☛ TORONTO ✭ DECEMBER 2018 ☚

---Larger Theatres--- 

Champions of Magic  (magic).  Five of the world’s finest magicians show off their best illusions.  Preview Dec 19, opens Dec 20, 2018, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  Bluma Appel Threatre, www.stlc.com.  Runtime: 2h15m.  ✭✭✭✭✩ 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory  (musical) by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman.  Willy Wonka opens his mysterious chocolate factory to a few lucky kids.  Opened Nov 21, 2018, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✭✩✩✩

Come From Away  (musical) by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.  On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland.  Opened Feb 13, 2018, booking to Jun 30, 2019.  Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  Runtime: 1h40m.  ✭✭✭✭✭  

Corteo  (circus) by Cirque du Soleil.  The funeral cortège for a deceased clown celebrates the here and hereafter with laughter and exuberance.  Opens Dec 12, runs to Dec 16.  Scotiaback Arena, 1-855-985-4357, www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Jingle Boots – The Big Yellow Boot Holiday Show  (children).  The entire Big Yellow Boot family – Splash, Boots, Charlie, Chef Brock Lee and Jumping Jack Granny – celebrate the holidays.  Dec 23 only.  Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, 416-778-8163, https://www1.ticketmaster.ca/event/100055240E31BABC. 

The Nutcracker  (ballet) by James Kudelka to music by Tchaikovsky.  The holiday favourite returns.  Opens Dec 8, runs to Dec 30.  Four Seasons Centre, 1-866-345-9595, http://national.ballet.ca. 

Réversible  (circus) by Les 7 Doigts.  A unique mix of theatre, circus, dance, music and acrobatics.  Preview Dec 11, opens Dec 12, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩         

School of Rock  (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Glenn Slater.  A wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher turns a class of straight-A students into a rock band.  Opened Nov 28, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✭✭✩✩ 

6 Guitars  (performance) by Chase Padgett.  A single performer portrays 6 different guitar playing characters.  Dec 7 only.  CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.   

Slava’s Snowshow  (performance) by Slava Polunin.  A scruffy, disarming troupe of clowns takes audiences on a spellbinding adventure.  Runs Dec 7-16.  Bluma Appel Theatre, 1-855-872-7669, https://showoneproductions.ca.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✭✭ 

The Wizard of Oz  (panto) by Matt Murray.  A panto version of the well-known story.  Previews from Nov 30, opens Dec 6, 2018, runs to Jan 5, 2019.  Elgin Theatre, 1-855-599-9090, www.rosspetty.com.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✭✩ 

---Smaller Theatres (Professional)---  

Alice the Magnet  (comedy) by Erin Courtney.  A self-help guru’s vision for Utopia is threatened by an increasingly popular demagogue.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 9.  The Commons, 587A College St, https://theatreanimalco.com.  Runtime: 1h40m.  ✭✭✭✭✩    

Asheq: Ritual Music to Cure a Lover  (drama) by Shahin Sayadi.  A story of forbidden love and a family divided by long-held secrets.  Opens Dec 5, runs to Dec 8.  Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, https://my.harbourfrontcentre.com/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=33449.     

Bar Mitzvah Boy  (drama) by Mark Leiren-Young.  A successful lawyer decides to have his bar mitzvah when he is in his 60s.  Opened Nov 22, runs to Dec 2.  Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St., http://hgjewishtheatre.com.   

Bed & Breakfast  (children) by Ann and David Powell.  A feminist adaptation of “The Princess and the Pea” played by puppets in a huge dollhouse.  For ages 5+.  Opens Dec 26, runs to Dec 30.  Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave, www.tarragontheatre.com/season/2018-2019-rentals.

The Best Is Yet To Come Undone  (revue) by The Second City.  A brand new comedy commute down the hyper-conscious highway. Opened Apr 9, 2018, booking to Jan 31, 2019.  The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/spring-2018-revue-2.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

Buddy Holly Winter Concert  (revue) by Zachary Stevenson.  A survey of Buddy holly songs performed in their original style.  Opens Dec 18, runs to Dec 19.  Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St, 416-907-0468, http://lowerossingtontheatre.com.

A Christmas Carol  (drama) by Michael Shamata.  A stage adaptation of the favourite Dickens story.  Opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 24.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, www.soulpepper.ca. 

A Christmas Carol  (drama) by Soup Can Theatre.  An immersive adaptation of the favourite Dickens story.  Preview Dec 12, opens Dec 13, runs to Dec 22..  Campbell House Museum, 416-597-0227 x2, http://soupcantheatre.com.   

A Christmas Carol Comedy  (comedy) by Katie Leamen.  A comic two-person version of the Dickens’ classic.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 23.  Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie St, http://noporpoiseproductions.com.

#ChurchToo  (drama) by Alison Brookins et al.  Seven vignettes explore the problems of truth-telling about sexual abuse in Christian communities.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 2.  The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3809162. 

Cinderella: A Merry Magical Pantomime  (panto) by Rob Torr.  A panto version of the well-known fairy-tale.  Opens Dec 21, runs to Dec 30.  Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3392765.

Citadel Dance Mix 2018  (dance).  A triple bill of dance pieces by DA Hoskins, Allison Cummings and Tori Mahaffey.  Opened Nov 21, runs to Dec 1.  The Citadel, 304 parliament St, 416-364-8011 x1, http://citadelcie.com/citadel-dance-mix-2018. 

The Code  (children) by Rachel Aberle.  A student-instigated protest leads to unexpected fallout.  Previews from Nov 27, opens Dec 1, runs to Dec 14.  Young People’s Theatre, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca.    

Deer Blood  (drama).  A story of love and violence between two lovers across multiple media and realities.  Opens Nov 30, runs to Dec 1.  Collective Space, 221 Sterling Rd, www.facebook.com/events/113612556219592. 

Every Brilliant Thing  (comedy) by Duncan Macmillan.   As a mother battles chronic depression, a child creates a list of everything that makes life worth living.  Opened Nov 29, runs to Dec 16.  Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs, 416-368-3110, www.canadianstage.com.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

Die Fledermaus  (operetta) by Johann Strauss, Jr.  To discover her husband’s infidelity, a wife and her maid exchange costumes at a masked ball.  Opens Dec 28, 2018, runs to Jan 2, 2019.  Jane Mallett Theatre, 416-366-7723, www.torontooperetta.com.

From the Water  (drama) by Will King.  As millions of people start disappearing, a family is split as to what to do.  Preview Dec 12, opens Dec 13, runs to Dec 16.  Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, www.tarragontheatre.com/show/from-the-water.

Ghosting (drama) by Michael Ruderman.  In the near future, a woman grapples with her failing relationship and troubled son by seeking the help of her iPhone.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 9.  Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave, 416-531-1827, https://tickets.tarragontheatre.com.  -cancelled-   

If on a Christmas Night...  (comedy) by Daniele Bartolini.  A series of adventurous and comical situations around the celebration of Christmas, through the lens of Italian and Italian-Canadian culture.  Previews from Dec 4, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 23.  Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave West, www.villacharities.com/christmasnight.     

It’s a Wild, Rowdy, Wonderful Life  (revue) by The Second City.  Laugh along as we skewer all the broken down traditions that plague the holiday season.  Runs Nov 19, 2018-Jan 1, 2019.  The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/its-a-wild-rowdy-wonderful-life.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play  (drama) by Joe Landry.  An adaption for the beloved 1946 movie as a live radio play.  Opened Nov 29, runs to Dec 30.  Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Ave, 416-907-0468, http://lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Jack and the Beanstalk  (musical) by William Lavigne.  A new version of the classic fairy tale.  In concert.  For ages 8+.  Dec 8 only.  Termerty Theatre, 273 Bloor St West, www.rcmusic.com/events-and-performances/jack-beanstalk.

Magic Tonight  (magic).  James Alan presents a weekly live magic show with guest magicians.  Every Sunday.  The Cage, 292 College St., 416-995-1736, www.magictonight.ca/tickets/.

Mark Tewksbury - 50 & Counting  (drama) by Mark Tewksbury.  Tewksbury commemorates going out as Canada’s first gay Olympian in 1998.  Opens Dec 15, runs to Dec 16.  Buddies in Bad Times Theatre,  http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/event/21714/2018-12-15.

Mary Poppins  (musical) by Richard M. Sherman & Robert S. Sherman.  A magical nanny improves the lives of everyone in the household.  Opened Nov 8, 2018, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  Young People’s Theatre, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩    

The Message  (drama) by Jason Sherman.  Marshall McLuhan has a stroke that causes an inability to speak but he still tries to finish his magnum opus.  Opened Nov 14, runs to Dec 16.  Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 416-531-1827, http://tarragontheatre.com.  Runtime: 1h40m.  ✭✭✩✩✩   

Middletown  (drama) by Will Eno.  The lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways.  Opened Nov 16, runs to Dec 1.  Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave., http://crowstheatre.com.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✭✭✭✭ 

The Monkey Queen  (play) by Diana Tso.  The playwright reimagines an ancient tale through her personal journey as a Chinese Canadian female artist.  Opened Nov 16, runs to Dec 2.  The Theatre Centre, 11115 Queen St West, http://theatrecentre.org/?p=3670.

The Naughty Listers  (children) by The Second City.  One of Santa’s most trusted elves goes rogue.  Runs Dec 15, 2018-Jan 5, 2019.  www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/the-naughty-listers-2. 

No Clowns Allowed  (comedy) by Bri Proke.  Two deceased cemetery neighbours compare and contrast the evolution of technology, pop culture and self acceptance.  Preview Dec 6, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 16.  The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, https://noclownsallowed.brownpapertickets.com.

Le Nozze di Figaro  (opera) by W.A. Mozart.  Figaro’s employer, the Count, wants to sleep with Figaro’s fiancée before her wedding.  In Italian with English surtitles.  Opens Dec 6, runs Dec 7 & 9.  Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave, 1-800-838-3006, www.torontocityopera.com.   

Old Man and the River  (children) by Lynda Hill & Thomas Moragn Jones.  A grumpy old man lives by the river until one day a magical creature leaps into his world.  For ages 3+.  Opens Dec 15, runs to Dec 16.  Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, 647-341-7390, https://tickets.crowstheatre.com/TheatreManager/1/login?event=185.   

Open Chambers: Hindemith & Shostakovitch  (song-cycles).  Staged versions of song cycles by Hindemith & Shostakovitch.  Opens Nov 28, runs to Dec 1.  Factory Studio Theatre, 416-504-9971, www.opera5.ca/openchamberstix.  

Pearle Harbour’s Agit-Pop  (comedy) by Justin Miller.   An evening of song, stories, and sociopolitical tirades.  Dec 12 only.  Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca/wp/50th-anniversary.   

Peter Pan  (children) by Fiona Sauder & Reanne Spitzer.  A new musical adaptation of the classic tale of the boy who would not grow up.  For ages 3+.  Previews from Dec 8, opens Dec 12, 2018, runs to Jan 5, 2019.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, www.soulpepper.ca.     

The Philosopher’s Wife  (drama) by Susanna Fournier.  A philosopher hires a dog trainer to cure his wife’s inexplicable animalistic behaviour.  Previews from Dec 4, opens Dec 6, runs to Dec 16.  Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. East, www.nativeearth.ca/akistudio/paradigm-philosopherswife. 

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien.  Brad and Janet seek shelter in the castle of the mad transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter.  Opened Nov 29, runs to Dec 23.  Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Ave, 416-907-0468, http://lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Runner  (drama) by Christopher Morris.  An Orthodox Jewish volunteer grapples with the political and moral fall out of saving a woman’s life.  Opened Nov 29, runs to Dec 9.  Theatre Passe Muraille, 416-768-1572, www.passemuraille.ca.   

Scorch  (drama) by Stacey Gregg.  Inspired by recent UK court cases, the story of a gender-curious teen encountering the complexities of gender-identity and first love.  Opened Nov 16, runs to Dec 2.  Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, https://ca.patronbase.com/_ArtsBoxOffice/Productions/H/Performances.  Runtime: 60m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

She The People  (revue) by The Second City.  A sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by women.  Opened Aug 11, 2018, runs to Jan 27, 2019.  The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/she-the-people-5.  Runtime: 100m.  ✭✭✭✩✩  

Skyline  (drama).  The bittersweet story of three people on the verge of losing themselves.  Preview Dec 6, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 16.  Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, www.passemuraille.ca/wp/home-2/2018-12.

Songbuster - An Improvised Musical  (musical).  The cast creates an hour-long musical based on suggestions from the audience.  Dec 20 only.  Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor St West, https://baddogtheatre.com/calendar.

Space Opera Zero  (comedy) by Eric Woolfe.  Earth Girl loves Space Girl, who is engaged to an warlike slug monster.  Opened Nov 16, runs to Dec 2.  Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, www.eldritchtheatre.ca,  

Tweet Tweet  (children) by Les Femmes du Feu.  Two aerialists plays little birds who discover the magical world around them.  For ages up to 6.  Opens Dec 28, runs to Dec 29.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, www.soulpepper.ca.     

A Very Chris-terical Christmas Cabaret  (cabaret) by Chris Tsujiuchi & Steve John Dale.  Music, story telling, comedy, improv, but not your grandmother’s Christmas show.  Opens Dec 14, runs to Dec 16.  Jane Mallett Theatre, www.stlc.com/event/a-very-chris-terical-christmas-cabaret1.

A Very Leila Christmas  (comedy) by Izad Etemadi.  To impress a co-worker, Leila, a recent immigrant from Iran, promises to throw the ultimate Christmas party.  Opens Dec 14, runs to Dec 16.  Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca/wp/50th-anniversary. 

What I Call Her  (drama) by Ellie Moon.  The estranged mother of 25-year old Kate is on her death bed.  Opened Nov 21, runs to Dec 8.  Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave., http://crowstheatre.com.

The Wizard of Oz  (musical) by Harold Arlen & EY Harburg.  Dorothy Gale from Kansas is transported via tornado to a magical land.  Opens Dec 8, 2018, runs to Jan 27, 2019.  Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St, 416-907-0468, http://lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Wonder Pageant  (comedy) by Kayla Lorette & Ron Pederson.  An unscripted evening of improv comedy, merry music and holiday miracles.  Previews from Dec 2, opens Dec 5, runs to Dec 23.  Coal Mine Theatre, 1454 Danforth Ave., www.coalminetheatre.com.

WOW Factor  (opera) by Gioacchino Rossini.  Rossini’s La Cenerentola shortened, adapted and updated for kids aged 5 to 12.  In English.  Opens Dec 1, runs to Dec 2.  Imperial Oil Opera Theatre, 227 Front St East, www.coc.ca.     

The World of Jahanara  (dance/drama) by Bageshree Vaze.  The inner life of Jahanara Akhlaq, a 24-year-old Kathak dancer, in the hours before her death in 1999.  Dec 1 only.  Aga Khan Museum, www.agakhanmuseum.org.   

Yellow Rabbit  (drama) by Silk Bath Collective.  In a post-nuclear wasteland, two contestants battle it out for a spot in the Chinese sanctuary city of Rich-Man Hill. The winner is granted refuge. The loser dies.  Opened Nov 24, runs to Dec 1 

Les Zinspirés: L’Âge de raison  (plays).  Professional actors present the works of five young authors.  In French with English surtitles.  Opens Nov 30, runs to Dec 5.  Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs, www.theatrefrancais.com.   

---Smaller Theatres (Community & Student)---

The Christmas Story  (drama).  A pageant of the first Christmas.  Opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 23.  [community]  Church Of the Holy Trinity, 416-598-4521;301, www.thechristmasstory.ca.   

An Evening of Holiday Radio Plays  (plays).  Three short radio plays from 1947, 1950 and 1953 are performed in the style of radio plays of the period.  Opens Dec 28, runs to Dec 30.  [community]  Village Playhouse, 2190E Bloor St West, https://villageplayers.net.    

Les Frères  (drama) by Sandra Daley-Sharif.  Three Haitian brothers are forced to deal with their family trauma following the death of the family’s patriarch.  Opened Nov 29, runs to Dec 1.  [community]  George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Pl, https://tickets.harthouse.ca/Online/default.asp.   

Home Away from Home  (drama).  The Syrian Canadian community reflects on topics of identity, loneliness, cross-cultural adaptation, and homesickness.  In Arabic & English.  Opens Dec 15, runs to Dec 16.  [community]  Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave, www.facebook.com/MixedCTheatre/?ref=stream.

Miracle on 34th Street  (comedy) by Mountain Community Theatre.  Macy’s department store tries to prove that its Santa Claus is delusional.  Opened Nov 22, runs to Dec 1.  [community]  Fairview Public Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr, www.stagecentreproductions.com.   

An O. Henry Christmas  (drama) by Howard Burman.  A group of hobos in 1890s New York act out stories by O. Henry.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 15.  [community]  Scarborough Village Theatre, 416-267-9292, https://theatrescarborough.com.  

☛ ELSEWHERE ✭ DECEMBER 2018 ☚

*BARRIE*

Hedwig and the Angry Inch  (musical) by Stephen Trask & John Cameron Mitchell.  The story of a gender-crossed East German glam rocker determined to become a superstar.  Runs Nov 22-Dec 1.  Five Points Theatre, 705-792-1949, www.tift.ca.       

*BURLINGTON*

Aladdin  (panto) by Chantale Forde & Tim Cadeny.  The evil Drakkar Noir wants to destroy the happiness of Aladdin and his beloved Jasmine.  Opens Dec 20, runs to Dec 29. [community]  Burlington PAC, 905-815-2021, www.oakvillecentre.ca.

The Great Dubois: Masters of Variety  (variety) by Viktoria Grimmy & Michael Dubois.  Incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction wrapped in comedy.  Dec 31 only.  Burlington PAC, 905-815-2021, www.oakvillecentre.ca.   

*CAMBRIDGE*

Holiday Inn  (musical) by Irving Berlin.  A crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.  Opened Nov 23, runs to Dec 30.  Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

*COLLINGWOOD*

A Very Chris-terical Christmas Cabaret  (cabaret) by Chris Tsujiuchi & Steve John Dale.  Music, story telling, comedy, improv, but not your grandmother’s Christmas show.  Opens Dec 20, runs to Dec 21.  Gayety Theatre, 705-445-2200, www.theatrecollingwood.ca.

*HAMILTON*

Elf  (musical) by Matthew Sklar & Chad Beguelin.  A human boy, raised as an elf at the North Pole, wants to find his real father.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 24.  Dofasco Centre, 1-800-465-7529, www.theatreaquarius.org. 

*KITCHENER/WATERLOO*

Un-Hinged  (festival).  A festival of disturbing theatre.  Opens Dec 11, runs to Dec 15.  K-W Little Theatre, Waterloo, tickets@flushink.net.    

A Very Leila Christmas  (comedy) by Izad Etemadi.  To impress a co-worker, Leila, a recent immigrant from Iran, promises to throw the ultimate Christmas party.  Opens Dec 19, runs to Dec 23.  Registry Theatre, Kitchener, www.greenlight-arts.com. 

A Lost & Found Christmas  (variety).  An evening of stories, readings and music recalling the Golden Age of radio.  Opens Dec 14, runs to Dec 15.  Emmanuel United Church, Waterloo, www.lostandfoundtheatre.ca. 

*LONDON*

The Boy in the Moon  (drama) by Emil Sher.  The true story of a family’s journey of raising their severely disabled son.  Opened Nov 21, runs to Dec 1.  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com.  

A Christmas Carol  (drama) by Dennis Garnhum.  A stage adaptation of the Dickens’ favourite.  Previews from Dec 5, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 29.  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com.    

hir  (comedy) by Taylor Mac.  A war veteran and his father find themselves opposed by his out transgender brother and his mother.  Preview Dec 6, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 15.  Grand Theatre, www.calithumpiantheatre.com.  

A Really Retro Crooner Christmas  (revue) by Rick Kish & Connor Boa.  A journey back to those 50s & 60s Dean Martin- & Frank Sinatra-style Christmas Specials.  Dec 14 only.  Aeolian Hall, 1-519-672-7950, http://linktheatre.ca/croonerchristmas.html.

*MILLBROOK*

The Other: A Strange Christmas Tale  (drama) by Beverley Cooper.  Who is the strange woman who arrived in Millbrook the night of the Christmas pageant?  Opens Dec 5, runs Dec 7, 8, 12, 13 & 14.  St. Thomas’s Anglican Church, https://www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca/current-productions. 

*MISSISSAUGA*

Jingle Boots – The Big Yellow Boot Holiday Show  (children).  The entire Big Yellow Boot family – Splash, Boots, Charlie, Chef Brock Lee and Jumping Jack Granny – celebrate the holidays.  Dec 27 only.  Living Arts Centre, https://ev10.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:MLAC:19:BOOT:&linkID=mlac.

*MORRISBURG*

The Christmas Express  (revue) by Pat Cook.  The little town of Holly wonders if the Christmas Express will ever stop at its train station again.  Opens Dec 1, runs to-Dec 23.  Upper Canada Playhouse, 1-877-550-3650, www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

*NIAGARA FALLS*

Beauty and the Beast  (musical) by .  A stage version of the 1991 Disney animated movie.  Opens Dec 7, runs Dec 8, 14 & 15.  Scotiabank Convention Centre, 905-357-7008, www.fallsconventions.com/#group-8.

Jump, Jive and Jingle  (revue) by Lee Siegel.  In the 1950s six strangers become stranded in a diner on Christmas Eve.  Opened Nov 10, runs to Dec 22.  Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, 8585 Lundy’s Lane, 1-800-467-2071, www.ohcanadaeh.com.      

The Show Must Go On  (revue).  The music of the hippy generation brought back in the form of a circus sideshow.  Opens Dec 28, 2018, runs to Jan 26, 2019.  Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, 8585 Lundy’s Lane, 1-800-467-2071, www.ohcanadaeh.com.      

Wild Magic  (magic) by Greg Frewin.  Frewin performs stunning large-scale illusions including one with a white Siberian tiger.  Opened Jan 5, runs to Dec 31. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, http://gregfrewintheatre.com. 

*NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE*

The SHAW FESTIVAL 2018:

For tickets and information phone 1-800-511-7429 or visit the website at www.shawfest.com.

--At the Royal George Theatre--

A Christmas Carol  (drama) by Tim Carroll.  A stage adaptation of the holiday favourite.  Opened Nov 17, runs to Dec 23.

*ORANGEVILLE*

A Christmas Story  (comedy) by Philip Grecian.  A stage adaptation of the classic 1983 movie.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 23.  Theatre Orangeville, 1-800-424-1295, www.theatreorangeville.ca. 

*OSHAWA*

Cinderella: A Magical Panto  (panto) by Zac Mansfield.  A panto version of the well-known fairy-tale.  Opens Dec 28, runs to Dec 31.  Regent Theatre, https://tickets.regenttheatre.ca.

*OTTAWA*

Bed and Breakfast   (comedy) by Mark Crawford.  A gay male couple from the big city opens a B&B in a quaint little Ontario village.  Runs Dec 4-22.  Great Canadian Theatre Company, 613-236-5196, www.gctc.ca.  Runtime: 2h15m  ✭✭✭✭✭

A Christmas Carol  (drama) by Charles Dickens.  Dickens’s own stage adaptation of his famous story for one actor playing all the roles.  Opens Dec 16, runs to Dec 22.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca. 

Le Cid  (drama) by Pierre Corneille.  A new version of Corneille’s play by Gabriel Plante.  In French.  Opens Nov 29, runs to Dec 1.  La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com/spectacles/le-cid.  Runtime: 70m.  ✭✩✩✩✩   

Cinderella and the Ice Slipper  (panto) by Ken MacDougall.  A panto version of the well-known fairy tale.  Preview Dec 28, opens Dec 29, 2018, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca. 

The Hockey Sweater: A Musical  (musical) by Jonathan Monro & Emil Sher.  A musical based on the Roch Carrier’s short story.  Previews from Dec 5, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 22.  NAC, 1-866-850-ARTS, http://nac-cna.ca.  Runtime: 2h10m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

It’s a Wonderful Life  (comedy) by Philip Grecian.  A stage adaptation of the beloved Frank Capra movie.  Runs Nov 28-Dec 15.  [community]  Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., 613-233-8948, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.   

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Show  (comedy) by Philip Grecian.  The beloved Frank Capra movie is staged as a live radio play.  Preview Dec 6, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 15.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca.   

The Nutcracker  (ballet) by Edmund Stripe to music by Tchaikovsky.  The Alberta Ballet’s productions of the holiday classic.  Opened Nov 28, runs to Dec 2.  NAC, 1-866-850-ARTS, http://nac-cna.ca. 

The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes  (drama) by John Nassivera.  Holmes, Watson and Prof. Moriarty meet their maker, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wishes to end their existence.  Opened Nov 23, runs to Dec 1.  [community]  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca. 

Petite Sorcière  (children) by Pascal Brullemans.  Little Witch loses her mother, and a greedy ogre promises to watch over her.  In French.  Opens Dec 15, runs to Dec 16.  NAC, 1-866-850-ARTS, http://nac-cna.ca.        

Shen Yun 2019  (variety).  A showcase of 5000 years of Chinese culture in music and dance.  Opens Dec 27, runs to Dec 29.  NAC, 1-866-850-ARTS, http://nac-cna.ca.   

*PICKERING*

Playing Doctor  (comedy) by William VanZandt & Jane Milmore.  Rob’s parents come to visit thinking he has become a doctor when, in fact, he has become a writer.  Opened Nov 9, runs to Dec 31.  Herongate Barn Theatre, 1-866-902-9884, www.herongate.com. 

*PORT HOPE*

King Arthur: The Panto  (panto) by Antonio Sarmiento.  A very loose adaptation of the King Arthur story presented in both naughty and nice versions.  Opened Nov 15, runs to Dec 23.  Capitol Arts Centre, 1-800-434-5092, http://capitoltheatre.com.

*PORT STANLEY*

A Really Retro Crooner Christmas  (revue) by Rick Kish & Connor Boa.  A journey back to those 50s & 60s Dean Martin- & Frank Sinatra-style Christmas Specials.  Dec 8 only.  Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 519-782-4353 or 1-855-782-4353, www.portstanleytheatre.ca.

*RICHMOND HILL*

Thumbelina («Дюймовочка»)  (children).  A stage version of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale.  In Russian.  For ages 3+.  Dec 29 only. Richmond Hill Centre, https://showoneproductions.ca/event/perfect-wife-20181009.    

*ST. CATHARINES*

Holiday Cabaret (comedy).  Suitcase in Point presents an original sketch show with a holiday theme.  Dec 8 only.  FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 905-688-0722, www.firstontariopac.ca.

Outerbridge - Clockwork Mysteries (magic) by Ted Outerbridge.  A high-energy magical adventure for both adult and family audiences.  Dec 29 only.  FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 905-688-0722, www.firstontariopac.ca. 

*ST. JACOBS*

Jack and the Beanstalk  (panto) by Caroline Smith.  Jack’s magic beans makes beanstalk that reaches to a giant’s castle.  Opened Nov 30, 2018, runs to Jan 6, 2019.  St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  

Shear Madness  (comedy) by Paul Pörtner.  A hairdresser and a manicurist try to discover who murdered a concert pianist in their salon.  Opened Sep 14, runs to Dec 23.  St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✭✩     

*STIRLING*

The Princess and the Pea  (panto).   A panto version of the familiar fairy tale in both family and naughty versions.  Runs Nov 23-Dec 31.  Stirling Festival Theatre, 1-877-312-1162, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.  

*STRATFORD*

The STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2018:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 17-Dec 2 in Stratford, two hours west from Toronto.  For information and tickets phone 1-800-567-1600, visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca.

--At the Festival Theatre-- 

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens.  Festival company members and other performers will read Charles Dickens’ famous story accompanied by Stratford musicians.  A benefit for the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice.  Dec 7 only.

--At the Avon Theatre-- 

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien.  Brad and Janet seek shelter in the castle of the mad transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter.  Opened Jun 2, runs to Dec 2.  Runtime: 1h55m.  ✭✭✭✩✩

*SUDBURY*

Plaid Tidings  (revue) by Stuart Ross.  The quartet from Forever Plaid is called back to Earth to bring harmony to a discordant world.  Preview Dec 6, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 22.  Sudbury Theatre Centre, 705-674-8381 x21, www.sudburytheatre.ca. 

*WINDSOR*

Amahl and the Night Visitors  (opera) by Gian Carlo Menotti.  A mother won’t believe her son who tell tall tales even when he see the Three Magi.  Opened Nov 30, runs to Dec 2.  226-345-8372, www.abridgedopera.com/amahl-and-the-night-visitors-1. 

☛ TOURS IN ONTARIO ✭ DECEMBER 2018 ☚

Letterkenny Live: The Encore (comedy) by K. Trevor Wilson & Mark Forward.  Scenes of life in small-town Ontario.  Original sketches, unseen videos and stand-up comedy.  www.letterkenny.tv.   

Dec 1: Casino Rama, Orillia

Dec 3: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

Dec 5: Meridien Centre, St. Catharines

Dec 6: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

The Nutcracker  (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen to music by Tchaikovsky.  A version of the famous ballet inspired by paintings of the Group of Seven.  https://canadasballetjorgen.ca

Dec 2: Capitol Centre, North Bay

Dec 5: Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto

Dec 8: Hamilton Place, Hamilton

Dec 9: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

Dec 12-13: Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa

Dec 15: CentrePointe Theatre, Ottawa

Dec 19: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

Dec 20-21: River Run Centre, Guelph

Dec 23: Centennial Hall, London

Dec 28: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

Dec 30: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

Paw Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure  (children).  Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern.  www.pawpatrollive.com/shows/the-great-pirate-adventure. 

Dec 1-2: FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton

Dec 4-5: Budweiser Gardens, London

Dec 8-9: WFCU Centre, Windsor

Dec 14-15: Kitchener Memorial Arena, Kitchener

Wonderful World of Christmas: Graceland Edition  (revue) by Steve Michaels.  International award-winning Elvis tribute artist Steve Michaels serenades with the King’s best holiday offerings.  http://stephenkabakos.com 

Dec 1: King’s Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene

Dec 2: Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge

Dec 7: Rose Theatre, Brampton

Dec 8: River Run Centre, Guelph

Dec 9: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton

Dec 15: Drayton Festival Theatre, Drayton