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Dec 10, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
The National Ballet of Canada / The Nutcracker, choreography and libretto by James Kudelka, music by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Four Seasons Centre, closes Dec. 31. Tickets here. After 29 years, I’ve seen James Kudelka’s Nutcracker so many times, I could probably dance it (a sight no one would ever want to see). Nonetheless, it is an enduring testament to his choreographic genius that the work remains as fresh and entertaining as it is.
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Nov 26, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
David Mirvish & Global Creatures / Moulin Rouge! The Musical, book by John Logan, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh, musical supervision by Justin Levine, directed by Alex Timbers, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, closes Jan. 12. Tickets here. The touring production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical has arrived in town on a wave of glory. The show opened on Broadway in 2019 and is still going strong on the Great White Way.
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Nov 22, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
The National Ballet of Canada / Giselle, choreographed by Sir Peter Wright after Jean Coralli and Marius Petipa, music by Adolphe Adam, Four Seasons Centre, closes Nov. 24. Tickets here. The National Ballet has mounted a magnificent production of Giselle, and I do not use that word lightly. Needless to say, the National dancers were simply sensational.
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Nov 21, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
Crow’s Theatre / Big Stuff, written and performed by Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus, co-created and directed by Kat Sandler, Studio Theatre, Streetcar Crowsnest, closes Dec. 8. Tickets here. There is always something satisfying about watching master craftsman at their work, and such is the play Big Stuff, created and performed by Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus.
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Nov 18, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
Canadian Stage in association with Starvox Entertainment / Playing Shylock, written by Mark Leiren-Young, directed by Martin Kinch, Berkeley Street Theatre, closes Dec. 8. Tickets here. Toronto theatre has just reclaimed one of its own. After an absence of many years, distinguished film and television actor/director/writer Saul Rubinek has made a triumphant return to the Toronto stage, at age 76, in Mark Leiren-Young’s Playing Shylock. It is a performance not to be missed.
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Nov 14, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
One Four One Collective in association with The Assembly Theatre / Patti Picker, written by Evan Bawtinheimer, directed by Cass Van Wyck, The Assembly Theatre, closes Nov. 21. Tickets here. Patti Picker is an absolute darling of a play. While it essentially belongs in the Theatre for Young People category, adults will delight in its sophisticated storytelling and brilliant direction. No wonder it was a huge hit at the Fringe Festival, and happily, is now back for a theatre run.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
Coal Mine Theatre / A Case for the Existence of God, written by Samuel D. Hunter, directed by Ted Dykstra, Coal Mine Theatre, closes Dec. 1. Tickets here. I defy anyone not to be profoundly moved by Samuel D. Hunter’s 2022 play, A Case for the Existence of God. Under artistic director Ted Dykstra, Coal Mine has mounted a poignant production that touches the soul. In this multi-award-winning two-hander, Hunter portrays a platonic friendship between two unlikely men.
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Nov 12, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
David and Hannah Mirvish in association with Disney Theatrical Group / The Lion King, book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi, music and lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice (additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor & Hans Zimmer), choreographed by Garth Fagan, directed by Julie Taymor, Princess of Wales Theatre, open run. Tickets here. The Canadian sit-down production of The Lion King has arrived at the Princess of Wales Theatre where it will probably stay for years.
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Nov 11, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
The National Ballet of Canada Fall Mixed Program / Body of Work by Guillaume Côté, Rhapsody by Sir Frederick Ashton, and Silent Screen by Lightfoot Leon, Four Seasons Centre, closes Nov. 16. Tickets here. To say that the National Ballet scored a coup in snaring the Canadian premiere of Silent Screen by Lightfoot Leon is an understatement. Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon are two of the greatest choreographers of the modern age.
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Nov 8, 2024 | 
ludwig-van.com | Paula Citron
As the Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of the National Ballet, Hope Muir may have the highest profile dance job in the country, but her personal profile is not very well known. In a candid Zoom conversation, Muir, 53, talked to Ludwig Van about her career in dance, the upcoming season, which opens Nov. 9 to 16 at the Four Seasons Centre, and more to the point, her vision for the company. Keep reading to get to know Hope Muir.
