posted on Social Media I was test-driving it this past weekend.

Style, performance, safety, connectivity and most importantly value are crucial to me in a car and the HR-V hits all those marks.  The four-wheel drive EX-L NAVI model I drove was nothing short of powerful with its 1.8L engine, 16-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, operating at 141 horsepower.  I drove one coloured a regal Misty Green Pearl which had ladies on the street literally stopping and admiring; the crème coloured leather-trimmed seats.  With temperatures definitely below normal for spring, those front heated seats certainly came in handy. The dual-zone air filtration system also customizes temperatures for both passenger and driver because we’re not all the same and the HR-V respects that. The HR-V – keeping families and friends together!

Lane departure and forward collision warnings kept me focused and safe without being overbearing. The last thing we need is too much over-sensitive beeping every time a squirrel hops by when we’re trying to enjoy  Sirius XM on that six-speaker 180-watt audio system!  Connecting music on my phone however, proved a bit troublesome though to the system. The HONDA Link system enables me safely to make phone calls through the car’s speaker system. Keeping my phone charged always is super-important and there are an array of outlets tucked out of sight under the ultra-stylish gear shift to stay connected.

The HR-V captures the comfort and roominess of the CR-V without the price and we love this. Also, a moonroof is requisite for us and the HR-V delivers this ambiance. We appreciate also the rear window wipers especially in our unpredictable weather. The rear-view camera and LaneWatch made reversing, parallel parking and backing-in a real breeze, its ease truly – pardon the pun – unparalleled.

A combined 8.1 L/100 km fuel efficiency makes driving affordable and we love the Econ button which works optimally in city driving, keeping money in our pockets.

My only critique is that the gas/brake pedal needed a bit more of an effort to be exerted in acceleration and slowing down versus other Honda greats (i.e. The Pilot!!!) but this is something that one can learn to work with.

To learn more about the HONDA HR-V EX-L NAVI, click here.

See our HONDA HR-V Snapstory:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Every Spring, Documentary lovers focus their attention in one direction: The Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival. The 23rd edition of the Festival boasts 232 documentaries including 71 Canadian or Canadian co-productions. With filmmakers from 51 countries, 40% of whom are women, Hot Docs remains a beacon of diverse programming.

The Festival will kick off on April 28th with the world premiere of Canadian Filmmaker Rama Rau’s League of Exotique Dancers. Over the 10 days that follow, an impressive schedule of Films will thrill festival goers with offerings from both first time Documentarians and masters of the craft. Here are a few titles to look out for when building your Hot Docs schedule.

Canadian music fans are sure to be enthralled with Spirit Unforgettable by Director Pete McCormack. The Film focuses on Spirit of the West frontman John Mann and his battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.

If there are still any outstanding questions abut the “trial of the century” Ezra Edleman’s five-episode, seven-and-a-half-hour Documentary series O.J. Simpson: Made in America intends to answer them. It will be screened both in its entirety and as of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series, which will include an extended Q&A with special guests.

One man transformed television in the 70’s. In Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing’s Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, we meet the man who challenged the way American’s thought by bringing the difficult issues of the day into their living rooms on a nightly basis.

Sundance award winner Weiner will be making its Canadian debut at Hot Docs. Directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg turn their lens on a political melodrama that has to be seen to be believed.

Toronto arts lovers are no doubt familiar with the beautiful multidisciplinary production Contemporary Color from last year’s Luminato Festival. Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross will bring this spectacular show to the big screen during Hot Docs.

True cinephiles will need no more than the title of Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow’s new Film to be convinced to line up this highly-anticipated Documentary: De Palma.

A few must-sees for hardcore Documentary fans include Joe Berlinger’s Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (also part of the Scotiabank Big Ideas Series), Unlocking the Cage by Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker, and of course, Werner Herzog’s Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World.

Finally, the new DocX program will feature a single screening Canadian Matt Johnson’s Operation Avalanche. This Mockumentary about the moon landing premiered to rave reviews at Sundance and is guaranteed to be a hot ticket.

Last year Hot Docs brought together over 200,00 Documentary enthusiasts. Thanks to the stellar work of the Hot Docs Programming Team, that number is only going to increase in 2016.

The Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival will run from April 28 to May 8, 2016. More here.

We adore GRAMMY Winner Meghan Trainor and always knew she’d go on to greatness!  She’s back and primed for that crucial sophomore album and although many had their doubts, she struck back hard with this catchy Destiny’s Child-inspired throwback to the early 2000s.  NO is YASSS. We love this Track, a complete diversion from what we were expecting of her.

Check out the brand new Video for NO below:

Sony Music Entertainment Canada release Meghan Trainor’s second album THANK YOU on Friday,  May 13, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

We can’t think of a better person for the job!  The gorgeous Vivica A Fox is in Toronto today promoting positive self image with her new collection for Curvy Couture Intimates, because as well all well know, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Fox, in addition to appear on The Shopping Channel, did the rounds on TV and Radio today in a v. aggressive Press Schedule which saw her over a three hour span do CHFI, KISS 92.5, Breakfast Television, CP24 Breakfast, CHUM FM and The Morning Show. Her Spring Collection promises to be perfect for the “romantic at heart”.

Although she is no stranger to Toronto having filmed the Series MISSING here, it has been a good while since she’s been back. In 2010 she came with singer Brian McKnight at they did a one-night-only performance of the play Cheaper to Keep Her.

Fox is best known for her work in Independence Day, Batman & Robin, Born on the Fourth of July, Set It Off, Booty Call and of course, Kill Bill. She currently can be seen on the second season of FOX’s EMPIRE and the upcoming Independence Day Sequel.

Although must missing her at one stop, we luckily caught-up with her later in the morning at Global Television‘s THE MORNING SHOW where she stopped by to chat on the National Edition.  Can we take a step back for a second and just appreciate how amazing Fox looks?

See her Interview:

See our Snap:

#VivicaAFox promoting #CurvyCouture Lingerie in #Toronto today.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Mar 21, 2016 at 6:54am PDT

Although her Handler seemed to be in a rush, Fox was vocal stating, “Let me make some time for my Fans!”, proceeding with autographs and Selfies!  Love her.

Learn more about the VIVICA A FOX COLLECTION by CURVY COUTURE here.

(Photo/video credit: Global Television/Curvy Couture/Mr. Will Wong)

After last month’s post about meeting the filly named after myself, A PIC BY MRWILL (Princess), her owners John Ross, Cathy Wong and I are touched by the outpour of support we’ve received over Social Media!  Today we’re pleased to bring you a PPR (Princess Progress Report)!

Over the span of the past month, Princess has continued to grow rather quickly. In fact, upon arriving at her stall today I barely even recognized her with her winter coat growing out, in addition to her growth spurt.  I literally asked Cathy, “Who is this??”. After moving-in a little closer, I realized yes, I was indeed in the presence of the same sweet filly as last time.  She continues to be incredibly-affectionate and welcoming to people.

I brought by my friend Lauren, whom I know from the Film world, and like myself, she absolutely adores horses having grown-up around them.  At one point she was serious about a career in showjumping and dressage.  Princess was quick to welcome Lauren with kisses. It was genuinely affecting!

She also has developed quite the appetite for miniature carrots after trying them for the first time last month, making a bit of a mess of it. Peppermints though, she’s definitely still learning about.  You can see the long, pensive gaze on her face as she mentally processes that tingly, sweet sensation on her tongue and its crunch.  We even brought doughnuts today too and jockey Katy Morrison, who has been a part of Princess‘ journey over the past year, for fun fed her a piece of a Tim Hortons doughnut.  Although it looked like she was about to enjoy it like a patriotic Canadian girl, she’d chew it and spit it back out. Hilarious.

Princess continues to adore her Teddy and we brought it over for her to play with today.  She’d fling it about, it dangling for dear life on its arm, plopping onto her bedding, followed by a plea for help in her eyes.  She’d go on to do this over and over a few times in a cyclical motion.  It’s so fascinating seeing her learn about her world with inquisitive child-like curiosity. And also she has this cute little lip quiver when she’s inspecting people. Adorable.

Although we just missed it, Princess posted her second workout today, her first time trying out Woodbine‘s new Tapeta surface.  Sovereign Award-winning jockey Sheena Ryan piloted the workout today and we learned through her new agent Ryan Deyotte (below, Princess + Sheena on far left) that Sheena was thrilled with Princess’ breeze, clocking-in at 25 seconds flat for two furlongs (402 metres). With little urging, she showed a great willingness to go and we couldn’t be more pleased.  Even as a baby, her timing bested some horses with far more experience. Her first timed workout a week ago clocked-in at 24.8 seconds on the Dirt Training Track.

Although premature, the barn already is comparing Princess to prior greats like Horse of the Year Lexie Lou!  I am hearing that her look and temperament are very similar to Lexie, although Princess has a calmer demeanour. How exciting is it to hear that?

She’s due for a clipping of her winter coat tomorrow, so we’re waiting anxiously to see her new spring look!

And in the meantime, we hope her Dad (John Ross) gets well soon!

See some Snaps of Princess from earlier today:

Also, see Princess‘ buddies Yoda Man (Ricky Browne riding) + Smart Catomine (Katy Morrison riding) train together on the new Tapeta surface:

See a Video of Princess earlier today:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Ryan Deyotte)