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The Dream in High Park's A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Your
comments are welcome! About Us | Reviews | Previews | Stratford | Shaw | Theatre World | Links of Interest | Contact Us | Home © 2007-2008 Jeniva Berger |
Toronto’s summer forecast promises to be orange, fuzzy and full of laughs as Dancap Productions presents the quirky musical comedy Avenue Q at the Elgin Theatre. The smash-hit tmusical about trying to make it in New York with big dreams and a tiny bank account opens on July 29 and runs until August 31, 2008. The creation of a host of talented young theatre artists, 30-somethings all, Avenue Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and is directed by Jason Moore. Avenue Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell their story in a smart, risqué and downright entertaining way. Avenue Q opened on Broadway on July 31, 2003, to great critical and popular acclaim. The show went on to win three 2004 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Original Score of a Musical (Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx) and Best Book of a Musical (Jeff Whitty). More than 1,500 performances later, Avenue Q remains one of Broadway’s biggest and most enduring successes, playing to enthusiastic sold-out audiences eight times a week. In Toronto, the show will feature: Angela Ai, David Benoit, Maggie Lakis, Anika Larsen, Robert McClure, Cole Porter and Danielle K. Thomas. Tickets are available now by phone with Ticketmaster at 416-872-5555 or online at dancaptickets.com/ The Elgin Theatre is located at 189 Yonge St. 
Continuing its mandate of presenting Classical Works in an outdoor environment for downtown Toronto audiences,Canopy Theatre Company in association with Hart House Theatre, celebrates its eighth anniversary this July and August. William Shakespeare's beloved Comedy, As You Like It , runs at Philosopher's Stage at Philosopher's Walk from Wednesday, July 16th through Saturday, August 2nd, 2008. Featuring Rosalind, arguably Shakespeare's strongest female character, As You Like It explores definitions of female versus male and city versus country - all wrapped in a motley cloak of comedy.
Canopy Theatre member, Lada Darewych returns to direct after last seasons' record breaking numbers. Ms. Darewych's vision compliments Canopy's philosophy of keeping the setting and staging relatively uncluttered; allowing the language, characters, story and natural beauty of Philosopher's Stage to speak to the audience.
Leading the cast as Shakespeare's most fully realized female character is Kristina Stanclik, with Tyrone Savage, Evelyn Wiseman, Cameron Johnson, Thomas Gough, Jesse Phillips, Neil Silcox and Rob Candy. 80 Queen's Park just steps from the Museum Subway station. Stage is located off of Philosopher's Walk next to the Edward Johnson Building and the Law Faculty on the campus of the University of Toronto. Tickets: 416-978-8849 or www.uofttix.ca or at the door (cash only). 
The North American premiere of the stage adaptation of Eleanor Bergstein's 1980's hit film Dirty Dancing, begins its long awaited run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Bergstein, Dirty Dancing's writer and creator (for the stage version as well) follows the storyline of the film as the Houseman family take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny Castle. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'! The iconic film Dirty Dancing, which starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, was released in 1987 and has become the benchmark by which all 'chick flicks' are now judged. All the hits from the film's soundtrack, which includes Do You Love Me?, She's Like The Wind, and Time Of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. The story has been re-written for the stage, but includes all of the movies memorable moments and
20 brand new scenes written especially for the stage.
Torontonian Jake Simons plays Johnny, the headstrong dance instructor who captures Baby's heart at Kellerman's where Dirty Dancing is set, emerging actor Monica West plays Frances 'Baby' Houseman, and Britta Lazenga, a former dancer with The Joffrey Ballet, is Penny, Johnny's mesmerizing but troubled partner. James Powell directs with choreography by Kate Champion. Dirty Dancing previews begins on Oct. 31
and runs until Aug. 31, 2008. The Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. West Toronto.
Call TicketKing 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333 to book. 
The Canadian Stage Company welcomes back two-time Dora Awardwinning director ahdri zhina mandiela and her popular interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her colourful, hip-hop twist on the Bard’s tangled tale of mischievous fairies and mismatched lovers who wander through an enchanted forest-meets-industrial-wasteland is part of the 26th annual CanStage TD Dream in High Park. This hip, urban interpretation featuring a multi-racial cast and colourful hip-hop influenced costumes and rhythms was produced last summer in tribute to the 25th anniversary of the CanStage TD Dream in High Park. The production makes a comeback this summer as it proved to be popular with reviewers and theatre-goers, so much so, that audiences were beyond capacity and patrons had to be turned away during the final weeks of performance. A Midsummer Night's Dream Previews: June 24 and 25; opens June 26; continuing to August 31 at High Park at Bloor St. W. and High Park Ave. Near High Park subway station. Enter from Bloor St. and follow the road to Grenadier Café. Continue east along the path opposite the parking lot and follow the signs.INFO: 416-367-1652 or canstage.com/ RAIN POLICY: Cancellations based on weather conditions at 8 p.m. If the show is cancelled, tickets are valid for free admittance on another, drier night. Refunds not offered as tickets are issued as anonymous cash donations. FAMILY NIGHTS: Free, all-ages activities at the Dream site 5–6:30 p.m. Sundays (July 6 to August 31). Contact 416-367-8243 x277 or nmytnowych@canstage.com to register.
Voted Toronto's Favourite Show (DORA Audience Choice 2007) Evil Dead: The Musical directed by Christopher Bond and Hinton Battle, returns for a bloody Valentine's. Based on Sam Raimi's 80's cult classic films, Evil Dead tells the tale of five college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. And although it may sound like a horror, its not! The songs are hilariously campy and the show is bursting with more farce than a Monty Python sketch. The cast features film and Broadway star Ryan Ward, reprising his critically acclaimed Off-Broadway performance as Ash. Since its beginnings in Toronto four years ago, Evil Dead:The Musical has continued its cult appeal and wowed its loyal 'deadites' while simultaneously exciting an entirely new audience. One of the hottest shows this past summer, fans filled the 'splatter zone', the two front rows dedicated to audience members being sprayed with demon blood and could be seen wearing their splattered shirts afterwards as a trophy on the streets of Toronto and as a testament to their bravery and devotion. Evil Dead: The Musical plays fom Feb. 14 to August 2 at The Diesel Playhouse, 56 Blue Jays Way.
Diesel Playhouse Box Office (56 Blue Jays Way ), call 416.971.5656 or online at 
Out amongst the community bake-ovens and lush gardens of Dufferin Grove Park , Clay & Paper Theatre presents Horse Feathers, an outdoor play with giant puppets about the bygone days of the Dufferin Race Track and the dreams of local residents for a better life. Horse Feathers . Centered around the horse racing track that was an integral part of this neighbourhood from 1907-1955, we join the story at the end of an era, when the track is sold to developers to create what is now the Dufferin Mall. The talented acting ensemble of Caitlin Driscoll, Fraser Elsdon, Simon Esler, Aaron Rothermund and Beth Warrian brings this significant part of Toronto history back to the neigh-bourhood. Featuring large-scale puppetry, stilt walking, commedia dell'arte and live music, Horse Feathers is part of Clay & Paper Theatre's continuing community project, Building Local Stories, an important initiative that ensures that the local stories of the diverse communities of Toronto are shared and remembered. This wild romp in the park is written by Clay & Paper Theatre's Artistic Director David Anderson and Assistant Artistic Director Krista Dalby ,and is directed by David Anderson. Horse Feathers previews from July 16 and opens July 18 through August 17 at Dufferin Grove Park. Park is located across from the Dufferin Mall, south of Bloor St. Admission: Pay-What-You-Can (suggested $10)
The 4th Line Theatre opens its outdoor summer season with the premiere of The Last Green Hill
by Robert Winslow and Dale Hamilton, and directed by Robert Winslow. Inspired by the development pressures rural communities in Southern Ontario are facing, this humorous and satirical epic production features a cast of cowboys, politicians, developers, environmental resistance fighters and citizens all caught up in the middle of a firestorm! The Last Green Hill has a 50-member cast featuring Shannon Taylor, Aaron Forward, Paul O'Sullivan, Mark Hiscox,Justin Hiscox, and Meghan Swaby, with Beau Dixon, Luke Foster, Marsala Lukianchuk, Ray Henderson and Haley McGee. The 4 th Line Theatre, Canada's premiere outdoor theatre company brings history to life on the barnyard stages of the picturesque 5th generation Winslow farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The theatre company is committed to preserving and promoting our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally based, environmentally staged historical drama.. The Last Green Hill plays from July 3 (previews July 1 & 2) to July 26 at the Outdoor Stage on The Winslow Farm. From Toronto, go East on 401 to #115 Highway, travel north to Millbrook exit. Follow theatre signs.
For tickets call 1-800-814-0055 or 705-932-4445 or visit 
2008 marks the 200th anniversary of the building of the lighthouse at Gibraltar Point on Toronto Island. This is oldest stone building in its original location in Toronto and oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It is a symbol of light and dark, rescue and disaster, sirens and spirits, and of the power of place. In honour of its 200 years Shadowland Theatre is creating a celebratory performance within the Island landscape, incorporating the Lady of the Lake herself. Shadowland's signature techniques of puppetry, mask, stilts, live music and site-specific visual and sound installation will all be at play in this ambulatory, outdoor performance. Taking the theme of guiding lights that draw us to safe harbour, we examine the nature of light and dark and where we look for direction in a world with so many false beacons. Central to the story is the spirit of J.P. Radelmüller, the first lighthouse keeper, whose murder remains one of the greatest mysteries in Toronto's history. Created by writer Sarah Hood with Shadowland Theatre, The Light That Stands Still is directed by Anne Barber and designed by Brad Harley. It plays at Toronto Island 
This famous, or infamous, rock musical by Cliff Jones will be presented as a staged concerthere in Toronto this July!Originally commissioned for CBC Radio, Kronborg: 1582 played at the Charlottetown Festival in 1974and 1975, winning great critical acclaim. It then toured in Canada with Brent Carver as Hamlet and Beverly D’Angelo as Ophelia. Renamed Rockabye Hamlet, and substantially revised under the direction of Gower Champion, it opened on Broadway in 1976, and played for six weeks. With new revisions by Jones and re-titled Something’s Rockin’ in Denmark, the show later enjoyed a 14-month run in Los Angeles. The musical won twelve Dramalogue Awards (L.A.) and has since been successfully produced many times. For this new staging of Something’s Rockin’ in Denmark, Jones has adapted his script and score, taking the best of all previous productions. He will also direct the show, joined by Lona Davis as musical director and Mimi Woods Doherty as choreographer/assistant director. Featured in the cast are:
Ted Ambrose, Lisa Bell, Matthew A.C. Campbell, Trevor Covelli, Scott Freethy, Michael Harvey, Laura Higgs and Gerald Isaac. Something's Rockin' in Denmark plays July 25-26 at the Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. 28 Front St. East. St. E. Box Office:416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754; online at: www.stlc.com/
Who really is the Shrew? Is anyone actually tamed? What may seem an obviously ridiculous farcical, and completely politically incorrect story, may be something else... something a little more authentic about love relations. Come enjoy an evening of adventure, from primal struggle to highly sophisticated wit. The Rose Theatre Brampton present William Shakespeare's comedy about the battle of the sexes, directed by Peter van Wart and starring Melissa Jane Shaw and Scott Lale. The Taming of the Shrew is backdrop to the beautiful Rose Theatre, playing in the new courtyard amidst the fountain and flowers. Grab a brewsky or two at the outdoor bar and watch the fun unfold - in less than 2 hours! - as the sun sets. The Taming of the Shrew plays outdoors at the Rose Theatre Garden Square from July 10 to 27. Runs: Thursday - Sunday nights at 7.30pm. (no show on Sat July 26). All shows are free, donations accepted. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, Box Office: 905.874.2800. 
Along with Shakespeare's As You Like It , Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, and Noel Coward's Private Live, The Way of the World is considered among the greatest theatrical comedies in the English language. Mirabell is in love with Millamant, whose considerable dowry is controlled by her overbearing aunt, Lady Wishfort. Lady Wishfort in turn hates Mirabell for pretending to be in love with her in order to gain access to her niece. So begins the elaborate plot and sublime comedy of characters that is Congreve's Restoration masterpiece. Throw in a superb subplot involving disguised servants, adulterous interlopers, and a pair of outrageous fops, and you have a timelessly urbane comedy of manners, all in the way of the world. NAC Artistic Director Peter Hinton directs the production for the NAC English Theatre Company, and starring are: Damien Atkins, Caroline Cave, Diana Donnelly, Randi Helmers, Tanja Jacobs, John Jarvis, C. David Johnson, Nancy Palk, Mike Shara, Michael Simpson,Maria Vacratsis, William Webster.
Ben Elton's musical continues to rock Toronto. Dora Award winner for Best Musical, the Canadian production of We Will Rock You has been an audience favourite, receiving standing ovations at each and every performance. Originally scheduled to play seven weeks, the show was quickly extended again and again. By the time its Canon Theatre 61-week run ended the show had been seen by more than 700,000 people, generated an estimated economic spin-off to the city of $180 million and provided employment to more than 300 Canadian artists, technicians and theatre support staff. Set 300 years in the future, in a time when live music is banned on earth, WE WILL ROCK YOU is about the rebellious kids, fighting against the all-powerful Globalsoft Corporation that controls their lives and feeds them a diet of synthesized pop. Could the young Galileo and Scaramouche be the heroes needed who will help them "break free" of their chains to rediscover themselves and live music? The all-Canadian cast features Yvan Pedneault as Galileo , Erica Peck as Scaramouche , Alana Bridgewater as the Killer Queen, Adam Brazier as Khashoggi , Jack Langedijk as Pop ,Sterling Jarvisas Duff and Valerie Stanois as Oz . We Will Rock You plays at the Panasonic Theatre from July 16 to Aug. 31. Call TicketKing at: 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333. Online Sales: 
