Mr. Toronto

Let’s talk comedy for a minute. Makes sense, since Canada – and Toronto- is the epicentre of humour. Really. John Candy, Martin Short, SCTV…all home-grown. And Second City is still keeping the SCTV spirit alive with nightly sketch comedy shows (just started their newest one called “0% Down, 100% Screwed”…). Just for Laughs festival, hugely popular in Montreal, just branched out into Toronto last year for the first time, and has another A-list roster coming to Toronto for this summer’s festival in June. And my main man, Jerry Seinfeld, is coming to T.O. for 2 shows in a couple weeks at Massey Hall – can’t wait!!!

Speaking of Massey Hall (my favourite place for ANY kind of show), if you want to grab a dynamite bite beforehand, a new little Italian joint has just opened up down the street (106 Victoria St., to be exact…) .Osteria Ciceri E Tria. Doesn’t get more authentic than this outside of Italy…owned and operated by the same folks who run Terroni on Adelaide Street- still one of the best and most happening Italian restaurants in the city (the wood burning is to die for….)

That’s it for now – TTYL

Mr. Toronto

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