An exciting season at Mirvish

EAP has only been back in town for two months but already we are excited by all the theatre we have seen lately, Legally Blonde, South Pacific, Love, Lost and What I Wore, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, and Ride the Cyclone at SummerWorks. We have enjoyed all of them, although admittedly, some more than others. If what we have seen so far is any indication get ready for a great theatre season for 2010-11. But nobody is exciting us more than Mirvish.

Mirvish is kicking off their season with a bang, bringing Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, direct from Its debut in Sydney, and a run in London's West End. Priscilla has a limited engagement at the Princess of Wales before the show makes Its Broadway debut early next year. Priscilla appeals to us because it is making Its North American premiere here, and nothing makes the folks at Emerging Art Productions more excited than seeing new shows coming to Toronto first. The show is also exciting because it will feature a number of Canadians in title roles and in the chorus.

Add that to the current Mirvish line-up of, Banana Shpeel, the Cirque Du Soleil, vaudeville inspired musical, currently on at the Cannon, Rock of Ages, at the Royal Alexander, and Love, Loss, and What I Wore, the new musical by Nora Ephron at the Panasonic, and there is definitely something for everyone over the next few weeks. Following Banana Shpeel, in October, a well-known favourite returns to the Cannon. Wicked flies into Toronto again on the 20th. A Funny Thing... , Billy Elliot, The Secret Garden, Sweet Charity and the return of The Lion King round out this season's musical options.


Billy Elliot will likely be a huge hit for Mirvish, and The Lion King will surely draw big houses. I haven't seen Billy Elliot yet, although Justin loved it in London. I am definitely looking forward to the Toronto production. The Secret Garden is a personal favourite of mine. The music is beautiful and the story is timeless. It isn't as well known as it should be, so I am happy to see Mirvish bringing it to Toronto. I am sure audiences here will enjoy a well done production of The Secret Garden.

Mirvish is also producing a couple of plays this season. Canadian comic Rod Beattie's new show Wingfield:Lost and Found begins January 12th. And the much anticipated Calendar Girls, based on the hilarious film of the same name, and fresh from Its West End debut, will begin in April. Calendar Girls will feature an all Canadian cast, and if it is half as good as the film or the London production it is sure to be a hit here. All of EAP's shows of interest are available as part of Mirvish's subscription season. If you would like more information on subscription you will find the link here. And click the header to see the full Mirvish line-up in detail.

And don't forget that, on December 6th, Mirvish's is presenting, An Evening with Stephen Sondheim. Mr Sondheim, perhaps the greatest musical theatre composer ever, has a new book out this fall, and will be on hand at the Princess of Wales for an intimate interview/conversation with critic Robert Cushman. Des McAnuff, Artistic Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival will host. And you are invited! Ticket information is available here. See you at the theatre.

LM