Musical

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Hot Date: Fela Kuti’s Groovin’ for Good Governance

Sahr Ngaujah stars as Fela Kuti in Fela! (photo by Monica Carboni)

OCTOBER 25 TO NOVEMBER 6 Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been described as Che Guevara and Bob Marley rolled into one. A fitting description, as throughout the 1970s and ‘80s Kuti utilized his big band–styled music as a conduit for scathing critiques targeted at the oppressive military regimes in his native Nigeria. The creation of his unique sound and the story of his activism are showcased in Fela!, the hit Broadway musical now on stage in Toronto for a limited engagement. Featuring lively performances, electric choreography by Bill T. Jones, and Kuti’s legendary brand of Afrobeat—a fusion of jazz, funk, rock, and African chants and rhythms that he created with drummer and comrade Tony Allen—this Tony-winning production offers a powerful political statement backed by some of the 20th century’s most vital music. Canon Theatre, Tuesday to Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and
8 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., $35 to $130; call 416-872-1212 or click here for tickets.

Hot Entertainment: Play It Cool, Boy

Photo courtesy Central City Opera

Start snapping your fingers: the Jets and the Sharks are back and ready to rumble in Leonard Bernstein’s beloved Broadway musical West Side Story (Oct. 22 to 29). Hearts skip a beat as Tony and Maria profess their undying love in “Tonight” and tears fall during Maria’s rendition of “A Boy Like That.” So choose your side and remember: “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way!”—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

West Side Story (Oct 22-23, 25-29). $35+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 604-683-0222.

www.vancouveropera.ca

Hot Date: Musical Grumps

Catch the world premiere of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical.

Oct 13-Nov 5 Fans of the 1993 feature film will delight in the world premiere of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Set in Wabasha, Minnesota, long-time rivals John and Max are criticized by their children for not embracing change. These aging curmudgeons stand firm, content to engage in their decades-long feud. What they don’t know is that big changes lie ahead in Wabasha. This story about the true meaning of friendship and the fragility of life will melt hearts. The John Hirsch Theatre at MTC Maintstage, 174 Market Ave, 942-6537 for tickets.

Hot Date: Teenage Musical

The award-winning "Spring Awakening." Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

May 13 to 15. Spring Awakening took Broadway by storm in 2006 with its fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll. Set in the 19th century, the story pits teen desires against adult repression in a stunning showcase that incorporates choreography, humour, and a rock score by Duncak Sheik. (Interesting tidbit, Glee superstar Lea Michele played the lead female role in the original run). Check out the touring version of the groundbreaking musical when it comes to Ottawa this spring. Be forewarned though: the play includes nudity.

The Lion King Has Returned

photo by Joan Marcus

APRIL 19 TO JUNE 12 Get ready—or should we say “Be Prepared”—to prowl the pride lands as the beloved Disney musical The Lion King roars into Toronto for a limited engagement.

Based on the 1994 animated film of the same name, this enthralling stage show follows an exiled cub named Simba, who must undertake a journey of self-discovery in order to avenge the death of his father. The coming-of-age tale is set to the songs of Tim Rice and Elton John—with additional music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M and Mark Mancina—including the memorable “Hakuna Matata” and “The Circle of Life.” But what really marks The Lion King as one of modern musical theatre’s most breathtaking achievements are its dazzling sets, colourful costumes, complex choreography and novel use of puppets. Against such backdrops as an elephant graveyard and a wildebeest stampede, actors embody giraffes, gazelles, hyenas and many other animals to bring the Serengeti’s menagerie to vivid life.

photo by Joan Marcus

These elements conspire to ensure the groundbreaking stage show remains enormously popular with audiences around the world. Among its accolades are six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and status as one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. More than a decade removed from its debut, the New York City production continues to draw sell-out crowds. (In Toronto, The Lion King’s original run began in 1999 and lasted almost four years.) Its success also earned director Julie Taymor a permanent place on theatre’s A-list. Innovative and inspiring, The Lion King is a not-to-be-missed theatrical event that’s bound to have the entire city singing the songs of the savannah.

Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King St. W.), Tuesday to Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday
2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1 and 6:30 p.m., $25 to $120; call 416-872-1212 or click here
to purchase tickets.

Hot Date: South Pacific Serenade

Photo by Kim Ritzenhaler

FEBRUARY 15 TO APRIL 10 The power of love is tested by war and prejudice in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Considered one of Broadway’s greatest musicals, its two parallel love stories deliver award-winning drama and serious social commentary against a backdrop of World War II. This revival, by New York’s renowned Lincoln Centre Theatre, boasts one of the largest orchestras of any touring production—all the better to accompany classic songs including “Some Enchanted Evening” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.” Toronto Centre for the Arts, Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m., $35 to $190; call 416-644-3665 or click here to purchase.

Hot Date: Peek into the Secret Garden

The Secret Garden (photo by Richard Campbell)

FEBRUARY 8 TO MARCH 19 A world of natural beauty is revealed to Toronto in the Tony Award–winning musical, The Secret Garden. Adapted from the enduring turn-of-the-century novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the enchanting production shows how a young girl brings new life to an entire Victorian household by tending to its neglected flower patch. Royal Alexandra Theatre, Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m., $55 to $110; call 416-872-1212 or click here for tickets.

Weekend Roundup, July 16 to 18

A weekend filled with festivals, concerts, theatre and culture! Toronto’s multiculturalism openly displayed right in front of your eyes. Lots to choose from, so little time…

Friday: Revel in Shakespearean derring-do under the stars at High Park (photo by Chris Gallow)

Friday, July 16
Spend your evening at the launch of the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park, where you can enjoy some fresh air while listening to top acts like Digging Roots and Jay Douglas & The All-Stars. Bring a blanket or some chairs, recline on the grass and celebrate the weekend with free music. If you like what you hear, be sure to come back Saturday and Sunday for more.

Fall in love with Shakespeare under the stars at the Canadian Stage TD Dream in High Park, which offers a pay-what-you-can performance of Romeo Juliet with a modern twist—the story of the star-crossed lovers is told using iPods and other contemporary props.

Tantalize your taste buds for less thanks to Summerlicious. The popular dining sees restaurants offering three-course meals at a fixed price. Make a reservation to sample the cuisines of the world at such Toronto favourites as Alize (Italian), Bangkok Garden (Thai), Célestin (French), Jaipur Grille (Indian) and Katsura (Japanese).

Or, try a different kind of ‘licious menu at Lee. Its “Susur-licious” menu, named for star chef and owner Susur Lee, is a three-course prix fixe featuring dishes from Lee’s tenure on the Food Network’s Top Chef Masters.

Saturday: See Geddy Lee and the rest of Rush (photo by ceedub13)

Saturday, July 17
Forget the 19-hour flight to the other side of the world. Today you can experience Indian culture on Toronto’s Centre Island, which hosts the annual Festival of India. Your immersion includes Indian music, dance, food and dramatic performances, plus crafts and souvenirs available from the bazaar. An exhibition reflecting the country’s history offers further enlightenment.

Swing by the Distillery Historic District to grab a bite from one of its many restaurants or cafés, then be sure to check out one of two Soulpepper Theatre Company shows at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Turgenev’s romantic comedy A Month in the Country is sure to stir up your emotions, and David French’s original and acclaimed Jitters also draws guffaws today.

Sing along with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart as they bring their Rush classics back to the Air Canada Centre. The legendary Canadian prog rock band‘s Time Machine tour is guaranteed to have you reminiscing about the glory days.

Come face to face with some of the world’s most celebrated historical artifacts at the Royal Ontario Museum‘s landmark exhibition, The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, featuring full-sized clay warriors from the tomb of Chinese emperor Ying Zheng.

Sunday: Don't forget your earplugs! The Hondy Indy zooms through Toronto

Sunday, July 18
There’s more musical nostalgia on offer at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, as Rock of Ages continues its successful run. This engaging show sets a rock ‘n’ roll love story to a soundtrack of ’80s hits by Journey, REO Speedwagon and many others.

South America’s largest nation gets a showcase this weekend at the Expressions of Brazil festival, part of Harbourfront Centre’s summer-long “world routes” programming. Today’s cultural mix includes samba performances, a drumming workshop, cooking and capoeira demonstrations and much more.

It’ll be easy to find Exhibition Place today—just head toward the sound of revving engines at the much-anticipated Honda Indy car race. Cheer on professional drivers like Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti as they speed toward the checkered flag.

Indulge in a decadent taste from the briny deep at the annual Ontario Oyster Festival hosted by Rodney’s Oyster House. For $30, guests can feast on some exceptional oysters, hear live music, cheer on competitive oyster shuckers and much more. All proceeds go to Environmental Defence, a charitable organization.

Hot Date: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The uproarious musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is currently on in Vancouver. Photo by Jo-Ann Richards

“Quirky” is the word of the day in this Tony Award–winning musical comedy that pits awkward adolescent spellers against each other—and audience members. Word nerds go crazy for musical numbers such as “My Friend, the Dictionary.” At the Granville Island Stage (to Jul. 31).—Sheri Radford

Hot Date: Saigon Story

Photo by Matt Polk

JULY 9 TO AUGUST 1 A naïve orphan girl and an American GI fall in love amidst Saigon’s exotic but turbulent landscape in the musical Miss Saigon, inspired by Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. In this tragic tale of doomed lovers, Chris, a young soldier about to depart war-torn Vietnam is besotted with the virginal and teenage Kim, who works as a dancer in a seedy club. The themes of sacrifice, hope and motherhood come together in this dramatic and timeless story as Chris, who later marries an American woman, discovers he and Kim have a son together. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m., $28 to $175; call 416-644-3665 or navigate here to reserve.