The summer theatre season in Southwestern Ontario has almost wrapped up. Of course, you can still see The Fiddler and The Crooner at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia, until September 27, but most summer venues have closed.
So what is there to enjoy this Fall?
- The Stratford Festival continues and there are some deals on. Be sure to follow them on Twitter or Like them on Facebook to learn about their current sales. Right now you can use the code 62773 to upgrade to the next seating zone. Or there is a special on for Sound of Music tickets at $50 which ends tonight! My personal favourites at Stratford?
- The Sound of Music – I’ve seen this musical many, many times, and this was the best!
- The Diary of Anne Frank – so moving and haunting
- Taming of the Shrew – fun to see real life couple Ben Carlson and Deborah Hay
- Love’s Labour’s Lost – lots of laughs
- Hamlet – Always good to see one of Shakespeare’s best
- Carousel is colourful with a stunning merry-go-round and it has some favourite songs, but the script is dated and the content (wife abuse) makes me uncomfortable.
- Shaw Festival continues to November 1 with its musicals.
- Peter and the Star Catcher – Take the kids to see Peter. It’s the prequel to Peter Pan, and it’s a lot of fun. But if you’re thinking about doing a fall weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit wineries and do some tasting, you might not want to bring the kids. Either way, you’ll enjoy Peter and the Star Catcher.
- Sweet Charity is a nostalgia trip to the good old sixties.
- At The Grand Theatre, London:
- The ever popular High School Project: Take in Hello Dolly if you want to see local talent in the making.
- 2 Pianos, 4 hands opens in mid-October: this show is a Canadian favourite.
- In Toronto –
- Motown The Musical – I will have a review for you next week!
- Kinky Boots – my personal favourite! This lively musical has been extended to December 20. It’s colourful and energetic with Cyndi Lauper’s powerful songs, and a feel good message. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that my son is part of the cast, but I am sure I’d love it whether he was in it or not. Don’t miss it. Kinky Boots won all the Tony awards in 2013 and has been running on Broadway ever since. This week it opened to rave reviews in London’s West End. So take advantage of the fact that we have it right here in Ontario – don’t miss it!
Me at Kinky Boots, in front of the Royal Alexandra Theatre, King Street, Toronto: