Rock of Ages photo by C. Scott Suchman
When aspiring rock star Drew meets aspiring actress Sherri, their love is as formidable as a 1980s power ballad. Rock of Ages is sweet, silly and superfluous, but it’s also one heck of a fun Broadway musical, filled with songs by the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi and Styx. Catch all the big hits—and big hair—at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (May 8 to 13).—Sheri Radford
The cast of Cats
April 10 to 15
Get ready for a whisker-twitching good time as Cats leaps onto stage for an unforgettable performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Rollicking characters bring T.S. Eliot’s whimsical poems to life in the only North American production endorsed by Webber. The record-breaking show is one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, and timeless hits such as “Memory” still cause goosebumps.—Caitlin Dawson
The Book of Mormon comes to Toronto in May 2013
Toronto’s biggest producer of theatrical entertainment yesterday announced an all-
singing, all-dancing slate of must-see shows for its upcoming 2012/13 season. Mirvish Productions’ six major stagings comprise an energetic lineup of familiar fare that’s sure
to energize the city’s theatre goers. Check out our photo gallery for a glimpse of what
to expect—and what to come back for!
—Faiza Siddiqui
February 8 to 12
Beauty and the Beast photo by Joan Marcus
The beloved Broadway musical rolls into town this winter, filling the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with tunes such as the toe-tapping “Be Our Guest,” the heart-wrenching “If I Can’t Love Her” and the unforgettable title song. Catch Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth and all your other favourite characters in this tale as old as time.—Sheri Radford
W-F 7:30 pm; Sa 11 am, 3:30 and 8 pm; Su 2 and 7:30 pm. $25+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca
photo by Joan Marcus
NOVEMBER 16 TO 27 It’s every parent’s worst nightmare—your spiteful little princess of darkness has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. It’s enough to throw The Addams Family into full crisis mode. Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, authors of Jersey Boys, bring this new macabre musical-comedy to life with creative consultation from four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks. Toronto Centre for the Arts, $62 to $180; call 416-644-3665 or visit here for showtimes and tickets.
Mamma Mia!
August 16 to 21
More than 45 million people have already seen this hit Broadway musical, which just might be the happiest show ever produced. Filled with ABBA’s hits—everything from “Does Your Mother Know?” to “Dancing Queen” to “Take a Chance on Me”—it gets toes tapping and audiences smiling. Experience it for yourself at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and don’t even try not to sing along.—Sheri Radford
Campfire & Storytelling takes place Friday nights through August.
Friday, Aug. 12
Snuggle up ‘round the fire and let your imagination run wild at the weekly Campfire & Storytelling event. The Ottawa Storytellers host an evening of oratory for both young and old at Billings Estate National Historic Site. These artists continue the age-old old tradition of storytelling, no book or paper in sight. Enjoy tales for adults and separate stories and songs for children, as well as plenty of marshmallows to roast.
Give date night a lift by grabbing snacks and laying out a blanket on the grass of Dundonald Park for the Centretown Movies Outdoor Film Festival. On Friday night, follow Harry and the gang in the second last installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. On Saturday night the magic continues with awkward goofball Michael Cera in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, about a teenager who must win the heart of a girl by defeating her seven evil exes. This is the final scheduled two-night showing of the festival, with Aug. 19 as a make-up date for any rained out films and Aug. 20 either a make-up date or a surprise film.
Blues fans and rib lovers come together for the aptly titled Calabogie Blues & Ribfest. This brand new event boasts talent such as Kelly Prescott, Anders Drerup, and MonkeyJunk. There’s also a beer garden, a vendor’s area, a kids’ zone with face painting and rides, Canadian and American “ribbers” who are vying for the honour of best ribs in town, and fireworks. There are even spots for camping so you can make a weekend of it.
Saturday, Aug. 13
Remember the board game Clue? Well Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green and the rest of the motley crew are getting together again for a dinner party, only this time you’re invited! Suzart Productions presents Clue: The Musical, a hilarious dinner theatre show based on the popular game, in which audiences receive clues to help them figure out the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Show runs Thursday, Aug. 11, until tonight. (more…)
Photo of Lauren Bolwer and Todd Talbot courtesy Theatre Under the Stars
It’s all aboard the S.S. American in this fun-lovin’ alfresco musical at Theatre Under the Stars (to Aug. 20). Grab a seat in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl, snuggle under a blanket and sway to the sounds of Cole Porter classics including “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “It’s De-Lovely.”—Jennifer Patterson
To July 17
Get a new take on the merry old Land of Oz with Broadway Across Canada’s Wicked, winner of 35 awards, including three Tonys and a Grammy. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, this magic-filled musical tells the story of two unlikely friends—one smart and inquisitive with green skin, the other beautiful and materialistic, and how they became the famous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, call Ticketmaster, 1-855-985-5000.
Meet Don Amendolia, the wonderful Wizard of Oz in the hit Broadway musical, Wicked.
By Allison Onyett
Don Amendolia as the Wizard of Oz
Don Amendolia’s first real acting role was in his high school’s version of Annie Get Your Gun. The New Jersey native laughs that he had one line that got taken away. Whoever cut Amendolia’s line could not have foreseen the success the Broadway star now boasts on his resume—highlights that include working alongside Academy Award winner Jane Fonda and multiple off-Broadway productions such as Cloud Nine, which won him the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award. He’s also worked on the Oscar-nominated short film 12:01 PM, and has had over 30 guest starring roles on hit TV shows like Seinfeld and Frasier. Now, the 66-years-young actor is touring with Broadway Across Canada’s Wicked in the role of the Wizard. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the Tony Award-winning musical provides a new glimpse into the Land of Oz, long before Dorothy and Toto followed the yellow brick road. We chatted with Amendolia about his career, working with Jane Fonda, and what audiences can look forward to in Wicked. (more…)
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Stay, Dine, Do
