The combination of the arrival of September, the closing of the CNE for another season, and the kids’ return to school marks the beginning of the end of many things, most noticeably long days and hot weather. But it’s also a month for beginnings, including new dance, music and theatre classes and new seasons for theatre companies looking forward to new productions featuring exciting artists, both new and returning.
This month begins with several of Toronto’s major theatres serving as venues for the Toronto International Film Festival’s introduction of new films. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres have hosted the festival for over 20 years and this year, from September 6 to 16, the TIFF returns with over 50 featured films in both theatres. Roy Thomson Hall and The Princess of Wales Theatre are also major festival hosts and all four theatres will present premium events, which may include red-carpet screenings, world or North American premieres, and/or audience Q&As.
On September 25 at noon, the young artists of the 2018/19 Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio will introduce themselves by singing their favourite arias at the opening event of this season’s Free Concert Series at The Four Seasons Centre.
You saw the National Ballet’s well-loved production of Onegin, based on Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 novel in verse, in 2016. In 2017 you enjoyed the Musical Stage Company’s Canadian musical theatre version of the novel. This fall, why not begin the 2018/19 season by attending the COC’s new production of Eugene Onegin? It runs for eight performances from September 30 to November 3 at The Four Seasons Centre.
Young People’s Theatre opens its 53rd season with a special farewell benefit concert: Sharon, Bram & Friends – A 40th Anniversary Sing-Along Celebration. What a great opportunity for parents (and grandparents) to reminisce before Sharon and Bram retire, while introducing a new generation to these wonderful performers.
The shows noted above represent a small sampling of the great theatre, music and dance happening throughout Toronto in September, in theatres large and small. Which show(s) did you enjoy seeing? Share your thoughts below and if you were at one of Toronto’s large theatres, please help us build our theatre database by submitting a review of the view from your seat on our Homepage.