TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Hamilton (musical) by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The story of Washington’s right-hand man who died in a duel with Aaron Burr. From Feb 23, booking to Aug 20. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★☆☆

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (drama) by Jack Thorne. 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a new generation arrives at Hogwarts and a new menace threatens the world. Opened Jun 19, 2022, booking to Jul 2, 2023. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★☆

Koozå (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. An exploration of themes of fear, identity, recognition and power in an electrifying and exotic visual world. Runs Apr 7 to Jun 18. Big Top, Lake Shore Blvd West,  www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Macbeth (opera) by Giuseppe Verdi. An operatic version of Shakespeare’s tragedy. In Italian with English surtitles. Runs Apr 28 to May 20. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” (children). Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him. Runs May 26 to May 28. Meridian Hall, www.pawpatrollive.com.

Rock of Ages (musical) by Chris D’Arienzo. An ambitious young rocker meets a country girl in LA. Runs Feb 23 to May 20. Elgin Theatre, moreentertainmentgroup.com.

Tosca (opera) by Giacomo Puccini. An opera singer becomes involved in political intrigue in Rome. In Italian with English surtitles. Runs May 5 to May 27. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Armadillos (comedy) by Colleen Wagner. On a cross-country theatre tour of the classic Greek myth of the Marriage of Thetis and Peleus, the onstage danger spills into the backstage world. Runs May 27 to Jun 8. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

The Bone Cage (drama) by Catherine Banks. 22-year-old Jamie's desire to escape his world is thwarted by his fear of leaving the place where he has some status. Runs May 5 to May 20. Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, www.theassemblytheatre.com.

Boom X (performance) by Rick Miller. The music, culture and politics of Generation X. over the course of 100 minutes. Preview May 10, opens May 11, runs to May 28. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com. ★★★★☆

The Chinese Lady (drama) by Lloyd Suh. In 1834 a young woman is brought from Guangzhou Provine to the US and put on display as “The Chinese Lady”. Previews from May 2, opens May 5, runs to May 21. Crow’s Theatre, www.crowstheatre.com.

The Cold War (comedy) by Michael Hollingsworth. From the 1940s to the 1960s the Muffet family goes from post-war optimism to being forced into a conformist, consumerist box. Runs Apr 28 to Jun 5. VideoCabaret, 10 Busy St, www.videocab.com.

Cranked: The ReMix (youth) by Michael P. Northey. The life passion of a rising freestyle MC loses out to his drug habit, but he’s now on the road to recovery. For ages 13+. Runs May 8 to May 18. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Dear Jack, Dear Louise (drama) by Ken Ludwig. Two strangers meet by letter during World War II and fall in love. Runs May 27 to Jun 11. Meridian Arts Centre, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Gloria: A Life (drama) by Emily Mann. A detailed tapestry about one of the most inspiring Jewish women of our time. Runs Apr 22 to May 7. Meridian Arts Centre, hgjewishtheatre.com.

The Incredible Adventures of Baron Munchausen (children) by Twisted Dog Theatre. The Baron invites audiences to travel around the world and beyond. Runs May 3 to May 21. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St West, redsandcastletheatre.com. ‑masks required for adults‑

Inge(new) - In search of a musical (musical) by Rosalind Mills & Evan Tsitsias. On the eve of her 40th birthday, Bridget finds herself at an audition with no available role for her. Runs May 25 to Jun 4. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St West, redsandcastletheatre.com. ‑masks required‑

Kelly v. Kelly  (musical) by Britta Johnson. The mother of a 19-year-old heiress has her daughter arrested for having an affair. Runs May 26 to Jun 18. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Merrily We Roll Along (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. The story, told backwards, of three lifelong friends who fall apart. Runs Apr 22 to May 7. Crow’s Theatre, www.crowstheatre.com. -cancelled-

New (drama) by Pamela Mala Sinha. The arrival of a Bengali bride at a small university town shakes up a tight-knit group of Indian immigrants. Runs Apr 28 to May 14. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

A Number (drama) by Caryl Churchill. A father’s son wants to know if he is really his son or a clone. Runs Apr 21 to May 7. St. Anne’s Centre, 270 Gladstone Ave, www.thatartsgroup.com.

Paint Me This House of Love (drama) by Cheslea Woolley. Cecilia and her father attempt a reconciliation after 25 years of estrangement. Runs Apr 11 to May 7. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

Paprika Festival 2023 (festival). A unique performing arts festival celebrating the work of young and emerging artists. Runs May 16 to May 22. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St East, paprikafestival.com.

Pin-Pin The Eggplorer (children) by Natalie Khokhlova. A penguin chick hatches from an egg and has to find out who he is. Runs May 9 to May 19. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, redsandcastletheatre.com. ‑masks required for adults‑

The Sacrifice (dance) by Dada Masilo. An exploration of the animality of Tswana dance in relation to Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Runs May 16 to May 17. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Sizwe Bansi is Dead (comedy) by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona. In apartheid-era South Africa, the only way for Banzi to survive is to fake his own death. Previews from May 25, opens Jun 1, runs to Jun 18. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

She’s Not Special (comedy) by Fatuma Adar. Adar combines musical theatre and comedic storytelling to explore the pressures of Black Excellence. Runs May 24 to May 28. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com. ‑masks required‑

Skyline’s the Limit (comedy). All the most important comedic topics in Toronto from the tallest skyscraper to the depths of Lake Ontario. Runs from Mar 30, booking to Aug 27. The Second City, One York St, www.secondcity.com.

The Sound Inside (comedy) by Adam Rapp. An isolated creative writing professor at Yale makes a surprising request of the student she is mentoring. Runs May 7 to May 28. Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, www.coalminetheatre.com.

Stranger Things: The Experience (performance). An experience immersing you into the world of Netflix's Stranger Things where you are the protagonist. Runs Mar 31, booking to Jun 11. Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, 8 Unwin Ave, https://strangerthings-experience.com/toronto.

True Crime (drama) by Torquil Campbell & Chris Abraham. Campbell looks into the life of real-life con man Clark Rockefeller. Runs May 1 to May 7. Crow’s Theatre, www.crowstheatre.com.

Vaches, The Musical (musical) by Brian St-Pierre. Jean, a farmer, attempts to save hundreds of cows from certain death during an ice storm. In French with English surtitles. Runs May 10 to May 13. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

La Verbena de la paloma (operetta) by Tomás Bretón. Susana breaks up with Julián and turns to Don Hilarión causing Julián to stalk her. Runs May 5 to May 7. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

You Can’t Get There from Here, Vol. 2 (plays) by Majorie Chan et al. Five new audiodramas offering listeners fresh perspectives on Toronto’s neighbourhoods. Runs Mar 8 to Sep 8. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca. online

WeeFestival (festival). A rich array of performances, events, and creative encounters created especially for young children by artists from around the corner, across Canada and overseas. For ages 1-6. Runs May 16 to Jun 11. Various venues, weefestival.ca.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

Godspell (musical) by Stephen Schwartz. A small group of people help Jesus tell  the story of his life and death. [community] Runs May 4 to May 20. Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com. ‑masks required‑

Mending Fences (comedy) by Norm Foster. Harry Sullivan’s son Drew is coming home to Saskatchewan for the first time in 13 years. Runs Apr 28 to May 20. [community] The Village Players, villageplayers.net. ‑masks required‑

BOBCAYGEON

Mending Fences (comedy) by Norm Foster. Drew is coming to visit his father in Saskatchewan after an absence of 13 years. Runs May 10 to May 20. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.

BURLINGTON

La Traviata (opera) by Giuesppe Verdi. A father orders his son to stop his affair with a courtesan. Runs May 13 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (musical) by Douglas McGrath. The true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Runs May 17 to Jun 10. Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

COLLINGWOOD

Letters, Leftovers & The Lottery (revue) by Melody Johnson. A dramatic look at Shirley Jackson’s letters, novels and her famous short story “The Lottery”. Runs May 11 to May 13. Theatre Collingwood, theatrecollingwood.ca.

DRAYTON

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (musical) by Alan Janes & Rob Bettinson. The life and career of an artistic pioneer are celebrated in this spirited musical biography. Runs May 24 to Jun 10. Drayton Festival Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

GUELPH

Venus in Fur (drama) by David Ives. A director auditioning for the main charactor in Venus in Fur, unexpectedly finds the perfect candidate. Runs May 24 to May 28. The Downtown Theatre Project, www.thedowntowntheatreproject.ca.

HAMILTON

Maggie: A New Musical (musical) by Johnny Reid et al. A school cleaner in Scotland raises her three boys alone from 1954 to 1976. Runs Apr 19 to May 6. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

LONDON

East Coast Kitchen Party (performance) by Jeremy Webb & Ian Sherwood. A concert celebration set in a kitchen, where the instruments come out and friends start to play some of the best music the East Coast has to offer. Runs Apr 18 to May 6. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Legally Blonde - The Musical (musical) by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin. A sorority girl enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Runs May 7 only. Budweiser Gardens, budweisergardens.evenue.net.

A Work of Fiction (magic) by Nicholas Wallace. Wallace combines magic and storytelling in exploring the murky waters of truth and fiction. Runs May 27 only. Grand Theatre, tickets.grandtheatre.com.

MARKHAM

Ray On My Mind (revue) by Kenny Brawner. A survey of the life and music of Ray Charles. Runs May 12 only. Flato Markham Theatre, www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.

MISSISSAUGA

Mistatim (drama) by Sandra Laronde. Calvin on his ranch and Speck on her reservation are brought together by a wild horse. Runs May 2 only. Living Arts Centre, www.mississauga.ca.

NIAGARA FALLS

Piff the Magic Dragon (magic) by John van der Put. A comedian magician with his sidekick Mr. Piffles, a chihuahua. Runs May 21 to May 23. Fallsview Casino, fallsviewcasinoresort.com.

Wonder (magic) by Greg Frewin. Christian Mascia performs new large-scale illusions designed by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Dec 30, 2023. 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

Gypsy (musical) by Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim. Momma Rose pushes her daughter Gypsy into the world of show business. Previews from May 10, opens May 27, runs to Oct 7.

At the Royal George Theatre

On the Razzle (comedy) by Tom Stoppard. Two shop assistants go “on the razzle” in Vienna and get into lots of trouble. Previews from Apr 16, opens May 26, runs to Oct 8.

Prince Caspian (children) by Damien Atkins. Young Prince Caspian needs the four Pevensie children to help defeat his wicked uncle. Previews from Mar 30, opens May 28, runs to Oct 8.

At the Studio Theatre

The Playboy of the Western World (comedy) by JM Synge. Pegeen Mike falls in love with a man who claims to have just killed his father. Previews from May 25, opens Jul 7, runs to Oct 7.

OAKVILLE

Mistatim (drama) by Sandra Laronde. Calvin on his ranch and Speck on her reservation are brought together by a wild horse. Runs May 3 only. Oakville Centre, www.oakvillecentre.ca.

ORANGEVILLE

The New Canadian Curling Club (comedy) by Mark Crawford. Four new Canadian sign up for curling lessons from a bigoted coach. Runs Apr 26 to May 14. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca. ‑masks required‑

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Atlas dans l’espace (circus) by Atlas Géocircus. A circus show set in outer space. In French. Runs May 14 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Les Belles-Soeurs (comedy) by Michel Tremblay. Germaine wins a millions Green Stamps and invites her friends over to help paste them in books. Runs May 3 to May 28. In French.  Théâtre de l'Île, Gatineau, www.gatineau.ca.

Heaven (drama) by Cheryl Foggo. A Black schoolteacher who has fled slavery in the US moves to Alberta to make a better life for herself. Runs May 3 to May 13. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Illusions (drama) by Ivan Viripaev. Four actors whose native languages are different tell the same story of two married couples. In French. Runs May 3 to May 6. La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com.  

Jagged Little Pill (musical) by Alanis Morisstte. Mary Jane wants to maintain the illusion that her family is perfect when, in fact, she and her husband have addictions and her daughter is gay. Runs May 30 to Jun 4. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.     

Je suis un produit (comedy) by Simon Boudreault. A recent Muslim immigrant from Morocco finds she can only get employed if she wears a veil. In French. Runs May 19 to May 20. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Jokes, chapeau, maman, magie, piano (magic) by Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais. An evening of magic, music and comedy. In French. Runs May 12 to May 13. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Laisse-moi partir (comedy) by Dominic Paquet. Paquet mimics the people he finds in the world around him. In French. Runs May 5 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer (comedy) by Kevin Loring. The last remaining member of the Little Red Warrior First Nation discovers construction has begun on his ancestral lands. Runs May 18 to May 27. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Il Matrimonio segreto (opera) by Domenico Cimarosa. Gerolamo does not know that his younger daughter has secretly married his secretary Paolino. Runs May 7 only. First Baptist Church, www.eventbrite.ca.

Ode (drama) by Antoine Côté Legault. A group of friends celebrate the end of the world. In French. Runs May 24 to May 27. La Nouvelle Scène, www.nouvellescene.com.

Le Partage (drama) by Emmanuel Schwartz. On stage alongside his luminous 3D avatar, Emmanuel  Schwartz turns his skin inside out to reveal the wounds. In French. Runs May 18 to May 20. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Rita Baga (performance) by Rita Baga. A solo interplanetary drag show mixing musique, dance, costumes, makeup and extravagance. In French. Runs May 4 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Rome (drama) by William Shakespeare, adapted by Jean Marc Dalpé. A 6-hour combination of Shakespeare’s four Roman plays plus his poem The Rape of Lucrece. In French. Runs May 4 to May 6. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

The Sacrifice (dance) by Dada Masilo. An exploration of the animality of Tswana dance in relation to Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Runs May 9 to May 10. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Sainte-Marie-La-Mauderne (comedy) by Emmanuel Reichenbach. A company will build a factory in a small depressed village only if the residents can lure a full-time doctor to move there.  Runs May 5 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Toi, Bécaud et moi (revue) by Denise Biron & Alain Lecompte. A tribute to composer Gilbert Bécaud whose more than 400 songs have been covered by many artists both French and English. Runs May 11 only, Salle Jean-Depréz, Gatineau, www.gatineau.ca.

12 (drama) by Kristina Watt. With a blend of hope, outrage and humor, the play gives voice to youth with regards to the climate crisis and a future that they’ve inherited. Runs May to May 6. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Twelve Angry Jurors (drama) by Reginald Rose. One juror prevents a jury from reaching a unanimous guilty verdict for a youth accused of killing his father. Runs May 3 to May 20. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Vanishing Melodies (dance) by Juliano Nunes & Anne Plamondon. 14 dancers and an actor animate 20 songs of singer Patrick Watson. Runs May 3 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Vérités (magic) by Luc Langevin. Langevin’s illusions make one question whether seeing really is believing. Runs 9 May only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

PETROLIA

Jesse’s Country Jubilee (revue). Fiddler Jesse Grandmont leads a wildly talented cast through the greatest country standards and fiddling gems from past to present. Runs May 2 to May 21. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PICKERING

There Goes the Bride (comedy) by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. On the morning of his daughter’s wedding, Timothy hits his head and meets “Polly”, an hallucination. Runs Apr 7 to May 21. Herongate Barn Theatre, www.herongate.com.

PORT DOVER

Come Down from Up River (comedy) by Norm Foster. A logger in northern New Brunsick suddenly visits his daughter he hasn’t seen for 20 years. Runs May 17 to Jun 3. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

Sakura: The Last Cherry Blossom Festival (comedy) by Terry Watada. The true story of a Japanese immigrant to Port Dover in 1936 who overcame obstacles to be part of the community. Runs Jun 28 to Jul 15. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

Shirley Valentine (comedy) by Willy Russell. Middle-aged Shirley’s life changes when her friend wins a trip to Greece and asks her along. Runs May 12 to May 28. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

PORT STANLEY

Early Morning Rain (revue) by Leisa Way. A tribute to the music of Gordon Lightfoot. Runs May 23 to Jun 3. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

ST. JACOBS

The Prom (musical) by Matthew Sklar & Chad Beguelin. When a girl wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom four Broadway stars step in to help. Runs May 17 to Jun 11. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STRATFORD

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 8 to Oct 29 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

King Lear (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Lear divides his kingdom between two daughters but excludes the third. Previews from Apr 24, opens May 30, runs to Oct 29.

Much Ado about Nothing (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Beatrice and Benedick bicker so much people think they must be in love. Previews from May 29, opens Jun 16, runs to Oct 27.

Rent (musical) by Jonathan Larson. The story of Puccini’s La Bohème set in 1990s Manhattan. Previews from April 8, opens Jun 2, runs to Oct 28.

At the Avon Theatre

Monty Python’s Spamalot (musical) by John Du Prez & Eric Idle. A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Previews from Apr 19, opens May 31, runs to Oct 28.

A Wrinkle in Time (children) by Thomas Morgan Jones. A young heroine goes on a journey through space and time to rescue her father. Previews from May 18, opens Jun 17, runs to Oct 29.

At the Tom Patterson Theatre

Grand Magic (comedy) by Eduardo de Filippo. A master illusionist now performs at a seaside resort when one of his tricks goes awry. Previews from May 6, opens Jun 3, runs to Sep 29.

Richard II (history play) by William Shakespeare, adapted by Brad Fraser. The story of England’s Richard II (1367-1400) is relocated to the 1970s and ’80s. Previews from May 23, opens Jun 17, runs to Sep 28.

At the Studio Theatre

Casey and Diana (drama) by Nick green. The Toronto AIDS hospice, Casey House, prepares for the visit of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1991. Previews from May 23, opens Jun 1, runs to Jun 17.

THUNDER BAY

Father Penible (comedy) by Herbie Barnes. A new adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy Tartuffe. Runs Apr 20 to May 6. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.    

WINDSOR

My One and Only (comedy) by Najee Mondalek. Im Hussain’s life has not been the same since her divorce from her husband. Runs May 20 only. Chrysler Theatre, www.chryslertheatre.com.

PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” (children). Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him. Runs May 30 to May 31. WFCU Centre, www.pawpatrollive.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

In Praise of the Ostrich (comedy) by Derek Edwards. Edwards delivers a payload of blissfully funny personal stories to tickle the ribs and warm the heart. www.shantero.com.

• May 4: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• May 5: Opera House, Gravenhurst

• May 6: Stockey Centre, Parry Sound

• May 7: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• May 11: Gayety Theatre, Collingwood

• May 12: Capitol Theatre, North Bay

• May 13: Fraser Auditorium, Sudbury

• May 14: Sault Community Theatre Centre, Sault Ste. Marie

Magic Men Australia (revue). Each Magic Man has the body, the moves and the charisma to excite and delight – delivering more than just a set routine. www.forrestjonesentertainment.com.

• May 8: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• May 9: Stephen Leacock Theatre, Georgina

• May 10: Gayety Theatre, Collingwood

• May 11: The Venue, Peterborough

• May 12: The Opera House, Toronto

• May 13: FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton

• May 16: Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa

• May 17: Oshawa Music Hall, Oshawa

• May 18: Centennial Hall, London

• May 19: The Roxy Theatre, Owen Sound

Raven (circus) by Still Hungry. An all-female circus from Germany explores the theme of motherhood. www.still-hungry.net.

• May 1: Oakville Centre, Oakville

• May 10: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• May 13: Grand Theatre, Kingston

We Walk the Line  (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A celebration of the life and career of Johnny Cash and his wife June. www.cashtributeshow.com.

• May 6: Sault Community Theatre Centre, Sault Ste. Marie

• May 13: Five Points Theatre, Barrie

• May 20: Grand Theatre, Fergus