The Pirates of Penzance (Toronto Operetta Theatre)

Female Chorus and Curtis SullivanGilbert and Sullivan’s classic comedy operetta is joyfully silly, now gracing the Toronto stage

To my eternal shame, I have never in all my years of theatre-going managed to see a Gilbert and Sullivan show. Aside from a few parodies, I went into the Toronto Operetta Theatre’s production of The Pirates of Penzance, currently playing at the St. Lawrence Centre, totally blind—I knew the “Modern Major General” patter-song, but only through cultural osmosis. One of the nicest surprises about the TOT’s production was how accessible it felt, without sacrificing the broad humour and joyful silliness of the era and genre it belongs to. Continue reading The Pirates of Penzance (Toronto Operetta Theatre)

Playlistings in Toronto for the week of December 26th

Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of December 26th

Get the kids ready, because this week is dedicated to them (mostly)! While a few shows this week are geared towards the grown-ups, Toronto’s child-friendly offerings are taking centre stage! Luckily our managing editor Wayne is here to highlight a fews shows that caught his eye in red text. Check them out below the cut:

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Review: Hocus Pocus (Soulpepper Theatre)

Magician David Ben dazzles audiences as part of Soulpepper Theatre’s Family Festival in Toronto

Photo of David Ben in Hocus Pocus by Cylla Von TiedemannAlthough I have seen my fair share of magic performances on YouTube or at street festivals, Soulpepper Theatre‘s Hocus Pocus is the first full-length magic show I have seen live and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Magician David Ben, a seasoned performer with fantastic showmanship and a wry sense of humour, has created an entertaining production that appeals to kid and adult audiences alike.

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Review: It’s a Wonderful Life (Soulpepper)

Photo of cast from It's a Wonderful LifeSoulpepper Theatre brings the Christmas classic to the Toronto stage

For the holidays, Soulpepper Theatre returns to the St Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts to present the stage version of the Christmas movie classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Staged as a 1940s era radio play complete with live sound effects and vintage commercials, George Bailey’s Christmas miracle story is brought to life and your family will love it.

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