I had the opportunity to see the current production of The Blue Dragon at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto recently…and what a delightful surprise.  Having no expectations entering the theatre the play transported the audience, as theatre should, to a land far away.  The clever set gave the feeling of more than three characters on stage throughout the almost two hour performance.  The creators Marie Michaud and Robert Lepage have delivered one of the finest theatrical experiences in recent memory.  The Blue Dragon continues until February 19^th. Let’s hope this piece reaches beyond a Canadian audience.

The 1930s Noel Coward comedy Private Lives opened recently at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto to excellent reviews.  Canadian stars Kim Cattrall and Paul Gross do not disappoint with their on stage chemistry.  The sets are stunning and inventive…no penny pinching here.  On stage until October 30, this is definitely a great theatre event not to be missed.

Song and dance man…and Auzzie hunk Hugh Jackman brings his concert show to Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre July 5 – 17.   With an 18-piece orchestra this musical theatre veteran will surely deliver a great performance.

Stratford Festival in Canada announced its 2012 season but what was more notable was that artistic director Des McAnuff will remain with the festival until 2013, completing a six-year run.  In the musical theatre world McAnuff is known for his Tony winning productions Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays to name a few.  For the 2012 season look for Christopher Plummer to return in a one-man show A Word or Two.  Also on the bill will be Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Cymbeline for the Shakespeare lovers.  On the musical front productions of 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown are also among the offerings.