Toronto Theatre + Broadway News

Win Tickets to See IL DIVO in Concert!

(5/18/2012) The world's foremost classical crossover quartet IL DIVO is set to embark on its 2012 world tour, the group's fourth, which follows the release of the quartet's latest album, Wicked Game (on Syco/Columbia Records) and provides a new mark of achievement for the signature vocal blend and unique operatic arrangements which have captivated millions and launched a classical-crossover sensation. To celebrate the kick-off of this much-anticipated world tour, BroadwayWorld invites you to enter for a chance to WIN ONE PAIR OF TICKETS to see IL DIVO live in concert!

BWW Interviews: Ari Weinberg talks SHAMELESS Benefit

(5/18/2012) Shameless! For a Cause is a special cabaret fundraiser happening this weekend at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The brain child of Ari Weinberg, the evening aims to raise money for LGBTQ youth initiatives while bringing together some of our country's best and brightest for an evening of song and laughter. Set to perform are Sharron Matthews, Michael Hughes, casts of Theatre Sheridan's RENT and Dancap's West Side Story and more. Ari Weinberg sat down to talk with BWW about the event, the charities and why it means so much to him.

Photo Flash: First Look at RENT at Panasonic Theatre!

(5/16/2012) Theatre Sheridan makes its downtown Toronto debut with the ground-breaking musical RENT at the Panasonic Theatre from May 15-June 3. Get a first look at the production in the photos below! 32 performers from the graduating class of Sheridan College's prestigious Music Theatre Performance Program take the stage as audiences are treated to the next generation of talented young artists who are going to take the theatre world by storm.

Drayton Festival Theatre to Open Season With THE SOUND OF MUSIC

(5/16/2012) The Drayton Festival Theatre has launched its 2012 Season with one of the most popular musicals in theatre history. The Sound of Music, described as "a timeless masterpiece about the power of love and music," opens the theatre’s 22nd Season on a high note.

BWW Interviews: No Day But Today with the Cast of RENT

(5/16/2012) Theatre Sheridan's production of Rent was extremely well received last year when it was presented at the school, and tonight it opens in Toronto at The Panasonic Theatre, which the entire graduating class taking part. I spoke with three of the young stars about what the experience has been like so far, their love of the musical Rent and what advice they have for the next generation.

Theatre Sheridan's RENT Transfers to the Panasonic Theatre Tonight, 5/16

(5/16/2012) Presented last December to sold out houses at Sheridan College's Oakville campus, Theatre Sheridan transfers its production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical RENT to Toronto's Panasonic Theatre tonight, May 16, where it runs through to May 27 (preview May 15). Tickets go on sale TODAY through mirvish.com or call TicketKing at 416.872.1212.

Shaw Festival Announces RAGTIME Pianist Search Winner

(5/15/2012) The Shaw Festival is proud to announce the winner of its highly successful online contest, Get Ready to Rag! Twenty-four year old pianist Lee Cohen was selected for his energetic and skilful rendition of ‘Magnetic Rag’. Contest judge Paul Sportelli said of Cohen’s performance, “Lee is a terrific pianist, and he has a great feel and facility for ragtime. His ‘Magnetic Rag’ crackles with energy!”

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Begins Previews for Stratford Shakespeare Festival

(5/15/2012) The loveable characters from Charles Schulz’s iconic comic strip Peanuts learn life’s lessons in the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The production, which is directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, begins previews at the Avon Theatre on May 15.

Aluna Theatre Presents PANAMERICAN ROUTES Human Rights Festival, Now thru 5/27

(5/15/2012) Aluna Theatre presents an international festival of theatre for Human Rights - Panamerican Routes / Rutas Panamericanas: a new festival featuring a new generation of Canadian and Latin American voices that converges on Toronto from across the continent from today, May 15 through May 27 for two weeks of mainstage performances, special presentations, professional development workshops and a conference exploring Theatre and Human Rights as well as a photography exhibit. All events take place at Theatre Passe Muraille. Visit alunatheatre.ca for more information, detailed schedules and/or to purchase tickets.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens at The Drayton Festival Theatre Tonight, 5/15

(5/15/2012) The Drayton Festival Theatre launches its 2012 Season with the timeless classic, The Sound of Music. This beloved musical masterpiece plays eight shows a week tonight, May 15 through June 9.

Photo Flash: Theatre Sheridan Makes Toronto Debut with RENT, Opening Tonight, 5/15

(5/15/2012) Theatre Sheridan makes its downtown Toronto debut with the ground-breaking musical RENT at the Panasonic Theatre from tonight, May 15 through June 3. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Dominique LeBlanc Cast as Annie in Drayton Entertainment's ANNIE, Launching May 29

(5/14/2012) After a nationwide search, Drayton Entertainment has selected 13-year-old Halifax native, Dominique Le Blanc to portray the lovable red-headed orphan in its production of the Broadway musical Annie, which begins rehearsals today and plays at three different locations over the 2012 Season.

BWW Reviews: WEST SIDE STORY Sizzles in Toronto

(5/12/2012) West Side Story is arguably one of the most well known and beloved musicals of all time, and Toronto audiences have a chance to see this gorgeous new production for the next four weeks. Featuring some original Spanish dialogue and gorgeous sets and costumes, the show is fresh, energetic and yet timeless at the same time.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra Presents THE HOCKEY SWEATER Tonight, 5/12

(5/12/2012) Roch Carrier's "The Hockey Sweater" is described as "quintessentially Canadian as the game of hockey itself. Originally published in French, the story, which is often seen as a parable about French and English relations in Canada, became an instant classic of Canadian literature."

STAGE TUBE: Stratford Shakespeare Festival Releases 2012 Season Trailer

(5/11/2012) Thanks to the vision and determination of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s pioneering artists, the adventure that began in 1953 with two productions in a tent is now North America’s premier repertory theatre. In a season celebrating 60 years of theatrical achievement, the Festival presents 14 productions in five venues, featuring Christopher Plummer and one of the finest acting companies in the world. The season runs now thru October 28. Watch a trailer of the Festival's upcoming productions below!

Photo Flash: Theatre Sheridan Makes Toronto Debut with RENT, 5/15

(5/11/2012) Theatre Sheridan makes its downtown Toronto debut with the ground-breaking musical RENT at the Panasonic Theatre from May 15-June 3. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Huron Country Playhouse Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ, 6/4-23

(5/11/2012) This summer, one of the greatest family musicals of all time is touching down in Grand Bend. The Huron Country Playhouse presents The Wizard of Oz for a limited three-week engagement, June 4th though June 23rd.

THE MATCHMAKER Begins Previews at Stratford Shakespeare Festival May 12

(5/11/2012) Hilarity and hijinks ensue as the characters in Thornton Wilder’s romantic comedy The Matchmaker. Head to New York for adventure and find love instead. The production, directed by Chris Abrahamand set in the opulence of the Victorian period, begins previews for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Festival Theatre on May 12.

FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS Begins Previews for Shaw Festival

(5/11/2012) French Without Tears, Terence Rattigan’s comedy and one of the longest running plays in British theatre history, makes its debut at the Shaw Festival. This delightful comedy concerning lessons in love, language and the opposite sex, begins previews today at the Royal George Theatre, and shows just how much fun learning French can be!

BWW TV Seattle Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of Kristin Chenoweth on Tour!

(5/11/2012) BroadwayWorld Seattle was granted EXCLUSIVE access to Kristin Chenoweth's debut performance of her new (and first ever) tour, which opened in Seattle on Wednesday night ... and received a whopping NINE standing ovations for a show unlike we had ever seen.

Photo Coverage: WEST SIDE STORY Sizzles in Toronto

(5/11/2012) West Side Story sizzled its way into Toronto Wednesday night, where it will play for four weeks at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts. The much loved Broadway revival production is now enjoying its 1st National Tour, and BWW was on hand to bring its readers photos from this stunning show.

Chuck Childs Awarded PACT's 5th Annual Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award

(5/10/2012) The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres presents the fifth annual Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award to Chuck Childs.

Dancap Productions Presents WEST SIDE STORY in Special Live Performance, 5/11

(5/10/2012) Dancap Productions presents a special Live Performance of WEST SIDE STORY, with cast members and a live orchestra, at Indigo Manulife Centre, Friday, May 11, 2012 at noon.

Photo Flash: URBAN ODYSSEY and More from Aluna Theatre's PANAMERICAN ROUTES Festival, 5/15-27

(5/10/2012) Urban Odyssey by Loco7 is the opening play of Aluna Theatre's Panamerican Routes / Rutas Panamericanas: a new theatre festival for Human Rights featuring a new generation of innovative Canadian and Latin American voices that will converge on Toronto from across the continent from May 15-27 at Theatre Passe Muraille.

Graham Abbey Returns to Stratford Shakespeare Festival in CYMBELINE, May 10

(5/10/2012) In his fairy-tale romance Cymbeline, Shakespeare pits the strength of true love against false accusation and familial discord. Directed by the Festival’s General Director, Antoni Cimolino, this hauntingly beautiful play begins previews at the Tom Patterson Theatre on May 10.

Canadian Stage Presents 'Festival of Ideas and Creation' Now thru 5/13

(5/9/2012) Canadian Stage's 2012 Festival of Ideas & Creation, the company’s annual festival supporting the development of new works, takes place at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street) from today, May 9 to May 13, 2012. The Festival includes a variety of exciting free events that feature new creations by artists including Anusree Roy, Justin Rutledge, Raoul Bhaneja, Jordan Tannahill, Gein Wong, Christiaan Venter, Debashis Sinha, Hari Krishnan, Nik Beeson, Richard Sanger, Barbara Nichol and Tom Bellman.

CLC's FROM THE HOUSE OF MIRTH Opens Tonight, 5/9

(5/9/2012) Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie (CLC) presents the world premiere of From the House of Mirth, directed and choreographed by James Kudelka from today, May 9 through May 13 at its new home, The Citadel. A show has been added on Sunday, May 13 at 8pm due to popular demand.

Photo Flash: Coleman Lemieux & Company Presents FROM THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, Opening Tonight

(5/9/2012) Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie presents the world premiere of From the House of Mirth, a music/dance/theatre collaboration directed and choreographed by James Kudelka, with original music composed by Rodney Sharman, libretto by Alex Poch-Goldin and featuring lighting by Simon Rossiter and costumes by HOAX Couture. See photos of Laurence Lemieux in the production below!

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, ROMEO AND JULIET and More Set for Hart House Theatre 2012-13 Season

(5/8/2012) Hart House Theatre, the University of Toronto's Performing Arts Leader Since 1919, has announced its 2012/2013 season. This season's line-up is a diverse mix of classical and contemporary work as Hart House Theatre presents the first major success of a prolific playwright, a controversial one-woman show that has stirred passions across the globe, the Bard's greatest love story, an original musical co-written by our own artistic director and a critically acclaimed play that has opened the hearts and minds of audiences since its first staging.

BWW Interviews: The 2012-2013 Acting Up Stage Season with Mitchell Marcus

(5/8/2012) Acting Up Stage enjoyed a tremendously successful season last year, and they're aiming to top it with their latest offering which was announced a few weeks ago. Featuring a new Canadian musical and a much loved classic, Acting Up Stage's new season has something for everyone. BWW spoke to Artistic Director Mitchell Marcus about how he went about programming the season, how his company hopes to appeal to the next generation and what the secret to their success is.

BWW Reviews: MAN OF LA MANCHA - An Imaginative Staging from The Alexander Singers

(5/8/2012) A strong trio of leads ushers us into the world of Don Quixote as The Alexander Singers present the Tony-award winning musical MAN OF LA MANCHA at York Woods Library Theatre until May 13.

WEST SIDE STORY Tour Comes to Toronto Centre for the Arts Tonight

(5/8/2012) More than fifty years ago one musical changed the theatre forever! From the first note to the final breath, this new Broadway production of WEST SIDE STORY soars again as the greatest love story of all time. Dancap Productions presents the first national tour of the smash hit Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY beginning tonight, May 8, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at dancaptickets.com.

HIGH Plays Royal Alexandra Theatre, Now thru 5/13

(5/8/2012) Two-time Golden Globe® winner, Academy Award® & Tony Award® nominee Kathleen Turner returns to Toronto in the National Tour of Matthew Lombardo’s play HIGH, tonight, May 8 through May 13, 2012, at The Royal Alexandra Theatre. Directed by Rob Ruggiero, HIGH also features Evan Jonigkeit as “Cody Randall” and Timothy Altmeyer as “Father Michael Delpapp”.

Photo Flash: Coleman Lemieux & Company Presents FROM THE HOUSE OF MIRTH

(5/7/2012) Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie presents the world premiere of From the House of Mirth, a music/dance/theatre collaboration directed and choreographed by James Kudelka, with original music composed by Rodney Sharman, libretto by Alex Poch-Goldin and featuring lighting by Simon Rossiter and costumes by HOAX Couture. See photos of Laurence Lemieux in the production below!

Cambridge Performing Arts Complex Renamed Dunfield Theatre Cambridge

(5/7/2012) A $1 million pledge has been made for the exclusive naming rights of the Cambridge Performing Arts Complex.

Tarragon's Toronto Premiere of WAS SPRING Ends Tonight, May 6

(5/6/2012) Tarragon Theatre presents the Toronto premiere of Was Spring, written and directed by the multi-talented, award-winning playwright, director, actor and filmmaker, Daniel MacIvor. Was Spring ends tonight, May 6 in Tarragon Theatre's Extra Space. Tickets range from $24-$51 (inclusive of HST) and are available by calling the box office at 416.531.1827 or by visiting www.tarragontheatre.com.

CLC's FROM THE HOUSE OF MIRTH Adds Performance May 13

(5/4/2012) Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie (CLC) presents the world premiere of From the House of Mirth, directed and choreographed by James Kudelka from May 9 through May 13 at its new home, The Citadel. A show has been added on Sunday, May 13 at 8pm due to popular demand.

Des McAnuff Receives Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Tonight

(5/4/2012) Artistic Director Des McAnuff will receive the National Arts Centre Award of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards at a ceremony at Rideau Hall tonight. The ceremony is followed by a gala performance at the National Arts Centre, honouring each of Governor General Performing Arts Award recipients. Mr. McAnuff is being recognized for his extraordinary accomplishments over the past performance year.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) The TONY Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Plays Toronto Centre for the Arts, 7/10-29

(5/3/2012) On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock 'n' roll jam sessions of all time.