Thank you, Ed.

I have a rule here. I don't talk about my day job. First of all, I don't want to get "dooced" because, you know, I have to pay my rent. And really, the bottom line is, I don't want to risk my job because, well, I love my job. Also, if you have nothing better to talk about than work, then you have problems, my friend. Big problems.

I'm going to make a wee exception today.

The place I have referred to only as CSIS up until this point is in fact Mirvish Productions, a theatre company here in Toronto. I am Assistant to the boss, David Mirvish. He's a kind, accomplished, gentlemen and a pleasure to work for. I grew up watching his family be the centre of so much that went on in this city. They owned and operated the theatres, had a bunch of restaraunts and a mega-discount store where everything was dirt cheap. I could go on and on. I can't think of any way to explain just how vital the Mirvish's have been to the development of this city, culturally and otherwise.

David's father Ed Mirvish has always been a hero to me, like countless others here in Toronto. I remember seeing him walking the floor of the store when I was a kid. Several years ago, my friends and I were having dinner in a restaurant where Ed was celebrating a few tables over with his family. I think it was his 88th birthday. We sent him a drink. A coke, with a cherry and a paper umbrella. We were all tickled when he accepted our drink, with a smile. Later that year I wrote a monologue that I performed in comedy rooms all over the city - it was a sweet fantasy of sorts, featuring a fictional version of myself and Ed that was a favourite everywhere I took it. This is the most requested piece of writing I've ever done and I know that it was because of the affection that everyone in town has for Ed.

For the past 3 years I've been working directly with David and it has been a dream job, if a little surreal at times. I've learned more about the art world and theatre than I could have imagined. This job also allows me to pursue my other interests, which is important to me. While I complain sometimes (who doesn't?) I know that I feel like most of the people I work with are family and that it would take a lot for me to move on to another job.

Last week, just shy of his 93rd birthday Ed Mirvish passed away. I can't articulate what a loss this is to the city of Toronto. Certainly nobody can ask for more than 93 years, a wonderful loving family, incredible business and financial success and the love of everyone in town. I know this. But on some level, this kind of loss is always difficult. Last Friday Ed Mirvish was laid to rest and the city of Toronto recognized him by lowering the flag at City Hall to half-mast. Broadway dimmed the lights on all of its theatres for 1 minute at 8pm as a tribute and people of all ages, races and incomes poured their hearts out in thanks. I was one of them.

City Hall, Friday, July 13, 2007



Note from a child, outside Honest Ed's