The most beautiful and imaginative performances I have ever seen in my 40 years of…read moreopera/theatre/ballet Beautiful voices and movement!

Last night I attended the Opera Atelier's production of Armide. A story about a Muslim princess…read morewho is tormented by the love for her kingdom, and the love of a Christian knight, Renaud. This was an opera written by Jean-Baptiste Lully, who was the Louis XIV's Maitre de la musique de la famille royale. This is a Baroque-style opera which incorporates ballet into its repertoire as Louis XIV loved to dance. While most opera's I've seen have been from the Romantic period and are what I would describe as: passionate, dramatic, and intense - this one was the polar opposite. National Post and the Toronto Star gave it rave reviews, but I must disagree. The music that was played was pretty monotonous and had very little inflections. If you closed your eyes all you'd imagine is probably fairies fluttering about, which was not a far stretch from the dancing that appeared on stage, in particular the scene where "love" appears. (Both Love and Hate actually appear as characters in the opera). While reviews have described Armide as "passionate" I think its as dull as ditchwater. Even when the moments were supposed to be serious (e.g. when Semele finally gets the chance to kill Renaud but is torn between her love for country and love for him) I found myself laughing (on the inside of course so as not to disrupt others). The only thing that was remotely interesting were the colourful costumes, with rich hues and the staging. What I learned about myself from attending this production of Armide is that 1) I don't like Baroque and 2) that I probably would've died of boredom if I were part of Louis XIV's court. *snore*

There is a great moment in the 2008 James Bond film "Quantum of Solace", when a villain (having…read morewitnessed a number of collaborators quickly exiting a opera performance upon being outed as enemies by Bond) calmly turns to his wife and says, "Tosca isn't for everyone." There is no question that going to the opera - or symphony, in this case - inspires the same response. Live musical performances are definitely an acquired taste, and I don't fault anyone for not being able to make it through two sustained hours of music. I've dabbled in symphony performances before, having attended several Toronto Symphony Orchestra performances over the last decade, but 2018 was the first year I decided to make visiting the Mississauga Symphony (which operates out of the Living Arts Centre) a regular habit. (Full disclosure: I was able to attend several of the performances via complimentary tickets offered by the staff, due in part to my work with newspapers. I paid for two others over the course of the year.) I attended several shows this year, including the Sounds of Star Wars, Ole! The Music of Spain & Latin America, MÁ VLAST: Music of the Czech Homeland, In Memorium: A Remembrance Day Concert and the most recent, Highlights from Messiah. In all five cases, I've been amazed by the caliber of the performers, the leadership by Maestro Denis Mastromonaco and the quality of the sound in Hammerson Hall. During these performances, I've had to force myself to take in the music and appreciate it more, because it's always a very different experience listening to a work front-to-back, instead of being able to skip around when listening to the same piece on a website or place like Youtube. Hearing Highlights from Messiah (or, as Mastromonaco said before the performance, "Messiah on fast-forward) live was a very unique experience, buoyed by the talents of the four soloists that piped up intermittently between bursts of choral chants from the Miss. Chamber Choir. A fantastic performance all around. I have continued to make the MSO a favored destination over the last year, as it has provided some of the most memorable entertainment in recent memory. Don't believe me? Try visiting during the annual Star Wars concert, when the fan-run 501st Legion runs a costume contest in-between some of the classic tunes played by the full symphony. (Note to anyone listening - please play "Escape from Cloud City" next time. Please?) While the tickets may not necessarily be cheap, they do provide a fantastic experience and quality entertainment if you appreciate live music. Well worth a look.

I have been able to watch a least two concerts a year by the MSO. They continue to remain…read moreconsistent with their program by being uplifting, energizing, highly educational and having great variety. Last weekend I saw their concert, Spring Danse Sacree et profane, by Debussy, was a really beautiful and well balanced performance that featured Erica Goodman on harp. Goodman, followed the work with a solo encore piece depicting a watery theme. I was mesmerized by her technical virtuosity on the harp. Dvorak's Symphony No. 6 had great contrast between the bold, biting movements against the more serene and tranquil movements. A very exciting ending! I am looking forward to the next show, music of Star Wars!

gallerywest (not a miss spell, it's all lower case, trust me) is one of the better galleries in the…read morecity for sure. First of all, and most importantly, the work they show here is quite good. There is an obvious focus on showing more conceptual work, however the technically elaborate kind of art has sneaked its way into the space as well. I have seen everything here from live auditory performances, to architectural miniatures, to shows dedicated solely to video work. More often than not, the work is routed in Canadiana, and more specifically, prairies based artists. It makes sense, since the owner and curator, Evan Tyler, is from Regina. The space is lovely. There are high ceilings, a cool slanted window space, a unique snake like floor layout, and the space is kept nice and clean. There is a room in the back that can get cramped during a show, but it's quite nice when it's close to empty. It kind of feels like a secret. The office is in the middle of the whole place, which I'm on the fence about whether or not that is cool. It's nice that the whoever is watching the gallery that day is right there in the midst of a show, it seems human, but there is a fine line between human and cluttered. I like it personally, but it's a matter of opinion. The shows are the real selling point for this place. I've never felt more comfortable at a show. There is a complete lack of pretension here, and I've never met staff at a gallery who appear to be as stoked as they are to be there. Also, the shows tend to go quite late. They are in all honesty a joy to attend and something that I look forward to every month.

I came here for a Korean pop concert last week. It was for the group called VAV. In the waiting…read morearea there's a water station with plastic glasses. This was a rare and happy find. This is a small-ish venue located close to the Union Station bus terminal as well as parking close by. There is a balcony level as well as a lower level. The seats are on a sloped floor which is appreciated so that everyone should be able to see, unless the person in front of you is a giant.

This theatre is located downtown Toronto and is accessible by transit or car with close underground…read moreparking. It is quite simple on the inside with a bar on the lower level. There is a water dispenser and plastic glasses to help yourself to a glass of water....which was much appreciated. There are large windows on both levels in the lobby. The washrooms on the second level were clean and close to the entrance of the theatre. We were on the balcony level where the seats were a little tight but the view was fine.

Went previously to see the Lion King and just recently "Ones" (Beatles no. 1 hits")…read more If you're into the Beatles, highly recommended. Not only singing along and bopping to all their number one hits but also learning their history and fun facts that I never knew about them. They were truly amazing....." "We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine." The theater layout is well designed with basically no obscured views. Very clean and well maintained despite it's age, a beautiful and classic venue going back in time over 33 years, oh the stories it must have. Plenty of staff to guide and assist you to your assigned seats. Drinks/bar setup on each floor lobby for those who drink on every occasion. The sound and lighting system perfectly complimented each show I sat in the upper level for Lion King and the mid level for Ones, both levels with perfect views of the main stage with clear sound. Protip- take the side exit after the play is over, a lot quicker than going out the main exit where you entered the thester

(Attended 09/12/25 FR @ 9:00pm & 09/13/25 SA @ 6:30pm): This was a princess of a theatre while…read morepatrons wailed with excitement for the movie premieres! Nearing the end of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, I finally nabbed a couple of film screenings at the Princess Of Wales Theatre. One of five venues used to showcase films during the festival, this large single-screen venue showcased some of the gala premieres with an approximate capacity of 2,000+ seating. Opened on May 26, 1993, it was built by the father and son producing team of David and Ed Mirvish, with the Canadian premiere of Miss Saigon. Designed by architect Peter Smith and featured artwork by Frank Stella. It was the first privately built, stand-alone theatre in North America in over 50 years - and the first in Canada since the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Did this theatre make me feel like a princess and provide me with a whale of a time!? PURCHASE(S) Open Captions Screening - "Poetic License" ($29.00CAD): Having world premiered earlier in the festival, this comedy-drama was the feature directorial debut of actress Maude Apatow (daughter of Judd Apatow and Lesle Mann). The story followed a soon-to-be empty nester relocating for her husband's new job. As she attempted to settle in, her entanglement between two college best friends and their fight for her attention sparked the main theme of the film. It was cute, endearing, and sweet as it focused on the character trying to find her footing in a new environment. The pace was very good, the dialog was casual and fresh, and the cinematography was effortless. Sadly, there wasn't a Q&A after this screening. Gala Screening - "Peak Everything" ($29.00CAD): Whether I was drunk, tired, whatever, this film went way over my head, and I lost interest in it fast. Buttered Popcorn Regular Bag ($6.19CAD x2): The addictive aroma of freshly-popped kernels and hot melting butter sucked me in as always. Plus, no movie experience was complete without popcorn and candy (I had no candy...). Armed with only one smallish size to sell, I inhaled these early in the respective films. SERVICE All of this was based during the Toronto International Film Festival and not solely on the general on-hand staff. The online ticket sales were a breeze once you found a film that wasn't sold out. The "Rush Line" sales were quick once tickets were released, and every human being I dealt with from festival staffers/volunteers, ushers, to the concessions was nearly seamless - thank you! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): I was constantly in the area all day throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the many main and surrounding streets, I believed onsite underground parking, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A fairly modern facade, the multi-level interior was beautiful with an old-school movie palace feel, various murals, gorgeous ornation, and bar/concession counters on each level. The seats were cushioned enough (no cup holders nor reclining seats), very good sound system, and slight auditorium seating so someone could've still blocked your view. My first Orchestra Row GG seat I had was a bit angled but fine, while my second Orchestra C Row M seat was really nice except for the cramped seats and tall person in front of me. There were low-incline steps which were easy to climb. Minimal natural lighting came through the lobby windows while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were various monitors, no background music, but there was plenty of chatter all around. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Princess Of Wales Theatre was a beautiful facility, any live performances would be a treat to see here, and I felt there really weren't any bad seats unless you were in the extreme angular areas. Everything ran smoothly, there weren't any real hassles, the concession prices were standard albeit a limited selection of offerings to eat while the ticket prices were elevated as was the norm for a film festival. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $70.00CAD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

I attended 2 comedy shows here (Ashley Gavin last year & Jessica Kirson this year). Both shows were…read moregreat. The theater has a parking lot near by and was pretty easily accessible by transit. The closest subway station is Dufferin. The bus line would be 29C. They will fill your empty water bottle if you happen to bring one. Floor seating was pretty spacious. The balcony seating felt a little squish/cramped.

So Asa live here! It was a good medium sized venue for intimate concerts. The floor is slanted so…read moreif you're standing further back, you're still seeing above most people's heads. (Awesome for us short folks) and there was green P parking very closeby which is a plus

Just finished watching Peter Pan, A Holiday Pantomime with my little nieces. The Oakville Centre…read moreFor The Performing Arts is a perfect community auditorium, seating around 400 people, to host The Burl Oak Theatre Group's production. The Centre was filled, seemingly, to capacity and radiated with energy the of young children and their families. The play, itself was well done. It kept my four and seven year old nieces engaged for two hours- a difficult task to accomplish. Based on the Peter Pan story, of Disney fame, this interpretation is seeded by contemporary and retro songs that had adults and kids bouncing in their seats. Accolades to the director, Chantal Forde and Tim Cadney, who played Captain Hook and Mr. Darling, are merited. The latter actor stole the show. Bravo!

Scratch one off my bucket list!! We had the privilege of seeing Teri Clark perform live at the…read moreOakville Centre for the Performing Arts last night (March 25, 2017), and she gives a terrific show! Jessica Simpson was the opening act for the first half hour, then there was a 20 minute break, and then Teri and her band belted out the tunes for an hour and a half! Fabulous!! Meanwhile, I purchased the tickets on line which was easy, and they were scanned easily to get in. The staff was friendly and helpful. The seats were close and comfy in this intimate theatre, and it holds about 1000 people (looked like it was sold out). Although they sell beverages during the intermission, there's also a water dispenser in the wall (like at a hockey rink, to fill a bottle), and the facility provides plastic cups - and the water is tasty and free! To top it all off, they ask people to toss the cups in recycling. I would go back.

A small theatre for smaller audiences…read more CAA Theatre was the venue where we caught the Cat Kid Comic Club The Musical as well as its related Dogman The Musical. The shows were catered to kids who were already fans of Cat Kid and Dogman, featuring many outlandish songs and fun acts. The short show kept the audience quite engaged. Dogman featured a short intermission for refreshment. There's a small refreshment and souvenir stand at the entrance just before the main theatre. The theatre itself is smaller than some of the other Mirvish theatres in town. It has a dark high ceiling similar to other modern musical or movie theatres without the grand decor. The washrooms are situated in the basement. It's a no frills venue that does the job of hosting smaller broadway shows. Just be careful not to mistaken it for CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre that is several streets south. Parking is available at the Charles Street Green P garage nearby. Skip it or hit it? It's fine to catch a short show, just don't expect a fancy Mirvish theatre experience.

Finally! A production at this theatre that I wanted to see, Good location. Good seats and layout…read more The food and drink choices are reasonable compared to other theatres.