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Four Theatres in Downtown Toronto, Ontario

A General Look at Where to go to See a Live Show in the City

Jan 23, 2009 Allison Anthony

The theatre season has already begun in Toronto. Here is a brief overview of four theatres located in the downtown core of the city. So get out there and see a show.

Toronto is the theatre capital of Canada, and quite often the testing ground for new productions for the rest of the world. The Tony Award winning Ragtime opened here before becoming a hit on Broadway and The Drowsy Chaperone began in a small independent theatre festival as a lark.

All of these theatres run professional productions throughout the year. Tickets for individual shows can be purchased at each box office or through T.O. Tix- Toronto’s One Stop Ticket Shop.

Historically Old

The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre- 189 Yonge Street, 416-872-5555

A National Historic Site, these are the last working “Edwardian stacked” theatres in the world. The Elgin is a massive stage, perfect for grand musicals and fancy screenings for the film festival. The Winter Garden is exactly as it sounds with a painted forest and leafy ceiling included. Guided tours run on Thursday (5 pm) and Saturday (11 am) for ten dollars.

The Royal Alexandra Theatre- 260 King Street West, 416-872-1212

One hundred years old and one of North America’s first “air conditioned” buildings, this theatre was originally built over an ice pit. Staying true to the 19th century design the striking red walls and glittering chandeliers are an overture to the main attraction; the show. Entertainment legends such as Mary Pickford, Al Jolson and Edith Piaf have all played this historic stage.

Shiny and New

The Princess of Wales Theatre- 300 King Street West, 416-872-1212

Unveiled in 1993 by the tenacious Mirvish Productions, the Princess of Wales is the first privately owned theatre to open in Canada since 1907. Adorned with murals by artist Frank Stella and magnificently designed, each seat is no further than 85 feet from the stage. Often running huge musicals, this theatre recently housed the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings.

The St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts- 27 Front Street East, 416-366-7723

Funded by the city of Toronto, the St. Lawrence Center houses six resident performance companies including The Canadian Stage Company, Toronto Operetta Theatre and Hannaford Street Silver Band. Located in a neighbourhood that dates back to 1793 and within wandering distance of the St. Lawrence Market, Lawrence Hall, and St. James Cathedral. Great for exploring Toronto’s past before the show starts.

Going to the theatre to see a live production of a play or musical is part of what makes Toronto, Ontario a great city to visit.

Sources

T.O. Tix- Yonge and Dundas Square or online.

Mirvish Productions- 1-800-461-3333

Ontario Heritage Trust

The copyright of the article Four Theatres in Downtown Toronto, Ontario in E Canada Travel is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Four Theatres in Downtown Toronto, Ontario in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Toronto, Ontario