This month’s top stage shows include a classic April Fool, a gathering of drag queens, murder, and, of course, the circus. Here are this month’s big tickets.
1. Go to Steve Patterson
Most Canadian comedy fans know and love comic Steve Patterson for his role as the host of hit radio show The Debaters on the CBC. But Patterson has also been a touring standup, and he’s celebrating 25 years in the biz with a special live album recording at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on Saturday, April 29.
Patterson will record two shows, at 4 and 8 p.m., promising his multitude of multi-generational fans the opportunity to enjoy his latest material as well as a few classic favourites from years past.
When asked why the comedy matinee instead of a late show, Patterson pronounces, “I know a lot of people that don’t want to see a live comedy show that starts late at night anymore. And I am one of them.”
For the past 16 years, Patterson has helmed the hit radio show and podcast The Debaters, as well as the special touring edition that plays at locations across the country.
2. See Kooza
The iconic Cirque du Soleil big top will be back in Toronto this month with the show Kooza, running April 7 to June 18, at 2150 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
Following its launch in 2022, Kooza has played around the world to close to eight million spectators with more than 4,000 performances in 65 cities across 22 countries.
“Kooza evokes the yesteryear of traditional circus with a timeless wonder. It is an emotional roller coaster ride that will make you laugh out loud in one breath, and gasp in awe and anticipation in the next breath,” said Mike Newquist, President, Touring Shows Division, Cirque du Soleil. “Last year the world was rebuilding, and now is a time to have fun again, to laugh again, and to believe in the possibilities — which is what Kooza encapsulates.”
3. Go to Violet Chachki
Probably the biggest and best drag queen on the planet, Violet Chachki (pictured above) is hitting Toronto and bringing her bestie GOTTMIK along with her. Fresh off a performance at the Grammys, the duo is set to light the Danforth Music Hall on fire with their No Gorge Tour, featuring stunning performances of their favourite tunes. The performance is scheduled for April 27.
4. Go to Macbeth
The Canadian Opera Company’s latest production is that most-classic tale of ambition, obsession and tragedy, which form the heart of Verdi’s take on Macbeth. The classic murder rampage in the Scottish highlands hits the Four Seasons Centre on April 28 and runs until May 20.
This premiere production is directed by Sir David McVicar and stars Quinn Kelsey as Macbeth.
5. See The Simon & Garfunkel Story
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an acclaimed concert-style theatre show that has played in 50 countries around the world. The show follows two young boys from Queens, New York, who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Using state of the art video projection, incredible lighting and a full live band, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a moving and powerful concert featuring all the hits such as “Mrs Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” “The Sound Of Silence” and many more. The show runs April 11 to 16 at the CAA Theatre.
6. See Vierge
Factory Theatre will play host to the world premiere of Rachel Mutombo’s new work Vierge running April 8 to 30.
Directed by Natasha Mumba, the play Vierge tells the story of 16-year-old Divine, who doesn’t really fit in anywhere, and her only real friend is Jesus (Christ). That all changes when her family joins a new church, and through the other girls in her youth group she discovers the world around her is not as it seems. Vierge follows four Congolese Canadian teenage girls as they journey to navigate between the pressures of Christianity, virginity and teenage hormones in this new work about faith, community and sex.
