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Editors' Picks: Entertainment
EDITOR'S PICK
April 7
Liza’s back! In her first appearance at the Hall in 26 years, singer-actor and showbiz phenom Liza Minnelli returns to wow audiences with her trademark talent, live in concert. Roy Thomson Hall, 8 p.m., $59.50 to $189.50; call 416-872-4255 to purchase. —Viviane Kertesz
EDITOR'S PICK
April 21 & 22
New Zealand’s Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, the irresistibly amusing comic duo known as Flight of the Conchords, bring their Grammy Award-winning mixed bag of folk-rock, rap, funk, a capella and comedy to the city for two nights. Their eclectic blend of musical styles and witty lyrics has garnered the pair a dedicated fan base, enabling them to conquer both stage and screen—the Conchords’ eponymous, critically praised HBO series is now in its second season. Expect a jumble of old favourites such as “Robots are Dead” as well as newer songs from the series like “Sugar Lumps” on the play list. Don’t miss special guest comedian Eugene Mirman, best recognized as, well, himself, from the television show. Massey Hall, 8 p.m., $49.50; call 416-872-4255 for tickets.
ICONIC FUNNYMAN
April 17 & 18
Don’t miss the return of situational comedy superstar Jerry Seinfeld for a surefire night of side-splitting laughs. Three shows are filled to the brim with amusing observations that explore and expose the finer points of everyday life—the successful comedian’s wit is so sharp, it’s almost as if he never left the stand-up stage. Massey Hall, Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 7 and 9:30 p.m., $79 to $125; call 416-872-4255 to buy.
ANCIENT ARIAS
Opens April 25
Treachery, seduction and murder underscore Opera Atelier’s latest production, The Coronation of Poppea. Claudio Monteverdi’s final and most lavish opera chronicles the infamous—and true—story of Nero’s ruthless mistress, sung by stunning soprano Peggy Kriha Dye, who resorts to any means necessary to become Empress of the Roman Empire. The illustrious Tafelmusik Orchestra performs the lush, baroque score of a harrowing tale of love and deceit, which is complimented with melodious arias, extravagant costumes and intricate dramatic sets. Elgin Theatre, 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m., $30 to $135; call 416-872-5555 to purchase.
THE SOUND OF KRALL
April 30
Canadian crooner—and Mrs. Elvis Costello—Diana Krall hits all the right notes during her coast-to-coast tour in support of her latest studio album, Quiet Nights. The Grammy Award–winning jazz luminary is known for her contralto vocals and piano playing, gracefully interpreting classic ballads such as “You’re My Thrill” and “Where or When” while accompanied by a 45-piece orchestra. Massey Hall, 8 p.m., $77 to $127; call 416-872-4255 for tickets.
REEL FUN
April 30
Overdose on the finest in non-fiction cinema with the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. More than 170 innovative international and Canadian documentaries are screened as part of this showcase, the largest of its kind in North America. Direct your gaze eastward with “Made In,” a candid illustration of South Korea’s burgeoning film community. Or, take in the rich 70-year history of the National Film Board of Canada, which is highlighted in the program “Spotlight On.” Don’t miss a select retrospective of films by Canadian filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, honoured this year with the Outstanding Achievement Award. Call 416-637-5150 for locations, times and tickets ($5 to $12).
TAKE TO THE MOUND
April 6
Instead of flowers, enjoy the smell of hot dogs this spring as the Toronto Blue Jays return for a new season of baseball. Led by all-star pitcher Roy Halladay, the team welcomes back second baseman Aaron Hill and pitcher Casey Janssen, both of whom have their game faces on after missing last season due to injuries. Newly inked prospects, including southpaws Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero and Brad Mills, join the lineup as the former World Series champs plan their comeback. Catch the home opener when the Jays seek to strike out the Detroit Tigers. Rogers Centre, 7:15 p.m., $9 to $210; call 416-341-1234 for tickets.
TOTS IN TOW
April 18 to 24
Head to the theatre with the tots in tow for the Sprockets Film Festival. A pint-sized version of the Toronto International Film Festival, this week-long showcase of global cinema is specifically designed for young cinephiles. Children, ages three and up, get an opportunity to learn about global cultural perspectives with such silver-screen treats as The Blindflyers, directed by Germany’s Bernd Sahling, which recounts the tale of two 13-year-old blind girls who form a band of clowns with a young émigré from Kazakhstan. Canada Square (2190 Yonge St.) and Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Grande (4861 Yonge St), adults $10.61, kids $6.60; call 416-968-3456 for a complete schedule.
DIRTY MONEY
Opens April 2
In today’s climate of corporate scandal and economic crisis, it’s only fitting that Soulpepper Theatre presents David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross. The notoriously dark Pulitzer Prize–winning comedy offers a harsh look at the moral decay of business as it details the efforts of four foul-mouthed real estate agents. Starring Corner Gas’s Eric Peterson as a dejected salesman, the play’s power lies in its brisk dialogue, underscoring the desperation of the hopeless characters. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., select Sundays and Wednesdays 1:30 p.m., $28 to $68; call 416-866-8666 for tickets.
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