Stage Door News
Stage Door News
For 13 seasons, Toronto Masque Theatre has been one of the few companies in the world devoted to producing and creating masque, an art form that brings music, dance, and theatre onto a single stage. Our critically acclaimed productions – now numbering over 60 – have featured works ranging in repertoire from the late Renaissance to new works that reinvent the art form for multicultural Toronto in the 21st century.
In March of this year, Larry Beckwith announced he was stepping down as artistic director of the company. Because Toronto Masque Theatre and the work it created was so much a product of Larry’s vision, the board decided it was fitting – despite the company being in robust financial health and enjoying a recent string of sold out productions – that TMT should also conclude at the end of the 2017/18 season.
In thinking about the season ahead, Larry had the following to say:
I’m filled with so many emotions as I introduce you to our final season. I’m humbled to present many of Canada's leading performing artists – some TMT regulars alongside some new faces. I’m heavy-hearted as I contemplate the end of a magnificent journey. But above all, I’m excited to present to you an entertaining season of music, theatre and dance that I’m sure will demonstrate the accomplishments of this unique company and its place in the performing arts in Canada.
I look forward to a year of celebration . . . of beauty, of life, of art.
It is appropriate that our final season will be one of joy and celebration as we present some of our country’s greatest performers demonstrating how TMT, drawing on classic and contemporary works, reinvented the masque form over the past thirteen years.
2017/18 Mainstage Series: at a glance
Dido and Aeneas / Aeneas and Dido
(Henry Purcell, 1687 / James Rolfe, 2007)
20 & 21 October 2017, 8:00 p.m. Pre-show event at 7:15 p.m. each evening
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor Street West
Virgil's tale of the tragic love between Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan hero Aeneas is told from two very different perspectives in this powerful double bill. Starring Krisztina Szabo, Alexander Dobson, Andrea Ludwig and Jacqueline Woodley.
The Peasant Cantata / All the Diamonds
(Bach, 1742 / various)
8 - 10 February 2018, 8:00 p.m. Pre-show event at 7:15 p.m. each evening
10 February 2018, matinee 2:00 p.m. Pre-show event at 1:15 p.m.
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity Street, near the Distillery District
Our mid-winter visit to the historic Enoch Turner Schoolhouse will warm your soul: a fresh take on Bach’s secular cantata followed by an eclectic cabaret performance of torch songs, lieder, melodies and madrigals. Starring Patricia O'Callaghan and Giles Tomkins.
The Last Chaconne: A Celebration
12 May 2018, 8:00 p.m. Pre-show event at 7:15 p.m.
Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts
On the stage where it all began, a star-studded array of singers, actors, dancers and instrumentalists comes together for a one-night-only celebration.
Our 2017/18 Salon Series
Our popular salon series returns with live performance and discussion. Beverages and light snacks served along with a cash bar. Salons take place at The Atrium, 21 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Canada in Words and Music: A Commemoration
25 September 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Drawing on the writings and music of some of our greatest artists, we celebrate the many voices and perspectives on the story of Canada.
Peace on Earth: A Christmas Salon
17 & 18 December 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Guest singers and instrumentalists celebrate the season with carols, songs and instrumental works, including a rare performance of excerpts from The Birth of Christ by Clarence Lucas.
The Means of Grace: Seven Monologues on Music
23 April 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Larry Beckwith shares a personal narrative - in turns poignant and humorous - on the transcendent power of music. Directed by Derek Boyes, and featuring special guest performers.
2017-07-13
Toronto: Toronto Masque Theatre announces its final season