With chilly weather upon us, there’s several plays in the city to enjoy throughout the season to escape the cold.
For Toronto theatre lovers out there, we’ve compiled some of the best plays happening in the city this winter, so you can keep having fun in the months ahead.
The Far Side of the Moon
Dates: Nov. 1–16
Location: Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front St. E.)
This intriguing political play explores a Canadian perspective of the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Cold War period, where two brothers from Quebec City portray their view of the impact of this global conflict, taking the audience into a time machine through their incredible multimedia and visual storytelling.
This show is happening between Nov. 1 and 16, every Sunday at 1 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $55–$140.
For more information, visit Bluma Appel Theatre’s website.
The Winter’s Tale
Dates: Nov. 14–21
Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W.)
If you are looking for a classic winter story and masterful dance skills, head to Four Seasons to catch The Winter’s Tale ballet. This story has won two prestigious Benois de la Danse awards, with its involving story and dramatic choreography that follows the destruction of friendships and families across two kingdoms that finally get reunited with time and truth.
Tickets for this play range from $120—290, with varied showtimes. For more information and tickets, click the National Ballet of Canada website.
Moonlight Schooner
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 14
Location: Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St.)
This play will transport you into a Caribbean sailor’s search for a living in the 50s. The story follows a group of Black sailors who are stranded in the island of St. Kitts due to a devastating storm. They then decide to spend a care-free night in town, as their dreams and get threatened by the unknowns for imperialism.
This show is led by Dora Award-winning playwright Kanika Ambrose, who aims to tell an evocative tale of systemic issues affecting Black men at the time, and what consequences that left for the future.
This show has varied start times, with tickets ranging from $45–119. For more information click the Canadian Stage website.
Let It Snowball
Dates: Nov. 20 — Dec. 28
Location: The Second City (1 York St.)
Need something to cheer you up during the cold winter days? This comedy show might be just what you need. The Second City is bringing a merry mix of classic sketches as well as some hilarious new shows and improv presentations to lift up the mood and bring some laughter to your holiday days!
Between Nov. 20 – Dec. 28, the show will take off on Thursdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $48. For more information, click the Second City website.
Wing Chun Dance Drama
Dates: Dec. 16 — Jan. 4
Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front St. E.)
Globally-acclaimed play Wing Chun Dance Drama is making its North American debut this December, and making an appearance here in the city. The story recounts the 300-year-old history of martial arts, following the prestigious grandmaster Wing Chin. The story blends a compelling story about a relentless pursuit of dreams with acrobatic dance, precision martial arts moves, and dramatic visuals.
This play is happening every day between Dec. 16 – Jan. 4 at 8 p.m., and is only open for audience members ages eight and above. Tickets start at $55, and are available at Ticketmaster.
& Juliet
Dates: Dec. 3 – Mar. 22
Location: Royal Alexandra Theatre (260 King St. W.)
What would happen if Juliet never died with Romeo? That’s the story of this hilarious comedy, which flips away the famous romantic character’s tragic ending, walking the audience to her second chance at life and love, even after Romeo. The hilarious musical was created by Canadian Emmy Award–winning author David West Read, who retells the story with a fresh twist.
This play is taking place at various times between Dec. 3 – Mar. 22, with tickets going for $59-199. For more information, visit the Mirvish website.
Holiday! An Improvised Musical
Dates: Dec. 10–20
Location: Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst St.)
The 2024 Dora Award Nominee for Outstanding Production, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Outstanding Creative Direction is back for its third consecutive year, bringing a one-of-a-kind performance back to the city. In a night of improvised vignettes about work, love, and relationships, this outstanding cast explores the real meaning behind holiday celebrations in a show that sparkles surprises and laughs.
The show is happening at varied times, between Dec. 10–20, with regular tickets going for $40. For more information, click the Factory Theatre website.
A Doll’s House
Dates: Jan. 17 – Feb. 1
Location: Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front St. E.)
This adaptation of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf brings a fresh perspective to Edward Albee’s classic tale, making it more electrifying than ever. The play follows the seemingly perfect wife Nora, who harbours a secret that can radically shake her happy world.
The play is happening at various times between Jan. 17 and Feb. 1, with tickets at $65–160. For more information, click the Canadian Stage website.
