Elodie Gillett News

An exceptional collection of talent has been assembled to bring the Shaw Festival's 52nd season to life - a unique and entertaining playbill rich with new and provocative conversations, culture clashes, magical transformations and dazzling ideas. The Salvation Army marches in this season with freshly re-envisioned productions of Guys and Dolls, one of musical theatres most celebrated pieces, and Shaw's Major Barbara - an ever relevant and potent play.

The Shaw Festival embarks on the first season of its next 50 years by proudly initiating a provocative conversation through the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime. Based on E.L. Doctorow's novel of the same name, Ragtime is directed by Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell and brought to life by The Shaw's renowned acting Ensemble. This powerful and complex story of a young America on the cusp of defining itself and the hopes and dreams of its citizens continues to gain resonance today. Surpassing all expectations, early tickets sales to the Shaw Festival's production of Ragtime are nearly 20% above projected totals, while early April and May ticket purchases for special matinees are already 80% sold out. Yesterday's preview performance of Ragtime received a standing ovation.

On Sunday night the stars of Toronto's musical theatre scene came out to pay tribute to Des McAnuff as he received an honourary doctorate from Ryerson University for his contribution to the arts over the last few decades. Including cast members from the original Toronto production of Jersey Boys and the current Stratford Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the evening was filled with good music and fantastic tales from Des' extraordinary life. BWW was on hand to bring its readers exclusive photos from the performances and the after party.

The Toronto Production of the Tony Award Winning Musical JERSEY BOYS closed last Sunday, August 22nd after a successful two year run. BWW brings you pictures from this very special evening.

The Toronto Production of Jersey Boys celebrated its 1 Year Anniversary on August 20th with a special performance and a visit from Bob Gaudio (the 'final piece of the puzzle' for those who have seen the show).

BWW was invited to cover a very special event with the Canadian Cast of 'Jersey Boys'. This unique musical has proven to be a hit with men, and to further capitalize on that appeal, Dancap Productions ran a special 'Sports Night' where various figures in the Toronto sports community were invited to come and see the show and mingle with the cast afterwards. BWW was on hand to get all the details!

This summer, Broadway?s hottest musical made Canadian premiere electrifying audiences at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, extending twice and garnering extraordinary critical acclaim. Today, Dancap Productions Inc. and Jersey Boys are pleased to announce that the show will remain in Toronto! 'After our first eight weeks of performances, it has become ever so clear that Jersey Boys and the great city of Toronto seem meant for each other,' says Michael David, Producer of Jersey Boys. 'We are most excited to join with Aubrey Dan and Dancap to perpetuate that relationship hopefully for a very long time to come.'