The National Ballet of Canada. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann
The National Ballet of Canada has, for six decades, been touring the world, staging both classical and contemporary ballets. This month, the troupe presents three Vancouver premieres: The Second Detail, choreographed by William Forsythe; The Man in Black, by James Kudelka; and Emergence, by Canada’s own Crystal Pite. Catch these dazzling shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Sep. 23 to 25).—Sheri Radford
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
La Traviata photo by Richard Termine
According to popular legend, after the March 1853 opening night of his opera, Verdi wrote to his secretary-pupil Emanuele Muzio: “La Traviata last night, fiasco. Is it my fault or the fault of the singers? Time will tell.” Whether or not the story is true, time has definitely proven Verdi’s work to be a masterpiece. Catch a performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Apr. 30 to May 12).—Sheri Radford
Flying feet at Riverdance
Experience the rich history of Celtic culture without leaving the city as family-friendly Riverdance (Apr. 5 to 10) pays homage to its Irish roots. Take in traditional stepdancing numbers featuring Caterina Coyne and her dance team as they move at lightning speed in astounding synchronization. To keep the audience on its toes, the touring troupe incorporates flamenco and American tap dance into the elaborate routines. Catch every leap, hop, jump and jig at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.—Dylan Martin
Legally Blonde photo copyright 2010, Carol Rosegg
It’s not easy being blonde. Just ask sorority girl Elle Woods, whose boyfriend dumped her in order to find someone more studious. To win him back, she enrolls in Harvard Law School. The story started life as a novel, morphed into a movie, then became a Broadway musical filled with colourful numbers such as “Omigod You Guys.” Catch all the fun at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Mar. 1 to 6).—Sheri Radford
La Clemenza di Tito photo by Ken Howard
A great ruler finds power in clemency instead of revenge. The message of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera is just as relevant in the 21st century as it was back in 1791, when the musical genius composed this powerful work, in the final months of his short but prolific life. Vancouver Opera presents a lavish production at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Feb. 5, 8, 10 and 12).—Sheri Radford
Friday: Be wowed by Shen Yun Performing Arts' colourful production
Friday, January 14th
Get a glimpse into the diverse 5,000-year history of China courtesy of Shen Yun Performing Arts. The talented troupe brings its mix of dance and theatre to the Sony Centre stage tonight and throughout the weekend.
Best known as Full House dad Danny Tanner and the original host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, Bob Saget brings his hilarious (though notoriously uncensored) stand-up routine to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Itching for even more comedy? Don’t miss your last chance to catch A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Stephen Sondheim’s gleeful musical about a Roman slave attempting to earn his freedom.
Saturday: Yuck it up with Rod Beattie in Wingfield: Lost & Found
Saturday, January 15th
The uproarious comedy show Wingfield: Lost and Found plays tonight at the Panasonic Theatre. This latest in Rod Beattie’s series of “Walter Wingfield” shows sees the character—a stock broker turned farmer—battle obstacles in search of a new water source during a drought.
Mickey Mouse and the rest of the Disney gang wheel into Toronto with Mickey’s Rockin’ Roadshow. On stage this weekend at the Rogers Centre, the production features all of your ‘toon favourites, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and many other special guests!
Tokyo Police Club invade the Kool Haus tonight for an all-ages concert. The Newmarket natives play upbeat indie-rock songs that are sure to get you dancing.
Sunday: Crowd the Berkeley Street Theatre at a performance of Ruins (photo by Cylla von Tiedemann)
Sunday, January 16th
Pay heed to the struggles women must go through in times of strife—the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Ruined makes its Toronto premiere tonight at the Berkeley Street Theatre.
It’s had a successful run, but inevitably, the Next Stage Theatre Festival closes today at the Factory Theatre. All eight of the fest’s acclaimed independent productions are on stage today. The first show, Eating with Lola, starts at 3 p.m.
For anyone who’s planning a wedding—or those who simply love to live vicariously through the bride and groom—The Wedding Show at the glamorous Carlu offers everything from gowns to invitations. Experts are on-site, too, to help you with everything you’ll need for the big day.
Billy Connolly photo by Tony Lyon
The Scottish comedian/actor has played everything from a hitman to Queen Victoria’s servant-turned-companion to a collar-wearing pet zombie, and he’s regularly voted one of the most popular comics in Britain. See “The Big One” for yourself at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Nov. 25 to 26), but be ready for ribald humour peppered with f-bombs.—Sheri Radford
Eddie Mekka as DJ Vince Fontaine in Grease
If the name Eddie Mekka sounds familiar, you probably grew up watching Laverne & Shirley. Although Mekka appeared on TV shows such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Moonlighting and The New Rockford Files, he’s best known as Shirley Feeney’s on-again-off-again boyfriend Carmine “The Big Ragu” Ragusa, a dancer/singer who spent the entire run of Laverne & Shirley striving toward his big break on Broadway. Now Mekka joins the Broadway Across Canada production of Grease as DJ Vince Fontaine. Catch his performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Oct. 26 to 31).—Sheri Radford
Be prepared for a spectacular performance of Disney's The Lion King in Vancouver. Photo by Joan Marcus copyright Disney
It’s been a smash hit on Broadway, running for years and scooping up the lion’s share of Tony Awards. Now Vancouver finally gets to experience “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and all the other toe-tappingly great songs by Elton John and Tim Rice in this popular musical based on the equally beloved animated movie. At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Jul. 13 to Aug. 8). Hakuna matata.—Sheri Radford
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Stay, Dine, Do
