Toronto Theatre + Broadway News

Michael Hughes, Callandra Dendias & More Set for DEFYING GRAVITY: THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ at Jazz Bistro Tonight

(6/18/2013) - Vocalists, Michael Hughes (2013 New York City Bistro Award Winner, Mickey & Judy) and Callandra Dendias (Toronto's Mamma Mia!), who last joined forces in 2010 for their sold-out concert 'Unexpressed' at the Berkeley Street Theatre, will reunite for Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz tonight, June 18th at Toronto's Jazz Bistro.

Rick Miller, Louise Pitre, & More to Present at 2013 Dora Awards

(6/17/2013) - The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is pleased to announce the VIP presenters for the 34th annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards, to be held Monday, June 24 at 7pm at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts' (StLC) Bluma Appel Theatre and which will also be live-streamed to the TicketPro Doratron in the StLC's Jane Mallett Theatre due to popular demand.

Breathe.Feel.Love to Bring HEDWING AND THE ANGRY INCH to Pride 2013, 6/27 & 29

(6/17/2013) - Toronto-based theatre company Breathe.Feel.Love announced today that its production of the cult rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inchwill return to Toronto on June 27 and 29 for two special performances at the Drake Underground during Toronto's 2013 Pride festival. Both performances start at 9 p.m. (doors at 8:30 p.m.). Tickets are $35 and are available in advance at breathefeellove.com or at the door at each performance.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - DANSE LHASA DANSE at Luminato's 'Hub'

(6/16/2013) - Luminato Festival presents a series of free events at 'the Hub' in David Pecaut Square, including Danse Lhasa Danse on June 19 at 9pm. Choreographer Pierre-Paul Savoie has created Danse Lhasa Danse, a dazzling multi-arts celebration of singer-songwriter Lhasa de Sela who was truly both a Quebec and Canadian treasure. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the show!

North By Northeast Presents LUDACRIS at Yonge-Dundas Square Tonight

(6/16/2013) - NORTH BY NORTHEAST (NXNE) announces that Grammy award winning recording artist Ludacris, star of Fast & Furious 6, will headline the show tonight, June 16 at Yonge-Dundas Square that currently features Joey Bada$$, Smif N' Wessun, Fat Tony, The Underachievers and Mickey Avalon. Three-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur Ludacris has gained worldwide acclaim for over ten years with hits like Stand Up, Get Back, Number One Spot, Money Maker, and My Chick Bad.

Joni Mitchell Attends 7th Annual Luminato Festival Today

(6/16/2013) - Joni Mitchell is confirmed to participate in an onstage TimesTalks Luminato tonight, June 16 at 6pm. Originally programmed as a 'multi-artist appreciation of Joni Mitchell,' the TimesTalk will now feature Ms. Mitchell with drummer/bandleader Brian Blade, one of the Grammy Hall of Fame winner's frequent collaborators, in conversation with New York Times chief pop music critic Jon Pareles.

Billy Talent, Sloan, & Evan Dando Set for NXNE

(6/15/2013) - NORTH BY NORTHEAST (NXNE) has confirmed that punk rockers Billy Talent will perform a free show tonight, June 15 at Yonge-Dundas Square. Plus NXNE Filmannounces another Canadian premiere, NXNE @ YYZ returns, and The 7th Annual Put The Boot In soccer match unveils the 2013 roster.

Luminato Festival 2013 Reveals ONE THOUSAND SPECULATIONS Tonight

(6/14/2013) - Luminato Festival will reveal ONE THOUSAND SPECULATIONS at approximately 8pm tonight, at the Hub at David Pecaut Square, to officially launch the 7th Annual Luminato Festival.

LIZA LIVE! and THE HOMEMAKER to Play Toronto Fringe, July 2013

(6/14/2013) - After taking the Next Stage Festival by storm this past January, Jennifer Walls and Laura Anne Harris team up once at for the Toronto Fringe at the Annex Theatre. Two charismatic and enigmatic performers, two dynamic cabarets, starlets Jeni Walls and Laura Anne Harris present their solo shows - Liza Live! and The Homemaker - in one amazing venue!

BroadwayWorld Special Coverage: SUMMER STAGES - Our Picks for Summer's Best Around the World!

(6/14/2013) - As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Summer Stages: Toronto's Summer Theatre Offerings

(6/14/2013) - Summer in Toronto offers an exciting range of theatrical productions, festivals and events to keep people from all avenues of life entertained. Outside of the city we have the world renowned Stratford and Shaw Festivals, and within Toronto we are blessed with a wide range of summer festivals showcasing theatre, music, art and food. This is in addition to all the wonderful productions we are accustomed to year round.

Mark Morris Dance Group's L'ALLEGRO, IL PENSEROSO ED IL MODERATO Set for Luminato Festival, 6/21-23

(6/14/2013) - Luminato Festival will host the Canadian premiere of the Mark Morris Dance Group's iconic L'ALLEGRO, IL PENSEROSO ED IL MODERATO. The performances will run from June 21-23 at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, as part of the 7th Annual Luminato Festival.

Harley Dog Productions to Present MO AND JESS KILL SUSIE at Toronto International Fringe Fest, 7/3-13

(6/14/2013) - The show is presented as part of the 2013 Toronto International Fringe Festival TRINITY ST PAUL'S CHURCH (BASEMENT) 427 Bloor St West. JULY 3RD-13TH, 2013 @ 7:30PM/ SATURDAYS @ 1:30& 7:30

BWW Interviews: Steffi Didomenicantonio Tackles Natalie in NEXT TO NORMAL

(6/12/2013) - Clearwater Theatre's production of Next to Normal received rave reviews last year and is back again at Tarragon Theatre for a limited run this week. The Tony and Pulitizer Prize winning show tells the story of a family struggling to cope with issues surrounding mental illness, and packs a hefty emotional wallop. With some fantastic tunes and a heartfelt story, this is an eye opening musical likely to make you laugh and cry. Joining the cast this time around are Steffi DiDomenicantonio, Marty Burt and David Coomber. Today BWW is speaking with Steffi D about her experience playing Natalie, meeting Alice Ripley and more.

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE at Huron Country Playhouse

(6/12/2013) - 'An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson'. These three components merge seamlessly in the acclaimed play,Tuesdays With Morrie. This inspiring memoir about living life to fullest is on stage June 26th through July 13th at the Huron Country Playhouse II. Click below for a sneak peek at the production!

Huron Country Playhouse to Stage TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, 6/26-7/13

(6/12/2013) - 'An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson'. These three components merge seamlessly in the acclaimed play,Tuesdays With Morrie. This inspiring memoir about living life to fullest is on stage June 26th through July 13th at the Huron Country Playhouse II.

BWW Interviews: David Coomber Chats Clearwater Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL

(6/12/2013) - Clearwater Theatre's production of Next to Normal received rave reviews last year and is back again at Tarragon Theatre for a limited run this week. The Tony and Pulitizer Prize winning show tells the story of a family struggling to cope with issues surrounding mental illness, and packs a hefty emotional wallop. With some fantastic tunes and a heartfelt story, this is an eye opening musical likely to make you laugh and cry. Joining the cast this time around are Steffi DiDomenicantonio, Marty Burt and David Coomber. BWW sat down and spoke with David about the challenges associated with joining a 'remount' production, and about how he handles the sensitive nature of the material.

BWW Reviews: CATS at the Panasonic Theatre is a Magical Night Out!

(6/12/2013) - CATS triumphs at the Panasonic Theatre, leaving audiences wanting more. This incredible new production with an all Canadian cast is a perfect night out for the entire family!

BWW Reviews: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Huron Country Playhouse Will Be One of Your 'Favourite Things!'

(6/11/2013) - The 2013 Season of Drayton Entertainment's Huron Country Playhouse opens in a delightful way with Rodgers and Hammerstein's loveable classic: THE SOUND OF MUSIC! With some of the most beloved songs from the Rodgers and Hammerstein repertoire performed beautifully, and a well-known story told with spunk, freshness, and plenty of heart-it is very likely that THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be one of Grand Bend's "favourite things" this season!

BWW Reviews: The Script Tease Project

(6/10/2013) - The National Theatre of the World is kicking off their first year as Soulpepper Artists in Residence with THE SCRIPT TEASE PROJECT, a week long engagement where they improv plays based on the first two pages of scripts written by famous playwrights. Made up of Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus, The National Theatre of the World delights with their unique blend of improv, comedy and theatre coupled with current events and first rate audience engagement.

THE BOOK OF MORMON to Return to Toronto in 2014

(6/10/2013) - Back by popular demand following its record-breaking six-week engagement, THE BOOK OF MORMON will return to Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre in 2014 for a strictly limited engagement, with performances beginning September 16, 2014.

Royal Porcupine Productions to Stage SAINT FRANCIS TALKS TO THE BIRDS at Toronto Fringe Fest, 7/4-14

(6/10/2013) - Royal Porcupine Productions first Fringe outing certainly captures the spirit of what a Fringe show should be; an absurdist comedy with a drag-king performance of a famous Saint in a life or death situation chatting it up with two actors decked out as full beak-and-feather birds performed by an emerging company and written by a recent Tony nominee.

Tickets Go On Sale Today for Casey Nicholaw-Helmed, Pre-Broadway ALADDIN in Toronto

(6/10/2013) - Tickets for the Toronto premiere of Disney's Aladdin, a new musical based on the Academy Award winning animated film, will go on sale to the public today, June 10th at 9AM online, by phone and in person.

Photo Coverage and Interview: John Malkovich Takes on Casanova in THE GIACOMO VARIATIONS

(6/8/2013) - John Malkovich brings his latest theatrical venture to Toronto this weekend as he takes on the role of Casanova in THE GIACOMO VARIATIONS. BWW was on hand this past Thursday as he posed for pictures and answered questions about taking on this iconic role.

Audra McDonald Kicks Off GO BACK HOME Summer, Fall 2013 Tour

(6/8/2013) - According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, tonight, June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

John Candy Box Theatre Stages SUDDENLY MOMMY Today

(6/8/2013) - Tonight, June 8th, at 8pm, here's your chance to see Suddenly Mommy at The John Candy Box Theatre! Located at 70 Peter Street, lowel level, 'The Candy Box' is not only a tribute to the late, great John Candy, but the vibrant Studio Theatre of Toronto's Second City.

THE GIACOMO VARIATIONS with John Malkovich Opens Tonight at Elgin Theatre

(6/7/2013) - THE GIACOMO VARIATIONS, starring Hollywood icon John Malkovich as the legendary lover Casanova, will play Toronto's Elgin Theatre, tonight, June 7-9, 2013 for four shows only.

Huron Country Playhouse to Present SPAMALOT, 6/26-7/13

(6/6/2013) - Theatregoers are in for plenty of laughs, as Monty Python's no-holds-barred, Tony award-winning musical, Spamalot hits the Huron Country Playhouse stage from June 26th to July 13th.

Starvox Entertainment Ranks No. 45 on the 2013 PROFIT 500

(6/5/2013) - This week, Starvox Entertainment was announced as No. 45 on the 25th annual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies. Published in the summer issue of PROFIT Magazine and online at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian businesses by their revenue growth over five years.

Lakeshore Arts, Sirius Theatrical to Premiere War of 1812 Drama FORGOTTEN VOICES, 7/4-14

(6/4/2013) - Lakeshore Arts and Sirius Theatrical Company premiere Forgotten Voices: Beyond the Conflict of the War of 1812, a collaborative theatre project in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Written by Sirius Theatrical Company Artistic Director Heather Dick, with dramaturgy by playwright Emil Sher,Forgotten Voices is a fresh look at the human dimension of the War of 1812 and the story of those left behind when the soldiers went off to the battlefield.

Royal Alexandra Theatre to Present Canadian Premiere of THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM, 8/13-25

(6/4/2013) - David Mirvish is pleased to present THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM the critically acclaimed, sold-out new Broadway show, for a strictly limited engagement of 10 performances at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Tickets go on sale Saturday June 15, 9:00 AM online, by phone and in person.

North By Northeast Presents LUDACRIS at Yonge-Dundas Square, 6/16

(6/4/2013) - NORTH BY NORTHEAST (NXNE) announces that Grammy award winning recording artist Ludacris, star of Fast & Furious 6, will headline the show on Sunday, June 16 at Yonge-Dundas Square that currently features Joey Bada$$, Smif N' Wessun, Fat Tony, The Underachievers and Mickey Avalon. Three-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur Ludacris has gained worldwide acclaim for over ten years with hits like Stand Up, Get Back, Number One Spot, Money Maker, and My Chick Bad.

Michael Hughes, Callandra Dendias & More Set for DEFYING GRAVITY: THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ at Jazz Bistro, 6/18

(6/4/2013) - Vocalists, Michael Hughes (2013 New York City Bistro Award Winner, Mickey & Judy) and Callandra Dendias (Toronto's Mamma Mia!), who last joined forces in 2010 for their sold-out concert "Unexpressed" at the Berkeley Street Theatre, will reunite for Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz on June 18th at Toronto's Jazz Bistro. With performances by special guests, including multiple East Coast Music Award nominee, John Connolly, Lindsey Frazier (star of Neptune Theatre's Legally Blonde), singer/songwriter Kritty Uranowski (Patti Cake), newcomer Joel Cumber, and accompanist Mark Selby.

Exciting Acts and Hotel Partners for Scotiabank BuskerFest Announced, 8/22-8/25

(6/4/2013) - Scotiabank BuskerFest, Toronto's wildly successful international street performers festival, returns for its 14th wacky, outlandish year. Epilepsy Toronto's signature event, this year the festival is Celebrating Yonge, moving to Downtown Yonge Street and runs from August 22 to 25.

Franco Boni Receives 2013 George Luscombe Award

(6/4/2013) - The George Luscombe Award was inaugurated in 1999. Revolutionary theatre founder and artistic director George Luscombe founded Toronto Workshop Productions in 1959, marking the beginnings of Toronto's alternative theatre movement. He was Artistic Director for 27 years at TWP.

Paul Templin Honored with 2013 Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award

(6/4/2013) - The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award (LMJH Award) was inaugurated in 2008 and recognizes the important work of theatre, dance and opera administrators. Recipients of the LMJH Award have at least 10 years of demonstrated commitment to the performing arts, in addition to having made an impact on the industry in Toronto. The award is named after Leonard McHardy and John Harvey, the celebrated owners of Toronto's Theatrebooks, which they co-founded in 1975, and which now stands as one of the longest surviving independent bookstores in the country.

Ryan Wilson Receives 2013 Pauline McGibbon Award

(6/4/2013) - Scenic carpenter Ryan Wilson is the 2013 recipient of the Pauline McGibbon Award. The award presentation will take place at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards news conference at Toronto's Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Tickets Go On Sale June 10 for Casey Nicholaw-Helmed, Pre-Broadway ALADDIN in Toronto

(6/4/2013) - Tickets for the Toronto premiere of Disney's Aladdin, a new musical based on the Academy Award winning animated film, will go on sale to the public Monday, June 10th at 9AM online, by phone and in person.

Andrew Tribe Named Artistic Director of Original Kids

(6/4/2013) - The Board of Directors of Original Kids Theatre Company has announced that after the exemplary display of leadership and management in his interim role as acting Artistic Director, Mr. Andrew Tribe has been appointed Artistic Director of the Company for a fixed term of not less than five years.