Mr. Toronto

Sorry it’s been a while, but it’s been a VERY busy couple of weeks in Hogtown (still not 100% sure why we call it that…). On the sports front, went to my first Toronto FC soccer game of the season, which is always a hoot. Great crowd/vibe, and beautiful new stadium (down at Exhibition Place), complete with unique and yummy food options – not your usual pizza and dog fare (though they have that too), but options reflecting the multicultural diversity of the crowd – British, Indian, South American….we even ended up winning the game, and are actually doing well this season! As are those Blue Jays! Going to my first Jays game of the season on Sunday, so will report on that next week…

On the entertainment front, finally- after trying for 2 years, since it opened – got to ride on the Behemoth, Canada’s Wonderland’s GIANT new rollercoaster. The park just opened last week for the season, and I raced to the front of the line as soon as the gates opened. Front of the line, front of the coaster – OMG!!! It really did live up to it’s hype- totally outrageous. Do it!!

Also got to see Bruce Springsteen at the Air Canada Centre last week – 5th row (sorry to rub it in). Have seen the Boss many times (the first being at Princeton University gym back in ’78), and he has lost very little of his energy and magic. AWESOME three-hour show.

Finally, went to opening of “Tuesdays with Morrie” – play based on best selling book (and movie with Jack Lemmon). Just started at Winter Garden Theatre, and running til end of May (get Tuesdays with Morrie tickets at Ticketmaster.ca). Regardless of whether or not play was good (and it was), worth it just to see the magnificent theatre* and the star of the show, Hal Linden, who was Barney Miller for those of you who remember one of the best sitcoms ever!!

Man, I’m exhausted just thinking about my last couple weeks! (Yeah, I know, cry me a river…)

Til next time,

Mr. Toronto

*Designated a national historic site in 1982, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre is the last “double-decker” or stacked Edwardian theatre facility in the world. Built in 1913 as the flagship of the famous Loews chain of vaudeville theatres, the 1,500-seat Elgin theatre (downstairs) is a sumptuous affair with royal boxes and exquisite gilded plaster details. Upstairs, however, is the magical Winter Garden, named for the trompe l’oeil paintings of vines and pastoral, and the fabulous simulated fire-proof garden that hangs from the roof, including thousands of beech boughs. Multi-million dollar renovations mean that for all the ambiance, these two theatres are state-of-the-art.

Been a busy week in the entertainment capital of the world (well, North America, anyway…OK, OK – Canada for sure!!). Fleetwood Mac at the Air Canada Centre last Tuesday – they’re all looking a little older, but hey- so am I. And they can still rock. Never realized what a phenomenal guitar player Lindsay Buckingham is…ACC is not my favourite concert venue in the City- would rather catch anything at Massey Hall, The Music Hall or the Phoenix. Even Celine Dion would be tolerable.

Wednesday night, went to the opening of Spring Awakening, the latest Mirvish offering at the Canon Theatre. Not quite as sharp as the Broadway production, but a really interesting premise, and some decent toons for a musical…$25 student tickets available day of show!

Thursday night, caught 3 hot sets of Blues at Monarchs Pub at the Delta Chelsea Hotel. I think I mentioned this last week – Jerome Godboo and Jack de Keyzer, 2 of Canada’s most renowned musicians (harmonica and guitar, respectively) – are playing there every Thursday night through April – for FREE! Awesome.

Saturday night, caught a flick at the Rainbow Cinema. Pretty unmemorable movie, but wanted to let you know about the Rainbow, cuz it’s the cheapest first-run theatre in Toronto. Located down on Front Street across from the St. Lawrence food market (a must-see as well); most expensive ticket is 8 bucks, and it goes down from there depending on when you go…

Sunday, was back at the ACC, this time for a Toronto Raptors basketball game. Whether you enjoy watching sporting events or not, Raptors games are a hoot. Lots of loud music, on-court antics, and…cheerleading. The Raptors even won this one, a rare added bonus. They even scored 100 points, which meant the whole arena got a free slice of pizza. Great time to see the Raptors, until the season ends in a month or so – lots of empty seats, which means lots of scalpers parting with tickets for way below cost…

And now I’m off to another play, the opening of Shirley Valentine (remember the movie?) at the CanStage Theatre. This show- and theatre company- are a great break from the usual mega-musicals that can kind of get to you after a while…dinner first at a great Moroccan restaurant next door – The Sultan’s Tent. Too bad I don’t have time for the belly dancing show (really!)

Concerts, clubs, plays (both big and small), major league sports, good eats – Phew! I’m exhausted just writing about the week of excitement I’ve had in T.O.

Talk to you again soon-
Mr. Toronto