Mr. Toronto

Although I try to be as “diverse” as possible with topics for my blog, I keep on coming back to live theatre, because there is just so darn much of it here.  And, unfortunately, most of these shows are only here for a little while (gone are the 10 year + runs of Phantom of the Opera and Mousetrap!), so if I don’t let you know about them often – poof, they’re gone!

First, a word about a couple shows playing now.  Just saw The Blue Dragon at the Royal Alexandra theatre.  I had never before seen a Robert Lepage production, and couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Now I get it.  Wonderful story (in 3, easy to follow languages – English, French and Chinese!) and INCREDIBLE staging. Running until Feb 19. http://mirvish.com/shows/thebluedragon

The other show which I can’t speak highly enough of about is Penny Plain.  I believe I blogged a couple years back about Ronnie Burkett, who is truly the world’s premiere puppet master (not that he has a ton of competition…).  Words cannot express how miraculous his shows are – within minutes you forget you are watching (perfectly crafted miniature) puppets, and only concentrate on the themes of death, sex, destruction – oh yeah, these shows are NOT for the kiddies!  On stage til Feb 26

http://www.factorytheatre.ca

Now for a few shows I am about to see, that you might be interested in:

Visiting Mr. Green, playing until February 18 (told you these were short run!) http://www.hgjewishtheatre.com/visitingmrgreen.html

The main reason you’ll want to see this is an opportunity to see acting icon Theodore Bikel (Fiddler on the Roof, anyone?) before it’s too late.  Not to be morose, but the guy is like 86 years old….

In the Heights, Feb 7-19 http://dancaptickets.com/pages/intheheights is yet another Broadway show (following in the footsteps of American Idiot, Addams Family…) that the Dancap group is bringing to town.  Have heard wonderful things about this modern twist on West Side Story…

Potted Potter Feb 11- March 4 at the intimate Panasonic Theatre is the “ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into seventy madcap minutes…aided by multiple costume changes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic.” Was a smash in London, and they know their Harry! http://mirvish.com/shows/pottedpotter

Finally, War Horse, (yet another “brought to you by Mirvish Productions” show), is perhaps the most anticipated show of the year, having received rave reviews in London and New York, and now a Steven Spielberg movie…and best of all, this show – which starts Feb 10 at the Princess of Wales theater – might actually stick around for longer than a few weeks! http://mirvish.com/shows/warhorse

So get your bum over here and stick it in a seat or two!

Mr. Toronto

Sigh…every time I make (myself, not sure if you care!) a promise to blog more often, life gets in the way…. since New Year’s is coming up, I will once again make a resolution to write more frequently…which may mean shorter insights into the best of the City, but as enthralling as ever, to be sure! Just wanted to share with you info on two wonderful “new” spaces in town. I put the word new in quotation marks, because the first one has been around since June (I just didn’t know about it – shame on me!), and the second is really a very old space, with a new life…

I was invited last week to an event at Screen, an ultra-cool new lounge/restaurant that is ironically right around the corner from where I work. I’m always searching for cool new spots for a business lunch or after-work drink, and had no idea what a gem this place is. To be fair (to me), it is very tucked away, and they have done virtually no advertising since opening half a year ago. But apparently business has been booming, just via word of mouth. The space is gorgeous, and includes an incredible rooftop patio, which will soon be winterized with the addition of a small retractable dome (think mini Rogers Centre…). The menu is an interesting and eclectic mix of unusual sushi and funky burgers (as in unique, not rotten). Screen Lounge is located at 20 College Street, just off Yonge. http://www.screenlounge.ca/

The second space, as I mentioned, is not new at all, but has actually been around since 1920. Those of you who are old visitors to Toronto (and I say that in the nicest sense!) will remember it as the Pantages Theatre, home for years to Phantom of the Opera. Those of you who have only been here over the last handful of years will know it as The Canon Theatre (home to shows like We Will Rock You). Well, as of this week, we will now all know it as Ed Mirvish Theatre. Mirvish Productions, as you all probably know, is THE theatre company in town, responsible for bringing almost all of the hit shows to Toronto. They also own four of the theatres they bring shows to…Ed was the man who started it all, after making his fortune with “Honest Ed’s’ a store which is really a landmark and which you must visit at some point in your life! (Hard to miss – its lights at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor can be seen from about a mile away!). I was also privileged to meet him many times, and I can honestly say he was one of the sweetest, kindest and gentlest men who ever walked the planet …
At any rate, I went to the very moving (and star-studded) unveiling/announcement event, where Ed’s son (who is an equally wonderful business- and gentle-man) David first introduced a short video on his father’s amazing life, then brought on stage myriad performers who paid tribute to Ed. Finally, our new Mayor, Rob Ford, came out to read a proclamation, and the new marquee dropped down from the stage. (see photo) A very fitting tribute…and a very shrewd business move as well, staking a final and permanent claim to a theatre that used to owned by the Mirvish’s arch rival, Garth Drabinsky, who is currently serving time in a Toronto jail for fraud committed during his time heading up Livent. Hmm, speaking of theatre, there’s the making right there of a new hit show…
Mr. Toronto

Fall seems to be the time when Toronto’s arts scene really heats up…live theatre is in full swing (the subject of a future blog, I’m sure) and new museum/gallery exhibits are opening (for example, the fantastic “Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde” at the AGO). But it’s fall movies and concerts that seem to be drawing on my heartstrings and tugging at my wallet this time of year….

Toronto is known for it’s star-studded TIFF (International Film Festival) in September, but fall is also the season when a whackload of other film festivals take to screens around town, reflecting the City’s amazing ethnic and cultural mix…Google these and check out all they have to offer!

*Toronto After Dark (Oct. 20-27)

*Polish Film Festival (Oct. 21-23)

*Israel Film Festival (Oct. 23-27)

*Brazil Film Fest (Oct. 27-30)

*Diaspora Film Festival (Nov.1-7)

*Regent Park Film Festival (Nov. 1-7)

*Rendezvous with Madness (Nov.4-12)

*Reel Asian (Nov.8-19)

And boy, is there ever music in the air this time of year!  Here’s a sampling of just a handful of the most interesting shows coming to town (according to me, of course):

*Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Danforth Music Hall (October 25)

*Mumford and Sons at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) (same night!)

*DeadMau5 at the Rogers Centre (November 5)

*Trombone Shorty at the Opera House (November 17)

*Jay Z and Kanye West at the ACC (November 23 and 24)

*Feist at Massey Hall (December 1)

*The National with Neko Case at the ACC (December

I’d give you more options, but if you’re like me you’re already hyperventilating!  So just take a deep breath, choose a couple, and c’mon over!

Mr. Toronto

PS.  Although it is totally unrelated to this blog, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragic – and freaky – passing of Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldan earlier this week.  Especially freaky for me, because I talked about him in a previous blog – and showed a photo of the 2 of us together – just a few months ago, after he won the Indianapolis 500.  He was a wonderful and charming guy who will be sorely missed.

No, not quite.  The end of summer is in site, but there’s still plenty of time to visit Toronto with the kids before school starts.  And to help plan, here are a few ideas from The Grid (formerly EYE magazine), which recently came out with a list of “49 Totally Rad (and totally cheap) Things To Do With A Kid In The City”:

1)      Go people watching in (funky) Kensington Market – especially the last Sunday of every month, when it’s pedestrian only.

2)      Explore Lake Ontario in a canoe – rentals available from Canoe Toronto at Harbourfront (283A Queen’s Quay West)

3)      Take advantage of free admission to Ontario Place – in celebration of its 40^th anniversary (though you’ll still have to pay for the great water park)

4)      Have a pajama party at a good old-fashioned drive-in – double features, the latest flicks at Polson Pier (www.polsonpier.com)

5)      Buy cheap seats to a Blue Jays game – lots of fun, starting at only 11 bucks.  And the team is really quite good this year!

6)      Visit Kew Gardens playground (Queen St.E. and Wellesley), complete with turreted castles, a swirly slide and even a beach!

7)      Take a “staycation” at the Delta Chelsea Hotel – full disclosure: I work there!  But it made the list, really! Best hotel in town for kids (just voted “Best Family Hotel” by the readers of City Parent magazine).  Amazing Family Fun Zone with huge pool and waterslide, Kids Centre, Teen Lounge, and daily Camp Chelsea programming. (www.deltachelsea.com)

That’s it for their list…now a couple of things to add which are going on now and you shouldn’t miss.

First is the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE, or “The EX”, if you want to talk like a native), on now until September 5^th. Animal and agricultural exhibits, special shows, shopping pavilions, midway rides, FOOD (new this year – deep fried Jell-O!!!).  A real institution that should be visited at least once in your lifetime!

Secondly, the new Cirque du Soleil show is in town until October 9, at a specially constructed tent near Cherry Beach.  I have seen Cirque many times over the years, and I can honestly say this is the best I have seen.  Incredible staging and truly unbelievable acts.  With or without kids, get there!

And enjoy the rest of your summer!

Mr. Toronto

This City never ceases to amaze me.  Just when I think I’ve seen or done it all, I find something new that makes me fall in love all over again…and some of it isn’t even “new”, it’s just improved…

For instance, the latest edition of the Toronto Jazz Fest may have been my favourite yet.  Besides a dynamite line-up, the event moved to a new location, down at Metro Square (recently renamed David Pecault Square, in memory of this wonderful man who started the Luminato festival, among other things).  Much cozier than Nathan Phillips Square where it’s usually held, not to mention grass to sit down on…

And speaking of Nathan Phillips Square, the festival was moved from that spot as it is in the middle of a multi-year, multi-million dollar reno.  And one of the first things they renovated was an unused, secluded spot on the roof, which has been turned into the newest best-kept secret in Toronto – a fantastic rooftop garden.  Exquisite seclusion in the heart of the City.  They still hold some events in the Square below during renovations, as evident by the fun outdoor Art Festival that took place this weekend.

And speaking of this weekend, took a bike ride along another hidden gem in the City – the Leslie Street Spit.  It’s OK, I didn’t know what a “spit” was, either, til my breath was taken away by the beauty along this mile or so of unspoiled nature near Cherry Beach, just minutes from downtown.  Incredible views of the city skyline, but you truly feel like you are in Maine or Cape Cod…there’s even a lighthouse at the end!  Fun to skate – or even walk – if you don’t have a bike.  That’s my friend Paul enjoying the view…

And speaking of friends (don’t you just love the natural transitions I have written in this blog entry?) made a new one at the Honda Indy this past weekend (yes, it was a very busy weekend!).  That’s me with Dan Akroyd, the Grand Marshall this year.  A good ol’ Canadian boy (for those Americans who still do not realize that all the best comedy comes from this side of the border) who’s done all right for himself – including his new vodka, skeleton-bottle and all!

And it’s not even the middle of July yet – phew!

Mr. Toronto

Getting out and about more than ever now that the nice weather is here to stay (for the next few months, at any rate!).  Three places I have been to lately that I wanted to put on your radar:

1)      The new Railway Children musical, from Mirvish Productions:  Although this is not a great play, it is one of the more unique I have seen in many years, due mainly to the venue – a specially constructed theatre/tent over what was once the hub of Toronto’s railway system.  This was necessary to build to accommodate the star of the show, a fantastic old British train.  A fun way to spend an evening, especially (only?) if you have kids. http://www.railwaychildren.ca

2)      The Ballroom:  This is not your (grand)parent’s bowling alley…a very hip new spot on John St. in the heart of downtown, with great lanes, lights, music, nibblies and drinks. Check out http://www.theballroom.ca/

3)      Corus Entertainment:  Although this is an “office building” – housing Toronto’s top rock radio stations like The Edge and Q107 and hip TV channels like YTV and Teletoon – it is really a destination, a stop on any tour of Toronto.  One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen (you can actually request a tour) tucked away in one of the most serene areas of the City – they even have their own beach next door (see photo), which is open to the public, along with a wonderful waterside restaurant. http://www.corusent.com/home/

On another note, I just read about an incredibly cool new FREE app available for your smart phone called ZeitagTO.  It allows users to scan their surroundings on a Toronto Street, then pull up an archival photo of that same area from years gone by.  There are currently around 500 images you can check out – very cool!

Finally, just a note that I’m not the only American who has fallen in love with Toronto.  Besides the dozens of Hollywood stars who have “summer” homes in the Muskoka lake district outside of Toronto, it was just announced that “Marky Mark” Wahlberg has just purchased a condo in the heart of Yorkville.  He loves the City, and says that “in all honesty, I have more friends here than New York.”  So who knows?  You might bump into him – I actually did while he was here filming last year (though I don’t think he counts me as a friend) – but his condo won’t be ready til 2013…. (You can sleep on my couch until then, buddy….)

Keep cool!

Mr. Toronto

BARGAIN CULTURE

I’ve always said that to really enjoy New York City you either have to be a millionaire or a poverty-stricken student. I never went the millionaire route (shame), but at least I went to university in NYC (many moons ago) and had the time of my life as a student.  Galleries, museums, plays, concerts were all either free or heavily discounted.  Well, I’m pleased to report that Toronto is very much a bargain centre for the under-30 set as well…this roundup of deals comes courtesy of Nicki Thomas/Toronto Star:

1)      The National Ballet of Canada offers $30 tickets (tax included) for anyone under 30 who signs up for their Dance Break program (www.dancebreak.ca)

2)      The Canadian Opera Company offers $22 performances through its “Opera for a New Age” program (www.coc.ca). There are also free concerts throughout the season in the lobby of the new(ish) Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

3)      The Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers $14 tickets if you are a “Soundcheck” member, up until age 35 (www.tso.ca)

4)      Soulpepper Theatre Company gives access to $12.50 tickets to almost every performance through their C-Stage program if you’re under 29 (www.canadianstage.com or 416-368-3110). There are also pay-what-you-can Monday night performances.

5)      The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts has an under-30 “Rush Club”, which offers $15 tickets for anything they are hosting (from music like Elvis Costello to Bollywood Musicals).  Sign up for the program at www.sonycentre.ca, and you’ll receive an email 3 days beforehand if tickets are available.

6)      Mirvish productions often has student rush seats for many of its performances. Check out www.mirvish.com, or better yet, join their facebook or twitter group!

7)      Both the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum offer free admission (for all ages!) on Wednesdays.  AGO free hours are 6-8:30 pm, ROM is 3:30-5:30

And finally – again for all ages – don’t forget about T.O Tix, the discounted ticket booth at Yonge-Dundas Square.  It ain’t no Times Square TKTS – its selection is usually quite limited – but there are no lineups and you’ll find something to see!

Culture – with money left over for a beer afterwards.  What could be better?

Mr. Toronto

Woody remember me?

Nah, I doubted it…after all, it was a few years ago.  And it was dark, and late, and we were surrounded by about 15,000 other people.  And Woody Harrelson does tend to meet a lot of people.  And he probably has a rather hard time with the memory thing, since he is…Woody Harrelson (it always amazed me how someone can “play” like he does and still not only remember lines, but be brilliant at it…).  Would Woody recall the few “special” moments we spent together many moons ago in the front row of a Blue Rodeo concert at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto?

I would get to find out, as I had my second encounter with Woody last week…this time, it was not by chance.  I was invited to meet him by the producers of  Bullet for Adolf, the play that Woody wrote and is directing – for its world premiere – at the intimate Hart House Theatre at the University of Toronto.

Here for just three weeks (April 19-May 7), Bullet For Adolf is a comedy about eight characters who come together in the hot Houston summer of 1983. The title refers to a gun once intended to kill Hitler, which plays a pivotal role in the plot, which is quasi-autobiographical.

It was an especially surreal evening with Woody, as I was invited  to watch him watch himself being interviewed on CBC television’s  The Strombo Show, which was recorded earlier in the day.  We met up in the small, intimate screening room of The Spoke Club, a private, member-only club for media and entertainment folk.  Fun evening, and Woody is not only a magnificent actor, but a pretty swell guy.  Even if he didn’t remember me.

Oh yeah – the evening got even more surreal as I left the un-marked Club at around 1am, and saw a good looking young man in a blue parka cruisng around on a bicycle, looking lost…I asked him if I could help him find something, and he asked me if I knew where the Spoke Club was…he was there to meet up with his BFF Woody Harrelson, who had invited him over.  It was Owen Wilson.

OK, enough name-dropping for one entry.  Go see the play – I’m sure it will be a wild ride

Mr. Toronto

Since we last “talked”, Mr. Toronto has been very busy mingling with the stars (well, “mingling” may be a bit of an exaggeration…but I have come very close!). This kind of thing frequently happens in Toronto, a favourite stomping ground for athletes, musicians and actors – and I had encounters with all three over the past couple of weeks!

Got a chance to hear one of the world’s top female athletes the other day.  Tennis superstar Venus Williams gave a talk at the Convention Centre as part of an ongoing “Women of Influence” speaker series.  Much to my surprise (and every one else in the audience), she was soft-spoken and humble – nothing like she is on the courts.  She is also quite the overachiever – not only has she won more Grand Slams than I have games of checkers, but she also has a degree in fashion (with a clothing line to boot), and is now going for a degree in interior design.  Got a chance to say hi after her talk.  For a listing of upcoming speakers, visit http://www.womenofinfluenceluncheon.ca/toronto.html

On the music front, got to go to a very cool private concert by one of Canada’s treasures, Ron Sexsmith.  This was in honour of the Juno awards coming up next week in Toronto (which I wrote about in my last blog).  Ron is unfortunately a bit of a “hidden” treasure – he’s been at it for years, has won numerous Junos, and is the favourite artist of the likes of Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and Elton John (not too shabby!), but he still has not had widespread success.  Go get his new album – Long Player Late Bloomer – it’s stellar.  So was his 45-minute performance at First Canadian Place.  FCP actually has amazing events all year long – worth checking out their website! www.fcpevents.com.

As for “actors”, although the third celeb I met is indeed one- having starred in plays like “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”- he is really better known as a musician as well.  Donny Osmond (!!!) was in town, to announce that he will be coming to Toronto this summer for two weeks (July 5-17) with his sister, bringing DONNY & MARIE LIVE from Las Vegas.  He is still quite the charming young man, and doesn’t look much older than he did on my Osmond Brothers thermos in 3rd grade…

And speaking of Donny and Marie (coming to the Four Seasons Centre on Queen St.West), the show is being brought in Dancap productions, who also announced that Green Day’s American Idiot – a huge hit on Broadway – will be coming to the Toronto Centre for the Arts at the end of December.  And if you think you have the chops to actually be IN the show, they are hosting open-call auditions here in Toronto on March 26!  One final word – if and when you do go to the show, consider Dancap’s pre-theatre pre-fixe dinner which they serve in a beautiful little room right at the Theatre – just tried it the other night – 3 yummy courses for around 40 bucks a person, all in. Find out more at www.dancaptickets.com

Mr. Toronto

Gee, when I come up with such a snappy title for the week’s blog, I feel like I almost deserve a break…. but no, not fair to both my readers to disappoint them, so let me tell you once again about a couple of cool adventures from the life of Mr. Toronto this past week!

I actually went snow shoeing last Sunday (is that Canadian, or WHAT?).  And didn’t have to drive hours to get into the countryside to do it!  Found out about this company – Toronto Adventures – that specializes in providing adventures right here in our city. Their “urban adventures” include snowshoeing in the winter, and  kayaking, canoeing and camping in the warmer weather.  Our group consisted of about a dozen people, and we trecked along the Humber River, starting off by the Old Mill Inn and Restaurant.  Motivated me to buy my own shoes – cheap, portable, great exercise, and easy to do anywhere – I have subsequently been told that other great TO snowshoeing spots include High Park and Earl Bales Park….

As for the “new shows”?  Went to the Princess of Wales Theatre for the announcement of the upcoming Mirvish season.  And what a fantastic season it will be!  Truly one of the strongest I remember in a long time (and coming right off of Billy Elliott, playing now – not too shabby!). Starting with the British hit The Railway Children in May of this year (complete with an actual train as part of the cast) and ending with the Broadway revival of HAIR in April of 2012 (I remember when that innocent nude scene setthe world on fire), the season also includes Noel Coward’s Private Lives (with Kim Cattrall, who made a guest appearance at the announcement); Chess – The Musical (courtesy of the Abba boys who brought you Mamma Mia!); Mary Poppins (yay! How can I NOT go see that?); The Blue Dragon (by Robert Lepage, a Canadian icon); and WarHorse, a play that has taken the UK by storm (and is currently starring my cousin’s boyfriend, not that you should care…).  If the announcement event at the POW was any indication of the “wow” factor of the season, we’re all in for a treat!  I was spellbound during 90 minutes of singing, dancing, videos and puppetry….for more info and tickets, go to www.mirvish.com

So put on your snowshoes and trek on over!

Mr. Toronto