TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Come From Away (musical) by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6579 passengers are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. Runs Sep 22, 2024, to Apr 6, 2025. Royal Alexandra Theatre,  1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★★

David and Jonathan (opera) by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. David, banished by the jealous Saul, takes refuge with the enemy Philistines. In French with English surtitles. Runs Apr 9 to Apr 13. Koerner Hall, www.operaatelier.com.

Life After (musical) by Britta Johnson. Alice searches for the truth behind her father’s untimely death. Runs Apr 16 to May 4. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

The Lion King (musical) by Elton John et al. The stage version of the 1994 Disney animated film. Runs Nov 10, 2024, to Aug 30, 2025. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Mahabharata, Parts 1 & 2 (drama) by Ravi Jain & Miriam Fernandes. Runs Apr 8 to Apr 20. A stage version of the great Sanskrit epic about the battle between two families. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.canadianstage.com. ★★★★★

Wozzeck (opera) by Alban Berg. Tormented by visions a humble soldier’s discovery that his lover has been unfaithful pushes him over the brink. Runs Apr 25 to May 16. In German with English surtitles. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Benevolence (drama) by Kevin Matthew Wong. Out of the blue a young Chinese-Canadian gets a call to write a play aboout Hakka identity for seniors in Markham. Runs Apr 8 to May 4. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com.

Cispersonnages en quête d’auteurice (comedy) by Catherine Bourgeois. Professional actors with disabilities struggle to find an idea for a future play. In French with English surtitles. Runs Apr 23 to Apr 26. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca.

Feast (drama) by Guillermo Verdecchia. How long can you last when your family is falling apart? Runs Apr 1 to Apr 27. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com.

Flex (drama) by Candrice Jones. In 1997 Arkansas four young Black women hope for success in basketball. Runs Apr 15 to May 18. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Garden of Vanished Pleasures (opera) by Cecilia Livingston & Donna McKevitt. An emotional journey inspired by the life and work of filmmaker Derek Jarman. Runs Apr 25 to Apr 27. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St, soundstreams.ca.

L'Hermite (performance) by Andy Giroux & Manú Annoni. Shadow theatre about a small fairy who visits a hermit in the woods. For ages 4+. Runs Apr 12 only. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd, www.alliance-francaise.ca.

Job (drama) by Max Wolf Friedlich. A big tech employee on leave visits a crisis therapist to get her job back. Runs Apr 20 to May 11. Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, www.coalminetheatre.com.

The Little Prince (comedy) by Landon Krentz. A physical theatre adaptation of the beloved story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Runs Apr 2 to Apr 19. Theatre Passe Murarille, www.passemuraille.ca.

Merci d’être venus (drama) by Gabriel Morin. A man’s speech aboout his brother’s suicide combines anger confusion and guilt. In French. Runs Apr 5 only. Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd, www.alliance-francaise.ca.

Mind Over Matter (magic) by Beyond Mental Borders. Magic and mentalism with a sense of humour. Runs Apr 13 only. The Rec Room, 255 Bremner Blvd, www.eventbrite.ie.

A Public Display of Affection (drama) by Jonathan Wilson. Wilson looks at the lives, loves and landmarks of his queer youth in Toronto. Runs Mar 25 to Apr 20. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Robert le diable (opera) by Giacomo Meyerbeer. The son of a human and the devil tries to woo the woman he loves despite the influence of a demon. In French with English surtitles. In concert. Runs Apr 25 only. Trinity-St. Paul Centre, www.rcmusic.com.

The Runner (drama) by Christopher Morris. A Jewish volunteer chooses to save the life of a young Arab woman rather than the soldier she may have killed. Runs Apr 26 to May 4. Meridian Arts Centre, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Shedding a Skin (drama) by Amanda Wilkin. Myah leaves her job and unsupportive relationship behind and begins to heal with the help of an aged Jamaican landlady. Runs Apr 22 to May 4. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

A Strange Loop (musical) by Michael R. Jackson. A Black gay man is writing a musical about a Black gay man writing a musical. Runs Apr 22 to Jun 1. Young Centre, www.crowstheatre.com.

Stranger Sings: The Parody Musical (musical) by Jonathan Hogue. A musical parody of the Netflix series Stranger Things. Runs Jan 28 to Apr 26. Randolph Theatre, www.strangersingscanada.ca.

Wicked Nix (children) by Paula Wing. A wicked fairy is tasked with protecting the forest from humans.  For ages 8-13. Apr 28 to May 15. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

FireWorks Festival (festival). A festival featuring the premieres of three full-length plays by female playwrights. Runs Apr 23 to May 11. [community] Alumnae Theatre, alumnaetheatre.com.

Halfway There (comedy) by Norm Foster. A lovelorn doctor escapes to rural Nova Scotia only to find a group of women with their own romantic issues. Runs Apr 25 to May 17. [community] Village Playhouse, villageplayers.net.

Ivona, Princess of Burgundy (comedy) by Witold Gombrowicz. For his future wife a prince chooses a silent, uncharismatic woman whom the court hates. Runs Apr 8 to Apr 19. [student] Young Centre, www.georgebrown.ca.

Mulligan's Toy Shop (children) by Elizabeth Raum. An opera in which loveable toys wonder why they have not been sold. Runs Apr 6 only. [student] St. Clements Church, 70 St. Clements St, www.canadianchildrensopera.com.

Romeo and Juliet (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. The tale of lovers from feuding families. Runs Apr 9 to Apr 19. [student] Young Centre, www.georgebrown.ca.

You Can’t Take It with You (comedy) by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman. Alice brings her fiancé’s straight-laced family to meet her extremely eccentric family. Runs Apr 4 to Apr 18. [community] Theatre Scarborough, theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com.

BARRIE

My Estupid Life (comedy) by Neema Naz. The Canadian-Iranian comedian tells stories of growing up in an immigrant household. Runs Apr 5 only. Georgian Theatre, tprocob.ticketpro.ca.

BROCKVILLE

Travis Knights (dance) by Travis Knights. A showcase for the talents of the famed tap dancer. Runs Apr 12 only. Arts Hub Brockville, brockvilleartscentre.com.

BURLINGTON

Lucy Darling (magic) by Carisa Hendrix. The style icon mixes improvisational comedy and wit with impossible magical feats. Runs Apr 23 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

Tomáš Kubínek: Miracle Man (comedy) by Tomáš Kubínek. A mad mixture of comedy, clowning, mime, magic, acrobatics, music and vaudeville. Runs Apr 1 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Crazy for You (musical) by George and Ira Gershwin. Bobby Childs is sent to Nevada to foreclose on a defunct theatre but he falls for the theatre owner’s daughter. Runs Apr 23 to May 18. Hamilton Family Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

GUELPH

The Alphabet of Awesome Science (children) by David Lampard. A Word Nerd and a Science Freak take you on an alphabetical tour of scientific surprises. For ages 5-12. Runs Apr 1 to Apr 3. River Run Centre, riverrun.ca.

HAMILTON

Chicago (musical) by John Kander & Fred Ebb. In 1930s Chicago murderesses in prison vie for attention. Runs Apr 22 only. FirstOntario Concert Hall, www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca.

Fully Committed (comedy) by Becky Mode. Life working the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s number one restaurant. Runs Mar 26 to Apr 12. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

Waitress (musical) by Sara Bareilles. A pie-maker with a troubled marriage finds she is pregnant and falling for a new guy in town. Runs Apr 30 to May 17. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

KINGSTON

Family Container (comedy) by Seymour A. Irons. A single Black mother lives in a women’s abuse centre with her five children. Runs Apr 2 to Apr 6. Tett Centre, www.theatrekingston.com.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (dance). The world’s foremost gender-skewing comic ballet company presents a mixed programme. Runs Apr 26 only. Centre in the Square, Kitchener, centreinthesquare.com.

This is the Story of the Child Ruled by Fear (drama) by David Gagnon Walker. The story of the rise and fall of an imaginary civilization. Runs Apr 2 only. Registry Theatre, Kitchener, registrytheatre.com.

LONDON

Chicago (musical) by John Kander & Fred Ebb. Murderesses vie for publicity in the Cook County Jail in the 1920s. Runs Apr 23 only. Canada Life Place, www.canadalifeplace.com.

Pride and Prejudice (comedy) by Kate Hamill. A stage version of the famous novel by Jane Austen. Previews from Apr 29, opens May 2, runs to May 17. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Waitress (musical) by Sara Bareilles. A pie-maker with a troubled marriage finds she is pregnant and falling for a new guy in town. Previews from Mar 25, opens Mar 28, runs to Apr 12. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

MARKHAM

My Estupid Life (comedy) by Neema Naz. The Canadian-Iranian comedian tells stories of growing up in an immigrant household. Runs Apr 2 only. Flato Markham Theatre, flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.

MISSISSAUGA

Edward II (drama) by Christopher Marlowe. Edward’s favouring of his lover Gaveston outrages the court. Runs Mar 27 to Apr 5. [student] Erindale Studio Theatre, www.utm.utoronto.ca.

NIAGARA FALLS

Canadiana (revue). A celebration of Canadian music through the years. Runs May 28, 2024, booking to Jun 24, 2025. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

Evolution (magic) by Greg Frewin. New large-scale illusions by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Dec 30, 2025. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 9 to Dec 21 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 Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (children) by Selma Dimitrijevic & Tim Carroll. Four children find a portal in their wardrobe to a magical land. For age 8+.  Previews from Apr 9, opens May 25, runs to Oct 4.

At the Royal George Theatre

Tons of Money (comedy) by Will Evans & Valentine. A man fakes his own death and takes on his cousin’s identity to escape his creditors. Previews from Apr 11, opens May 23, runs to Oct 5.

OAKVILLE

Heathers: The Musical (musical) by Laurence O’Keefe & Kevin Murphy. A musical adaptation of the satirical 1988 movie. Runs Apr 10 to Apr 16. [student] Macdonald Heaslip Hall, Sheridan College, www.sheridancollege.ca.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (musical) by Dave Malloy. A radical retelling of Book 8 of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Runs Apr 8 to Apr 15. [student] Studio Theatre, Sheridan College, www.sheridancollege.ca.

Won’Ma Afrique (circus) by Cirque Kalanaté. A celebration of the Guinean diaspora via acrobatics, dance and music. Runs Apr 24 only. Oakville Centre, www.oakvillecentre.ca.

ORANGEVILLE

One Step at a Time (drama) by Andrew Prashad. Using monologues, songs and tap dance Prashad shares his journey of caring for a son with spina bifida. Runs Apr 3 to Apr 6. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Bachelor (drama) by Louis Saïa et al. In 1979 Dolorès discusses the trap she has fallen into of trying to please others at all costs. In French. Apr 21 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

La Belle au bois dormant (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. Ballet Jörgen’s version of the classic Sleeping Beauty. Apr 6 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Classique(s) (drama) by Fanny Britt & Mani Soleymanlou. What is a classic, and what do the characters of the great classic plays have to say to the present? In French. Runs Apr 24 to Apr 26. National Arts Centre,  nac-cna.ca.

Diptych (dance) by Peeping Tom. Driven by hope characters are lost in a labyrinth between reality and imagination. Runs Apr 10 to Apr 11. National Arts Centre,  nac-cna.ca.

Dragons and Mythical Beasts (children). A chance to come face to face with some of the most magnificent and terrifying beast to walk the earth. For ages 3+. Runs Apr 30 only. Algonquin Commons Theatre, www.dragonsandbeastslive.com.

Der Freischütz (opera) by Carl Maria von Weber. A man sells his soul to a demon to win the girl he loves. Runs Apr 27. First Baptist Church, www.eventbrite.ca.

Hanteées: La Disparition de Coyote Comeau (drama) by Julien Morisette & Louis-Philippe Roy. An investigation into the disappearance of the First Nations rights activist Coyote Comeau in the 1950s. In French. Apr 24 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Jekyll & Hyde (ballet) by Val Caniparoli. The respected Dr. Jekyll works in his lab to separate his good side from his evil one. Runs Apr 3 to Apr 5. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Milf (comedy) by Rosalie Vaillancourt. A look at what it’s like to be a mature woman nowadays. In French. Apr 1 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Moi… et l’autre (comedy) by Kim Lévesque-Lizotte. In the 1960s two sisters compete for a prize trip to Paris. In French. Apr 18 to Apr 19. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Now and Then (comedy) by Sean Grennan. As Jamie is closing his bar, a stranger offers him and his girlfriends $1000 each to have a drink with him. Runs Apr 2 to Apr 19. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Oh Canada Eh?! (revue). Archtypal Canadian characters sing over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists. Booking from Mar 14 to Sep 30, 2025. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

Pain blanc (comedy) by Mélanie Maynard & Jonathan Racine. Lorraine takes her annual vacation in her cabin with her troubled daughter when a stranger arrives. In French. Runs Mar 19 to Apr 13. Théâtre de l’Île, Gatineau, reseau.ovation.ca.

So it turns, we bloom (dance) by Propeller Dance. A meditation on nature exploring the life cycle of a plant. Runs Apr 25 to Apr 26. Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, meridiancentrepointe.com.

Trident Moon (drama) by Anusree Roy. In 1947 India three Muslim women are abducted by three Hindu women. Runs Apr 2 to Apr 12. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Uvattini (performance) by Elisapie. A blend of music, narration, video and performance to imagine the North and the people who live there. In French. Runs Apr 5 only. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

We Walk the Line (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A celebration of the lives and music of Johnny and June Cash. Runs Apr 11. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

PETERBOROUGH

Murmuration (dance) by Le Patin Libre. Skater/dancers imitate the flight of flocks of starlings. Runs Apr 8 only. The Peterborough Memorial Centre, publicenergy.ca.

PETROLIA

Make ’em Laugh (variety) by Neil Aitchison. Aitchison’s comedy mingles with vaudeville-style songs and skits. Runs Apr 22 to Apr 27. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PICKERING

The Story of Taylor Swift (revue) by Charity Eden. The story of the rise of Taylor Swift including all your favourite songs.. Runs Apr 25 only. Pickering Casino Resort, greatcanadian.com.

ST. CATHARINES

We Walk the Line (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A celebration of the lives and music of Johnny and June Cash. Runs Apr 19 only. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.

STRATFORD

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 19 to Nov 2 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

Annie (musical) by Charles Strouse & Marin Charnin. Billionaire Daddy Warbucks takes the little orphan Annie under his wing. Previews from Apr 19, opens May 27, runs to Nov 2.

At the Avon Theatre

Anne of Green Gables (play) by Kat Sandler. A stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Previews from Apr 25, opens May 31, runs to Oct 25.  

SUDBURY

Alice in Wonderland (children) by Fiona Sauder. A contemporary spin on the Lewis Carroll classic. Runs Apr 25 to May 11. Sudbury Theatre Centre, yestheatre.com.

Cet été qui chantait  (puppetry) by Marie-Ève Fontaine. Little Gabrielle observes nature in her part of the country. In French with English surtitles. Runs Apr 11 to Apr 12. Le Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, letno.ca.

THUNDER BAY

Mini Pop Kids: The Celebration Tour (children). Kids aged 10-14 sing and dance to the latest pop songs. For age 3+. Runs Apr 3 only. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, www.tbca.com.

Women of the Fur Trade (comedy) by Frances Koncan. Three women of different backgrounds grow restless when confined to a fort during the fur trade era. Runs Apr 10 to Apr 26. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Afrique en Cirque (circus) by Cirque Kalabanté. A celebration of the Guinean diaspora via acrobatics, dance and music. www.kalabanteproductions.com.

• Apr 9: Richmond Hill Centre, Richmond Hill

• Apr 10: Rose Theatre, Brampton

• Apr 11: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Apr 12: Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa

• Apr 15: River Run Centre, Guelph

The Comic Strippers (comedy). A male stripper parody and improv comedy show played by some of Canadas best improvisational comedians. thecomicstrippers.com.

• Apr 9: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Apr 10: Cultural Centre, Midland

• Apr 11: Stockey Centre, Parry Sound

• Apr 12: YES Theatre, Sudbury

Dec’anni di fanni (comedy) by Giuseppe the MC. Giuseppe the MC celebrates ten years of his hilarious takes on Italian family dynamics and cultural quirks. www.giuseppethemc.com.

• Apr 3: The Sault Community Theatre Centre, Sault Ste. Marie

• Apr 4: Caruso Club, Sudbury

• Apr 10: Da Vinci Centre, Thunder Bay

• Apr 12: Venue TBA, Timmins

Dirty Dancing: In Concert (musical). While the 1987 film plays a live band and singers perform the songs. www.dirtydancinginconcert.com.

• Apr 2: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay

• Apr 4: Capitol Centre, North Bay

• Apr 5: Great Canadian Casino Resort, Toronto

• Apr 7: Centennial Hall, London

• Apr 8: Pickering Casino Resort

• Apr 9: FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton

• Apr 10: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Apr 18: Casino du Lac Leamy, Gatineau, QC

The Distraction (comedy) by The Umbilical Brothers. Unforgettable comedy mixed with mind-blowing special effects. www.umbilicalbrothers.com.

• Apr 8: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Apr 9: Capitol Centre, North Bay

• Apr 11: Rose Theatre Brampton

Menopause The Musical (musical) by Jeanie Linders. Four women at a lingerie sale sing about memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats and sex to hits from the ’60s through ’80s. menopausethemusical.com.

• Apr 12: Gravenhurst Opera House, Gravenhurst

• Apr 13: Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Apr 15: Capitol Centre, North Bay

• Apr 16-17: YES Theatre, Sudbury

• Apr 22: Regent Theatre, Picton

• Apr 24: Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall

• Apr 25: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville

• Apr 27: Flato Academy Theatre, Lindsay

• Apr 29: Algonquin Commons Theatre Nepean

• Apr 30: Grand Theatre, Kingston

Rapunzel, The Musical (children) by Theater Terra. A witch locks Rapunzel in a tower, but then a prince appears. theaterterra.nl.

• Apr 22: Rose Theatre, Brampton

• Apr 24: Oakville Centre, Oakville

• Apr 27: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Apr 29-May 1: River Run Centre, Guelph