By Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre On the Ada Slaight Stage Feb. 10 – Mar. 16, 2025 Back by Popular Demand! We have lift off! Following its sold-out world premiere in 2023, It’s the summer of 1969 and Apollo 11 is about to land on the moon. Nine-year-old space-loving Chris dreams of becoming a brave astronaut and is counting down the days to the televised event. But at bedtime, when the night closes in, so too does his fear of the dark. With his family and best friends by his side, young Chris realizes that watching history being made hinges on conquering his fear and embracing the unknown. Inspired by astronaut Chris Hadfield’s bestselling children’s book, this Dora Award-winning stage adaptation (Outstanding Production) blasted off to rave reviews. “The cast SOARS…an INSPIRING and ENTERTAINING all-ages show.” “‘The Darkest Dark’ successfully brings Chris Hadfield’s bestseller to the stage. GORGEOUS production…with a gentle and kind spirit.” “The stage adaptation is immensely successful with fine acting from the entire cast. YPT gives the show a DAZZLING production featuring clever design, projections, puppets and magic to make this a WONDERFUL show for the whole family.” “BURSTING WITH COLOUR and ENERGY. Jim Millan’s direction is lively, energetic, poignant, funny and smart.” “A CHARMING theatrical adaptation that shoots for the stars.” “I had a wonderful time, as did every other child and adult in the audience. If you have a young person in your life, The Darkest Dark is a RUN-DON’T-WALK.” “WONDERFUL! ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! “FUNNY…THRILLING…MOVING. Captures childhood awe and imagination.”
Adapted from the book by Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion
Directed by Jim Millan
For Ages 6-12
Run Time: approx. 70 mins. plus Q&A
Chris Hadfield’s The Darkest Dark touches down for a special return engagement!
– The Globe and Mail
– Toronto Star
– Stage Door
– The Slotkin Letter
– Intermission Magazine
– Ludwig Van Toronto
A terrific family outing…the perfect choice to introduce young people to the wonders of live theatre. GO SEE IT.”
– Our Theatre Voice
– istvandugalin.com
Young People's Theatre is at 165 Front Street East, Toronto, ON.
Shrek The Musical (11/15/25-12/30/25)
Where The Wild Things Are (10/18/25-11/2/25)
The Mush Hole (10/11/25-10/11/25)
Wicked Nix (4/28/25-5/15/25)
Songs of the Seasons (4/25/25-6/21/25)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (11/12/24-12/30/24)
Where the Wild Things Are (11/7/24-11/17/24)
The Fixing Girl (4/15/24-5/2/24)
Young People's Theatre Presents: Through My Eyes (3/9/24-3/17/24)
Shrek The Musical (11/15/25-12/30/25)
Videos
![]() |
Re-Imagined
The Rose Brampton (12/21 - 12/21) | |
![]() |
A Doll’s House
Canadian Stage (1/17 - 2/1) | |
![]() |
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
The Terminal Theatre (1/20 - 1/25) | |
|
DOM WE NOW OUR GAY APPAREL
Rivoli Toronto (12/21 - 12/21) | |
|
UNIONVILLE CANADA DAY CELEBRATION
Unionville Millennium Square (7/1 - 7/1) | |
|
Seussical the Musical
Wychwood Theatre (11/29 - 1/11) | |
|
IMAGES AT AN EXHIBITION
Meridian Arts Centre – George Weston Recital Hall (5/16 - 5/16) | |
|
You, Always
Canadian Stage (1/31 - 2/15) | |
|
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS
Memorial Park (7/17 - 7/17) | |
|
The Wedding Party
Theatre Orangeville (4/16 - 5/3) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||