TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Back to the Future: The Musical  (musical) by Alan Silvestri & Glen Ballard. A stage adaptation of the popular 1985 movie. Runs Jul 23 to Aug 31. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Beetlejuice (musical) by Eddie Perfect. A deceased couple seek help to drive out the family that has bought their home. Runs Jun 3 to Jul 19. 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.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (musical) by Dave Molloy. A musical adaptation of Book VIII of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Runs Jul 15 to Aug 24. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (comedy) by Isobel McArthur. A stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel with pop songs. Runs Jul 22 to Aug 17. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

The Coronation of Poppea (opera) by Claudio Monteverdi. Poppea seeks to become Nero’s wife and Empress of Rome. In concert. Runs Jul 10 only. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St West, torontosummermusic.com.

Missing (opera) by Brian Current. The lives of two women – one Indigenous, one non-Indigenous – become entwined through tragedy. In concert. Runs Jul 24 only. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St West, torontosummermusic.com.

The Nightingale Project (performance) by Thomas Wolf. The story of Lea Luboshutz, the first internationally known violinist told through, words, photos and music. Runs Jul 22 only. Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park, torontosummermusic.com.

The 39 Steps (comedy) by Patrick Barlow. Four actors play over 100 characters in this stage adaptation of the Hitchcock film. Runs Jul 17 to Aug 3. Guild Festival Theatre, www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca.

Toronto Fringe Festival (festival). Ontario’s largest performing arts festival. Runs Jul 2 to Jul 13. Various venues, fringetoronto.com.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

Pygmalion (comedy) by George Bernard Shaw. Henry Higgins intends to use his linguistic skills to make a simple flower girl pass for an aristocratic lady. Runs Jun 27 to Jul 12. [community] Theatre Scarborough, theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com.

BANCROFT

Alice in Wonderland (musical) by Fiona Sauder et al. A musical version of the famous tale by Lewis Carroll. Runs Jul 9 to Jul 20. Bancroft Village Playhouse, www.tweedandcompany.com.

BLYTH

Powers and Gloria (comedy) by Keith Roulston. Ill health forces the head of a furniture empire to hand the business over to his greedy son. Previews from Jul 30, opens Aug 1, runs to Aug 30. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

Quiet in the Land (drama) by Anne Chislett. The father in a small Amish community becomes a bishop but his son enlists to fight in World War I. Previews from Jul 3, opens Jul 5, runs to Aug 23. Harvest Stage, blythfestival.com.

Sir John: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion (comedy) by Drew Hayden Taylor. Two friends plan to retrieve a culturally important artifact from the British Museum. Previews from Jun 18, opens Jun 20, runs to Aug 3. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

The Wind Coming Over the Sea (drama) by Emma Donoghue. In 1840s Ireland a husband goes to Canada to find a better life for his family leaving his wife and children behind. Previews from Jun 26, opens Jun 28, runs to Aug 12. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com.

BOBCAYGEON

Come Up from Down River (comedy) by Norm Foster. After 20 years' absence a logger visits his neice in New Brunswick and her wife. Runs Jun 25 to Jul 5. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.

The Comeback (comedy) by Ben Ashenden & Alex Owen. Two comedians in a warm-up act find out a Hollywood director will be in the audience. Runs Jul 30 to Aug 9. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.

Hookup (comedy) by Paul Bates. Actors take audience suggestions and turns them into a fully improvised romantic comedy. Runs Jul 10 to Jul 12. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.  

Murder at the Blue Moon Saloon (comedy). A buckaroo commits murder at a hoedown and the audience have to decide who done it.. Runs Jul 16 to Jul 26. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.  

CAMBRIDGE

Jesus Christ Superstar (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A musical about the last days of Jesus Christ on earth. Runs Jul 3 to Jul 27. Hamilton Family Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

CAMPBELLFORD

The Phanton of the Opera (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A mysterious being who haunts the Paris Opera finds a protégée. In concert. Runs Jul 23 to Jul 31. Westben Music Festiveal, www.westben.ca.

DRAYTON

Grease (musical) by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey. Tough guys Danny falls for sweet new girl Sandy at Rydell High in 1959.  Runs Jul 9 to Aug 2. Drayton Festival Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

FENELON FALLS

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (musical) by Alan Janes. The story of the life and music of Buddy Holly. Previews from Jul 3, opens Jul 6, runs to Aug 31. Grove Theatre, www.grovetheatre.ca.

GANANOQUE

Mary Poppins (musical) by RM Sherman & RB Sherman. A magical nanny brings joy to an unhappy family. Runs Jul 8 Aug 16. 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

Stag and Doe (comedy) by Mark Crawford. A stag and doe and a wedding reception have accidentally been booked for exactly the same place and time. Runs Aug 22 to Sep 14. 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

GRAND BEND

Country Roads: The Songs of John Denver (revue) by D2 Entertainment. A tribute to singer-songwriter John Denver.  Runs Jun 26 to Jul 13. Huron Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Evita (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story of the rise of Eva Perón from poverty to first lady of Argentina.  Runs Jul 9 to Jul 26. Huron Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Liars at a Funeral (comedy) by Sophia Fabiili. A grandmother fakes her death to bring her estranged family together.  Runs Jul 16 to Aug 2. Huron Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

GUELPH

Guelph Fringe Festival (festival). Ten companies will give 30 performances at three venues for the four-day festival. Runs Aug 7 to Aug 10. Various venues, www.guelphfringe.ca.

HAMILTON

Hamilton Fringe Festival (festival). The 21st annual festival featuring over 50 theatre companies and 350+ performances. Runs Jul 16 to Jul 27. Various venues, hftco.ca.

MILLBROOK

The Housekeeper (drama) by Ian McLachlan & Robert Winslow. In 1955 a mysterious woman makes a new start in life by becoming a widowers housekeeper. Runs Jul 1 to Jul 19. 4th Line Theatre, www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

Wild Irish Geese (drama) by Megan Murphy. In the 1820s over 2000 Irish immigrants settle in what would become Peterborough. Runs Jul 29 to Aug 30. 4th Line Theatre, www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

MORRISBURG

Maggie’s Getting Married (comedy) by Norm Foster. It’s the night before Maggie’s wedding and everyone is frazzled. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 24. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (comedy) by Jesse Jones et al. Five women who met on their college swim team meet over the next 33 years to renew their friendships. Runs Jul 3 to Jul 27. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

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.

Menopause The Musical (musical) by Jeanie Linders. Four women reflect on the “Change” to music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Runs Jul 16 to Jul 20. Fallsview Casino, fallsviewcasinoresort.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

Anything Goes (musical) by Cole Porter. Billy stows away on an ocean liner hoping to win the girl he loves away from her rich fiancé. Runs May 24 to Oct 4.

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+. Runs May 25 to Oct 4.

Wait Until Dark (drama) by Frederick Knott. A blind woman becomes the target of a gang of criminals. Previews from Jun 25, opens Jul 5, runs to Oct 5.

At the Royal George Theatre

Major Barbara (comedy) by George Bernard Shaw. A female Salvation Army officer feuds with her father, a wealthy arms manufacturer. Previews from Jun 1, opens Jul 6, runs to Oct 5.

Murder-on-the-Lake (comedy) by Rebecca Northan & Bruce Horak. Detectives, including one audience member, investigate a death at a local B&B. Previews from Jul 26, opens Aug 16, runs to Oct 4.

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. Runs May 23 to Oct 5.

At the Studio Theatre

Gnit (comedy) by Will Eno. A comic American take on Ibsen’s Peer Gynt about a man searching for his true self.  Previews from Jun 19, opens Jul 5, runs to Oct 4.

At the Spiegeltent

Dear Liar (comedy) by Jerome Kilty. The witty correspondence between George Bernard Shaw and his great friend, the actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell. Runs May 18 to Sep 27.

The Frogs (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. Dionysus and his slave journey to Hades to bring back George Bernard Shaw. Runs Jul 11 to Jul 13.

ORILLIA

Hurry Hard (comedy) by Kristen Da Silva. A town’s men’s and women’s curling teams have to unite to win the regional bonspiel. Runs Jul 23 to Aug 8. Orillia Opera House, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.

A Woman’s Love List (comedy) by Norm Foster. Two women write down their description of the perfect man – then he appears. Runs Jul 3 to Jul 18. Orillia Opera House, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Always a Bridemaid (comedy) by James Hope Wooten. Four high school friends have sworn to be each other’s bridesmaids. Runs Jul 16 to Aug 2. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Fallait pas dire ça (comedy) by Salomé Lelouch. During a weekend to celebrate their 30th anniversary, Diane and Normand discuss all the problems they face in today’s society. In French. Runs Jul 18, 19, 24 & 25. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

The Girl with No Hands (drama) by Laurie Steven. A handless maiden is lured into a fantasy play within a play where she gains hope and a new dream. Runs Jun 23 to Aug 24. Strathcona Park, www.odysseytheatre.ca.

My Estupid Life (comedy) by Neema Naz. The Canadian-Iranian comedian tells stories of growing up in an immigrant household. Runs Jul 19 only. Algonquin Commons, www.algonquinsa.com.

Oh Canada Eh?! (revue). Archetypal 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.

OVO (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. Insects work, play, fight and love in a non-stop riot of energy. Runs Jul 2 to Jul 6. Canadian Tire Centre, www.cirquedusoleil.com.

OWEN SOUND

Naked Radio (musical) by Paul Libman & Dave Hudson. When a blizzard knocks out its feed, two radio DJs must scramble to provide live entertainment. Runs Jul 24 to Aug 9. Bruce County Playhouse, www.brucecountyplayhouse.com.

PENETANGUISHENE

Beehive (musical) by Larry Gallagher. Six women come of age to the sound of the great female singers of the 1960s. Runs Jul 9 to Aug 2. King’s Wharf Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

The Full Monty (musical) by David Yazbeck & Terrence McNally. A group of unemployed steelworkers decide to make money as amateur male strippers. Runs Jun 12 to Jul 5. King’s Wharf Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

PETROLIA

Nunsense (comedy) by Dan Goggin. Five nuns organize and perform in a musical fundraiser. Runs Jul 8 to Jul 25. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PORT COLBORNE

Hidden Treasures (comedies) by Norm Foster. Two one-act plays using the same cast. Runs Jul 30 to Aug 10. Roselawn Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (comedy) by Steven Canny & John Nicholson. A new version of the familiar mystery where three actors play 17 characters. Runs Jul 9 to Jul 20. Roselawn Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT DOVER

Hidden Treasures (comedies) by Norm Foster. Two one-act plays using the same cast. Runs Jul 9 to Jul 26. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (comedy) by Steven Canny & John Nicholson. A new version of the familiar mystery where three actors play 17 characters. Runs Jun 18 to Jul 5. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

Pinkerton Comes to Prospect (comedy) by Jamie Williams. In the 1890s a young surveyor is draggged into a western town’s sordid past. Runs Jul 30 to Aug 16. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

Steel Magnolias (comedy) by Robert Harling. At Truvy’s beauty parlour, women rely on their friendships to get them through hardship. Runs Jul 18 to Aug 3. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

PORT PERRY

Bluebirds (drama) by Vern Thiessen. During World War I three Canadian nurses stay hopeful even as they care for terrible injuries. Runs Jul 9 to Jul 27. Tent at Scogog Shores Museum Village, theatreontheridge.ca.

PORT STANLEY

Doris and Ivy in the Home (comedy) by Norm Foster. A former prison guard meets a former skier in the retirement home and then they meet the dashing Arthur. Runs Jun 18 to Jul 12. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

Liars at a Funeral (comedy) by Sophia Fabiili. A grandmother fakes her own death in order to get her family together. Runs Jul 16 to Aug 2. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

PRESCOTT

Much Ado About Nothing (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Beatrice and Benedick argue so much everyone assumes they’re in love. Runs Jul 19 to Aug 9. Kinsmen Amphitheatre, www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.

Sherlock Holmes and the Vanishing Hour (comedy) by Deivan Steele. Holmes travels to Canada to help Watson solve a mystery along the St. Lawrence River. Runs Jul 23 to Aug 9. Kinsmen Amphitheatre, www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.

ST. CATHARINES

On a First Name Basis (comedy) by Norm Foster. A famous novelist realizes he knows nothing about his housekeeper of 25 years. Runs Jul 3 to Jul 17. Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, fosterfestival.com.

Screwball Comedy (comedy) by Norm Foster. It’s 1938 and newcomer Mary Hayes is trying to break into the world of newspaper journalism. Runs Jul 23 to Aug 3. Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, fosterfestival.com.

ST. JACOBS

Liars at a Funeral (comedy) by Sophia Fabiilli. A grandmother fakes her own death in order to get her family together. Runs Jun 25 to Jul 12. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Million Dollar Quartet (musical) by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux. In 1956 Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley gather for a jam session Runs Jun 10 to Aug 31. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

The Odd Couple (comedy) by Neil Simon. A slob is forced to room with a neat freak. Runs Jul 17 to Jul 27. Stirling Festival Theatre, stirlingtheatre.squarespace.com.

STRATFORD

World in a Weekend (festival). A festival of puppetry from around the world. Runs Jul 31 to Aug 4. Various venues, www.springworksfestival.ca.

HERE FOR NOW THEATRE:

A series of one-act plays of 60-90 minutes including two world premieres and a Canadian premiere. Here For Now Theatre, 24 St. Andrew St, www.herefornowtheatre.com.

Humour Me (comedy) by Beverly Cooper. When a woman loses the ability to laugh, she consults a grad student on how brains process humour. Previews from Jul 9, opens Jul 18, runs to Jul 26.

The Rules of Playing Risk (comedy) by Kristen Da Silva. A grouchy man revovering from a heart attack is visited by his 14-year-old grandson. Previews from Jul 30, opens Aug 1, runs to Aug 16.

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. Runs May 27 to Nov 2.

As You Like It (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Half the court flees a tyrannical duke to take up residence in a forest. Runs May 26 to Oct 24.

Sense and Sensibility (comedy) by Kate Hamill. A stage adaptation of the 1811 novel by Jane Austen. Runs Jun 19 to Oct 25.

At the Avon Theatre

Anne of Green Gables (play) by Kat Sandler. A stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Runs May 31 to Oct 25.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (musical) by David Yazbek. Two gigolos compete to swindle $50,000 from an heiress. Runs May 29 to Oct 25.

Macbeth (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Director Robert Lepage relocates the action of this tale of amition to the biker wars of the 1990s. Runs May 28 to Nov 2.

At the Tom Patterson Theatre

Forgiveness (drama) by Hiro Kanagawa. The son of a Japanese-Canadian interned in World War II wants to marry the daughter of a former Canadian POW in Japan. Runs Jun 18 to Sep 27.

The Winter’s Tale (drama) by William Shakespeare. In an unprovoked fit of jealousy Leontes accuses his best friend of adultery. Runs May 30 to Sep 27.

At the Studio Theatre

The Words of War  (cabaret) by Ricahrd Ouzounian. A look at the life of Winston Churchill through his words, Shakespeare’s verse and music hall songs. Runs Jul 7 only.

SUDBURY

Jesus Christ Superstar (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A musical about the last days of Jesus Christ on earth. Preview Jul 7, opens Jul 9, runs to Aug 16. Sudbury Theatre Centre, yestheatre.com.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Four young lovers escape into a magic forest. Preview Jul 21, opens Jul 22, runs to Aug 9. The Refettorio, yestheatre.com.

TWEED

Alice in Wonderland (musical) by Fiona Sauder et al. A musical version of the famous tale by Lewis Carroll. Runs Jul 2 to Jul 5. Marble Arts Centre, www.tweedandcompany.com.