Ontario Theatres
How many theatres are there in Ontario, and which one is the most important and best known? There are many different kinds of entertainment in Ontario, of course, the theatres. There are countless music, children’s, puppet, drama, opera and ballet theatres that operate all the time.
Here are our top ten best places to visit theatres according to visitors and audiences:
Thousand Islands Playhouse – Theater.
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Stratford Festival
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
Rose Theatre Brampton
Flato Markham Theatre
Lighthouse Festival Theatre
Capitol Theatre
Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
The list goes on and on.
Royal Alexander Theatre
One of Ontario’s major attractions is the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the oldest state theatre in North America, in continuous operation since 1907, the year of its founding.
With a seating capacity of 1,497, the theatre once had a reputation as the trendiest, most fashionable theatre in Toronto. Today, its stage offers a variety of productions, both Broadway musicals and famous classical performances.
It is noteworthy that the theatre building was saved from demolition in the 1960s by the King of Trade, nicknamed “Honest Ed” Mirvish. Thanks to him, we have the opportunity to contemplate exquisite ornaments, green marble and excellent red corduroy and gold brocade in the decoration of the Royal Theater’s interiors.
It is the evening performances of the theatre that are most in-demand. By the way, to be sure to get to the performance, take care of tickets in advance. There is also a cozy cafe in the theatre.
Among the talented actors who have performed on the theatre stage are Victor Garber, Leslie Phillips, Linda Evans and many others.
The Toronto Centre for the Arts
The Toronto Centre for the Arts. Three theatres are united under the roof of the arts center: the Main Stage, a theatre for 1,272 spectators; the George Weston Hall for 1,036 visitors; and the Multipurpose Studio Theater for 200 spectators.
The center periodically rents out the lobby, the piano lounge, and the main lobby for various cultural events and festivals. Although interestingly, this is where the popular musical “Million Dollar Quartet” was born, you can also see theatrical productions based on the works of Shakespeare, etc.
The National Ballet of Canada
The National Ballet of Canada is one of the world’s top ballet companies. The ballet was founded in France in 1951 by Boris Volkov but is based in Toronto. The ballet company at the time consisted of 29 dancers. Rehearsals for the first performance took place at St. Lawrence Hall. The ballet’s debut program included Polovtsian Dances from Borodin’s Prince Igor. In 2011, the ballet presented another production based on the Russian author, the ballet Romeo and Juliet, to music by Sergei Prokofiev.
The skills of this ballet company seamlessly combine the traditions of the English Royal Ballet with Canadian influences, making the style of the National Ballet of Canada unique.
The company at one time included the renowned ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev. Also, the talented Russian dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who sought political asylum in Toronto, performed with the company.
The Massey Hull
The Massey Hull is a downtown Toronto theatre built in the late nineteenth century and designed for social gatherings, choral singing and music performances. The first concert here was held in 1894. All the proceeds from the concerts went toward the completion of the building. The building was reconstructed several times, and since 1933 it has been used for various social and political events, such as the inaugurations of dignitaries.
In 1994, to celebrate the centenary of the theatre, a bar was built in the basement of Massey Hull after another renovation. Previously the sale of alcohol had been forbidden here. A photo gallery of famous artists performed at the theatre during its centennial history and famous musicians who performed concerts here in different styles and genres has appeared. Many of the photos have autographs of these people.
The Four Seasons Centre
The Four Seasons Centre is an opera house in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and is the main venue for the Canadian Opera and the National Ballet of Canada.
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was established in 2003 and is a platform for many talented actors. It is one of the modern theatres that is renowned throughout Ontario and beyond. Its first theatrical season was held in 2004.
The theatre’s artistic director is Sarah Barrett, and her husband James is the producer. The basis of the repertoire is a variety of fantastic shows – musicals, comedies, farces, Christmas pantomimes. In addition, the theatre troupe constantly travels to different cities.
The theatre’s mission is to create partnerships with theatres in different countries, continuing the best traditions of Canadian summer theatre.”
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is a professional theatre located at 471 Richmond Street south of Dufferin Avenue in London, Ontario, Canada.
The main auditorium seats 839 and has a regular season from September through May. In addition, there is an additional venue called The McManus Theatre, located on the lower floor, with a seating capacity of 150.
The Best Performances You Have to See
In general, there are a lot of exciting places in Ontario, various facilities for concerts, shows, comedy programs, performances of famous performers. So when you get to this province, you will not be bored, and you will always find entertainment to your liking.
Edward Stone’s Mind Trix
Blends amazing magic with psychological illusions. Created with an adult audience in mind, MindTrix will have you asking yourself how that happened for a long time to come. Audience members are invited to assist Edward in a 75-minute journey into amazement.
The musical “Come from Away”
I was just amazed at how the story of 9/11 was told in this Musical. The show is 100 minutes altogether, however with the 12 super talented Actors and seven amazing musicians, you just didn’t want the performance to end.
Huron Country Playhouse
A tribute show to the masters of piano, Billy Joel and Elton John. This fast-paced show highlights many of the greatest hits of these prolific entertainers. A fun show in which the time flows too quickly.
Pirate Life
The 45-foot Island Rogue, a pirate ship on Toronto’s Central Island! Be a pirate with an entire crew by dressing up in costumes, getting “sea phrase” tattoos and pirate nicknames! Then, climb aboard your ship and set sail around Toronto Harbour in search of sunken treasure and freedom! It’s theatre, adventure and cruising; it’s entertainment for all ages and departs daily from Centre Island.
Oh, Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, Niagara Falls
It is located in Niagara Falls, Canada and the Original Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show, a seven-time winner of Niagara Falls Attraction of the Year. Each performance features a delicious family-style meal, which our multi-talented performers serve. The meal is served Homestyle on large platters.
Downsview Park
The “Touch the Trucks” event is designed for young kids to look at the big cars. We had fun, but it didn’t have much to do with the park.
Downsview Park – A great venue for large scale events. Great parking. Accessibility by transportation, etc., so overall a great place.
Old Church Theater
Outdoor patio for summer 2020, wood-fired pizza, outdoor entertainment and socials. You’ll hear fantastic music and alternative theatre and help keep live performances in the community. Our venue is a beautifully restored country church built in 1876. It’s unsurpassed acoustics for top-notch live music and theatre.