Soulpepper Theatre Company

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Hot Date: Soulpepper’s Tale of Adaptation

Playwright Guillermo Verdecchia

OPENS MAY 6 Argentine-Canadian playwright and actor Guillermo Verdecchia boldly takes the stage to perform his acclaimed drama, Fronteras Americanas. Drawing from Verdecchia’s own experiences, the two-act monologue examines the challenges faced by immigrants who must make their home in a new country while maintaining the ties and memories of their native land. Produced by Soulpepper Theatre Company, this award-winning show is both intelligent and humorous as it sheds light on subjects that are often kept private. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, $45 to $65; call 416-866-8666 or click here for tickets and showtimes.

Hot Date: Thornton Wilder’s Welcome Tale

Albert Schultz in Thornton Wilder's Our Town (photo by Sandy Nicholson)

OPENS APRIL 13 Make the most of life’s blessings—that’s the message of Thornton Wilder’s 1938 masterpiece, Our Town. Soulpepper Theatre Company reiterates that adage as its talented troupe of actors brings life to the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. As one of the first plays to break the “fourth wall” through its narration by the stage manager, played by Soulpepper co-founder Albert Schultz, this esteemed stage piece proves both inspiring and innovative. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, $28 to $60; call 416-866-8666 or navigate here for tickets and times.

Hot Date: Soulpepper Offers the Time of Your Life

Stuart Hughes in The Time of Your Life (photo by Sandy Nicholson)

OPENS MARCH 16 Discover an American classic courtesy of Soulpepper Theatre Company, which remounts its acclaimed production of William Saroyan’s The Time of Your Life. Themes of hope, nostalgia and redemption underlie this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama set in a late-1930s San Francisco saloon, where patrons imagine “what might have been.” Soulpepper stalwarts Joseph Ziegler and Stuart Hughes won praise for their roles in the ensemble’s 2008 staging of the play, and return for this year’s version. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, $22 to $60; call 416-866-8666 or click here for times and to purchase.

Hot Date: Soulpepper’s Family Feud

Krystin Pellerin and Jeff Lillico star in The Fantasticks (photo by Sandy Nicholson)

OPENS FEBRUARY 14 Part Romeo and Juliet and part A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Soulpepper Theatre Company’s staging of The Fantasticks offers twists and turns worthy of the Bard himself. Krystin Pellerin and Jeff Lillico star in this beloved musical, which combines comedy, romance and tragedy in a tale of forbidden love between the children of feuding neighbours. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Monday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 1:30 p.m., $22 to $67.81; call 416-866-8666 or visit here for tickets.

Hot Entertainment: A Classic Christmas Carol

John Jarvis and Joseph Ziegler in A Christmas Carol (photo by Sandy Nicholson)

DECEMBER 6 TO 30 The renowned Soulpepper Theatre Company welcomes the holiday season the traditional way—by staging A Christmas Carol. A talented cast, including Joseph Ziegler as Ebeneezer Scrooge, brings the classic tale to life in a minimalist adaptation that honours Charles Dickens’ grandly descriptive language, “bah humbugs” and all. Presented in “the round”—on a circular stage in the centre of the audience—this production ensures every seat has a view and every viewer a reason to applaud. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Monday to Saturday, $22 to $75.33; call 416-866-8666 or click here for showtimes and tickets.

Autumn’s Theatrical Appeal

Check out our slideshow to raise the curtain on a new season of musicals, dramas and more.

Weekend Roundup, October 15 to 17

Scream, laugh, marvel and applaud! There are many performances to see this weekend!

Friday: Applaud for Aida (photo by Michael Cooper)

Friday, October 15
Be afraid, be very afraid; The Halloween tradition Screemers returns to Exhibition Place! With terrifying attractions like the Haunted House and Maniac Maze—plus a licensed Vampire Lounge—even the bravest are sure to feel chills!

The Canadian Opera Company’s Aida continues to engage audiences at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. This new production of Verdi’s masterpiece tells the tale of forbidden love between an Egyptian king and an Ethiopian slave, as war and a jealous Egyptian princess tear the two apart. In the title role, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky gives a stunning performance.

Don’t miss Out of Context—For Pina—after garnering rave reviews in Europe, this innovative contemporary dance production makes its Toronto debut at Harbourfront Centre. Choreographer Alain Platel uses body language to communicate emotion; the result is raw and deeply moving.

Saturday: Be moved by Joseph Ziegler in Death of a Salesman (photo by Bruce Zinger)

Saturday, October 16
Head to the Drake Hotel for its annual Fall Market! With unique vintage items, handmade knitwear, fresh flowers, baked goods and free gifts, there’s definitely something for everyone.

The Planet in Focus International Environmental Film and Video Festival continues through the weekend, with a slate of films that strive to enlighten audiences about eco-issues and encourage discussion on the state of the environment. Catch such anticipated films as Land of Destiny in various theatres across the city.

Arthur Miller’s classic play Death of a Salesman opens tonight at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Talented Soulpepper Theatre founders Joseph Ziegler and Nancy Palk take to the stage as Willy and Linda Loman. Don’t miss this production of this masterpiece of America theatre!

Sunday: Find a brunch-time seat at the Roosevelt Room

Sunday, October 17
Gather at the Roosevelt Room this morning for “The Breakfast Club,” the swanky venue’s monthly brunch party! Featuring a filling prix fixe menu, beats by DJ Jacques Dumas and plenty of champagne to go around, it’s breakfast done decadently right.

Yuk it up at the Best of Canadian Comedy Awards, part of the Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival! See top Canadian comedians like Mary Walsh, Colin Mochrie, Members of the Royal Canadian Air Farce and more perform at the beautiful Winter Garden Theatre.

It’s your last chance to see the Textile Museum of Canada’s intriguing Person Place Thing exhibition. The works of three contemporary textile artists test the boundaries of their medium: Lia Cook examines faces in her large weavings, David R. Harper embroiders portraits on animal skins, and Stephen Schofield creates huge patchwork figures.

Hot Date: Soulpepper’s Family Values

R.H. Thomson and Carmen Grant in Doc (photo by Cylla von Tiedemann)

TO SEPTEMBER 18 Soulpepper Theatre Company presents another Canadian masterpiece this month—Sharon Pollock’s award-winning Doc. The semi-autobiographical drama examines a fraught father-daughter relationship over the course of non-linear time—it is through the characters’ memories that a story emerges and questions are resolved. Veteran actors Derek Boyes, Jane Spidell and RH Thomson are among the cast that brings this memorable family portrait to life. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Monday to Saturday 8 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 2 p.m., $22 to $75.33; call 416-866-8666 or visit here to purchase.

Weekend Roundup, August 27 to 29

This last August weekend is jam-packed with activities—make it count!

Friday: See the Rom Shing Hakka Opera at Telus TaiwanFest

Friday, August 27
Canada’s largest fair continues! The Canadian National Exhibition has something for everyone, including rides and games, a working farm, daily parades, celebrity chef demonstrations, live concerts and entertainment, and so much more. See you at The Ex!

Exploring the concept of the “crossover,” this year’s Telus TaiwanFest offers a number of cultural events—both traditional and contemporary—related to the intermingling of Taiwanese, Canadian, Dutch, Japanese and indigenous cultures. Harbourfront Centre is home to this weekend-long festival, featuring dance, theater, fashion, food and live music. Tonight, witness a performance by the Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe.

Scotiabank Buskerfest takes over the streets of the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood beginning tonight! Some of the world’s most talented street performers, including members of the renowned Cirque Éloize, are on hand to show off their unique skills. A donation to the Epilepsy Toronto charitable organization is encouraged.

Saturday: Laugh with Graham Harley and the cast of What the Butler Saw (photo by Sian Richards).

Saturday, August 28
Attention all comic book enthusiasts, sci-fi aficionados and anime experts: Fan Expo Canada has arrived. The largest event of its kind in the country features top names in geekdom, plus vendors, panel discussions and more. Don’t miss the Masquerade on Saturday morning, when die-hard fans show off original costumes of their favourite characters!

Enjoy a theatrical night out with a performance of What the Butler Saw, an inappropriately hilarious play on now at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The witty farce is set in a psychiatrist’s office and is certain to keep the audience guessing which characters are the sane ones.

Cheer on “The Reds” this evening, as Toronto FC squares off against Real Salt Lake, one of Major League Soccer’s top teams. Can Dwayne DeRosario and company sneak into the playoffs with a win tonight? Head to BMO Field to find out!

Sunday: Sunnyside Pavilion hosts an art fair (photo by Imnop88a)

Sunday, August 29
Against all odds, ’90s grunge stalwarts Stone Temple Pilots are back with their first original album in a decade. The Scott Weiland-led rockers are set to riff on their newest tunes and popular classics at the Air Canada Centre.

Yonge and Dundas Square turns green this weekend. The Live Green Toronto Festival brings together more than 100 exhibitors featuring eco-friendly products and services, as well as live music, street performers, a farmer’s market and more.

The Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale returns for another year of fine visuals. Hosted within the historic Sunnyside Pavillion on the shores of Lake Ontario, the event features artworks in various media created by emerging artists. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award to give your favourite artist the chance to win a cash prize.

Hot Date: Sight to See

AUGUST 25 TO SEPTEMBER 18 Sexual indiscretion and societal norms clash in playwright Joe Orton’s raucous farce, What the Butler Saw. Chaos, indecency and wit underlie this Soulpepper Theatre Company production about a psychiatrist who attempts to seduce his fetching secretary when his wife—who is also being wooed and blackmailed, by a handsome suitor—walks in. Throw in a government inspector and hijinx explodes at the clinic. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Monday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 1:30 p.m., $39.81 to $75.33; call 416-866-8666 or navigate here to reserve.