Marquees Set To Glitter In Toronto

Source: www.thestar.com - Martin Knelman, Toronto Star

(June 26, 2008) If you want your summer vacation to include arts and entertainment, Toronto is among the best of all places. In late August, you'll be able to choose from five Broadway or London musicals running simultaneously. And within the city there are many other cultural options. A sampling:

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

In its third year, this ambitious four-week event (July 22 to Aug. 17) starts with a concert by pianist André Laplante at the historic Carlu in College Park. Also on the program: Ariadne auf Naxos, a humorous opera by Richard Strauss. (416) 597-7840; tsmaf.ca

JERSEY BOYS

Canadian premiere of the hit Broadway musical, directed by Des McAnuff, about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, who sold 175 million records. Presented by Dancap Productions. From Aug. 21 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. (416) 872-1111; jerseyboysinfo.com

AVENUE Q

Puppets who talk dirty are the attraction in this Tony-winning spoof of Sesame Street, another Dancap import. July 29 to Aug. 31, Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St. (416) 872-1111; dancaptickets.com

UNDER MILK WOOD

The beloved play by celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas is performed by Kenneth Welsh, one of Toronto's greatest actors in this Soulpepper Theatre gem. July 11 to Aug. 2 at the Young Centre in the Distillery District. (416) 866-8666; soulpepper.ca

SPAMALOT

This stage musical – Monty Python by way of Broadway – was a huge hit when it visited Toronto in the summer of 2007. Now, it's back by popular demand, but not for long. Sept. 9 to Oct. 5. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St. (416) 872-1212; mirvish.com

DIRTY DANCING

Stage version of the hit movie opened last fall. It's hardly a classic musical, but there is no end in sight to its run. Royal Alex Theatre. 260 King St. W. (416) 872-1212; mirvish.com

WE WILL ROCK YOU

After a long run at the Canon, this way-over-the-top Queen musical pastiche reopens at a more intimate venue on July 16 for an indefinite run. Why fight it? Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St. (416) 872-1212; mirvish.com

THE FILMS OF LUCHINO VISCONTI

While gearing up for the Toronto International Film Festival, you can savour the work of the great Italian director (including his 1963 masterpiece The Leopard) from July 18 to Aug. 23 at Cinematheque Ontario in Jackman Hall at the Art Gallery of Toronto, 317 Dundas St. W. (416) 923-FILM; cinemathequeontario.ca

WEDGWOOD: ARTISTRY AND INNOVATION

About 100 objects, both historical and contemporary, explore the achievement of the company that revolutionized England's ceramics industry in the 18th century. While you're at it, you can check out superstar architect Daniel Libeskind's Crystal extension and see the new space he has created for the museum's beloved dinosaurs. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, (416) 586-8000; www.rom.on.ca

JUST FOR LAUGHS

The comedy festival, which runs from July 24 to July 28, includes gala nights hosted by Martin Short and Jason Alexander. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. (416) 593-4828; roythomsonhall.com

DAVE BRUBECK

The veteran jazz icon and his band are a highlight of the TD Jazz Festival. July 2 at the Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W. (416)872-1111; tojazz.com

THE DREAM IN HIGH PARK

In this outdoor production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Canadian Stage Company gives Shakespeare a hip-hop spin. To Aug. 31. (416) 367-1652; canstage.com