☛ TORONTO ✭ APRIL 2019 ☚

---Larger Theatres--- 

La Bohème  (opera) by Giacomo Puccini.  The lives and loves of starving artists in 19th-century Paris.  In Italian with English surtitles.  Opens Apr 17, runs to May 22.  Four Seasons Centre, 1-800-250-4653, www.coc.ca.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical  (musical) by Douglas McGrath.  King’s rise to fame as a songwriter and her second rise to fame as a singer-songwriter.  Apr 9-May 5, Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

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.  ✭✭✭✭✭  

Dear Evan Hansen  (musical) by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.  A high school senior with social anxiety fabricates a lie after the death of a classmate.  Opened Mar 28, runs to Jun 30.  Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

A Doll’s House, Part 2  (comedy) by Lucas Hnath.  Nora returns to her husband in this modern sequel to Ibsen’s 1879 play.  Runs Mar 23 to Apr 14.  CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Idomeneo  (opera) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  To be saved from shipwreck Idomeneo vows to sacrifice the first living thing he meets on shore – it turns out to be his son.  In Italian with English surtitles.  Opens Apr 4, runs to Apr 13.  ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Otello  (opera) by Giuseppe Verdi.  Iago tires to destroy his commander by instilling him with jealousy.  In Italian with English surtitles.  Opens Apr 27, runs to May 21.  Four Seasons Centre, 1-800-250-4653, www.coc.ca.

Next to Normal (musical) by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey.  A mother’s struggle with bipolar disorder and its effect on her family.  Apr 26-May 19.  CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Venezuela  (dance) by Ohad Naharin.  The Batsheva Dance Company explores the conflict between movement and its content.  Apr 9 only.  Sony Centre, http://www.sonycentre.ca/calendar-event-details/?id=425.

---Smaller Theatres (Professional)---  

Angélique  (drama) by Lorena Gale.  The story of an enslaved Black woman who was hanged for setting fire to Montreal in 1734.  Runs Apr 3-21.  Factory Theatre, 416-504-9971, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Antigone: 方  (children) by Jeff Ho.  A new adaptation of the Greek tragedy inspired by the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising.  For ages 12+.  Runs Apr 29 to May 16.  Young People’s Theatre, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca.   

Le Bibliothécaire  (performance) by Marie-Hélène d’Amours.  A physical theatre representation of the love of reading.  Apr 28 only.  Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Rd, 416-534-6604, http://theatrefrancais.com. 

Bigre  (comedy) by Pierre Guillois et al.  A silent comedy about two men, a neat-freak and a slob, who fall for the same woman.  Opens Apr 11, runs to Apr 21.  Berkeley Street Theatre, 416-368-3110, www.canadianstage.com. 

The Chemical Valley Project  (drama) by Kevin Matthew Wong.  A documentary theatre work on environmental racism and reconciliation against the backdrop of Canada’s petrochemical industry.  Previews from Apr 4, opens Apr 9, runs to Apr 20.  Theatre Passe Muraille, 416-504-7529, www.passemuraille.ca/wp/18-19-season.

The Cherry Orchard  (drama) by Anton Chekhov.  A family love their orchard for sentimental reasons but do nothing to save it.  Opened Mar 29, runs to Apr 13.  Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave., http://crowstheatre.com.   

Copenhagen  (drama) by Michael Frayn.  In 1941, as nations race to perfect The Bomb, two scientists meet in occupied Denmark for a conversation that will change the course of history.  Previews from Apr 6, opens Apr 12, runs to May 1.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, http://www1.soulpepper.ca.     

Guarded Girls  (drama) by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman.  A complicated relationship formed between two female prisoners and their guard.  Previews from Mar 26, opens Apr 3, runs to May 5.  Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 416-531-1827, http://tarragontheatre.com. 

Hand to God  (comedy) by Robert Askins.  At a church puppet club one of the puppets suddenly turns satanic.  Previews from Apr 21, opens Apr 24, runs to May 12.  Coal Mine Theatre, 1454 Danforth Ave., www.coalminetheatre.com. 

The Little Prince: Reimagined  (children) by Richard Lam.  An adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s story places it in the 21st century.  For ages 7+.  Opened Mar 23, runs to Apr 13.  Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave., http://crowstheatre.com.

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/.

Merry Munsch Pyjama Party  (children).  Some favourite Robert Munsch stories acted out by actor in pyjamas.  For ages 4+.  Runs Feb 9 to May 5.  Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., 416-368-8031, http://solarstage.on.ca.

The Merry Widow  (operetta) by Franz Lehár.  A rich widow’s countrymen try to find her a local husband to keep her money inside the country.  Opens Apr 23, runs Apr 24, 26, 27 & 28.  Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story  (comedy) by Hannah Moscovitch. A Cape Bretoner visits his old childhood pal after an absence of 25 years.  Previews from Apr 16, opens Apr 24, runs to May 26.  Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 416-531-1827, http://tarragontheatre.com.

Shove It Down My Throat  (drama) by Johnnie Walker.  In 2013 a gay man was arrested for knife fight – was it his aggression or a queer bashing?  Previews from Mar 30, opens Apr 4, runs to Apr 21. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., 416-975-8555, http://buddiesinbadtimes.com. 

The Things I Carry  (drama) by Lee Su-Feh.  A performance/storytelling hybrid about what happens as people spread across our planet.  Preview Apr 23, opens Apr 24, runs to Apr 28.  Theatre Passe Muraille, 416-504-7529, www.passemuraille.ca/wp/18-19-season.

Traversée  (drama) by Khadija Baker.  Nour contemplates leaving her nurse who taught her sign language.  In French with English surtitles.  Apr 26 only.  Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs, 26 Berkeley St., 416-534-6604, http://theatrefrancais.com. 

Under the Stairs  (children) by Kevin Dyer.  Tim asks other children to help find his parents when they go missing.  For ages 8+.  Runs Apr 1 to Apr 16.  Young People’s Theatre, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca. 

Wedding at Aulis  (drama) by Sina Gilani.  In order for his fleet to sail for Troy, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia.  Opened Mar 28, runs to Apr 14.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, http://www1.soulpepper.ca.     

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

Caught in the Net  (comedy) by Ray Cooney.  Two teens are attracted to each other but discover their fathers have the same name, age and occupation.  Opens Apr 5, runs to Apr 20.  [community]  Scarborough Village Theatre, 416-267-9292, https://theatrescarborough.com. 

Impressionism  (comedy) by Michael Jacobs.  A romantic comedy about a gallery owner and a photojournalist.  Opens Apr 12, runs to Apr 27.  [community]  Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St., 416-364-4170, www.alumnaetheatre.com.

Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman  (drama) by Mark Brownell.  At the height of his political career an 18th-century courtier thought male admits to being a woman.  Opens Apr 10, runs to Apr 20.  [student]  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, www1.youngcentre.ca.

The Picture of Dorian Gray  (drama) by Neil Bartlett.  A stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s story of a young man who never grows older.  Opens Apr 9, runs to Apr 20.  [student]  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, www1.youngcentre.ca.  

☛ ELSEWHERE ✭ APRIL 2019 ☚

*BARRIE*

Music for the Changing Voice / Newfie Electra  (plays) by Alyssa Wright / Allison Basha.   A double bill – one show about growing up in Don Wright’s shadow,  one resetting Sophocles’ tragedy in a Newfoundland outport.  Preview Apr 25, opens Apr 26, runs to May 4.  Five Points Theatre, 705-792-1949, www.tift.ca.       

*CAMBRIDGE*

The Elixir of Love  (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti.  To make a wealthy woman love him, Nemorino buys a love-potion from a charlatan.  Apr 5 only.  Cambridge Centre for the Arts, www.vcopera.ca.

*GUELPH*

The Elixir of Love  (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti.  To make a wealthy woman love him, Nemorino buys a love-potion from a charlatan.  Apr 7 only.  Harcourt Memorial United Church, www.vcopera.ca.

*HAMILTON*

Freaky Friday  (musical) by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey.  A mother and daughter magically swap bodies for a day.  Previews from Apr 24, opens Apr 26, runs to May 18.  Dofasco Centre, 1-800-465-7529, www.theatreaquarius.org. 

*KITCHENER/WATERLOO*

Blind Date Musical Theatre  (musical).  A cast who has not met each other gathers to present a musical together for the first time.  Apr 6 only.  First United Church, 16 William St West, Waterloo, www.lostandfoundtheatre.ca. 

The Elixir of Love  (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti.  To make a wealthy woman love him, Nemorino buys a love-potion from a charlatan.  Apr 6 only.  Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St W, Waterloo, www.vcopera.ca.

*LONDON*

Cabaret  (musical) by John Kander & Fred Ebb.  The McManus Stage becomes the Kit Kat Club in Berlin in the 19302 where an American writer meets a British cabaret star.  Previews from Apr 9, opens Apr 12, runs to Apr 27.  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com.

Fences  (drama) by August Wilson.  In the 1950s, a former Negro League baseball star now works as a trash collector.  Runs Mar 19 to Apr 6.  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com. 

Mamma Mia!  Musical) by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus.  A girl invites her three possible fathers to her wedding on a Greek island.  Previews from Apr 23, opens Apr 26, runs to May 11.  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com.     

*MISSISSAUGA*

The Big “What Now?” (comedy) by Sandra Shamas.  A comic look at life on the other side of 50.  Opens Apr 2, runs to Apr 14.  Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000, www.livingartscentre.ca.   

Gardish Mein Taare  (drama) by Summama Ahmed.  The relationship of two mavericks of Indian cinema in the 1950s – Guru Dutt and his wife Geeta Dutt.  In Hindi with English surtitles.  Apr 26 only.  Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000, www.livingartscentre.ca.       

*NIAGARA FALLS*

Broadway Showstoppers  (revue) by Lee Siegel.  An all-new tribute to Broadways greatest musicals.  Runs Feb 22 to Apr 15.  Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, 8585 Lundy’s Lane, 1-800-467-2071, www.ohcanadaeh.com. 

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show  (revue).  Two hours of all-Canadian music; from Maritime folk songs to modern pop.  Runs Apr 20 to Oct 19.  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.  Runs Jan 2 to Jun 30.  Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, http://gregfrewintheatre.com. 

*NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE*

The SHAW FESTIVAL 2019:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 4-Oct 28 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, two hours south from Toronto.  For tickets and information phone 1-800-511-7429 or visit the website at www.shawfest.com.

--At the Festival Theatre--

The Horse and His Boy  (children) by Anna Chatterton.  Shasta and his talking horse flee a life of servitude and fight to save Narnia.  Previews from Apr 6, opens May 26, runs to Jul 21

--At the Royal George Theatre--

Rope  (drama) by Patrick Hamilton.  Two college students commit murder and host a party for the victim’s friends.  Previews from Apr 12, opens May 24, runs to Oct 12.

*ORANGEVILLE*

True Confessions from the Ninth Concession  (comedy) by Dan Needles.  Needles and folksinger Ian Bell take you on a ramble through the back roads of rural Ontario.  Opens Apr 25, runs to Apr 26.  Theatre Collingwood, 1-866-382-2200, www.theatrecollingwood.ca. 

*OTTAWA*

AmericanDream.ca, parties 1, 2 & 3  (drama) by Claude Guilmain.  The lives of the Cardinal family intersect with famous events in American history from the Kennedy assassination to 9/11 to the war in Afghanistan.  In French.  Opens Apr 24, runs to Apr 27.  NAC, 1-866-850-2787, http://nac-cna.ca.     

Dief the Chief  (drama) by Pierre Brault.  Diefenbaker deals with the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.  Preview Apr 15, opens Apr 16, runs to Apr 20.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca.   

Giselle  (ballet) by Ivan Cavallari.  Les Grands Ballets Canadiens presents this ballet masterpiece.  Opens Apr 4, runs to Apr 6.  NAC, 1-866-850-2787, http://nac-cna.ca. 

Heroes  (comedy) by Gérard Sibleyras.  Two men in a home for retired French military men plan their escape.  Opens Apr 5, runs to Apr 13.  [community]  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca.     

Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)   (drama) by Rose Napoli.  Laura is writing a memoir about the time when she was an underage student sexually involved with her teacher.  Previews from Apr 30, opens May 2, runs to May 17.  Great Canadian Theatre Company, 613-236-5196, www.gctc.ca.

Marco bleu  (children) by Larry Tremblay.  Marco meets his mirror image except that he’s all blue.  In French.  For ages 5-10.  Opens Apr 13, runs to Apr 14NAC, 1-866-850-2787, http://nac-cna.ca. 

Marvin’s Room  (comedy) by Scott McPherson.  Bessie has been caring for her ailing aunt and father, but now it’s her turn to seek help.  Runs Mar 20 to Apr 6.  [community]  Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., 613-233-8948, www.ottawalittletheatre.com. 

A Murder Is Announced  (drama) by Leslie Darbon.  When an announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur, Miss Marple is there.  Runs Apr 24 to May 11.  [community]  Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., 613-233-8948, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.   

The Pigeon King  (drama) by Rebecca Auerbach at al.  The fact-based story of how Arlan Galbraith, intentionally or not, created a Ponzi scheme among pigeon-breeders throughout the world.  Previews from Apr 24, opens Apr 26, runs to May 5.  NAC, 1-866-850-2787, http://nac-cna.ca.  

Princess de personne  (drama) by Pascale Renaud-Hébert & Danielle Le Saux-Farmer.  Two princesses have opposing views on whether to wait for a Prince Charming.  In French with English surtitles.  For ages 13+.  Opens Apr 6, runs Apr 12 & 113.  La Nouvelle Scène, 1-866-850-2787, www.nouvellescene.com.

Scary Poppins  (musical) by Brett Kelly & Trevor Payer.  There is something strange and supernatural about the new nanny.  Opens Apr 24, runs to May 4.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca.  

who are we in the dark  (dance) by Peggy Baker.  An exploration of shifting identities, betrayals, secrets, and intimacies.  Opens Apr 12, runs to Apr 13.  NAC, 1-866-850-2787, http://nac-cna.ca.  

*PETROLIA*

You’ve Got a Friend  (revue by Mark Payne & David Rogers.  A celebration of the music of James Taylor and Carole king.  Previews from Apr 30, opens May 4, runs to May 18.  Victoria Playhouse, 1-800-717-7694, http://thevpp.ca. 

*ST. CATHARINES*

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito  (children) by Tomson Highway.  Mary Jane is teased by the other mosquitos because she has no wings.  Apr 14 only.  FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 905-688-0722, www.firstontariopac.ca. 

*ST. JACOBS*

The Miracle Worker  (comedy) by William Gibson.  A tutor tries to help a young girl blind, deaf and mute since infancy.  Runs Apr 24 to May 12.  St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert  (musical) by Stephan Elliott & Allan Scott.  Three drag queens set out on a journey into the Australian outback.  Runs Mar 13 to Apr 7.  St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  

*STRATFORD*

Odissi  (dance) by Enakshi Sinha.  An exploration of classical Indian dance in the Odissi tradition.  Apr 28 only.  Factory 163, www.innerchamber.ca/odissi.

 

The STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2019:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 16-Nov 3 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--

Billy Elliot  (musical) by Elton John & Lee Hall.  A young boy in a coal mining town discovers he has a talent for dancing ballet.  Previews from Apr 16, opens May 28, runs to Nov 3.

--At the Avon Theatre-- 

Little Shop of Horrors  (musical) by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman.  A meek florist raises a plant that feeds on human flesh.  Preview from Apr 29, opens May 31, runs to Nov 2. 

Private Lives  (comedy) by Noel Coward.  Ex-spouses discover they have books adjacent honeymoon suites with their new spouse.  Previews from Apr 24, opens May 30, runs to Oct 26..  

*SUDBURY*

The Birds and the Bees  (comedy) by Mark Crawford.  When her marriage fails Sarah returns home to her mother and the two have to learn to live with each other again.  Opens Apr 11, runs to Apr 27.  Sudbury Theatre Centre, 705-674-8381, www.sudburytheatre.com.

*THUNDER BAY*

Boeing Boeing  (comedy) by Marc Camoletti.  A Parisian Lothario has three fiancées who work as stewardesses for three different airlines.  Opens Apr 25, runs to May 11.  Magnus Theatre, 807-345-5552, www.magnus.on.ca. 

☛ TOURS IN ONTARIO ✭ APRIL 2019 ☚

PJ Masks Live! Save the Day  (children).  Catboy, Owlette and Gekko save the day from super-villains.  http://pjmaskslive.com.

Apr 7: Peterborough Memorial Centre, Peterborough

Apr 8: Sudbury Arena, Sudbury

Apr 9: Centre in the Square, Kitchener