The play’s the thing: A rundown of what’s hot on the Toronto theatre scene

Welcome to The Play’s the Thing, your go-to column for a comprehensive rundown of the vibrant and dynamic theatre scene currently unfolding in Toronto. In this column, we’ll spotlight the latest and greatest productions gracing stages across the city. Let’s find out what’s happening now. 

Les Miserables, Fantastique

There is always something about Les Miserables. It could be a certain performer, a unique slant by the director. But this time, with this production at the iconic Princess of Wales theatre, what stands out is the incredible set design.

This isn’t any old project the old Paris streets onto a giant screen production. The sets are elaborate, massive and really feels like the audience is immersed in the play adapted from the classic French historical novel by Victor Hugo.

Yes, the cast is amazing, my goodness, and in all the right places, namely Jean Valjean played by Nick Cartell who provided a balanced performance that had such touching subtlety and incredible control.

And, Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem provide pitch-perfect comic relief as the master of the house, Thénardier and Madam Thénardier.

This is a fantastic production in a gorgeous setting for a special night out at the theatre.

A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay about the Death of Walt Disney

Alright, I will admit to thinking this was actually a public reading of a play to be produced sometime in the distant future, but when I heard it was actually the latest from Mitchell Cushman things got real interesting, real fast.

Cushman is, of course, a wonderfully creative director and founder of Outside the March. He’s had a hand in creating some incredible immersive productions such as The Tape Escape where he took over the former Queen Video and turned it into a site-specific theatrical escape room as well as the Dora Award-winning Jerusalem at Crow’s Theatre.

So, audiences can expect a very unique experience with Cushman’s first c0-production with Soulpepper. The play, A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay about the Death of Walt Disney, sounds deliciously dark, and is described as “A 70-minute, intricately orchestrated merry-go-round written in a style akin to a hypercaffeinated David Mamet.” And, here the entire audience is sitting on the stage, so tickets will be limited for the run that gets underway April 13 and extends just until May 5. 

This is one you won’t want to miss.

World Premiere: Shaniqua in Abstraction

Bahia Watson is having a moment.  Renowned for her 2022 summer sensation Mashup Pon Di Road, and following her inspired work in Uncle Vanya, Watson returns with a bold stroke in her latest, Shaniqua in Abstraction. And, this time it is only Watson. Seamlessly blending incisive wit with profound cultural insight, this one-woman show promises a captivating exploration of identity and womanhood.

Watson’s latest endeavour promises to entertain while pushing the boundaries of societal norms. Embracing a philosophy of art for the people, Paul Watson Productions champions artists who dare to defy oppressive structures with a spirit of playfulness and innovation.

Partnering with the esteemed Obsidian Theatre Company, a beacon for Black voices in Canadian theatre, Shaniqua in Abstraction promises an unforgettable journey through the complexities of identity and the power of self-expression.

Will this be another shining moment for Watson, who left audiences breathless with her final monologue in Uncle Vanya? We would not bet against her.

Shaniqua in Abstraction runs at the Crow’s Theatre, April 9-28.

A month and counting until Six The Musical closes

As the popular production of Six The Musical approaches the end of its huge run, audiences are preparing to bid farewell to the global sensation, and one of the longest running Mirvish shows in a time.

If you don’t know yet, Six reimagines the stories of Henry VIII’s wives, turning centuries of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power complete with catchy tunes, and big-time performances.

The Broadway show earned a staggering 23 awards during the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Original Score.

The Toronto production of Six has been particularly praised for its exuberant cast, led by performers who bring both vocal prowess and charismatic energy to their roles.

If you still want to see what all the fuss has been about, but have been sitting on your proverbial hands, the clock is ticking.

The Six-Hour Production that is Inheritance Pts 1 and 2

Looking for a serious theatrical adventure? Check out Canadian Stage’s new production of The Inheritance, a six-hour drama shown in two parts.

The Inheritance at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto offers a contemporary reinterpretation of E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End, delving into the lives of 30-something New Yorkers Eric and Toby. Their engagement is interrupted by encounters with older and younger men, sparking unexpected choices and collisions across three generations.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this modern masterpiece explores themes of love, loss, and legacy in the shadow of the AIDS crisis. Presented in two parts, the play skillfully weaves together past and present, drawing parallels with iconic works like Angels in America while paying homage to Forster’s classic novel.

The production directed by the talented Brendan Healy, and stars some incredible Canadian theatre talent including: Qasim Khan, Stephen Jackman-Torkoff, Antoine Yared, and Daniel MacIvor with Salvatore Antonio, Aldrin Bundoc, Hollywood Jade, Breton Lalama, Jim Mezon, Landon Nesbitt, Ben Page, Louise Pitre, and Gregory Prest.

Of course, being in two parts does mean buying twice as many tickets if you want the full monty.

For more information head to the Canadian Stage website.

World Premiere: El Terremoto

Tarragon Theatre is unveiling the world premiere of El Terremoto, penned by Dora Award–winning playwright Christine Quintana, running until 21. Set against the backdrop of a seismic event, this comedic drama delves into the lives of the Jurado sisters, offering a poignant exploration of immigrant identity and the complex interplay between success, determination and suppressed desires and vibrant characters. The production is directed by Guillermo Verdecchia.

Coming Soon

Woking Phoenix: co-created by Silk Bath Collective members Bessie Cheng, Aaron Jan, and Gloria Mok, intricately explores a family’s resilience in small-town Ontario over two decades. Woking Phoenix delves into intergenerational relationships and Chinese diasporic culture, departing from previous sci-fi themes to focus on family dynamics and food culture. Opening at Theatre Passe Muraille on April 18. 

Mad Madge: Opening at the Theatre Centre on April 12, Mad Madge, a Nightwood Theatre production, is directed by Andrea Donaldson and starring Rose Napoli as Margaret Cavendish, a 17th-century poet, philosopher, and scandal-maker, in a humorous contemporary-period mashup that explores the pursuit of fame and attention.