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Family Oriented
Theatre, Concert
& Special Events
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 HOToronto Magazine would like to provide the following events and
activities you can you enjoy with your family throughout the year.
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| -- 2012 -- |
| January |
January 4 - 5, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
The Wind in the Willows
in The Studio Theatre
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Recommended for ages 3 to 8Based on one of the best loved children's books of all time,
The Wind in the Willows delights audiences with gorgeous puppets, innovative staging and
compelling live music. Kenneth Grahame's deep love and respect for nature inspired this
unforgettable story about shy Mole, urbane Rat and incorrigible Toad and their life along
the riverbank.
"This production was very accessible for children. Thanks for your efforts. You are a
very talented team!" ~ TEACHER, Ottawa Carleton District School Board |
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January 21*, 22*, 28, 29, February 4, 5 @ 11am & 2pm
The Emperor's New Clothes
(Musical Play) Ages 3 - 10
Adaptation by Zenon Skrzypczyk
Music by Martyn SkrzypczykIf the only things you care about are how you look and how
fancy your clothes are, can you be a leader? Perhaps, if you learn a lesson about what is
important in life. This humourous and theme-filled tale by Hans Christian Anderson is
adapted and presented with music and fun by our talented Solar Stage actors.
*Opening Weekend Discount January 21 & 22 only, all single tickets $12. |
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January 22 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Aga-Boom
Theatre of Physical Comedy
Markham Theatre for Performing Arts
Aga-Boom is an interactive mayhem that carries audiences to the other side of the funhouse
mirror, with outrageous zaniness and unrestrained laughter. Created by veteran of Cirque
Du Soleil Dimitri Bogatirev, Aga-Boom was nominated for the Ovation Award, in the category
of best touring show, along with The Producers, 42nd Street, Lily Tomlin and Elaine
Stritch.
This is an explosion of pure family fun—for children and adults alike—and
nothing you have ever seen before!“Masterly clowning with its own originality...
Pure family fun.” ~ New York Times |
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| February |
February 4, 2012 @ 1 pm, 4pm
Clifford the Big Red Dog - A Family Musical
Hammerson Hall Ages 2+
It only takes a little to BE BIG™! In conjunction with the beloved BIG
dog’s 50th anniversary in 2012, celebrate the timeless values of
Clifford’s BIG Ideas - Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be
Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe In Yourself, Be A Good Friend and Help Others.
These sentiments have never been more fun as Clifford and his friends from Birdwell Island
- Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone – embark on new adventures. With memorable
songs and choreography – there will be even more of him to love in this ALL NEW
musical – sure to delight the entire family!
© Scholastic Inc. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is a trademarks of Norman Bridwell. All
Rights Reserved. |
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February 5 at 2:30 p.m.
Al Simmons
David S. Howes Theatre, Centre for the Arts Brock University
When Al Simmons comes to town, he brings his zany sense of humour, a vaudevillian
repertoire of jokes, songs and magic tricks and enough laughs for every kid (big or small)
in the audience two or three times over. With madcap costumes, props that will have you
laughing until it hurts and a sense of timing that will cause your guffaws to trip over
one another, Al Simmons is a one-man comedian, entertainer, singer extraordinaire who will
have you and your kids rolling in the aisles. This former star of the television show, All
for Fun and frequent guest of Fred Penner’s Place and Sesame Street is bound to
delight and entertain, so come down to the Centre for the Arts for our very own zany
one-man wonderful show by Al Simmons. |
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February 6, at 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm
Clifford
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing ArtsIt only takes a little to BE BIG! In
conjunction with the beloved BIG dog’s 50th anniversary in, celebrate the
timeless values of Clifford’s BIG Ideas - Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work
Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe In Yourself, Be A Good Friend and
Help Others.
These sentiments have never been more fun as Clifford and his friends from Birdwell
Island - Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone - embark on new adventures. With memorable songs
and choreography - there will be even more of him to love in this ALL NEW musical - sure
to delight the entire family!
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February 6 to 20, 2012
THE GREAT MOUNTAIN
Written by Tracey Power
Produced by Red Sky Performance
MAINSTAGE, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-7
First Nations adventure story that examines environmental issues using drama, dance and
movement
Young Nuna has started to hear things she can't figure out. Her grandmother realizes
that Nuna has inherited the ability to hear the spirits of rushing rivers and soaring
mountains. So she takes her granddaughter to the river of her own childhood and entrusts
her to a boatman who will bring Nuna to where a glacier is melting and the spirit of a
great mountain is sorrowfully weeping. Does Nuna have the power to answer the mountain's
call for assistance? Along her journey, Nuna discovers the transformative power of nature
and the importance of courage in this entertaining re-telling of the Aboriginal story of
Jumping Mouse. |
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February 11 & 12 @ 11am & 2pm
Babar
(Play with Music) Ages 3 - 10
by Little Red TheatreBabar, by Jean De Brunhoff, tells the story of a young elephant
who leaves the jungle, visits a big city and returns to the jungle to become a king and
share his discoveries with his family and other elephants. Babar's adventures are related
in engaging and amusing fashion that children can relate to and learn from. |
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February 14 & 15, 8 p.m.
Swan Lake
presented by The State Ballet Theatre of Russia
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing ArtsThe State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings
the world's most beloved ballet to glorious life! This company of distinguished dancers
(known in Russia as the Voronezh State Theatre of Opera and Ballet) has showcased the
unparalleled art of Russian ballet to countries throughout the world. |
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February 18, 11 am
Jason and the Argonauts
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Jason’s uncle isn’t exactly lovable...he’s murdered
Jason’s father, the King, banished Jason as a baby and stolen the kingdom.
Nobody has dared to stand up to him...until now. Jason is all grown up and ready to claim
his rightful place on the throne! He and his crew must sail on The Argo to the other side
of the world to find the Golden Fleece and bring it back in order to unite the people.
Using two actors, a handful of action figures and one incredible wooden cart, Visible
Fictions creates an adventure story that will inspire the hero in each of us. |
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February 18 & 19 @ 11am & 2pm
Robin Hood
(Interactive Play) Ages 4 & up
by DuffleBag TheatreOne of the most celebrated companies at festivals and schools
across the country presents the classic story of Robin Hood. Filled with wit and 'laugh
out loud' humour, this interactive plot with a 'twist' will be a truly unique and
hilarious experience. Have fun getting involved in the story telling! Book early! Tickets
sell fast! |
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February 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre - Medicine Bear
David S. Howes Theatre, Centre for the Arts Brock University
Medicine Bear is inspired by two traditional Iroquois stories about the gift and knowledge
of natural medicine. Created for young audiences, this performance celebrates Iroquois
song, dance and storytelling and shares virtues of compassion, respect, caring, healing
and generosity. Your family will enjoy this world premiere from acclaimed Kaha:wi Dance
Theatre. |
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February 20 - March 18
Memorable Munsch
(Play) Ages 3 - 10
Play Adaptation (from Munsch) by William MartynWe bring back our traditional and very
popular series of Munsch stories done as one play. Enjoy our new collection, Put Me in a
Book, Alligator Baby, Just One Goal and Andrew's Loose Tooth, presented in skillful and
comic Solar Stage fashion. Your children love to read Munsch! They'll be entranced by the
play! Please note special times!
Regular Dates: February 25 & 26, March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2012
Regular Times: 11am & 2pm
Family Day: February 20, 2012
Family Day Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm & 3:30pm
March Break March 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16, 2012
March Break Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm & 3:30pm
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February 27 to March 17, 2012
THE NEVERENDING STORY
Written by Michael Ende; adapted for the stage by David S. Craig
Produced by Roseneath Theatre
MAINSTAGE, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-8
The adventure classic presented in an innovative new production
Bastian is a bullied boy who escapes his troubles by burying himself in books. His
latest – impulsively stolen in an old bookshop – has drawn him into an adventure
like no other. The Childlike Empress of the land of Fantastica faces oblivion by a
frightening enemy known only as The Nothing. The Empress enlists a boy of Bastian's
age named Atreyu to shoulder the daunting task of eradicating The Nothing,
informing him that he will have both magical helpers and angry opponents in his quest. As
the adventure unfolds, Bastian discovers that both he and Arteyu are locked in battles to
find or hold onto the power to make change in their different worlds, but it is Bastian
who holds the key for both. |
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| March |
March 3, 11 am and 2 pm
Richard Scarry's Busytown
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
A brand new live production, Richard Scarry’s Busytown is a one of a kind
interactive experience based on the best-selling children’s books by Richard
Scarry. With catchy original music, fabulous costumes and a charming storyline, the
incredible world of Richard Scarry comes alive onstage. Follow the adventures of six
unforgettable friends as they search for answers to solve a mystery and bring out the
detective in all of us. |
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March 4, 1:00 & 3:30 pm
Richard Scarry's Busytown
Koba Entertainment
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Recommended for ages 2 to 5Follow the adventures of Huckle and Sally Cat, Lowly Worm,
Hilda Hippo, Pig Will, Pig Won't and more as they put their minds together to solve the
many daily mysteries of Busytown. |
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March 13 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Jamie Adkins - "Circus Incognitus"
An Unforgettable One-Man Circus Comedy
Markham Theatre for Performing Arts
Winner of multiple awards, Jamie Adkins, an eclectic clown, juggler, balancing artist and
one-hundred percent poet from Montréal’s Cirque Éloize, is now charming audiences
on Broadway and Worldwide! He has taken his performance far beyond the bounds of a single
role and created an artistic event that springs from his own inner world.
"Though Mr. Adkins' best routine draw OOHS and AHS, he is just as successful at
drawing laughs." ~ New York Times |
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March 14 at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Judy & David's "GoldiRocks" - The Rockin' Family Musical
Markham Theatre for Performing Arts
The musical that started it all! Don't miss the triumphant return of Judy & David's
first family musical. This show is a hilarious, rockin’' spin on Goldilocks and the
Three Bears. Featuring Juno Award-winning children's entertainers, Judy & David,
GoldiRocks is great high-energy family fun for children age 3 to 9 years. |
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March 15, 2012 @ 1 pm, 4pm
Richard Scarry's Busytown Busy
Hammerson Hall Ages 3+
For more than 50 years, children around the world have grown up with Richard Scarry's
best-selling books centered on his busy world of iconic animal characters and their
whimsical vehicles. With over 150 million books sold worldwide, the series quickly soared
off the pages and on to the small screen with the Busytown Mysteries series. With loveable
characters and a focus on pre-school problem solving, fun and learning, the Busytown brand
has been enjoyed by over three generations of children in more than 80 countries around
the world.
Richard Scarry's Busytown: Busytown Busy captures the incredible world of Richard
Scarry, and follows the adventures of his six unforgettable friends Huckle & Sally
Cat, Lowly Worm, Hilda Hippo, plus Pig Will and Pig Won't. Together the friends search for
the answers to a series of unique bamboozling mysteries and discover some fascinating
surprises along the way. With catchy sing-along songs and lots of audience interaction,
Richard Scarry's Busytown: Busytown Busy will bring out the detective in us all! |
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March 24 @ 11am & 2pm
The Shoestring Magic Flute
(Opera For Childen) Ages 4 - 10
by Shoestring OperaIntroduce your children to the magic of opera! Shoestring Opera
returns with Mozart's famous story of Allegra and the dark forest. You will enjoy the
funny story and the marvelous singing! A sell out last year. Order early! |
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March 25 @ 11am & 2pm
Sing & Dance
(Music Concert) Ages 3 - 8
with Jack GrunskyThe Juno and multiple award winner, Jack Grunsky is back with more
beautiful songs. His upbeat music and friendly personality always ensure a fun,
interactive performance. Jack Grunsky always sells out! Buy your tickets early! |
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March 31*, April 1*, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21*, 22*, 28 at 11am & 2pm
Beauty and The Beast
(Musical Play) Ages 3 - 10
Musical Adaptation by Zenon Skrzypczyk
Music by Martyn SkrzypczykIs how you look more important than how you behave? Our
interactive presentation of Mme de Villeneuve's tale will answer that question in song and
dance. You will enjoy the story of the beautiful and revealing friendship of Beauty and
her Beast.
*Opening Weekend Discount Days March 31 & April 1 only, all single tickets $12.
*Easter Weekend Discount Days April 21 & 22 only, all single tickets $12. |
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| April |
April 1 at 2:30 p.m.
The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare by Light Wire Theatre
Sean O Sullivan Theatre, Centre for the Arts Brock University
Electroluminescent crayon-like creatures light up the night as Light Wire Theatre bring to
life two classic children’s stories about underdogs and the potential for
transformation and self-acceptance. Han Christian Anderson’s classic tale of The Ugly
Duckling and Aesop’s fable of The Tortoise and the Hare are revived with stunning and
colourful grace.
Truly unique and visually dazzling, Light Wire's cutting edge blend of puppetry,
technology and music will make our darkened theatre home to a host of unforgettable
puppets. Classic and important stories about trusting your instincts and having faith in
yourself are retold in a new, unique and fun way to new generations. |
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April 2 to 21, 2012
JACK AND THE GIANT BEANSTALK
Written by Linda A. Carson
MAINSTAGE, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES JK-3
An interactive play where the problems on Jack's farm are solved by more than just
magic beans!
This new spin on the much-loved story finds Jack, a farmer's son, surrounded by land that
just won't grow anything. "The dirt's dead" says his father, who sells-off
everything they own, little by little, to buy food so they can eat. When Jack finally has
to sell his toys for food, he trades them instead for magic beans, which takes him on an
amazing journey of excitement and peril. Jack climbs the giant stalk from which the magic
beans grow and reaches a green and fertile land in the sky. There, Jack discovers the
source of the trouble with his farmland and learns how to make it fertile again.
Commissioned by LKTYP and developed with help from children at Casa Loma Early Learning
Centre, this production uses audience participation and a magical surrounding environment. |
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April 11, 7:00 pm
Alice in Wonderland
THÉÂTRE TOUT A TRAC
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
A tardy rabbit, an egg on a wall that fears his fall, a grinning cat, a Mad Hatter that
sips his tea, a Queen of Hearts who enjoys chopping off heads, and a young girl who
refuses to do her homework. Alice in Wonderland revisited by Théâtre Tout à Trac: A
marvelous tribute to childhood, to power of dreams and imagination. For children and
adults who still enjoy chasing white rabbits. |
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April 29 @ 11am & 2pm
Bungalow Bugs!
(Musical Puppet Show) Ages 3 - 8
by Alistair Ant ProductionsSoli and Rob have just found a new place to live. It's the
perfect little house, except for one detail. It is already home to Alistair Ant and his
bug buddies. Can people and bugs learn to live together in peace and harmony? Find out in
this musical tale about sharing the space around us. |
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April 30 & May 1, 3:30 pm
Charlotte's Web
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Based on the treasured tale by E.B. White and produced by TheatreworksUSA,
Charlotte’s Web is the story of the enduring friendship between a pig named
Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Featuring mad-cap and endearing farm
animals, Charlotte’s Web explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning
of friendship. |
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| MAY |
May 5, 6, 12, 13*, 19*, 20*, 26 & 27 @ 11am & 2pm
Rapunzel
(Musical Play) Ages 3 - 10
Musical Adaptation by William Martyn & Zenon Skrzypczyk
Music by Martyn SkrzypczykIn this musical version of the traditional story by the
Brothers Grimm, we meet Jacob and Mary who are poor and childless. Their hunger forces
them to take vegetables from Gothel's garden. As punishment, Gothel takes Jacob and Mary's
first born child, Rapunzel, and locks her in a tower. Come and enjoy the music and see
whether Rapunzel can be freed and return to her family.
Mother's Day Discount May 13 only, all single tickets $12.
Victoria Day Discount Weekend May 19 & 20 only, all single tickets $12. |
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May 6, 2012 @ 1 pm, 3pm
Dufflebag Theatre's Three Musketeers
RBC TheatreDuffleBag Theatre returns for a fun-filled and hilarious romp with The Three
Musketeers! The “Nearly World Famous” company puts fun back in the
theatre with interactive story-telling filled with wit and humour for the whole family!
Don’t be surprised if you are asked to join in the action! |
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May 7 to 17, 2012
BEYOND THE CUCKOO'S NEST
Written by Edward Roy
MAINSTAGE, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 9-12
Advisory: Strong language
A powerful new play addressing mental health issues among teens Commissioned by
LKTYP, this riveting play explores the topic of teen mental health. Patricia, Jude and
Trey are meeting regularly at an early intervention clinic for teenagers newly diagnosed
with a mental health issue. In a series of scenes in the clinic, along with flashback
scenes from their personal lives, we get to know the teens and their individual struggles.
During the course of the story, the play reveals just how normal the teens really are:
school workloads, worried parents, peer pressure and broken hearts. But the obstacles they
confront are even more challenging because of their diagnosed conditions and the stigma
associated with mental illness. This uplifting play serves to reinforce that
stigmatization is one of the biggest barriers to finding and holding hope for improvement.
And for teens, hope of improvement is crucial.
Beyond the Cuckoo's Nestprovides an effective teaching tool for theTDSB's Mental
Health Awareness Week (May 7-14). |
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May 8 to 17, 2012
BAOBAB
Written
by Hélène Ducharme
Produced
by Théâtre Motus and SÔ Company (Mali)
STUDIO, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES SK-7
An epic African story comes to life – it's HD, 3D and in person
In this West African folktale, an ancient baobab tree stands tall amidst a persistent
drought. One day the tree brings forth an egg and from the egg is born a little boy. The
villagers recognize that this little boy is the only one who can undertake the quest to
bring water back to the land. But there are three tests to be passed before success is
possible. Can a little boy change the history of the world? Using puppetry, masks, and the
rhythms of the drum, Baobab makes powerful change come to life. |
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| JUNE |
June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17*, 23* & 24* @ 11am & 2pm
The Little Mermaid
(Musical Play) Ages 3 - 10
Musical Adaptation by Zenon Skrzypczyk
Music by Martyn SkrzypczykOur musical version of the beautiful and moving Hans
Christian Anderson tale will enchant and entertain your children. Will the little mermaid
succeed in her quest to become human? This interactive play will enthrall everyone with
its music and presentation.
Father's Day Discount Jun 17 only, all single tickets $12.
End of Season Sell-Off Jun 23 & 24 only, all single tickets $12. |
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| JULY |
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| AUGUST |
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| SEPTEMBER |
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| OCTOBER |
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| NOVEMBER |
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| DECEMBER |
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