TORONTO THEATER REVIEWS

This past Friday Canadian favourite Rebecca Caine returned to Toronto for a very special performance at The Green Door Cabaret. She was joined by special guest Byron Nease, up from Los Angeles for one night only to perform for the first time together since their days in the Original Canadian Cast o...

Although they created many popular comic operas, the backstage relationship of W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan was anything but light-hearted merriment. The story of their tumultuous partnership is the focus of Ian Taylor's play Tarantara! Tarantara!, currently being presented by Stage Centre Produc...

West Side Story is arguably one of the most well known and beloved musicals of all time, and Toronto audiences have a chance to see this gorgeous new production for the next four weeks. Featuring some original Spanish dialogue and gorgeous sets and costumes, the show is fresh, energetic and yet tim...

A strong trio of leads ushers us into the world of Don Quixote as The Alexander Singers present the Tony-award winning musical MAN OF LA MANCHA at York Woods Library Theatre until May 13....

"Humans are territorial," states one character midway through the second act of CLYBOURNE PARK. That simple line sums up one of the key ideas at the heart of this Pulitzer Prize winning play by Bruce Norris. The play is being given its Canadian premiere in a brilliant production by Canadian Stage Co...

Amicus Productions concludes their 2012 season with a magical and enjoyable rendering of the Craig Lucas play PRELUDE TO A KISS. ...

Live Wrong and Prosper is the latest offering from the world-famous Second City, on now in Toronto. Spoofing everything from world politics to social media to Rob Ford, the show combines scripted skits with the improvisation the company has become so well known for. You'll laugh, you'll cry - you m...

There was almost as much drama involved in getting Curtain Call Players' spring production of the musical MISS SAIGON to opening night as there is in the show itself. The recent strike by Toronto Public Library staff locked the company out of their usual venue Fairview Library Theatre. Fortunately, ...

A dazzling revue of songs by the two Stephens - Sondheim and Schwartz - performed by an enthusiastic cast. ...

Angelwalk Theater has come up with a real gem with the romantic musical comedy I Love You Because. The show, playing in the cozy Studio Theater in the Toronto Center for the Arts boasts a top-notch cast, fluid direction, a tuneful score and clever, insightful lyrics. ...

Strong leading performances, some tasty production values and well executed effects help compensate for many of the deficiencies in Shrek The Musical. The show is another sad reminder of how Broadway is currently bereft of creativity and imagination. Shrek is derivative drek. * * (out of 5)...

Familiar songs and some lively performances make the production of ALL SHOOK UP at Stage West Dinner Theatre a frothy entertainment. * * * * (out of 5)...

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On Tuesday night the all Canadian production of War Horse opened in Toronto, making it the third production of the Tony and Olivier Award winning play worldwide. The show received an immediate and enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience, and proved once again what top notch theatre talent t...

Dan and Jeff, the british duo behind the hilarious Potted Potter, promise that even non-Harry Potter fans can enjoy their show. I opted to put this theory to the test, and went to review the show having never read a single book in the popular franchise. By the end of the night, I was playing Quidd...

Dani Girl opened last night at Theatre Passe Muraille after a successful run at Barrie's Talk is Free Theatre last year. Directed by the Toronto Star's Richard Ouzounian, the show about a nine year old girl battling leukemia stars Gabi Epstein, Jeff Madden, Jonathan Logan and Amanda Leblanc. Heart...

Three items to note about Encore Entertainment's production of The Laramie Project: 1. Arrive early - evening performances begin a 7:30 and matinees at 1:30. 2. Plan to stay after the show for the talk-back with cast members. 3. Bring lots of Kleenex…you will need it! * * * * * (out of 5...

Kim's Convenience opened last night to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, fans, family and friends at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The show was a smash-hit at last year's Toronto Fringe, and is back and better than ever. ...

Gary Naylor sees a Christmas show that blends the traditional with the innovative....

Memphis roared into Toronto on Wednesday night, where it will play the Toronto Centre for the Arts until Christmas Eve. A unique blend of original music, choreography and story this show provides a welcome reprise from the revivals and jukebox musicals of late, plus is a toe tapper of a good time a...

Toronto Youth Theatre is currently presenting Spring Awakening at The Lower Ossington Theatre. With only a few shows left, don't miss your chance to see the show performed by these exuberant and talented youngsters!...

It is always great when the performers on stage are having such a good time that those watching can't help but get swept up in the fun, and that is exactly what happens in Curtain Call Players' tightly-paced production of Hairspray, making it a joy from start to finish. * * * * 1/2 (out of 5) ...

When Two Pianos Four Hands premiered at Toronto's Tarragon Theater in 1996 it struck an immediate chord with critics and audiences that still resonates in this latest remount, which opened at the Panasonic Theatre for a limited engagement playing until November 20. ...

Encore Entertainment presents an original revue built around a variety of show tunes and exploring the modern day stresses of love, marriage and family life. Featuring songs the scores of HAIR, WICKED, GUYS AND DOLLS, COMPANY and many other shows, LOVE AND OTHER STRESSES offers a program of sparklin...

Withe their latest production, The Winslow Boy, Stage Centre Productions - with a new Artistic Director at the helm - maintains the same high standards that has made the g4oup one of Toronto's finest repertory theatre companies. * * * * * (out of 5)...