This summer, one of Toronto’s best-loved summer traditions – Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park – returns for its 43rd year with a mischievous, music-filled new production of the Bard’s adored romantic comedy, TWELFTH NIGHT. The production will unfold on the enchanting High Park Amphitheatre stage under a canopy of stars from July 12th to September 6th. Dream in High Park is generously supported by Lead Sponsor TD Bank.

Award-winning multihyphenate talent Gregory Prest, part of the acclaimed ensemble of Canadian Stage’s production of The Inheritance, makes his High Park directing debut with TWELFTH NIGHT.

The production stars Caroline Toal as Viola in her Dream in High Park debut, following her celebrated turn as Anne Shirley in Stratford Festival’s runaway hit Anne of Green Gables. Toal will revisit Shakespeare at Canadian Stage later this year, in their upcoming production of Ann-Marie MacDonald’s timeless GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA (GOOD MORNING JULIET) along with TWELFTH NIGHT co-star Mike Shara.

The cast also features new and returning faces including Ghazal Azarbad (The Welkin/Soulpepper), Farhang Ghajar (People, Places and Things/Coal Mine Theatre), Steven Sutcliffe (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child/Mirvish), Rick Roberts (Cymbeline/Stratford), Mike Shara (Romeo & Juliet/Canadian Stage), Navtej Sandhu (Romeo & Juliet/Canadian Stage), Justin Otto (Alter Boys/CBC Gem), Ori Black (The Merchant of Venice/Shakespeare BASH’d), Ray Jacildo (White Muscle Daddy/Buddies in Bad Times), Deivan Steele (Troilus and Cressida/Shakespeare BASH’d) and Alicia Barban (Ladies of the Canyon/Soulpepper).

One of Shakespeare’s most adored romantic comedies and a playful confection perfect for summer evenings, TWELFTH NIGHT is a sparkling comedy of playful schemes and tangled romances beginning when a young woman–Viola–is shipwrecked. Alone and afraid, and thinking her brother has drowned, Viola disguises herself as a man and secures work for a local duke, initiating a complex web of mistaken identities and ill-fated love affairs. As true selves are revealed and hearts collide, TWELFTH NIGHT delivers laughter, music, and the joyful chaos of love.

“There’s nothing quite like gathering in High Park on a summer night and experiencing Shakespeare surrounded by hundreds of people under the stars,” says Canadian Stage Artistic Director Brendan Healy. “There’s a reason TWELFTH NIGHT has become such an enduring favourite for Shakespeare in the park: it’s funny, romantic, musical, and deeply human — the perfect play to experience outdoors on a summer night.”

The first recorded performance of TWELFTH NIGHT was on February 2nd, 1602, on the celebration of Candlemas and the title of the play refers to the twelfth night after Christmas, a day associated at the time with disguise, dancing, and disorder. It is considered one of Shakespeare’s most musical plays beginning with the famous quote, “If music be the food of love, play on.” The play features multiple songs performed by the character Feste (the Fool), which are integral to the plot and atmosphere; sometimes the play is referred to as a musical comedy.

Joining Prest on the creative team behind TWELFTH NIGHT are set and costume designer Sim Suzer, lighting designer Logan Raju Cracknell, sound designer Olivia Wheeler, text coach Tim Welham and fight director Anita Nittoly.

TWELFTH NIGHT runs July 12th through September 6th. Performances take place Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm with Sunday performances now offered at 7:00pm.

New Theme Nights Expand the Dream in High Park Experience:

This summer’s Dream in High Park season will also feature a new series of themed nights that celebrate the communal spirit of theatre under the stars.

Building on the popularity of the company’s beloved Dog Night, this year’s programming invites audiences to experience TWELFTH NIGHT alongside themed activations, community celebrations, and playful pre-show experiences that embrace the joy, romance, and spirit of Shakespeare’s comedy.

Zoo Night – July 17

In partnership with High Park Zoo, audiences can enjoy animal-inspired activities and photo opportunities — including a chance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bonnie and Clyde, High Park Zoo’s famously elusive capybaras.

Queer Night – July 24

Following Toronto Pride, Queer Night welcomes LGBTQ+ communities and allies for a celebratory evening of theatre, connection, and love under the stars. Toronto institution Craig’s Cookies joins in the fun, selling their scrumptious wares on site.

Dog Night – July 29

Back by popular demand, audience members are once again invited to bring their canine companions to enjoy the performance alongside them.

Date Night – July 30

Whether attending with a partner or hoping to meet fellow theatre lovers, audiences are invited to lean into the romance of TWELFTH NIGHT with a specially curated evening featuring picnic and charcuterie offerings beneath the stars.

Backstage tours

Back by popular demand, Canadian Stage will again offer scheduled backstage tours at 6:30pm prior to Tuesday evening performances on July 21st and September 1st. Patrons can find more information and reserve a spot in a tour at canadianstage.com.

Park tips:

The High Park Amphitheatre is located at the very centre of Toronto’s beloved High Park and can be accessed by foot or bicycle from numerous pathways through the park. Automobile access is available on weekdays.

As per its long-held tradition, Canadian Stage encourages its audiences to bring their own blankets and picnics to truly enjoy the evening of theatre under the stars. Concessions are also available for purchase on site.

Tickets:

General Admission tickets for Dream in High Park are $35 plus HST.

$20 Rush tickets are available at all performances of Dream in High Park.

Rush tickets are available online at noon the day of the performance, or at the gate beginning 2 hours prior to each performance.

Visit www.canadianstage.com.