| Toronto | SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE |
| Toronto | SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE |
September 17, 18, 20
Mahler’s glorious Symphony No. 3 launches the latest season of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on September 17, with repeat performances on September 18 and 20. Noted as the Austrian composer’s longest work, the symphony consists of six movements ranging from a jubilant march to a delicate minuet. Conductor Peter Oundjian, mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, the women of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Children’s Chorus all join forces for this stunning—and demanding—piece. Roy Thomson Hall, 8 p.m., $37 to $158; call 416-593-4828 to purchase tickets.
September 25 to 27
To mark its silver anniversary, Harbourfront Centre institution Premiere Dance Theatre—which has hosted renowned international dancers like Karen Kain since 1983—offers exclusive shows all weekend long featuring 25 past performers. 207 Queens Quay W., 8 p.m., $25; call 416-973-4000 to purchase.
August 20 to September 20
If slapstick humour gives you an allergic reaction, Soulpepper has the antidote: two one-act farces on the same bill. Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound deftly skewers theatre critics and murder mysteries as two self-absorbed reviewers become embroiled in events paralleling the play they’re watching. Dramatist Paul Shaffer tips his wit with his play’s title, Black Comedy, where a blackout during a party leaves guests in the dark, resulting in mistaken identities. Founding member William Webster takes on dual roles, as the inspector and a guest, respectively. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Monday to Saturday 8 p.m., $28 to $65; call 416-866-8666 to buy.
On Now
Go hand to fin with some fishy friends at Stingray Bay: A Touching Experience, an exclusive exhibit at the Toronto Zoo. Meet up to 30 of these docile, diamond-shaped creatures related to the shark family, including the cownose and southern ray stingrays. Supervised feedings and keeper talks, too. 361A Old Finch Avenue, general admission $12 to $20, plus special admission ($3) for show; call 416-392-5929 for details.
Opens September 9
When a king who has trouble counting to three embarks on a quest for the Holy Grail, he encounters a flatulent knight, a bloodthirsty rabbit puppet, the Laker Girls (backup dancers for the Lady of the Lake, pictured) and even God himself. But will King Arthur and his merry Knights of the Round Table succeed on their medieval mission? You’ll have to see the Tony Award–winning musical Spamalot to find out! Canon Theatre, Tuesday to Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 and 7 p.m.; $56 to $175; call 416-872-1212 to buy.
Check out these restos just steps away from the theatre for a pre- or post-show dinner: Bâton Rouge, Superior and the Hard Rock Café.
September 18, 19 & 21
They’re back and still hangin’ tough. Famed 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block returns for three reunion shows. All five of the original members—Joey, Jordan, Donnie, Jonathan and Danny—perform the very hits that made the quintet famous, including “Step By Step” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” as well as new songs like “Summertime.” Air Canada Centre, Thursday and Friday 8 p.m., Sunday 7:30 p.m., $39.50 to $75; call 416-870-8000 to charge.
To October 5
Call them the original boy band. From the streets of New Jersey to stages across the U.S., Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi rose to fame during the ’60s with doo-wop hits including “Sherry” and “Walk Like a Man.” Follow the rags to riches tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—one of music’s biggest sensations—in Jersey Boys, a Tony Award–winning musical. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Tuesday to Saturday 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m., $55 to $125; call 416-872-1111 for tickets.
September 18 to 21
Calling all nesters! Inspired living ideas abound at the Toronto Fall Home Show. Design and lifestyle expert Janette Ewen—who has contributed to Canadian House & Home magazine and the daily TV program CityLine—showcases this season’s top trends, products and styles in six dream spaces, helping you adorn your abode from top to bottom. From a well-dressed and welcoming entrance to space-saving tips for the kitchen, Ewen’s visionary decor concepts are influenced by such global looks as classic Hollywood glamour and Middle Eastern spas. Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place, admission $10 and $12; call 1-888-823-7469 for information.
September 27
After four years of performing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, celebrated French-Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion is back on tour, her first in nearly 10 years. And she’s returned with a bang—the bilingual pop diva opens her concert
by being lowered from a platform onto a stage with 20 LED screens, an elevator and a conveyor belt. What follows is a mélange of music, dance and costumes galore as Dion belts out power ballads like “My Heart Will Go On.” Air Canada Centre, 8 p.m., $63.25 to $195; call 416-870-8000 to charge.
September 20
A hybrid of The Three Stooges and The Smurfs, Blue Man Group is a trio of bald, mute and cerulean-paint-covered men. Their new multimedia production, How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.1, is an interactive guide to becoming a rock star in today’s celebrity-obsessed society. If you dare, sit in the first several rows: dubbed the “poncho section” for the protective plastic covers given to audience members, this is where paint, food and other flying stage substances tend to land. Air Canada Centre, 8 p.m., $55 to $85; call 416-870-8000 to purchase.
On Now
As the race to the White House heats up, the always timely Second City presents Barack to the Future. In a cheeky nod to presidential hopeful Barack Obama, this sharp, lively production deftly skewers politics, the economy and the dreaded ‘R’ word—recession. Leaving no stone unturned, this famed comedy company takes jabs at pop culture, ornery bosses and even the raccoons that gorge on your garbage. 51 Mercer St., Tuesday to Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 8 and 10:30 p.m., Sunday 7 p.m., $23 to $28; call 416-343-0011 for tickets.
Stay on top of the best travel news with WHEREmail, our FREE monthly email newsletter.
Win a $100 gift certificate to Elmwood Spa
© Copyright 2006 - 2008.
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited.
WHERE Canada is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Media Inc.
