February, 2019

Phew, we made it through the frigid temperatures and snow of January that encouraged all but the hardiest to stay warm and dry at home, and now theatre lovers have something to look forward to as music, dance and theatre companies begin announcing their 2019/20 seasons. Anticipation of upcoming outings to both new productions and repeat favourites should definitely warm fans’ hearts no matter what winter brings this month.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has already announced its 2019/20 season, which will feature the usual great variety of classical music, pops, a few live orchestra with film presentations and in 2020, a celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. In the short term, this month’s concerts at Roy Thomson Hall feature Brahms, Dvořák and Bartok, and a film with live orchestra presentation of the classic romantic movie Casablanca.

At the George Weston Recital Hall, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra presents its Winter Concert on February 17 featuring Morawetz, Sibelius and Rachmaninoff. And on February 24, Orchestra Toronto presents Come Together: 50 Years After Abbey Road, a tribute to British rock of the 60s and 70s.

The Canadian Opera Company is presenting Elektra and Così Fan Tutte at the Four Seasons Centre through most of February and on the 20th, Jessye Norman will receive the prestigious Glenn Gould Prize for artistic achievement at a gala concert that will bring together leading artists from around the world to sing in her honour.

The big event of the 2019/20 Mirvish season will be the musical phenomenon Hamilton, arriving in February of 2020.  It will be part of a subscription package that also includes The Band’s Visit (which swept the Tony Awards with 10 wins last year, including for Best Musical) along with four other big productions. A limited quantity of new subscriptions will be available for the 2019/20 season; complete a form on the Mirvish website to apply.

Meanwhile, the Canadian production of beloved musical Come From Away will celebrate its first anniversary in Toronto during February. After playing the Royal Alexandra Theatre for almost a year, it is relocating to the Elgin Theatre on February 5. The show is holding a first-night fundraiser with proceeds to support the conservation of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre. The fundraiser will feature a pre-show Newfoundland pub experience; silent and live auction prizes, including a two-night stay in Newfoundland; and a post-show celebration with members of the cast, crew and band on the Elgin stage. Tickets for regular performances are currently on sale through June 30th. If you see the show at the Elgin Theatre, please share your thoughts on the view from your seat here.

The smash comedy The Play That Goes Wrong continues at the Ed Mirvish Theatre through February 10. It will be followed by Jukebox Hero: The Musical, featuring the greatest hits of rock band Foreigner, from February 20 – 24.

Beginning February 9, superstar Sting will star in The Last Ship, “his heartfelt and empowering new musical in an exclusive production created for Toronto alone!” It’s onstage at the Princess of Wales Theatre through March 24.

There are superb companies performing excellent theatre, music and dance throughout the city; the shows noted above represent just a small sampling of what’s on this month at the major theatres listed on our homepage. If you see a show at one of Toronto’s large theatres, please help us build our database by submitting a review of the view from your seat.

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