TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Dragula: Titans (variety) by The Boulet Brothers. Shocking performance, horror drag like you’ve never seen it presented before. Runs Apr 20 only. Elgin Theatre, www.ticketmaster.ca.

Hamilton (musical) by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The story of Washington’s right-hand man who died in a duel with Aaron Burr. From Feb 23, booking to Aug 20. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★☆☆

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (drama) by Jack Thorne. 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a new generation arrives at Hogwarts and a new menace threatens the world. Opened Jun 19, 2022, booking to Jul 2, 2023. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★☆

The Land Acknowledgement, or As You Like It (comedy) by Cliff Cardinal. The unvarnished truth of the state of the reconciliation process this country has been attempting. Runs Mar 14 to Apr 2. CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★☆

Koozå (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. An exploration of themes of fear, identity, recognition and power in an electrifying and exotic visual world. Runs Apr 7 to Jun 18. Big Top, Lake Shore Blvd West,  www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Macbeth (opera) by Giuseppe Verdi. An operatic version of Shakespeare’s tragedy. In Italian with English surtitles. Runs Apr 28 to May 20. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Of the Sea (opera) by Ian Cusson. The story of a father and daughter thrown overboard during the Middle Passage. Runs Mar 25 to Apr 1. Bluma Appel Theatre, tapestryopera.com. ★★★☆☆

Rock of Ages (musical) by Chris D’Arienzo. An ambitious young rocker meets a country girl in LA. Runs Feb 23 to May 20. Elgin Theatre, moreentertainmentgroup.com.

Shen Yun 2022 (dance). A survey of 5000 years of pre-communist Chinese music and dance. Runs Mar 31 to Apr 9. Four Seasons Centre, www.shenyun.com.

The Simon and Garfunkle Story (musical) by David Beck. An immersive concert-style theater show chronicling the journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 16, 2023. CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Anahita’s Republic (drama) by Hengameh E. Rice. Anahita rules her own republic where she can be free to live, dress and speak as she pleases, but soon her world somes under threat. Runs Mar 18 to Apr 2. Factory Studio Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Better Place (reading) by Duane Murray & Shawn Daley. A dramatic reading of the graphic novel about a boy who searches for his grandfather who has gone to a "better place". Runs Apr 7 only. The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, www.theassemblytheatre.com.

Bluebeard’s Castle (opera) by Bela Bartók. Bartók’s opera with a new English libretto tells the story of a long-married couple living with dementia. Runs Mar 29 to Apr 1. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Body So Fluorescent  (performance) by Amanda Cordner & David di Giovanni. Two friends retrace their steps from the night before to figure out how it all ended in an explosive fight. Previews from Apr 11, opens Apr 13, runs to Apr 23. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, buddiesinbadtimes.com. -masks required-

Brel! - The Show (revue) by Gil Marsalla. A theatrical concert celebrating the haunting music and poetic lyrics of Jacques Brel. Runs Apr 29 only. Koerner Hall, www.rcmusic.com.

The Cold War (comedy) by Michael Hollingsworth. From the 1940s to the 1960s the Muffet family goes from post-war optimism to being forced into a conformist, consumerist box. Runs Apr 28 to Jun 5. VideoCabaret, 10 Busy St, www.videocab.com.

Crawlspace (comedy) by Karen Hines. A Kafkaesque look at Toronto’s cruel and wacky real estate industry. In French with English surtitles. Runs Apr 19 to Apr 23. 21 College St, theatrefrancais.com.

First Métis Man of Odesa (drama) by Matthew MacKenzie & Mariya Khomutova. A Canadian Playwright and an Ukrainian artist spark up a romance that takes them from the Black Sea to the North Saskatchewan River. Preview Mar 30, opened Mar 31, runs to Apr 8. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, theatrecentre.org. ‑masks required‑

Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) (children) by Michaela Washburn et al. Grandmother Moon tells the story of two eleven-year-olds, born under the same blood moon. For ages 5-12. Runs Apr 17 to Apr 28. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Gloria: A Life (drama) by Emily Mann. A detailed tapestry about one of the most inspiring Jewish women of our time. Runs Apr 22 to May 7. Meridian Arts Centre, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Homelands (dance) by Santee Smith. A multimedia performance about the importance on reconnecting to ancestral lands, condoling with earth and rekindling the inner and community fires. Runs Apr 13 to Apr 15. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, harbourfrontcentre.com.

The Hooves Belonged to the Deer  (drama) by Makram Ayache. A young queer Muslim boy becomes the salvation pet project of the local pastor. Runs Mar 28 to Apr 23. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

Identity: a Song Cycle (song cycle) by Dinuk Wijeratne & Shauntay Grant. Biracial baritone Elliot Madore expresses his struggles with his identity in a song cycle written specifically for him. Runs Oct 23, 2022, to Apr 23, 2023. Against the Grain Theatre, atgtheatre.com. online

Love You Wrong Time (musical) by Deanna Choi & Maddie Bautista. Two friends looking for love while contending with the fetishization of Asian women. Runs Apr 5 to Apr 23. Various venues, www.nightwoodtheatre.net.

Maanomaa, My Brother (drama) by Tawiah M’Carthy & Brad Cook. Childhood friends Kwame and Will reunite in Ghana for the funeral of a loved one. Previews from Apr 11, opens Apr 14, runs to Apr 30. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Merrily We Roll Along (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. The story, told backwards, of three lifelong friends who fall apart. Previews from Apr 19, opens Apr 22 to May 7. Crow’s Theatre, www.crowstheatre.com. -cancelled-

Metamorphoses 2023 (drama) by Michele Smith & Dean Gilmour. An adaptation of Ovid’s poem telling tales of all sorts of magical transformations. Runs Mar 21 to Apr 9. Crow’s Theatre, www.crowstheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Never the Last (drama) by Molly MacKinnon & Christine Quintana. The story of compser Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Grammatté and her 10-year marriage to an expressionist painter. Previews from Apr 8, open Apr 13, runs to Apr 16. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca. ‑masks required‑

New (drama) by Pamela Mala Sinha. The arrival of a Bengali bride at a small university town shakes up a tight-knit group of Indian immigrants. Previews from Apr 25, opens Apr 28, runs to May 14. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Niizh (drama) by Joelle Peters. A coming-of-age story set on a reservation in Southwestern Ontario. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 30, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St East, www.nativeearth.ca.

A Number (drama) by Caryl Churchill. A father's son wants to know if he is really his son or a clone. Runs Apr 21 to May 7. St. Anne's Centre, 270 Gladstone Ave, www.thatartsgroup.com/ttc.

Paint Me This House of Love (drama) by Cheslea Woolley. Cecilia and her father attempt a reconciliation after 25 years of estrangement. Runs Apr 11 to May 7. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

The Resurrection (oratorio) by G.F. Handel. A fully-staged version of Handel's 1708 oratorio about Christ's resurrection. Runs Apr 6, 8 & 9. Koerner Hall, www.rcmusic.com.

Ride the Cyclone (musical) by Jacob Richmond & Brooke Maxwell. Six high school students have died during a rollercoaster accident, but one will be allowed to come back to life. Runs Mar 29 to Apr 1. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, redsandcastletheatre.com. ‑masks required‑

The Seagull (drama) by Anton Chekhov. A summer weekend at a lakeside estate falls apart when a famous writer comes to visit. Previews from Apr 6, opens Apr 13, runs to Apr 30. Runs Feb 16 to Mar 5. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Stranger Things: The Experience (performance). An experience immersing you into the world of Netflix's Stranger Things where you are the protagonist. Runs Mar 31, booking to Jun 11. Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, 8 Unwin Ave, https://strangerthings-experience.com/toronto.

Skyline’s the Limit (comedy). All the most important comedic topics in Toronto from the tallest skyscraper to the depths of Lake Ontario. Runs from Mar 30, booking to Aug 27. The Second City, One York St, www.secondcity.com.

trace (performance) by Tristan R. Whiston & Moynan King. An exploration of representation and identity, paying particular attention to queer vocality and the voice in gender transition. Runs Apr 20 to Apr 30. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca. ‑masks required‑

Two Weird Tales (drama) by Eric Woolfe. Puppet adaptations of Kafka’s Metamorphosis and Lovecraft’s Mountains of Madness. Runs Apr 20 to Apr 30. Red Sandcastle Theatre, redsandcastletheatre.com. ‑masks required‑

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (drama) by Simon Stephens. A young man on the autism spectrum wants to solve the mystery of who killed his dog. [community] Runs Apr 7 to Apr 22. Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com. ‑masks required‑

The Gray: A Wilde Musical in Concert (musical) by Anthony Palermo. An updating of Oscar Wilde’s story to 1970s Toronto. [student] Runs Apr 20 to Apr 22. Hart House Theatre, University of Toronto, harthouse.ca.

Mending Fences (comedy) by Norm Foster. Harry Sullivan’s son Drew is coming home to Saskatchewan for the first time in 13 years. Runs Apr 28 to May 20. [community] The Village Players, villageplayers.net. ‑masks required‑

RISERx 2023 (plays). A festival of three new plays. [student] Runs Apr 12 to Apr 22. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, https://theatrecentre.org.

String of Pearls (drama) Michele Lowe. A pearl necklace slips from one woman’s hands to another’s, offering a passport into each of their private spheres. Runs Apr 14 to Apr 29. [community] Alumnae Theatre, www.alumnaetheatre.com.

BARRIE

Tell You a Story (comedy) by Vanessa Smythe. Smythe shares poignant, funny and deeply personal stories about the people we dreamed we’d be. Runs Apr 26 to Apr 29. Five Points Theatres, www.tift.ca.

COLLINGWOOD

Cole Hearted (revue) by Dean Hollin. The life, times and music of Cole Porter. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 15. Theatre Collingwood, theatrecollingwood.ca.

HAMILTON

Maggie: A New Musical (musical) by Johnny Reid et al. A school cleaner in Scotland raises her three boys alone from 1954 to 1976. Runs Apr 19 to May 6. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

KINGSTON

Social Tango Project (dance). 12 live dancers, audiovisual projections and original live music from the Social Tango ensemble direct from Argentina. Runs Apr 21 only. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

The Musical Box: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (musical) by Genesis. A Puerto Rican youth from New York City is suddenly taken on a journey of self-discovery. Runs Apr 25 only. Centre in the Square, centreinthesquare.com.  

Troupe Vertigo (circus) by Troupe Vertigo. Circus acts performed as the K-W Symphony plays works by Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky. Runs Mar 31 to Apr 1, Centre in the Square, centreinthesquare.com.

LONDON

East Coast Kitchen Party (performance) by Jeremy Webb & Ian Sherwood. A concert celebration set in a kitchen, where the instruments come out and friends start to play some of the best music the East Coast has to offer. Runs Apr 18 to May 6.. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Fall on Your Knees Part One: Family Tree (drama) by Hannah Moscovitch. The story of three generations of the Piper family that moves from Cape Breton to the battlefields of WWI to New York City.  Runs Mar 29 to Apr 1. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com. ★★☆☆☆

Fall on Your Knees Part Two: The Diary (drama) by by Hannah Moscovitch. The story of three generations of the Piper family that moves from Cape Breton to the battlefields of WWI to New York City. Runs Mar 29 to Apr 1. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Lawrence Station (drama) by Len Cuthbert. On October 30, 1941, the residents of Lawrence Station, Ontario, and surrounding area attempt to rescue the passengers and crew of plane crash. Runs Apr 28 to Apr 29. Manor Park Memorial Hall, www.alvegoroottheatre.com.

MISSISSAUGA

Everybody (drama) by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. In a modern version of the medieval play Everyman, Everybody journeys toward life’s greatest mystery. Runs Mar 23 to Apr 1. [student] Erindale Studio Theatre, tickets.sheridancollege.ca.

The Musical Box: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (musical) by Genesis. A Puerto Rican youth from New York City is suddenly taken on a journey of self-discovery. Runs Apr 27 only. Living Arts Centre, www.livingartscentre.ca.

NIAGARA FALLS

Wonder (magic) by Greg Frewin. Christian Mascia performs new large-scale illusions designed by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Dec 30, 2023. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

007 - 60 Years of Bond (revue) by Angela Seegar. Seeger and Music’s Greatest Icons bring Angela’s amazing vocals in a tribute to Bond. Runs Apr 21 only. Ravine Vineyard Event Centre, www.exploretock.com.

Radio Noir: The Return of the Thin Man (drama). Nick and Nora Charles solve another 1930s murder while sipping champagne. Runs Apr 17 only. Ravine Vineyard Event Centre, www.exploretock.com.

THE SHAW FESTIVAL 2023:

The plays run in repertory from Feb 28 to Dec 23 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 Royal George Theatre

On the Razzle (comedy) by Tom Stoppard. Two shop assistants go “on the razzle” in Vienna and get into lots of trouble. Previews from Apr 16, opens May 26, runs to Oct 8.

Prince Caspian (children) by Damien Atkins. Young Prince Caspian needs the four Pevensie children to help defeat his wicked uncle. Previews from Mar 30, opens May 28, runs to Oct 8.

OAKVILLE

Jesus Christ Superstar (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A rock opera about Jesus’s last days on earth. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 15. [student] Theatre Sheridan, tickets.sheridancollege.ca.

Urinetown (musical) by Mark Hollmann. After a severe drought the governmant bans the use of private toilets. Runs Apr 14 to Apr 18. [student] Studio Theatre, Sheridan College, tickets.sheridancollege.ca.

ORANGEVILLE

The Bluff (drama) by Kristen Da Silva. A scientist takes a sabbatical in a house he inherited but it turns out to be no place for peace and quiet. Runs Mar 15 to Apr 2. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca. -masks required-

The New Canadian Curling Club (comedy) by Mark Crawford. Four new Canadian sign up for curling lessons from a bigoted coach. Runs Apr 26 to May 14. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca. -masks required-

OSHAWA

Richard Forget’s Pure Magic (magic) by Richard Forget. Richard has carved a career built upon performing magic that nobody else in the world performs. Apr 29 only. Regent Theatre, regenttheatre.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Brotipo (circus) by les Foutoukours. Two clowns combine comedy and acrobatics. In French. Runs Apr 16 only. Maison du citoyen, Gatineau, www.gatineau.ca.

Créature (performance) by Rita Baga. A solo interplanetary drag show mixing musique, dance, costumes, makeup and extravagance. In French. Runs Apr 5 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

The First Stone (drama) by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. A look at the exploitation of child abductees and the communities from which these children are stolen. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 23. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Féministe pour Homme (comedy) by Noémie de Lattre. A modern feminist look at men and women, couples, publicity, the family, careers and sexuality. In French. Runs Apr 8 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Gaz bar blues (drama) by David Laurin. In 1989 François Brochu struggles to keep his gas station going despite his illness and increasing crime and competition. In French. Runs Apr 14 to Apr 15. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Halfway There (comedy) by Norm Foster. Dr. Sean Merrit wanders into the small town of Stewiacke, NS, looking for a fresh start and meets four local women in the village coffee shop. Runs Apr 5 to Apr 22. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Intrusions (drama) by Joan MacLeod. A woman waiting to be transferred to a retirement home encounters a mysterious drug addict. In French. Runs Apr 27 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Laitue matinal.e (performance) by Lionel Lehouillier. A project by the trans author that questions the binarity of the French language. In French. Runs Apr 12 to Apr 15. La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com.

Manman la mer (drama) by Djennie Laguerre. The clairvoyant Marjolaine when struck by illness returns to Haiti to get help from her grandmother. In French. Runs Apr 20 to Apr 22. La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com.  

Pomelo (children) by Ombres Folles. A tiny pink elephant gets to know the world around him and is shocked to discover their are seasons. In French. For ages 3-7. Maison du Citoyen, Gatineau, calendrier.gatineau.cloud.

Social Tango Project (dance). 12 live dancers, audiovisual projections and original live music from the Social Tango ensemble direct from Argentina. Runs Apr 22 only. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

We Walk the Line  (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A celebration of the life and career of Johnny Cash and his wife June. Runs Apr 29 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

PICKERING

There Goes the Bride (comedy) by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. On the morning of his daughter’s wedding, Timothy hits his head and meets “Polly”, an hallucination. Runs Apr 7 to May 21. Herongate Barn Theatre, www.herongate.com.

ST. CATHARINES

Considering Matthew Shepard  (oratorio) by Craig Hella Johnson. An oratorio using music and spoken word to reflect of the murder of gay student Matthew Shepard in 1998. Runs Apr 22 to Apr 23. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.  

We Walk the Line  (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A celebration of the life and career of Johnny Cash and his wife June. Runs Apr 21 only. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.

ST. JACOBS

American Son (drama) by Christopher Demos-Brown. An estranged interracial couple desperately look for information about their missing teenage son when he is detained by the local police. Runs Apr 5 to Apr 23. St. Jacobs Country Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STRATFORD

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 8 to Oct 29 in Stratford, two hours west from Toronto. For tickets and information phone 1-800-567-1600 or visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca.

At the Festival Theatre

King Lear (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Lear divides his kingdom between two daughters but excludes the third. Previews from Apr 24, opens May 30, runs to Oct 29.

Rent (musical) by Jonathan Larson. The story of Puccini’s La Bohème set in 1990s Manhattan. Previews from April 8, opens Jun 2, runs to Oct 28.

At the Avon Theatre

Monty Python’s Spamalot (musical) by John Du Prez & Eric Idle. A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Previews from Apr 19, opens May 31, runs to Oct 28.

SUDBURY

G’zaagiin maleńki: je te promets une forêt (children) by Emily Marie Séguin et al.  Three artists come together to create an imaginary forest where young children will be able to make their way through the soundscapes. In French. For ages 18 months to 6 years. Runs Apr 29 only. Le Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, letno.ca.

Toqaq mecimi puwiht / Delphine rêve toujours (children) by Dave Jenniss. Delphine encounters dangers in search to find the drum her father lost. In French and Wolastoqey. For ages 5-9. Runs Apr 22 only. Le Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, letno.ca.

THUNDER BAY

Father Penible (comedy) by Herbie Barnes. A new adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy Tartuffe. Runs Apr 20 to May 6. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

In Praise of the Ostrich (comedy) by Derek Edwards. Edwards delivers a payload of blissfully funny personal stories to tickle the ribs and warm the heart. www.shantero.com.

• Apr 27: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Apr 28: Victoria Hall, Cobourg

• Apr 29: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton

• Apr 30: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

Mistatim (drama) by Sandra Laronde. Calvin on his ranch and Speck on her reservation are brought together by a wild horse. www.redskyperformance.com.

• Apr 20: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Apr 24: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Apr 25-27: River Run Centre, Guelph

Music of the Night (revue). In honour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 75th birthday, a celebration of music from his greatest musicals. soundthealarm.ca.

• Apr 1: Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham

• Apr 5: McIntyre PAC, Hamilton

• Apr 8: Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto

The Ugly Duckling (children) by Ian Carney & Corbin Popp. The well-known fairy-tale told by means of puppets made of electroluminescent wire. www.lightwiretheater.com.

• Apr 2: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Apr 4: Richmond Hill Centre, Richmond Hill

• Apr 5: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton

• Apr 7: Burlington PAC, Burlington

We Walk the Line (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A tribute to the lives and music of Johnny and June Cash. www.cashtributeshow.com.

• Apr 15: Marsh Street Centre, Clarksburg

• Apr 21: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Apr 29: Shenkman Hall, Ottawa