Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of December 18th, 2017
With Christmas coming soon, the pickings are sparse this week on Toronto’s stages. Our editor Samantha is here to choose her most anticipated shows (in red). Check them out below the cut:
Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:
Peter Pan. Soulpepper and Bad Hats Theatre present a musical reimagining of JM Barrie’s classic tale, suitable for ages 3 and up. Previews from Dec 8, opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 31, see website for schedule. $25-$45. At The Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Show Info.
Bat out of Hell The Musical. Mirvish presents the rock ‘n’ roll musical by Jim Steinman (producers: David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl, Randy Lennox and Tony Smith). A young rebel falls in love with the daughter of a powerful man in a post-apocalyptic world in this rock ‘n’ roll musical. Previews from Oct 14, opens Oct 25 and runs to Dec 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $29-$139. At Ed Mirvish Theatre. Show Info
Million Dollar Quartet by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux (Drayton Entertainment). Musical revue inspired by the recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Previews Dec 12, opens Dec 13 and runs to Jan 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $59-$89. At The CAA Theatre. Show Info.
Beauty and the Beast. Young People’s Theatre’s Production of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast. Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton. The musical based on the Disney film about hope and being your authentic self is brought to the stage. For ages 5 and up. Previews from Nov 6, opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 31, see website for schedule. $10-$49. At Young People’s Theatre. Show Info.
The Illusionists – Live From Broadway (Mirvish). Theatre, magic, comedy and illusions by Darcy Oake, Jeff Hobson, An Ha Lim, Colin Cloud and others. Previews from Dec 12, opens Dec 14 and runs to Jan 7, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm (see website for more times). $59-$139. At The Princess of Wales Theatre. Show Info.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Soulpepper). Michael Shamata’s adaptation of the classic holiday ghost story gets a staging. Previews from Dec 7, opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 24, see website for schedule. $35-$95. At The Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Show Info.
And everything else:
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Joseph Patrick presents a show for young audiences by Jonathan Rockefeller, based on the children’s book series by David McKee. A colourful elephant shows that it’s okay to be different in this all-ages show. Opens Dec 16 and runs to Jan 6, Sat 11 am and 1 pm. $40. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.
The Danny Adhim Showcase. Danny Adhim presents his solo comedy, short film and drag performance. Dec 21 at 8 pm. $20. At Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Show Info.
Pinocchio – A Merry Magical Pantomime by Caroline Smith (Torrent Productions). Music, magic and characters from the classic tale of the wooden boy. Opens Dec 22 and runs to Dec 31, Thu-Sat 7 pm, mat Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 2 pm. $35, child (age 5-12) $25. At The Royal Canadian Legion. Show Info.
The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, Harold Arlen and EY Harburg (LOT). A Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home in this musical based on the classic film. Opens Dec 8 and runs to Feb 18, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun noon and 4 pm. $55-$75. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.
Annie: The Musical by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin, Thomas Meehan (LOT). A plucky orphan finds a home in this family musical. Opens Dec 8 and runs to Jan 14, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun noon and 4 pm. $50-$70. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.
The Christmas Story. Church of the Holy Trinity presents a nativity pageant tradition in its 80th year. Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present the story of the birth of Jesus. Opens Dec 8 and runs to Dec 24, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm (and Thu Dec 21); Sat 4:30 & 7:30 pm (except Dec 9, matinee only) and Dec 24 at 4:30 pm. $20, child $5 (suggested donation). Reservations recommended via thechristmasstory.ca or call 416-598-4521 ext. 301 to reserve. The church is wheelchair accessible. Show Info.
The Story by Martha Ross (Common Boots Theatre). Story of the nativity as a parable for modern times. The audience follows three wise men as a they go in search of a headstrong young woman and her baby hiding out in the park. Previews from Dec 11, opens Dec 13 and runs to Dec 30, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm (no show Dec 17, Dec 24-26). Pwyc, admission by donation. At Christie Pits Park. Show Info.
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings.