Toronto Theatre + Broadway News

SoulOTheatre Presents A WINDOW ON THE SOULO Installation, Now thru May 26

(5/23/2013) - Artistic Director Tracey Erin Smith announces a new theatrical installation for the SoulOTheatre Festival, which runs today, May 23-26 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto's Leslieville.

2013 Toronto Theatre Critics' Awards Announced - TERMINUS and More!

(5/23/2013) - TERMINUS wins big at this year's Toronto Theatre Critics' Awards, which were announced today (awards to be given out at a later date). The awards are determined by Toronto critics who represent five of the city's newspapers: The Globe and Mail (J. Kelly Nestruck); The Grid (Martin Morrow); NOW (Glenn Sumi); The National Post (Robert Cushman); and the Toronto Star (Richard Ouzounian).

Startford's Group Pinball Game Sets World Record for Launch of TOMMY Musical

(5/22/2013) - The Stratford Festival is officially home of one of the newest GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. One hundred 'pinball wizards' took over First Canadian Place in Toronto today to successfully log the greatest number of pinball machines being played simultaneously at a single venue.

Original Kids Theatre Company's Alumni Show Will Be AVENUE Q

(5/21/2013) - From June 20 to June 29, past members of the Original Kids Theatre Company will reunite to present Avenue Q. This stunning musical-comedy utilizes live actors along with an ensemble of hand puppets that eerily resemble those of a beloved children's show.

BONE CAGE, GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA and More Set for Hart House Theatre's 2013-14 Season

(5/21/2013) - Hart House Theatre, the University of Toronto's Performing Arts Leader Since 1919, is proud to announce its 2013/2014 season. With a diverse mix of classical and contemporary work, Hart House Theatre continues its tradition of producing affordable and accessible high-quality productions for downtown Toronto audiences. The 2013/2014 Season features two Governor General's Award winning Canadian plays, one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies and a deliciously quirky musical based on a popular film.

BWW Reviews: I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Touches on Human Truths

(5/21/2013) - Angelwalk Theatre, joining forces with the Koogle Theatre Company of Burlington, is reviving I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. It remains a crowd-pleasing delight thanks to the four vibrant performers who take us on a tour of the little moments in life to which we can all relate. In a series of vignettes we follow couples through the trials and tribulations of dating, marriage, raising a family and growing older.

TOsketchfest Announces THE BEST OF THE FEST Encore Show

(5/21/2013) - The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (TOsketchfest) is back to show off the best comedy troupes from the 2013 Festival, which ran March 7-17, 2013, with the Best of the Fest Encore Show.

BWW Reviews: Soulpepper Stages Hilarious BARBER OF SEVILLE

(5/20/2013) - Soulpepper's production of The Barber of Seville is a hilarious night out at the theatre and a hit amongst audiences.

BWW Interviews: Randy Graff to Present Master Class in Toronto

(5/20/2013) - Randy Graff, who originated the role of Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway, is coming to Toronto to conduct an exciting master class this December. Known for her story-telling through song, Randy will focus on teaching that unique ability to her students. She sat down with BWW to talk about her career, the benefits of the master class and her Les Miserables experience.

THE BOOK OF MORMON Breaks House Record in Toronto

(5/20/2013) - THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, has broken the house record in Toronto for the week ending May 19. The show broke the record at the Princess of Wales Theatre grossing $1,549,131.00.

STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights from Stratford Festival's TOMMY!

(5/20/2013) - The third rock musical produced by the Festival in recent years, Tommy will be the biggest musical ever staged at Stratford. The show features massive LED screens and extraordinary automated set pieces that light up, explode, spin and tilt - get a first look below!

BLITHE SPIRIT Begins Previews at Stratford Festival

(5/18/2013) - A hilarious battle of wits plays out in one of Noel Coward's most celebrated comedies, Blithe Spirit. Directed by long-time Stratford Festival favourite Brian Bedford, the gorgeously designed production started previews on Thursday, May 16, at the Avon Theatre.

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek Audio - Stratford Festival's TOMMY

(5/17/2013) - Based on The Who's 1969 concept album of the same name, Tommy tells the story of a young man who, despite having lost the faculties of speech, sight and hearing, becomes a pinball virtuoso - and the centre of a celebrity cult. In a new production helmed by its original Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff (who co-wrote the show with The Who's Pete Townshend), the explosive rock opera features such unforgettable hits as 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me,' 'Acid Queen' and 'We're Not Gonna Take It.'

Photo Flash: First Look at Paul Nolan, Jeremy Kushnier & More in Stratford Festival's TOMMY

(5/16/2013) - Based on The Who's 1969 concept album of the same name, Tommy tells the story of a young man who, despite having lost the faculties of speech, sight and hearing, becomes a pinball virtuoso - and the centre of a celebrity cult. In a new production helmed by its original Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff (who co-wrote the show with The Who's Pete Townshend), the explosive rock opera features such unforgettable hits as 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me,' 'Acid Queen' and 'We're Not Gonna Take It.' The production features Robert Markus as Tommy, Jewelle Blackman as the Gypsy, Kira Guloien as Mrs. Walker, Jeremy Kushnier as Captain Walker, Paul Nolan as Cousin Kevin and Steve Ross as Uncle Ernie. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the cast in action below!

Stratford Festival Hosts PINBALLAPALOOZA to Celebrate TOMMY Today

(5/16/2013) - Calling all pinball wizards! The Stratford Festival invites you to be a part of history. Today, May 16, the Festival will be in Toronto to host Pinballapalooza, an exciting event to celebrate the opening of its much-anticipated rock musical, Tommy.

SoulOTheatre to Present A WINDOW ON THE SOULO Installation, May 23-26

(5/14/2013) - Artistic Director Tracey Erin Smith announces a new theatrical installation for the SoulOTheatre Festival, which runs May 23-26 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto's Leslieville.

TSO 2012/13 Season Finale includes Gershwin, Joshua Bell, Yuja Wang and More

(5/14/2013) - For Rhapsody in Blue (June 1 & 2), one of the most popular American concert works, conductor Bramwell Tovey will take to the piano to play Gershwin's beloved jazz-infused Piano Concerto. Before leading the orchestra in Elgar's Enigma Variations- a series of charming musical sketches about the composer's closest friends -Tovey, an eloquent host, will share some of the unsolved mysteries of the work's "secret" contents. The June 2nd performance is at the George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts and also features Bernstein's "Overture" to Candide.

THE BOOK OF MORMON Breaks House Record in Toronto

(5/13/2013) - THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, has broken the house record in Toronto for the week ending May 12. The show broke the record at the Princess of Wales Theatre for an 8-performance week, grossing $1,510,230.00.

WEESAGEECHAK BEGINS TO DANCE and More Set for Native Earth's 2013-14 Season

(5/10/2013) - Our 26th festival of new works returns, animating Aki Studio Theatre with an illustrious home team. Weesageechak Begins to Dance will feature Toronto-based veteran, mid-career and emerging creators, with roots extending across Turtle Island.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Opens 5/23 in Toronto

(5/10/2013) - GINA ANKI, Artistic Director of CATS MAINSTAGE THEATRE COMPANY, announced today that the company will present the scamming, scheming, double-crossing Broadway hit DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS May 23 to May 26 2013 at Toronto's historic Theatre Passe Muraille.

PHOTO FLASH: Ma-Anne Dionisio and Betty Buckley Backstage at Richmond Hill Center for the Arts

(5/10/2013) - Tony Award winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley gave a solo concert at the Richmond Hill Center for the Arts last night. In attendance was the cast of the new Canadian production of Cats, which stars Ma-Anne Dionisio as Grizabella.

LES MISERABLES Goes On Sale in Toronto This Monday

(5/10/2013) - Tickets for the Canadian premiere of the new 25th Anniversary Cameron Mackintosh production of Boublil & Schonberg's masterpiece LES MISERABLES will go on sale Monday May 13 at 9AM online, by phone and in person. Performances for the limited engagement begin September 27, 2013.

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN Begins Performances at Shaw Festival

(5/9/2013) - Wilde's early play has the wit of his later comedies, but also probes the complexities and darker desires of the human heart. Lady Windermere (Marla McLean), a young woman recently married into the aristocracy, is preparing for her birthday party. Although deeply in love with her husband Lord Windermere (Martin Happer), she is troubled by his relationship with the mysterious Mrs. Erlynne (Tara Rosling) and vulnerable to the advances of the charismatic Lord Darlington (Gray Powell). Society's high veneer of elegance and propriety threatens to crack as secrets from the past are revealed - only to be quickly suppressed.

Betty Buckley Performs Tonight at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Arts

(5/9/2013) - Betty Buckley is performing a solo concert at the Richmond Hill Center for the Arts tonight.

Soulpepper Theatre and NTOW to Present THE SCRIPT TEASE PROJECT, June 4-8

(5/8/2013) - Albert Schultz, Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company today announced details of a three-year residency between Soulpepper Theatre Company and Toronto's masters of improvisation, The National Theatre of the World (NTOW).

The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts Presents BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY, 5/18

(5/8/2013) - One very Wascally Wabbit is returning to the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts on Saturday, May 18, 2013 for one performance only of BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY!

BWW Review: The Lower Ossington Theatre's RENT

(5/8/2013) - Rent is Jonathan Larson's musical about a group of friends struggling to make ends meet. In his critically acclaimed show, he tells the story of love, loss, and struggle. Larson tells the story through the experiences and relationships of his colorful and complex characters whom audiences have grown to know and love. In the Lower Ossington Theatre's production of this award winning show, these iconic characters are portrayed to a tee. The production manages to stay true to the legendary show while also taking artistic license. While elements of the show, especially characterization, mirrors the original, the main place where artistic license is taken is with the character of Roger.

Humber River Shakespeare Presents AS YOU LIKE IT, 7/9-8/4

(5/8/2013) - Shakespeare's comedic romp follows Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, out of the court and into the Forest of Arden: an imaginary place where love and charity can find sanctuary from the cruel world of the court. Disguised as a boy, she seeks out her father and his friends. Here she meets Orlando again, and in the guise of a young man, counsels him in the art of love.

Drayton Festival Theatre Launches 2013 Season with THE SONGS OF SINATRA Tonight

(5/8/2013) - Drayton Festival Theatre opens its doors and raises the curtain on the 2013 Season with The Songs of Sinatra, an unforgettable tribute to The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra. Playing eight shows a week, tonight, May 8th through June 1st this energetic production is a real treat for fans of the incomparable musical legend.

Shaw Festival Extends GUYS AND DOLLS Through 11/3

(5/6/2013) - Already shaping up to be one of the season's hottest tickets, Guys and Dolls will continue to captivate audiences for 15 extra performances at The Shaw's Festival Theatre.

BWW Interviews: Jeremy Kushnier Talks Stratford Festival's TOMMY

(5/6/2013) - Jeremy Kushnier sat down with BWW on a sunny morning in Stratford to talk about his character in "Tommy", revisiting The Who's "Tommy" after 17 years, rehearsing for both "Tommy" and "Fiddler on the Roof" at the same time, and how becoming a father has changed his role as an actor.

BWW Reviews: THE BOOK OF MORMON

(5/5/2013) - The Book of Mormon opened in Toronto last Thursday, kicking off a sold-out six week run at The Princess of Wales Theatre. Arguably the most hyped show of the year, Toronto audiences have been clamouring to get tickets to this Tony Award Winning production. BWW was on hand opening night to see if the show does in fact live up to the hype, and we are happy to report that the Mormons are indeed a crowd pleasing bunch.

Stratford Festival's Des McAnuff Invested into Order of Canada

(5/3/2013) - Des McAnuff was invested into the Order of Canada at a ceremony presided over by the Governor General in Ottawa this morning. The Stratford Festival extends heartiest congratulations to Mr. McAnuff, who was Artistic Director from 2008 through 2012, and is currently directing Tommy, a musical based on the album by The Who, which he helped composer-lyricist Pete Townshend create.

Rock Musical TOMMY Begins Previews This Weekend at Stratford Festival

(5/3/2013) - Twenty years after its Broadway premiere, Tommy returns to the stage in a new production helmed by its co-creator and original director, Des McAnuff. The spectacular musical that swept the Tony Awards in 1993 starts previews on Saturday, May 4, at the Avon Theatre.

Shaw's MAJOR BARBARA Begins Previews

(5/3/2013) - A new production of Major Barbara, one of Bernard Shaw's most celebrated and provocative works, began previews May 2 in the intimate space of the Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre.

MARY STUART Begins Performances at Stratford Festival

(5/3/2013) - Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, begins previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre.

Stratford Festival to Host PINBALLAPALOOZA to Celebrate TOMMY, May 16

(5/2/2013) - Calling all pinball wizards! The Stratford Festival invites you to be a part of history. On Thursday, May 16, the Festival will be in Toronto to host Pinballapalooza, an exciting event to celebrate the opening of its much-anticipated rock musical, Tommy.

Voting Opens for the 2013 BroadwayWorld Awards! Vote Now for the Best of the 2012-13 Theatre Season...

(5/2/2013) - 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 11th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

STAGE TUBE: Watch Stratford's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF do the 'Bottle Dance'

(5/2/2013) - Watch a short preview of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival perform FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

Stratford Festival's TAKING SHAKESPEARE Adds Two Performances, 9/14 & 18

(5/1/2013) - To meet the demand for tickets, the Stratford Festival is adding two performances of Taking Shakespeare, the John Murrell play featuring Martha Henry and Luke Humphrey, directed by Diana Leblanc.