TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Mean Girls (musical) by Jeff Richmond & Nell Benjamin. Newbie Cady tries to rise to the top of the popularity pecking order at her new school. Runs Jul 30 to Aug 25. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (revue). A musical tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Runs Aug 20 to Aug 25. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Shrek The Musical (musical) by Jeanine Tesori & David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek, a green ogre, tries to rescue Princess Fiona from the evil Lord Farquaad. Runs Aug 6 to Aug 18. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Toronto International BuskerFest (festival). Comedians, fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists, clowns, daredevils, stiltwalkers and much more. Runs Aug 30 to Sep 2. Woodbine Park, torontobuskerfest.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Hamlet (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. The ghost of Hamlet’s father tells Hamlet to avenge his death. Runs Jul 21 to Sep 1. High Park Amphitheatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Isle of Demons (drama) by Robert Chafe. The true tale of Marguerite de la Roque who was abandoned on a remote island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1542. Runs Aug 8 to Aug 25. Guild Festival Theatre, www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca.

SummerWorks Performance Festival (festival). Runs Aug 1 to Aug 11. Various venues, summerworks.ca.

Three Men on a Bike (comedy) by Mark Brownell. Three British bachelors spend a disastrous holiday bicycling through Germany. Runs Jul 18 to Aug 4. Guild Festival Theatre, www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca.

ALMONTE

Puppets Up! (festival). Performances from many performers/troupes play at five venues across the town plus free street entertainment. Runs Aug 9 to Aug 11. Various venues, puppetsup.com.

BANCROFT

Million Dollar Quartet (musical) by Floyd Mutrux. A recreation of the jam session on December 4, 1956, with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Runs Aug 21 to Sep 1. Village Playhouse, www.tweedandcompany.com.

BLYTH

The Farm Show: Then and Now (drama) by the Ensemble. A remount of the original play from 1972 plus a look at how it led to the creation of the Blyth Festival. Runs Jun 14 to Aug 4. Harvest Stage, blythfestival.com.

The Golden Anniversaries (comedy) by Mark Crawford. Glen and Sandy Golden celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss until they start to remember a few things. Runs Jul 4 to Aug 4. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes (comedy) by Alison Lawrence. The story of the teenage girls who worked on farms across Canada to feed the troops during WWII. Runs Aug 14 to Aug 31. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

Resort to Murder (comedy) by Birgitte Solem. Brett and Viv dream of turning an old country mansion into a resort until suddenly the lights go out. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 31. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

Saving Graceland (comedy) by Gil Garratt. It’s 2019 and a couple has never missed the Collingwood Elvis Festival in 25 years, but the arrival of their grandchild upends their plans. Runs Jun 21 to Aug 3. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

The Trials of Maggie Pollock (drama) by Beverley Cooper. The true story of the woman who in 1919 became the last woman in Canada to be convicted of witchcraft. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 29. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

BOBCAYGEON

The Ladies Foursome (comedy) by Norm Foster. After their longtime fourth dies, three women try out a new woman. Runs Aug 14 to Aug 24. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.

Who Killed The King? (comedy) by Sarah Quick. There is one fewer Elvis at the end of a small town’s annual Elvis Festival. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 3. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.

BRANTFORD

Helen, Annie and Alec (drama). A play about the friendship between Alexander Graham Bell and Helen Keller. Runs Jul 26 to Aug 4. Bell Homestead, branttheatre.com.

CAMBRIDGE

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (musical) by Stephan Elliott & Allan Scott. Three drag queens set out on a trek across the Australian outback. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 10. Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

DRAYTON

Naked Radio (musical) by Paul Libman & Dave Hudson. When a snowstrom knocks out its pre-programmed feed, two radio DJs have to improvise through music and song. Runs Aug 7 to Aug 25. Drayton Festival Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

FENELON FALLS

Into the Woods (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. Stories of various characters from Grimms’ fairy tales become intertwined. Runs Jul 7 to Sep 1. Grove Theatre Festival, www.grovetheatre.ca.

GANANOQUE

Mamma Mia! (musical) by Benny Anderssen & Björn Ulvaeus. A young woman invites all three of her possible fathers to her wedding on a Greek island. Runs Jul 2 to Aug 4. Springer Theatre, 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

Mary’s Wedding (drama) by Stephen Massicotte. Two young people fall in love in rural Alberta on the eve of World War I. Runs Aug 16 to Sep 8. Springer Theatre, 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

GRAND BEND

Jersey Boys (musical) by Bob Gaudio & Bob Crewe. The story of the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Runs Jul 10 to Aug 3. Huron Contry Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Peter Pan: The Panto (panro) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the story by J.M. Barrie. Runs Aug 7 to Sep 1. South Huron Stage, 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 trek across the Australian outback. Runs Aug 15 to Sep 1. Huron Contry Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

GUELPH

Guelph Fringe Festival (festival). A total of 15 individual companies will perform at three venues over the course of the four-day festival. Runs Aug 8 to Aug 11. Various venues, theguelphfringefes.wixsite.com.

HALIBURTON

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (opera) by Gioacchino Rossini. A barber helps a nobleman to woo his beloved. Runs Aug 22 to Aug 26. Highlands Opera Studio, www.highlandsoperastudio.com.

Mishabooz’s Realm (opera) by Andrew Balfour. The story of the creation of Mother Earth, the foundation of Canada and a look at Canada’s future. Runs from Aug 15 to Aug 17. Highlands Opera Studio, www.highlandsoperastudio.com.

KINGSTON

2024 TK Fringe Festival (festival) A forum for 18 shows of widely varying genres. Runs Aug 1 to Aug 11. Various venues, www.theatrekingston.com.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival (festival). A carnival of acrobats, comedians, magicians and fire-breathers. Runs Aug 22 to Aug 25. Behind Waterloo City Hall, waterloobuskers.com.

MEAFORD

Billy Bishop Goes to War (musical) by John Gray & Eric Peterson. The story of Canada’s own World War I flying ace. Runs Aug 13 to Aug 17. Meaford Hall, www.meaford.ca.

MILLBROOK

Jim Watts: Girl Reporter (drama) by Beverley Cooper. The story of trailblazing youth who illegally flocked to Spain to fight fascism in the mid-1930s. Runs from Jul 30 to Aug 24. Winslow Farm, www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

MISSISSAUGA

Mississauga Multilingual Fringe Festival (festival). A festival of one-act plays in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and English. Runs Aug 19 to Aug 25 Various venues, fringefestivals.com.

MORRISBURG

Leaving Marjorie Bliss (comedy) by John Spurway. Three women and one man plan their escape from the Marjorie Bliss Retirement Home. Runs Aug 17 to Aug 25. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

Cabaret Le Cirque (circus). A theatrical performance that combines burlesque with stunning acrobatics and vaudevillian elements. Runs Aug 22 to Aug 29. Fallsview Casino, fallsviewcasinoresort.com.

Canadiana (revue). A celebration of Canadian music through the years. Runs May 28, 2024, booking to Dec 19, 2024. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

Evolution (magic) by David Davinci. A thrill-seeking, mind-bending master of prestidigitation creates an alternate world of fascination. Mar 8 to Mar 16. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

Wonder (magic) by Greg Frewin. Christian Mascia performs new large-scale illusions designed by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Jan 4, 2025. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 6 to Dec 22 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

My Fair Lady (musical) by Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner. The famous musical version of GB Shaw’s Pygmalion. Runs May 25 to Dec 22.

The Mystery of the Human Heart (drama) by Reginald Candy. Has Sherlock Holmes finally met his match? Previews from Jul 31, opens Aug 17, runs to Oct 13.

One Man, Two Guvnors (comedy) by Richard Bean. Goldoni’s 1746 Venetian farce A Servant of Two Masters updated to Brighton in the 1950s. Runs Jun 22 to Oct 13.

At the Royal George Theatre

Candida (comedy) by G.B. Shaw. Will Candida remain the lawfully wedded partner of a pastor or become the paramour of a poet? Previews from Jul 13, opens Aug 16, runs to Oct 11.

The Orphan of Chao  (drama) by Michael Man. A doctor sacrifices his own son to keep an orphan alive so he can avenge his family when he comes of age. Runs Jun 22 to October 5.

The Secret Garden (drama) by Jay Turvey & Paul Sportelli. An orphaned girl is unhappy until she finds a secret garden on her uncle’s estate. Runs Jun 23 to Oct 13.

Witness for the Prosecution (drama) by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy older woman is found murdered, her handsome younger lover is the only suspect. Runs Apr 25 to Oct 13.

At the Studio Theatre

The House That Will Not Stand (variety) by Marcus Gardley. In 19th-century New Orleans a wealthy free Black woman risks losing everything after the death of her affluent white lover. Runs Jun 21 to Oct 12.

Snow in Midsummer (drama) by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig. A young widow executed for murder places a curse of her town. Previews from Aug 8, opens Aug 18, runs to Oct 5.

At the Spiegeltent

Cotton Club  (variety) by the Ensemble. A night in Harlem – sizzling numbers from New York’s hottest nights. Runs Jul 17 to Oct 11.

Kabarett  (variety) by the Ensemble. A night in Berlin during the Weimar era. Runs Jun 14 to Oct 12.

The Shaw Variety Show (variety) by the Ensemble. An old-fashioned variety show packed with comedy, music and magic. Runs May 17 to Oct 6.

NORTH BAY

ON THE EDGE fringe festival  (festival). A forum for professional and emerging alternative theatre and performance. Runs Aug 14 to Aug 18. Various venues, fringenorth.com.

ORILLIA

Every Brilliant Thing (comedy) by Duncan Macmillan. To help his depressed mother a young boy makes a list of everything that brings joy to their lives. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 9. Orillia Opera House, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.

Those Movies (comedy) by Norm Foster. Two couples accidentally find themselves on a double date. Runs Aug 14 to Aug 30. Orillia Opera House, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Come From Away (musical) by by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. Runs Aug 14 to Sep 1. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (comedy) by Simon Stephens. A 15-year-old autistic boy tries to discover who killed the neighbour’s dog. Runs Aug 21 to Sep 7. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Don Juan (musical) by Félix Gray. The famous seducer finally falls in love – but with a woman promised to another. In French. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 3. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Hilda’s Yard (comedy) by Norm Foster. In 1956 just when the Flucks are enjoying their empty nest, their two grown children return home. Runs Jul 17 to Aug 3. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Le Matou (musical) by Jessy Brouillard. In Montreal in 1974 a young couple hope to open a restaurant. In French. Runs Aug 15, 16, 23 & 24. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Les Misérables (musical) by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg. A policeman will not stop hunting an escaped convict even after the man has become a respected citizen. Runs Aug 6 to Aug 11. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Oh Canada Eh?! (revue). Archtypal Canadian characters sing over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists. Booking to Oct 14, 2024. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

Le Père Noël est une ordure (comedy) by André Robitaille. Two volunteers on duty at SOS Détresse Amitié receive visits from characters, each more bizarre than the last. In French. Runs Aug 3 to Aug 11. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

OWEN SOUND

The Kitchen Witches (comedy) by Caroline Smith. Two cable-access cooking show hostesses, who have long hated each other are put together on a TV cooking show. Runs Aug 8 to Aug 24. Roxy Theatre, www.brucecountyplayhouse.com.

PENETANGUISHENE

Jersey Boys (musical) by Bob Gaudio & Bob Crewe. The story of the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Runs Aug 8 to Sep 1. King’s Wharf Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

PETROLIA

Tuesdays with Morrie (drama) by Mitch Ablom.  A young man visits his college professor on Tuesdays to discuss life’s most important lessons.  Previews from Aug 6, opens Aug 8, runs to Aug 18. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PORT COLBORNE

Mary’s Wedding (drama) by Stephen Massicotte. Mary and Charlie fall in love in 1914 when the world is collapsing into war. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 4. Roselawn Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (comedy) by Jesse Jones et al.. Five Southern women set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their friendships. Runs Aug 14 to Aug 25. Roselawn Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT DOVER

Lakefront (comedy) by Norm Foster. Two single seniors decide to rent a lakefront cabin to test their appeal to each other. Runs Aug 21 to Sep 7. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (comedy) by Jesse Jones et al.. Five Southern women set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their friendships. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 10. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

Gabs Sings Babs (revue) by Gabi Epstein. Epstein charts her own artistic journey via the songs of Barbra Steisand. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 11. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

PORT PERRY

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised Again) (comedy) by Daniel Singer, Adam Long & Jess Winfield. All 37 of Shakespeare’s plays performed in less than 2 hours. Runs Aug 8 to Aug 24. Scugog Shores Museum Village, theatreontheridge.ca.

PORT STANLEY

Bigfoot! (comedy) by Ephraim Ellis. Three intrepid explorers scour the rainforests of BC looking for proof. Runs Aug 7 to Aug 24. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

Hurry Hard (comedy) by Kristen Da Silva. The Stayner Curling Club needs to  defeat and destroy arch nemesis, Meaford. Runs Jul 17 to Aug 3. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

PRESCOTT

Play On! A Shakespeare Inspired Mixtape (cabaret) by Robert Markus et al. A witty, entertaining, cabaret of pop music and Shakespearean text, Runs Aug 13 to Aug 17. Kinsmen Amphitheatre, www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.

She Stoops to Conquer (comedy) by Oliver Goldsmith. Two aristocrats mistake a country house for an inn. Runs Jul 17 to Aug 10. Kinsmen Amphitheatre, www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.

The Tempest (comedy) by William Shakespeare. A magician marooned with his daughter on a desert island plans revenge on his enemies. Runs Jul 13 to Aug 10. Kinsmen Amphitheatre, www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.

SAULT STE. MARIE

Fringe North  (festival). A multi-arts fringe festival. Runs Aug 21 to Aug 25. Sault Ste. Marie Museum, www.saultfringe.com.

ST. CATHARINES

The Melville Boys (comedy) by Norm Foster. The Melville brothers plan for a quiet weekend are overturned when they meet two attractive sisters. Runs Aug 15 to Aug 25. Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, fosterfestival.com.

Whit’s End (comedy) by Norm Foster. Whit, a letter-carrier, has news for his grown children that they don’t expect. Runs Jul 25 to Aug 4. Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, fosterfestival.com.

ST. JACOBS

Kiss Me, Kate (musical) by Cole Porter. The backstage antics of a touring company staging Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Runs Aug 7to Sep 1. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

The Marvelous Wonderettes (musical) by Roger Bean. Four girls in 1958 and then in 1968 sing about their lives and loves in 30 familiar tunes. Runs Jul 9 to Sep 1. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

Godspell (musical) by Stephen Schwartz. A wandering troupe of actors perform the parables of Jesus. Runs Jul 25 to Aug 3. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

STRATFORD

THE HERE FOR NOW THEATRE FESTIVAL:

A festival of one-act plays of 60 to 90 minutes, including 5 world premieres. Runs Jun 19 to Sep 28, 2024. Stratford Perth Museum, 4275 Huron Rd, www.herefornowtheatre.com.

The Saviour (drama) by Deirdre Kinahan. On the morning of her 67th birthday, Máire sits up in bed; a man is downstairs but all is not well. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 16.

With Love and a Major Organ (comedy) by Julia Lederer. During her morning commute a woman falls in love with a total stranger and gives him her heart – literally. Runs Aug 21 to Sep 7.

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 16 to Oct 27 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

London Assurance (comedy) by Dion Boucicault. Sir Harcourt Courtly, an over-the-hill London fop, arrives at Oak Hall to claim his wealthy and scandalously young bride. Previews from Aug 7, opens Aug 22, runs to Oct 25.

Romeo and Juliet (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. The well-known tale of teens who fall in love despite their feuding families. Runs Jun 1 to Oct 26.

Something Rotten! (musical) by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick. In Renaissance England the Bottom brothers write a musical to compete with Shakespeare’s plays. Runs May 28 to Oct 27.

Twelfth Night (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Viola loves Orsino who loves Olivia who loves Viola. Runs May 27 to Oct 26.

At the Avon Theatre

La Cage aux Folles (musical) by Jerry Herman & Harvey Fierstein. The manager of a drag club in St. Tropez decides to “play it straight” when his son arrives with his fiancée. Runs May 31 to to Oct 26.

Salesman in China (drama) by Leanna Bodie & Jovanni Sy. In 1983 playwright Arthur Miller travelled to China to direct a production of his classic play Death of a Salesman. Previews from Aug 3, opens Aug 23, runs to Oct 26.

Wendy and Peter Pan (musical) by Ella Hickson. Wendy Darling is centre stage in this adaptation of Peter Pan. Runs Jun 15 to Oct 27.

At the Tom Patterson Theatre

Cymbeline (drama) by William Shakespeare. Imogen tries to do good in a world full of evil. Runs May 29 to Sep 28.

The Diviners (drama) by Vern Thiessen. A stage version of Margaret Laurence’s classic novel. Previews from Aug 7, opens Aug 24, runs to Oct 2.

The Great Fire (drama) by Roland Schimmelpfennig. Within a familiar folk setting of competing rural villages, we see a magical world beset by prejudice, misunderstanding and plague. Runs Aug 15 to Aug 17.

Hedda Gabler (drama) by Henrik Ibsen. After her honeymoon Hedda is already bored with her husband and the respectable life he represents. Runs May 30 to Sep 28.

At the Studio Theatre

Get That Hope (drama) by Andrea Scott. While celebrating Jamaican Independence Day in Toronto, a squabbling family’s secrets come to the surface. Previews from Jul 21, opens Aug 10, runs to Sep 28.

The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? (drama) by Edward Albee. Martin Gray’s wife suspects he is having an affair, but the object of his affection tests everyone’s tolerance. Previews from Jun 26, opens Aug 9, runs to Sep 29.

The Shape of Home, Songs in Search of Al Purdy (revue). A song cycle based on the poetry and letter of poet Al Purdy. Runs Aug 16, 18, 23, 25, 28 & 30.

SUDBURY

Chicago (musical) by John Kander & Fred Ebb. Two murderesses in the Cook County Jail vie for the spotlight. Runs Jul 9 to Aug 3. Sudbury Theatre Centre, yestheatre.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Royal Canadian International Circus  (circus). A traditional one-ring circus but without exotic animals. www.royalcanadiancircus.ca.

• Aug 1-5: Promenade Shopping Centre, Vaughan

• Aug 9-18: Dixie Outlet Mall, Mississauga

• Aug 22-Sep 2: Burlington Centre, Burlington