Mr. Toronto

What’s the difference between the words “fall” and “fail”?  The letter “I”.  And I take responsibility, once again, for failing my readers and being WAY overdue with my blog!!!!  So many things to do in Toronto, so little time to write about them!!  So let’s get right (back) to it…

First, just a quick update on some exciting theatre happenings in the City.  I am really excited to be going to a show on Saturday night by my favourite “performer” in Canada, Ronnie Burkett. He is an award-winning puppeteer who’s “R-Rated” puppet shows – dealing with issues like death, drugs and sex – have to be seen to be believed…can’t say enough good things about him.  His newest show – Billy Twinkle – is playing at the Factory Theatre on Bathurst St. for a very limited run.  Check it out.

On a larger scale, Mirvish’s 2 Blockbusters are right around the corner – the return of the hit Broadway Musical “WICKED”, and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” – based on the very fun movie of the same name  – which is making its debut on the Toronto stage before heading to Broadway…and on an even LARGER scale, the gorgeous new-and-improved Sony Centre has just reopened after an 18 month multi-million dollar overhaul.  It’s now one of the most beautiful – and acoustically perfect – venues in the City.  And because it’s sponsored by Sony, very high-tech as well.  They have a very ambitious schedule of “short-run” shows – check it out at www.sonycentre.ca. And while you’re there, make sure you have a bite pre-show at their awesome new café – complete meals for under 20 bucks!

Second thing I wanted to mention – for that before or after hot beverage – is a list of “Toronto’s Best Indie Coffee Houses” which was just published by EYE magazine.  If you’re a java lover – and want to expand your horizons beyond Starbucks and Tim Horton’s (though they could strip me of my citizenship for saying that), check out these fabulous “one-off” coffee joints:

• Bulldog Espresso Bar  – 89 Granby St (Church and Carlton) 416-923-3469
• Sam James Coffee Bar – 297 Harbord St (Harbord Village) 416-341-2572
• Te Aro Roasted – 983 Queen St.E (Leslieville) 416-465-2006
• Crema – 3079 Dundas St. W (The Junction) 416-767-3131
• T.A.N. – 992 Queen St. W (West Queen West) 416-532-9949

So grab a cup, see a show, and forgive my lapse in blogging!

Mr. Toronto