TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Ain’t Too Proud  (musical) by Dominique Morisseau.  The music and times of The Temptations.  Runs Dec 7 to Dec 17.  CAA Ed Mirvish  Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Champions of Magic (magic). Five world-class magicians combine their talents in one show. Runs Dec 27 to Dec 29. Meridian Hall, www.tolive.com.

Chicago (musical) by by John Kander & Fred Ebb. In the Roaring Twenties an aspiring chorus girl and a fading vaudeville star each face trial for murder. Runs Dec 27, 2023-Jan 6, 2024. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Chris, Mrs. (musical) by Matt Stodolak & Katie Kerr. Charlie tries to convince his brother to sell their late parents’ lodge. Previews from Dec 5, opens Dec 7, runs to Dec 31. Winter Garden Theatre, www.chrismrs.com.

42nd Street (musical) by Harry Warren & Al Dubin. A chorus girl becomes a star when she has to take the lead in a Broadway musical. Runs Dec 9, 2023, to Jan 21, 2024. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays (magic) by Simon Painter. Illusions, close-up magic, mentalism and technological spectacle performed by four master entertainers. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 3. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

New Creation (dance) by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young. An exploration of our need for a sense of togetherness and belonging. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 9. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (comedy) by Isobel McArthur & Simon Harvey. A modern version of the Jane Austen classic with the action seen through the servants’ eyes. Runs Dec 14, 2023, to Jan 7, 2024. CAA  Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

SIX (musical) by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. A modern retelling of the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. Runs Sep 23, 2023, to Feb 11, 2024. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Alice in Wonderland (musical) by Fiona Saunder et al. A musical version of the Lewis Carroll tale. Runs Dec 12 to Dec 31. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Angels in America (drama) by Tony Kushner. Prior, recently diagnosed with AIDS, tries to make sense of his mystical visions and visitations. Runs Nov 23 to Dec 17. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Bruce Dow – Beautiful Things (cabaret) by Bruce Dow. Dow takes us on a journey through holiday music we think we know. Runs Dec 16 only. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, https://buddiesinbadtimes.com.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Huston performs Dickens’s own one-man version of the famous tale. Runs Dec 9 only. Acoustic Harvest, 200 McIntosh St, www.ticketscene.ca.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. Tom Allen reads Dickens's classic with musical accompaniment. Runs Dec 10 only. Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr, 416-699-5871.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Justin Haigh. An immersive production of the Dickens story where the audience follows characters from room to room. Runs Dec 6 to Dec 22. Campbell House Museum, christmascarolto.com.

Here Lies Henry (drama) by Daniel MacIvor. A self-proclaimed liar feels compelled to tell us his life story. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 17. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (children) by Joe Landry. The beloved 1946 movie is staged as a radio play. For ages 10+. Runs Nov 20 to Dec 30.  Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Letters From Max, a ritual (play) by Sarah Ruhl. A chronicle of Ruhl’s epistolary journey with a student stricken with a rare form of cancer. Runs Nov 10 to Dec 3. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, theatrecentre.org.

The Merry Widow (operetta) by Franz Lehár. Prince Danilo woos the wealthy Hanna Glawari but is it ,for love or for her money?. Runs Dec 29, 2023, to Jan 2, 2024. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

Monster (drama) by Daniel MacIvor. The play peels back the psychological layers of 16 different characters to reveal the dark heart of individual experience. Runs Nov 22 to Dec 10. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (musical) by Dave Malloy. A radical retelling of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Runs Dec 5, 2023, to Jan 7, 2024. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

On a Night Like This (revue) by Beau Dixon. An evening of seasonal stories and songs from Irving Berlin to Beyoncé. Runs Dec 20 to Dec 31. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Prophecy Fog (performance) by Jani Lauzon. An investigation into whether a site can still be sacred if it has been desecrated. Runs Nov 15 to Dec 10. Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, www.coalminetheatre.com. ★★★★★

Withrow Park (comedy) by Morris Panych. Three people invite a mysterious man to dinner. Runs Nov 15 to Dec 3. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

Les Zinspiré.e.s: Onze calme et continue (plays). A collection from five young writers about current issues and concerns. In French with English surtitles. Runs Nov 23 to Dec 15. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

A Carnival of Munsch (children) by Christine Bartelse. Stage adaptations of stories by Robert Munsch. [student] Runs Dec 2 to Dec 9. Young Centre, www.georgebrown.ca.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by John Jakes. A stage adaptation of the famous tale by Charles Dickens. Runs Dec 1 to Dec 16. [community] Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com.

BANCROFT

The Lion of Oz (panto). The Lion discovers what it means to be the hero of your own story. Runs Dec 13 to Dec 23. Bancroft Village Playhouse, www.tweedandcompany.com.

BARRIE

Jesus Christ Superstar (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A rock oratorio about Jesus’s last days on earth. Runs Nov 23 to Dec 1. Five Points Theatre, www.tift.ca.

BLYTH

A Huron County Christmas Carol (drama) by Gil Garratt. Charles Dickens’s 1843 tale with songs and relocated to the present in Huron county. Runs Nov 30 to Dec 22. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

BOBCAYGEON

Puss in Boots (panto) by Sarah Quick. Harry goes on an adventure with a talking cat. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 17. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.  

BRAMPTON

In My Body (dance) by Crazy Smooth. An athletic investigation of the evolution of self and the effects of aging on street dancers. Runs Dec 5 only. Rose Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

MILF and Cookies (comedy) by Anne Marie Scheffler. Three BFFs navigate dating stories, life choices and ghosts of boyfriends past. Runs Dec 22 only. Lester B. Pearson Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Fiddler on the Roof (musical) by Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick. A humble milkman discovers that the traditions he lives by are changing. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 24. Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

COLLINGWOOD

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. A staged reading of Dickens’s original story. Runs Dec 14 only. First Presbyterian Church, theatrecollingwood.ca.

GUELPH

A Christmas Carol (children) by DuffleBag Theatre. A version of Dickens’s classic aimed at children in Grades 5 and 6. Runs Dec 12 to Dec 14. River Run Centre, riverrun.ca.

HAMILTON

Crystal (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. A visual and auditory acrobatic experience on ice. Runs Dec 14 to Dec 17. FirstOntario Centre, www.coreentertainment.ca.

Pollyanna The Musical (comedy) by Linda Barnett & Steven Gallagher. The story of how the power of one young girl’s positivity changes the people around her. Runs Dec 6 to Dec 23. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Beauty and the Beast (musical) by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman. A stage adaptation of the 1991 Disney movie about a prince changed into a beast. Runs Dec 14 to Dec 17. Registry Theatre, mavisproductions.ca.

LONDON

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (musical) by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman. World-famous chocolate maker Willie Wonka opens his chocolate factory to only four golden ticket holders. Runs Nov 24 to Dec 24. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Little Dickens (comedy) by Ronnie Burkett. Burkett’s marionettes tell the tale of Esmé Scrooge’s path to redemption. For ages 16+. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 9. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

MISSISSAUGA

Illumi – A Dazzling World of Lights (installation). 14 universes of light covering 600,000 square feet celebrating the holiday season. Runs Nov 3, 2023, to Jan 7, 2024. 7174 Derrycrest Dr, https://toronto.illumi.com.

Orlando (comedy) by Sarah Ruhl. A stage adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel about a sex-changing courtier. Runs Nov 23 to Dec 2. [student] Erindale Studio Theatre, www.utm.utoronto.ca.

NIAGARA FALLS

MindTrix (magic) by Edward Stone. A blend of amazing magic with psychological illusions created with an adult audience in mind. Runs Saturdays Sep 23, 2023, to Feb 25, 2024. Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel, oldstoneinnhotel.com.

Wonder (magic) by Greg Frewin. Christian Mascia performs new large-scale illusions designed by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Mar 2, 2024. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

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 Festival Theatre

Brigadoon (musical) by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. Tommy falls in love with a girl who lives in a magical village that appears only once every century. Runs Nov 18 to Dec 23.

At the Royal George Theatre

A Christmas Carol (comedy) by Tim Carroll. Another stage adaptation of the beloved story by Charles Dickens. Runs Nov 11 to Dec 23.

OAKVILLE

It’s OK to Be Different (children) by Jim Morrow. An hour-long adaptation of three stories by Todd Parr using puppetry and music. Runs Dec 2 only. Oakville Centre, www.oakvillecentre.ca.

Mr. Burns, a post-electric play (comedy) by Anne Washburn. After a cataclysm destroys electricity, people turn to storytelling for entertainment. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 11. [student] Studio Theatre, Sheridan College, www.sheridancollege.ca.

Sweeney Todd (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. A barber returns from exile for revenge on those who had him transported. Runs Dec 7 to Dec 12. [student] Macdonald Heaslip Hall, Sheridan College, www.sheridancollege.ca.

ORANGEVILLE

Cinderella… if the Shoe Fits (panto) by Debbie Collins & David Nairn. Naughty and nice versions of the favourite fairy tale. Runs Nov 30 to Dec 23. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations (musical) by Dominique Morisseau. The survey of the music of The Temptations. Runs Dec 26 to Dec 31. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Le Bal du temps des fêtes (children). A dancer, a storyteller and an expert in the art of celebrating help Santa’s elves regain their legendary spirit. In French. Runs Dec 17 only. Cabaret La Basoche, Gatineau, www.gatineau.ca.

Benevolence (drama) by Franny Britt. A big-time lawyer returns to his hometown to try a troubling case involving the child of an old friend. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 17.  Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Cabaret Ho Ho Ho la la! (cabaret) by Mathieu Charette. Songs, dance, jokes, surprises all to get you in the holiday mood. In French. Runs Dec 6 to Dec 17. Théâtre de l'Île, Gatineau, reseau.ovation.ca.

A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley (comedy) by Israel Horovitz. Dickens famous story as seen through the eyes of Jacob Marley. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 16. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Créature (variety) by Rita Baga. A great interplanetary journey combining music, dance, costumes and, above all, a lot of extravagance and glitter! In French. Runs Dec 15 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Un Noël fou fou fou (magic) by Fredo le Magicien. Fredo makes magic with the items in a room decorated for Christmas. Runs Dec 17 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Husband? What Husband? (comedy) by John Cook. A live radio play about two sisters visited by husbands they had thought long gone. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 3. The Gladstone, thegladstone.ca.

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Galina  Yordanova and Nina  Menon. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s version of the famous ballet. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 3.National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Objectif Terre (comedy) by Bryan Perro. Rémi-Pierre Paquin takes up the challenge of playing Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques. In French. Runs Dec 3 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical (variety). All-Canadian music from Maritime folk songs to modern pop featuring a singing Mountie, hockey player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and many others. Booking to Dec 23, 2023. 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

Prison Dancer (musical) by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus. A prisoner named Lola brings purpose and joy to a group of inmates ready to feel the rhythm together. Runs Nov 23 to Dec 2. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.  

Le Projet Riopelle (performance) by Robert Lepage. Thirty paintings like thirty sequences of a torrid love story and an extraordinary life woven into the fabric of a sociocultural revolution. Runs Dec 14 to Dec 16. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Quand tu me regardes (dance) by Guillaume Chouinard. A work exploring the possibilities of dance in wheelchairs. Runs Dec 16 to Dec 17. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Scrooge’s Christmas (opera) by Andrew Ager. An operatic version of Charles Dickens’s famous tale. Runs Dec 10 only. Venue TBA, newoperalyra.ca.

A Very Merry Mystery (variety). What could one of Santa’s elves have in common with an event planner and a disgraced television host? Runs from Nov 2 to Dec 21. 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

PORT COLBORNE

Jack and the Beanstalk (panto) by Ken MacDougall. Jack trades a cow for a bag of magic beans which grow a beanstalk leading to a giant. Runs Dec 13 to Dec 17. Showboat Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT DOVER

Jack and the Beanstalk (panto) by Ken MacDougall. Jack trades a cow for a bag of magic beans which grow a beanstalk leading to a giant. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 9. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

Jack: A Beanstalk Panto (panto) by Rebecca Northan. A new panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Nov 24 to Dec 23. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

PORT PERRY

A Christmas Carol in the Village (drama). An immersive adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. Runs Dec 7 to Dec 10. Theatre on the Ridge, theatreontheridge.ca.

Christmas on the Ridge (storytelling). An evening of old-fashioned storytelling and songs. Runs Dec 20 only. Theatre on the Ridge, theatreontheridge.ca.

ST. CATHARINES

In My Body (dance) by Crazy Smooth. An athletic investigation of the evolution of self and the effects of aging on street dancers. Runs Dec 2 only. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.

ST. JACOBS

Bittergirl - The Musical (musical) by Annabel Fitzsimmons et al. The lives of three accomplished women scorned – and the men who dumped them. Runs Oct 4 to Dec 24. St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Peter Pan: The Panto (panto) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the play by J.M. Barrie. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 31. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

Aladdin - The Pantomime (panto) by Ken MacDougall. Aladdin, an exchange student, comes to Stirling-Rawdon in search of adventure. Runs from Nov 5 to Dec 31. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

SUDBURY

Matilda The Musical (musical) by Tim Minchin & Dennis Kelly. A young girl stands up to her parents and to the bullying headmistress at school. Runs Nov 24 to Dec 17. Sudbury Theatre Centre, sudburytheatre.com.

TWEED

The Lion of Oz (panto). The Lion discovers what it means to be the hero of your own story. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 9. Marble Arts Centre, www.tweedandcompany.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. Ballet Jörgen’s version of the famous ballet as inspired by the Group of Seven. www.jorgendance.ca.

• Dec 2: FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton

• Dec 3: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Dec 8-9: Centrepointe Theatre, Ottawa

• Dec 13: Rose Theatre, Brampton

• Dec 16: Sault Community Theatre Centre, Sault Ste. Marie

• Dec 20-21: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Dec 23: Centennial Hall, London

• Dec 28: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 30-31: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

The Nutcracker (ballet) by State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

• Dec 2: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Dec 3: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

• Dec 7-8: Grand Theatre, Kingston

Redefining Wonder (magic) by Chris Funk. A magic show integrating music with magic.

• Dec 27: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

• Dec 28: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Dec 29: Stephen Leacock Theatre, Georgina

• Dec 31: Oakville Centre, Oakville

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (ballet) by State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

• Dec 1: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Dec 5: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 6: Rose Theatre, Brampton