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. ★★★★★

Fifteen Dogs (comedy) by Marie Farsi. Hermes and Apollo grant human consciousness and language to 15 dogs to see what happens. Runs Jan 28 to Feb 16. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Just For One Day (musical) by John O’Farrell. The story of the Live Aid concert in 1985. Runs Jan 26 to Mar 16. 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.

Madama Butterfly (opera) by Giacomo Puccini. A Japanese woman is faithful to her American husband but he is not faithful to her. In Italian with English surtitles. Runs Jan 24 to Feb 16. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (musical) by John Logan. A stage version of the spectacular Baz Luhrmann movie musical. Runs Nov 19, 2024 to Jan 12, 2025. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

La Reine-Garçon (opera) by Julien Bilodeau. In 1649 Queen Christine of Sweden is torn between her love for a woman and the State’s pressure for an heir. In French with English surtitles. Runs January 31 to February 15. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Titaníque (musical) by Marla Mindelle et al. A musical about Rose and Jack and Céline Dion. Runs Dec 8, 2024 to Jan 19, 2025. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre,  1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★☆☆

'Twas the Night Before... (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. A circus show inspired by the Clement Clark Moore poem. Runs Dec 12, 2024, to Jan 3, 2025. Meridian Hall, www.tolive.com. ★★★☆☆

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (drama) by Edward Albee. An older couple invites a younger couple over for drinks and mind games. Runs Jan 18 to Feb 9. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

The Wizard of Oz (panto) by Matt Murray. Dorothy and her companions navigate the strange landscapes of Oz. Runs Dec 6, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025. Elgin Theatre, www.canadianstage.com. ★★★★☆

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Alceste (opera) by Christoph Wilibald Gluck. Queen Alceste sacrifices herself to save her husband’s life. In French with English surtitles. In concert. Runs Jan 12 only. Trinity-St Paul’s Centre, operainconcert.com.

Alligator Pie (children) by the ensemble. The 2024 Soulpepper Academy ensemble presents stories by Dennis Lee. Runs Dec 11, 2025, to Jan 5, 2025. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Coffee Cantata / Peasant Cantata (cantatas) by J.S. Bach. Two humorous secular cantatas – one about coffee addiction and one about peasant life. Runs Jan 25 only. College Street United Church, 452 College St, www.eventbrite.ca.

Countess Maritza (operetta) by Imre Kálmán. The wealthy Countess Maritza’s engagement is a fiction to keep suitors away but then a man she likes turns up. Runs Dec 29 & Jan 3 and 4. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com. ★★★★☆

Dinner with the Duchess (drama) by Nick Green. A secretive violin virtuoso gives her final interview about what her legacy will be. Runs Jan 14 to Feb 9. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Duck Pond (circus) by Yaron Lifschitz. The story of Swan Lake imagined as an acrobatic spectacular. Runs Jan 30 to Feb 1. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, tolive.com.

For Both Resting and Breeding (drama) by Adam Meisner. In a gender-neutral future two historians become enamoured of their gendered ancestors. Previews from Jan 15, opens Jan 17, runs to Jan 31. 164 Cowan Ave, www.tift.ca.

Josiah - The Show (drama) by Cassel Miles. The story of the real “Uncle Tom” – Josiah Henson. Runs Jan 29 to Feb 6. Alumnae Theatre, josiahtheshow.com.

Last Landscape (comedy) by Adam Paolozza. Clowns enter an empty space and try to recreate a natural world from memory. Runs Jan 12 to Jan 26. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Life Be Lifin’ (comedy) by Monét X Change. Monét explains how she became a drag queen and R&B singer. Runs Jan 28 only. Jane Mallett Theatre, tolive.com.

The Little Purrr-Maid (panto) by Rosemary Doyle. Mermaids prepare for the Olympics while a sea-witch tries to foil their efforts. Runs Dec 27, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, www.ticketscene.ca.

The Master Plan (comedy) by Michael Healey. Google decides to build an ideal city in Toronto. Runs Nov 24, 2024, to Jan 17, 2025. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca. ★★★★☆

Murder at Sea (comedy). A nautical whudunnit featuring Hercule Perrier and other hilarious characters. Runs Jan 11, 18 & 25. Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St West, mysteriouslyyours.ca.

Le Problème avec le rose (drama) by Éricka Tremblay-Roy & Christophe Garcia. Through dance and words, four characters investigate the statement “Pink is for girls”. In French with English surtitles. For ages 6+. Runs Jan 15 to Jan 18. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

The Snow Queen Musical (musical) by Haddon Kime. Gerda goes on a dangerous quest to rescue her best friend from the Snow Queen. For ages 6+. Runs Nov 22, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, tickets.ticketwise.com.

The Strange and Eerie Memoirs of Billy Wuthergloom (comedy) by Eric Woolfe. Billy relives his horrific journey from adolescence to adulthood. Runs Jan 29 to Feb 9. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, eldritchtheatre.ca.

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.

Wights (drama) by Liz Appel. An English professor prepares for an interview to head a DEI centre at Yale. Runs Jan 7 to Feb 9. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Winter Solstice (comedy) by Roland Schimmelpfennig. Family tensions are already running high when a stranger comes to visit. Runs Jan 14 to Feb 2. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Les Zinspiré.e.s: le nombre sublime (plays). Five new scripts by Ontario students are performed by professional actors. In French with English surtitles. Runs Dec 5, 2024, to Jan 10, 2025. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

Amahl and the Night Visitors (opera) by Gian Carlo Menotti. A young boy meets the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem. [community] Runs Jan 11 at Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave, & Jan 12 at Church of St. Peter and St. Simon, 525 Bloor St East, www.eventbrite.ca.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses (drama) by Christopher Hampton. Two aristocrats cruelly toy with the affections of two young people. Runs Jan 10 to Jan 25. [community] Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com.

Other Desert Cities (drama) by Jon Robin Baitz. A left-leaning daughter comes home to her Republican parents to expose a dark family secret. Runs Jan 22 to Feb 2. [community] Alumnae Theatre, alumnaetheatre.com.

Ripcord (comedy) by David Lindsay-Abaire. In a posh retirement home the cantankerous Abby is not pleased about having to share her quarters. Runs Jan 10 to Feb 1. [community] Village Playhouse, villageplayers.net.

The Yeomen of the Guard (operetta) by Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert. Runs Jan 31 to Feb 9. [community] St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 651 Dufferin St, www.stannesmads.com.

AJAX

Magic Mel (magic) by Magic Mel. An upbeat, hilarious and interactive magical experience. Runs Jan 18 only. St. Francis Centre, www.eventbrite.ca.

BARRIE

Perfect on Paper (comedy) by Marcia Johnson. A proudly independent Black feminist secretly writes bodice-ripping romances in her spare time. Runs Jan 30 to Feb 8. Venue TBA, www.tift.ca.

GUELPH

Sleeping Beauty (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. Ballet Jörgen’s version of this classic ballet. Runs Jan 12 only. River Run Centre, riverrun.ca.

HAMILTON

The Nine Lives of Ross Fordham (musical). Uplifting tales of survival told through song by Fordham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Runs Jan 10 to Jan 19. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

Pretty Woman: The Musical (musical) by Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance. A relationship develops between a Hollywood prostitute and a wealthy businessman. Runs Jan 10 only. FirstOntario Concert Hall, www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca.

KINGSTON

The Magic School Bus (children) by Marshall Pailet. Ms. Frizzle takes her students on an interplanetary field trip. For ages 4-10. Runs Jan 26 only. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Beyonsea and the Mothers (drama) by Teneile Warren. Beyonsea is sent to North America join her mother whom she barely knows. Runs Jan 29 to Feb 9. Conrad Centre, Kitchener, www.greenlight-arts.com.

Cells of Wind (opera) by Anna Höstman. An exploration of the effects of solitary confinement. In concert. Runs Jan 29 only. Registry Theatre, Kitchener, numus.on.ca.

Dancing with the Stars Live (dance). Ballroom’s excitement, athleticism and artistry with your favourite pros. Runs Jan 31 only. Centre in the Square, centreinthesquare.com.

Works-in-Progress Mini Festival (plays). Performances of four plays in various stages of development. Runs Jan 15 to Jan 17. Registry Theatre, Kitchener, mtspace.ca.

LONDON

Heist (drama) by Arun Lakra. Five criminals team up for one final job in this action-thriller. Runs Jan 14 to Feb 1. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Pretty Woman: The Musical (musical) by Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance. A relationship develops between a Hollywood prostitute and a wealthy businessman. Runs Jan 11 to Jan 12. Canada Life Place, www.canadalifeplace.com.

MISSISSAUGA

Magic Magic Show (magic) by Aaron Matthews & Ken Pham. Two magicians do amazing illusions and incredible mind reading. Runs Jan 25 only. The Rec Room, www.eventbrite.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.

Return to Grace (revue) by Ted Torres Martin. Martin and a cast of singers and dancers pay tribute to Elvis Presley. Runs Jan 8 to Jan 15. Fallsview Casino, fallsviewcasinoresort.com.

OSHAWA

The Adventures of Robin Hood in the 6ix (panto) by Zac Mansfield. Six actors play 100 characters in this comic retelling of the familiar story. Runs Dec 18, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025. Regent Theatre, regenttheatre.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Ako sam žena, nisam konj (comedy) by Ana Poznanović. A woman’s honest confessions about love, sex and other women’s troubles. In Croatian. Runs Jan 31 only. Kailash Mital Theatre, studio011.ca.

Deux femmes en or (comedy) by Catherine Léger. A woman on maternity leave and a woman who is trying to quit antidepressnts become friends. In French. Runs Jan 24 to Jan 25. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Epidermis Circus (puppetry) by Ingrid Hansen. A spicy puppet cabaret hosted by a sassy grandma. For ages 14+. Runs Jan 30 to Feb 1. Meridian Theatre @ Centrepointe, meridiancentrepointe.com.

Giselle (ballet) by Peter Wright to music by Adolphe Adam. The National Ballet of Canada performs the story of a jilted young girl who kills herself and becomes a spirit seeking revenge on the man who betrayed her. Runs Jan 30 to Feb 1. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

The Humbug Hustle: A Holiday Phantom-ime (panto) by Chad Connell & Shelley Simester. A high-energy musical twist on Dickens’s classic tale. Runs Dec 29, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Limitless (magic) by Ryan Edwards. An immersive mentalism show. For ages 14+. Runs Jan 17 & Jan 31.  The Prescott, allevents.in.

The Magic School Bus (children) by Marshall Pailet. Mr. Frizzle takes you on a field trip to Mercury, Venus and Mars. For ages 4-10. Runs Jan 25 only. Meridian Theatre @ Centrepointe, meridiancentrepointe.com.

Magician Impossible (magic) by Michael Bourada. 80 minutes of interactive illusions and hilarious magic. Runs Jan 4 only. Arts Court Theatre, allevents.in.

Menopause The Musical (musical) by Jeanie Linders. Four women at a lingerie sale sing about memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats and sex to hist from the ’60s through ’80s. In French. Runs Jan 17 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Minuit quelque part (dance). A look at how people live at night by eight Québécois choreographers. Runs Jan 27 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Misery (drama) by William Goldman. A novelist’s number one fan holds him captive in her home. Runs Jan 23 to Feb 1. The Gladstone, thegladstone.ca.

MJ the Musical (musical) by Lynn Nottage. A musical centred on the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World tour. Runs Dec 31, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Mysteries of the Keyhole House (magic) by Ted Outerbridge. A magic show inspired the magician’s haunted house in Smith Falls. Runs Jan 2 to Jan 5. 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.

Onde (drama) by Milena Buziak et al. Inspired by Virgina Woolf’s novel The Waves, people of all ages from three countries share their experiences of friendship. In French. Runs Jan 30 to Jan 31. La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com.

Qaumma (dance) by Vinnie Karetak & Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory. An account of Inuit women carving out their own legacies despite colonization. Runs Jan 15 to Jan 17. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

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. In English and Mandarin with English and Mandarin subtitles. Runs Jan 16 to Jan 25. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca ★★★★☆

Traces d’étoiles (drama) by Cindy Lou Johnson. A woman in a ragged wedding dress arrives at Henry’s cabin in Alaska during a snow storm. In French. Runs Jan 29 to Feb 23. Théâtre de l’Île, Gatineau, www.ovation.ca.

Why It’s imPossible (comedy) by Sophia Fabiilli. A look at the complex relationship between mother and child and parenting in precarious times. Runs Jan 21 to Feb 2. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

SPENCERVILLE

The Diablo Manor: An Evening of Enchantment (magic) by Scott McClelland. A sumptuous meal followed by an intimate Victorian production of mystifying wonders and a séance. Runs Jan 16 to Jan 31. Diablo Manor, www.diablomanor.com.

ST. CATHARINES

The 9th (dance) by Roberto Campanella & Robert Glumbek. A look at the essence of freedom and resilience witnessed during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Runs Jan 30 only. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.

ST. JACOBS

A Christmas Carol: The Panto (panto) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the famous story by Charles Dickens. Runs Nov 28, 2024, to Jan 12, 2025. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Merry & Bright (revue) by David Rogers. Holiday music, inspiring songs, Broadway anthems along with stories and humorous anecdotes. Runs Nov 12, 2024 to Jan 1, 2025. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

TWEED

Ghost Light (comedy) by Shawn Wright. Wright tells the story of his relationship with his mother. Runs Jan 29 to Jan 30. Marble Arts Centre, www.simpletix.com.

WINDSOR

For Both Resting and Breeding (drama) by Adam Meisner. In a gender-neutral future two historians become enamoured of their gendered ancestors. Runs Jan 8 to Jan 10. 522 May Ave, www.tift.ca.

Mini Pop Kids: The Celebration Tour (children). Kids aged 10-14 sing and dance to the latest pop songs. For age 3+. Runs Jan 18 only. Chrysler Theatre, www.chryslertheatre.com.

Sleeping Beauty (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. Ballet Jörgen’s version of this classic ballet. Runs Jan 25 only. Chrysler Theatre, www.chryslertheatre.com.

Tales of an Urban Indian  (comedy) by Darrell Dennis. A contemporary Indigenous man grows up on both the reserve and in big-city Vancouver. Runs Jan 9 to Jan 12. Bus at KordaZone Theatre, www.tift.ca.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis (comedy) by Asad Mecci & Colin Mochrie. Mecci hypnotizes 20 volunteers from the audience and Mochrie turns them into an instant improv troupe. hyprov.com.

• Jan 26: Chrysler Theatre, Windsor

• Jan 28: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Jan 29: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Jan 30: Oakville Centre, Oakville

• Jan 31: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham