Soulpepper - A Christmas Carol

No matter how many times I've seen this classic Christmas tale performed by Soulpepper, it is amazing. Brought three first-timers with me this evening, who really enjoyed it. The staging is clever, the acting is great, particularly the ghosts and Ebenezer. A fantastic seasonal family show.

Ross Petty - Peter Pan in Wonderland

A hilarious mash-up of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, laced with jokes galore, Peter Pan in Wonderland is another successful, funny family show. Ross Petty's last performance as the evil pirate capped off years of our family tradition enjoying his pantos. While we will continue to make this a key part of our holiday celebrations, we will miss him. 

Ossington Theatre - It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

As charming as the movie, the radio play evoked the same emotions and we felt like we were part of the live broadcast. A talented cast, playing multiple roles with adept impressions - the Jimmy Stewart impersonator was the best. 

Mirvish - Traces: 7 Fingers

A seamless series of circus acts with barely enough interludes for the performers to catch their breath, this is an incredibly talented, strong and charismatic cast. Non-stop action, thrills and amazing feats - we strongly recommend this show!

Mirvish - The Phantom of the Opera

This new version of the Phantom does not disappoint. The sets and costumes are absolutely awesome.‎ The chandelier is a real centerpiece. The music, of course, is the original score - so amazing and the three main characters gave us everything we could hope for.

TSO POPS - Cirque de la Symphonie: Holiday Hits

Awesome and amazing - another outstanding night with the TSO. The festive music beautifully complemented the acrobatics. In particular, the Bolero version of the Little Drummer Boy was a fitting serenade for the strong men, both of which were  unbelievable. A very holiday spirit, lifted even higher by the ESA chorus.‎ The performance in the lobby before the show by the U of T Trombone Choir was a special treat - look out for more performances by them in the new year.

Dee Snider's Rock and Roll Christmas

Campy and fun, this unique version of a familiar tale of learning to appreciate what you already have and almost wasted, really rocked in the Christmas spirit.

Art of Time Ensemble - To All a Good Night

Another series of great arrangements on a stage filled with superior talent. The first half was a fantastic big band version of The Nutcracker. The second half was a seasonal treat with a mixture of less well know Christmas songs and our favourite classics, with innovative arrangements, including a few mash-ups. The vocalists were all fabulous and charming, capped off by the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus.

Mirvish - Cinderella

With some tweaks to the traditional story and comic approach, this version of Cinderella is appealing to both the young, of which there were plenty in evidence, and the old. You didn't quite know what to expect all the time, which made for a fresh experience. 

Factory Theatre - Bombay Black

Extremely well done, this gender bending portrayal of love, pain, regret and revenge was compelling. The acting was outstanding - we strongly recommend this play.