Toronto Fringe Announces its Largest Festival Line-Up Ever

By: BWW News Desk Jun. 01, 2017

Last night at a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Toronto Fringe Festival announced its largest show line-up in its 29-year history. In addition to the announcement of expanded programming at the brand new Fringe Club at Scadding Court, the size and scope of this festival cements Toronto Fringe's place as a major player in the Canadian arts ecology. Selling over 76,000 tickets each year (that's more tickets than most theatres in Toronto), Toronto Fringe's ability to pull new patrons into the community is unparalleled. Many "Fringers" devote time to the festival each summer, seeing as many as 50 plays in the 12 days.

Toronto Fringe continues to be the feeder-system for the performing arts sector in Canada. Because the Fringe is built upon principles of inclusivity and accessibility, with all shows in the festival being drawn by lottery as opposed to a jury of industry insiders, the Fringe is an equal playing field where wacky, innovative and original ideas can find an audience. We've seen the skyrocketing success of Toronto Fringe artists this year, with Irene Sankoff and David Hein of Come From Away receiving seven Tony Nominations and becoming the darlings of Broadway. Sankoff and Hein got their first big break at Toronto Fringe in 2009, launching their cult-hit show My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding when no one else would give them a chance. That show, picked up by Mirvish, became their ticket to success, with Come From Away following hot on its heels.

Another Fringe artist heading to off-Broadway this summer is Ins Choi. His "little show that could," Kim's Convenience, was being turned down by theatre after theatre until he got a spot in the 2011 Fringe. He was right to keep fighting for this work he believed in - Fringe audiences flocked to the show and it remains one of the best-selling Toronto Fringe shows of all time. That success led directly to a run at Soulpepper, which led to a hit Canadian Screen Award-winning CBC show, and now the show is off to New York this summer, part of Soulpepper's first NYC tour.

So the question is: in a year where Toronto Fringe artists have hit the big time, who will be the next big thing?

You can browse all 160 shows in the festival on our brand-new website, launched yesterday, or read on for some of our highlights.

This year, Toronto Fringe's line-up is packed with returning fan-favourites, brand new indie collectives and senior artists taking a break from routine to try something new. We've got True North Mixtape, from Edge of Sky and Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. This show brings together experienced artists like director Ann Merriam (Blood Ties: The Musical, Summerland) as well as students from Wexford and an ensemble from the inaugural year of Teen Fringe - Fringe's performing arts bootcamp for teens. This show will explore an all-Canadian set list, remixed and re-purposed by this diverse cast of students and professionals. It tackles issues of home, identity, diversity and inclusivity.

We've also got acclaimed TV director Warren P. Sonoda (Trailer Park Boys, This Hour Has 22 Minutes) debuting a play called Hands Down that's he's creating with his partner, Jen Pogue, who drew him to theatre. "I told him we should enter the Fringe and see what happened," said Pogue, who is to produce and act in their upcoming show. "Absolutely not, was his response. So I entered us anyways!" Sonoda says, "I have no problem directing a multi-million dollar movie or episode of TV, but writing and directing a play? I'm terrified. The Toronto Fringe is the scariest thing I've had to do professionally. But I'm thrilled to be a part of this iconic, profoundly essential theatre festival."

Looking for something a bit wacky? Don't Miss Graham Clark's Not Here, by CBC Producer (The Debaters) and 4-time Canadian Comedy Award-winner Graham Clark. What started as an off-hand remark about the costs about putting on a Fringe show in a far-flung city has morphed into a full-blown show. With technology at our disposal, does a person even have to be there to put on a show?

Looking for the next big thing? The Confidential Project by Toronto-based artist Marion Abbott has exploded to over 16 cities across North America and has cast actors from all levels of experience in over 1,000 roles - and keeps on growing, with it's next stop in Toronto. How does it work? Some of the bravest actors in Toronto will perform a musical, having met each other only 1 hour before. The audience shows up with no knowledge of the show they are about to see. Abbott's only rule? Don't stop. No matter what.

What else to look for in the 2017 Toronto Fringe Festival

Blurbs provided by the companies.

Tried & True Fringe Veterans Return Again

About Time, The Templeton Philharmonic

Venue: Tarragon Theatre Mainspace

Synchronize your watches. Award winning sketch comedy duo The Templeton Philharmonic ("Best Duo", LA Comedy Festival) will take you on a darkly comedic odyssey through the ages.


		The Rear Window Hart House Theatre (5/15-5/31)
		A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney Outside the March (4/13-5/12)
		The Darktown Strutters' Ball Theatre Orangeville (4/25-5/12)
		Emilio's A Million Chameleons Wychwood Theatre (4/20-4/28)PHOTOS VIDEOS
		Shrek the Musical (Non-Equity) Princess of Wales Theatre (8/06-8/18)
		PER ASPERA AD ASTRA - Through hardship to the stars Meridian Arts Centre - George Weston Recital Hall (5/11-5/11)
		The Sting Theatre Aquarius (5/30-6/01)
		Four Minutes Twelve Seconds Tarragon Theatre (4/20-5/12)
		Les Miserables Princess of Wales Theatre (3/26-6/01)
		FREEDOM! A Tribute to Aretha Franklin Toronto Symphony Orchestra (5/21-5/22)
VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW


News on your favorite shows, specials & more!