Mirvish Productions
Founded | 1986 |
---|---|
Founders | David Mirvish Ed Mirvish |
Type | Theatrical productions |
Location | |
Website | mirvish |
Mirvish Productions, commonly known as Mirvish, is a Canadian theatrical production company, based in Toronto. Founded in 1986 by David Mirvish with his father, Ed Mirvish, it is the largest commercial theatre company in Canada.[1][2] Mirvish Productions own and operate four theatres in the downtown Toronto area: the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, and the CAA Theatre.[3]
History
[edit]Beginning and early years
[edit]In 1963, at the encouragement of his wife (Anne) and son (David), Ed Mirvish purchased the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, saving it from demolition. He spent several months renovating the theatre and installing a large marquee at the front of the theatre.[4] The theatre re-opened on September 9, 1963, with the Canadian premiere of Never Too Late, which starred William Bendix.[4] In the subsequent years, the Royal Alexandra Theatre was used as a "road house", which staged short touring productions from London and New York.
In 1982, London's The Old Vic theatre was placed for sale and ultimately purchased by Ed Mirvish for £550,000, outbidding Andrew Lloyd Webber.[4] With his son David, they refurbished the theatre to allow it to return to staging productions.[5] The theatre reopened on October 31, 1983 with The Queen Mother in attendance.[6] Following mounting financial losses, Mirvish sold The Old Vic to a charitable trust in 1998, which will continue operating the theatre as a non-profit.[7][8]
By 1985, Ed began to retire and transition out of the theatre industry.[9][4] In 1986, David Mirvish sensed greater potential with the shows being staged by them, which led to the founding of Mirvish Productions in 1987.[10]
In 1991, the Tomson Highway play, Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, was staged at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. It became the first play by an Indigenous author to be staged there, and was the first native Canadian play to receive a major commercial production in Canada.[11]
Theatres
[edit]The first theatre used by Mirvish Productions was the Royal Alexandra Theatre, which was purchased by Ed Mirvish in 1963.[12] In 1987, the theatre was named a National Historic Monument.[13]
In 1991, Ed and David Mirvish began construction of a new theatre built on a vacant lot on King Street East in downtown Toronto.[14] It was the first privately funded theatre to be built in Canada, since the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1907.[14] The new 2000-seat theatre was named the Princess of Wales Theatre in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales.[15] The theatre opened on May 26, 1993, with a Canadian production of Miss Saigon that was produced in partnership with Cameron Mackintosh.[16]
In 2001, Mirvish began leasing space at the Canon Theatre to present productions.[17] As part of the lease agreement, Mirvish was granted the first right to purchase the theatre should it be placed for sale. This sale took place in 2008, when Key Brand Entertainment agreed to sell the Canon Theatre to Mirvish.[18] As part of the sale, Mirvish also acquired the 700-seat Panasonic Theatre. Although the sale of Canon Theatre was challenged by Aubrey Dan, Mirvish won the protracted legal battle, ultimately giving Mirvish two Yonge Street theatres.[19][20]
On December 6, 2011, Mirvish announced that the Canon Theatre would be renamed the Ed Mirvish Theatre in honour of Ed Mirvish, who passed away in July 2007.[21]
On September 29, 2012, Mirvish Productions announced a plan to demolish the Princess of Wales Theatre in favour of a multi-purpose complex designed by Frank Gehry that would include an extensive artwork collection available for public viewing, as well as museums, condominium units, and retail spaces.[22] However, following extensive consultations and criticism from city planners, Mirvish announced a revised plan in May 2014 that would save the Princess of Wales Theatre.[23][24]
On December 1, 2017, the Panasonic Theatre was renamed the CAA Theatre as part of a marketing partnership between Mirvish Productions and CAA.[25]
Theatre renovations
[edit]In 2016, following the closure of the Canadian production of Kinky Boots, the Royal Alexandra Theatre underwent a $2.5 million renovation. 250 seats were removed in favour of larger, more comfortable seats and greater leg room, and a general refurbishment of the theatre was undertaken.[26]
In 2019, the façade of the Royal Alexandra Theatre was wrapped in blue for the Canadian production of Dear Evan Hansen.[27] The blue wrap was removed after the production closed.[28]
In 2021, the Ed Mirvish Theatre underwent an extensive renovation in preparation for the Canadian production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on May 31, 2022. The renovations, which cost $5 million, transformed the lobby areas and the auditorium and was done to truly immerse the audience in the play.[29] This included a seat reduction, an aisle realignment, the addition of faux side and rear walls, and a new color palette and design work to match with the play's theme throughout the theatre.[30]
Television
[edit]In 2008, Mirvish Productions partnered Andrew Lloyd Webber to produce a reality talent competition series, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, based on the 2006 BBC One series of the same name. The series aimed to find a Canadian actress to play Maria von Trapp in the 2008 Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Mirvish revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music in Toronto.[31] The series premiered June 15, 2008, on CBC Television, and ended July 28, 2008. Elicia MacKenzie was named the winner, and played the lead role in the Canadian production.[32] The runner-up, Janna Polzin, was later named the alternate Maria for the same production.[33]
In 2012, Mirvish Productions again partnered with Webber to produce another reality talent competition series, Over the Rainbow. This series, which premiered in September 2012 on CBC Television, was to find a Canadian actress to play the lead role of Dorothy in a North American production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. On November 5, 2012, Danielle Wade was named the winner. She originated the role of Dorothy at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in December 2012, as well as the subsequent North American tour.[34][35]
Despite not winning the series, other contestants have gone on to perform lead roles in Canadian engagements of shows produced by Mirvish. The runner-up, Stephanie LaRochelle, made her Mirvish debut in the Canadian production of Dear Evan Hansen at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 2019, when she was cast in the lead role of Zoe Murphy.[36] The second runner-up, AJ Bridel, also made her Mirvish debut in the lead role of Lauren in the Canadian production of Kinky Boots in 2015 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.[37]
COVID-19
[edit]On March 14, 2020, for the first time in the company's history, Mirvish Productions closed their doors and suspended all performances at their theatres due to public health concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.[38] The initial closures were planned to last for a month, with the performances of Hamilton and Come from Away being suspended.[39] Due to province-wide shutdowns and restrictions implemented by the Ontario government, Mirvish's theatres remained closed indefinitely.[40] This resulted in Hamilton's tour stop in Toronto ending abruptly, just one month into the planned three month run.
Throughout the closures, Mirvish ran some virtual programming and entertainment. This included a YouTube web series Check in from Away, co-hosted by Come from Away cast member Steffi DiDomenicantonio and stage manager Lisa Humber.[41] On August 24, 2021, Mirvish announced their 2021-22 subscription seasons to begin later that Fall.[42] Mirvish's main subscription season resumed on November 30, 2021, with the 50th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.[43] However, on December 24, 2021, Mirvish cancelled the remaining two weeks of the show due to positive COVID tests within the cast and crew.[44]
On December 15, 2021, the Canadian production of Come from Away returned to the Royal Alexandra Theatre for the first time since their forced closure in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[45] However, a week after its re-opening, Mirvish was forced to pause performances of Come from Away because of positive COVID-19 tests.[46] A week later, Mirvish announced that the Canadian production of Come from Away would close permanently, after 855 performances.[47] This announcement was met with widespread shock from the Canadian theatre industry and many Canadian news outlets, with many expressing outrage at the lack of funding for commercial theatre companies.[48] In an announcement on the closure, David Mirvish wrote:
“In other parts of the world, the government has stepped up to support the commercial theatre sector by offering a financial safety net for the sector to reopen and play during the pandemic, thus protecting the tens of thousands of good jobs the sector creates. That is the case in the US, the UK and Australia – where productions of Come From Away continue to play: in the US on Broadway and on tour, in London’s West End in the UK, and in Sydney, Australia. But in Canada there is no such government support. And without such a safety net it is impossible for the production to take yet another extended hiatus. The costs of reopening a second time are prohibitively high and risky. I know this news is shocking, and it causes me and our partners great pain to have to take this action, but we are simply out of options. The most responsible way forward is to close the production.”[49]
On January 5, 2022, Mirvish announced a revised 2022 main subscription season. The planned West End transfer of Leopoldstadt was cancelled because of the continuing border closures in Canada and the large cast size, a few weeks before it was scheduled to open at the Princess of Wales Theatre.[50] It was ultimately replaced with a transfer of Singin' in the Rain, that would be performed in September - October 2022. Pressure was similarly cancelled, and replaced by Jake Epstein's one-man show, Boy Falls From The Sky, which was added to main season subscription.[51]
By August 2022, attendance at Mirvish shows showed signs of revitalization following several months of pandemic uncertainty and government-imposed capacity limits. On August 18, 2022, Mirvish said that the final three weeks of the pre-Broadway engagement of & Juliet were sold out and that they were unable to keep up with the demand for tickets to the show.[52] Mirvish also noted that their new Canadian production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been sold out since the start of their run.[52] By the end of 2022, Mirvish had not cancelled a performance that year because of COVID-19, with The Globe and Mail noting the Canadian production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child grossed approximately $2 million in sales over the last week of 2022 (setting a Canadian box office record for a non-musical play).[53]
Description
[edit]Schedule
[edit]Although there are some exceptions, shows programmed by Mirvish at one of their theatres generally perform the traditional 8-performance week. There are often evening performances that begin at either 7:30pm or 8:00pm from Tuesday through Saturday. There are "matinée" (afternoon) performances at either 1:30pm or 2:00pm on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Mirvish's theatres do not perform shows on Mondays and are considered to be "dark" that day.[54] This is a similar performance schedule to what is often seen on Broadway.[55]
Audience
[edit]Attending a live theatre show is often a popular tourist activity in Toronto, with Mirvish's theatres as being the opportunity to see major theatrical productions.[56] Tickets for Mirvish shows are purchased exclusively through the official Mirvish channels, such as by phone or through their website.[57] By 2019, Mirvish introduced a digital lottery system where customers can enter for a chance to purchase tickets to many of their shows at a significantly discounted rate.[58] This was first notably used for the 2019 tour stop of Book of Mormon, introduced again in 2020 for Hamilton, and has since been used for many of the popular productions offered by Mirvish.[59][60][58]
In an effort to attract high school and post-secondary students, Mirvish began offering special student rates to the off-Mirvish subscription season packages in 2020.[61]
Programming and subscription seasons
[edit](
)Mirvish Productions often programs a wide range of shows into their theatres each year. Historically, musicals have tended to fare better with Mirvish's audiences than plays and are often more frequently programmed.[62] Also, the types of shows that are often performed at Mirvish's theatres typically include well-known, international productions that originated on Broadway and/or London's West End. On occasion, Mirvish programs shows that originated in other countries, such as Australia (Muriel's Wedding[63]) and South Korea (The Last Empress[64]). Mirvish frequently programs shows that are promoted as pre-Broadway engagements that run for a limited time before later opening on Broadway. Recent examples of this include Aladdin in 2011, Ain't too Proud in 2018, and & Juliet in 2022.[65][66][67] World premiere performances of shows are occasionally run by Mirvish, such as Jane Eyre in 1996, and Arrabal in 2014.[68][69]
Many of the shows programmed by Mirvish are run through their two subscription seasons. The main subscription seasons often consists of popular musicals and plays from Broadway that are touring, pre-Broadway engagements, and transfers from London's West End.[70] Many of the shows offered on the main subscription season often run for 6 to 7 weeks, and are performed at any of their four theatres. As of 2018, there are approximately 45,000 main season subscribers.[71]
In 2012, Mirvish began offering an off-Mirvish subscription season, which is similar to off-Broadway.[72] These are smaller scale shows, and are often co-produced with smaller Toronto-area theatres with the intention of marketing them to larger audiences.[73][72] Shows included in the off-Mirvish subscription usually include productions that are "edgier" and often include more mature content than what is normally seen in the mainstream productions in the main subscription season.[74] Dramatic plays and revues are commonly included in the off-Mirvish subscription seasons.[62] The off-Mirvish subscription season has typically consisted of 3 productions, although 4 productions were included in the inaugural 2012-2013 season. Shows offered in the off-Mirvish subscription season typically run for 4 to 5 weeks, are normally performed at the CAA Theatre.[73]
Sit-down productions
[edit]Mirvish often produces special Canadian engagements of shows on their stages, for either an extended engagement or open-ended runs (such as Come from Away) with no specified closing date. These local sit-down productions are similar to the local sit-down productions hosted in other major theatrical venues, such as Chicago or London, England.[75] In many instances, though not necessarily all, these productions include casts that are entirely or mostly Canadian.
- Les Misérables, March 1989 - May 1990[76]
- Miss Saigon, May 1993 - April 1995[16]
- Crazy for You, December 1993 - December 1995[77]
- The Who's Tommy: March - November 1995[78]
- Beauty and the Beast: July 1995 - August 1997[79]
- Jane Eyre, November 1996 - February 1997[80]
- Rent, November 1997 - July 1998[81]
- The Lion King, April 2000 - January 2004[82]
- Mamma Mia!, May 2000 - May 2005[83]
- The Drowsy Chaperone, May - July 2001[84]
- The Producers, November 2003 - July 2004[85]
- Hairspray, May - November 2004[86]
- Lord of the Rings, February - September 2006[87]
- We Will Rock You, March 2007 - May 2008; July 2008 - June 2009[88]
- Dirty Dancing, October 2007 - March 2009[89]
- The Sound of Music, October 2008 - January 2010[90]
- Rock of Ages, April 2010 - January 2011[91]
- Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, October 2010 - January 2011[92]
- Billy Elliot the Musical: February - September 2011[93]
- War Horse, February 2012 - January 2013[94]
- The Wizard of Oz, December 2012 - August 2013[95]
- Cats, May - September 2013[96]
- Les Misérables, September 2013 - February 2014[97]
- Once, February - June 2015[98]
- Kinky Boots, June 2015 - May 2016[99]
- Matilda, July 2016 - January 2017[100]
- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, June - September 2017[101]
- Come from Away, March 2018 - March 2020; December 2021[102]
- Dear Evan Hansen, March - July 2019[103]
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, May 2022 - July 2023[104]
- Six, September 2023 - May 2024[105]
- Come from Away, September 22, 2024 - present[106]
- The Lion King, November 2, 2024 - present[107]
- & Juliet, Begins December 2025[108]
Long running productions
[edit]The following table lists the productions that have performed at least 100 performances continuously, or as part of special engagement or sit-down productions programmed by Mirvish. Productions that arrive as part of a tour, which normally run for 6 or 7 weeks, are not included in these totals. These figures assume the standard 8-week performance schedule used by Mirvish, which equals approximately 416 performances a year.[109] All figures are approximate, unless otherwise cited.
Updated as of November 18, 2024
Rank | Title | Type | Opening date | Closing date | Performances | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mamma Mia! | Musical | May 11, 2000 | May 22, 2005 | 2,044[110] |
|
2 | The Lion King | Musical | March 30, 2000 | January 4, 2004 | 1,579[111] |
|
3 | Come from Away | Musical | February 13, 2018 | December 22, 2021 | 920[112] |
|
4 | Beauty and the Beast | Musical | July 25, 1995 | August 30, 1997 | 874 |
|
5 | Crazy for You | Musical | December 1, 1993 | December 31, 1995 | 866 |
|
6 | Miss Saigon | Musical | May 8, 1993 | April 30, 1995 | 824 |
|
7 | We Will Rock You | Musical | March 14, 2007 | June 28, 2009 | 788 |
|
8 | Les Misérables | Musical | June 16, 2015 | May 15, 2016 | 647 |
|
9 | Dirty Dancing | Musical | October 31, 2007 | March 29, 2009 | 582[113] |
|
10 | The Sound of Music | Musical | October 3, 2008 | January 10, 2010 | 529[90] |
|
11 | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Play | May 31, 2022 | July 2, 2023 | 444 |
|
12 | Kinky Boots | Musical | June 16, 2015 | May 15, 2016 | 384 |
|
13 | War Horse | Play | February 10, 2012 | January 6, 2013 | 368[114] | |
14 | The Producers | Musical | November 21, 2003 | July 4, 2004 | 331[115] |
|
15 | Six | Musical | September 23, 2023 | May 26, 2024 | 320 |
|
16 | Rent | Musical | November 25, 1997 | July 26, 1998 | 312 |
|
17 | Rock of Ages | Musical | April 20, 2010 | January 2, 2011 | 296 |
|
18 | The Who's Tommy | Musical | March 1, 1995 | November 6, 1995 | 287 |
|
19 | The Wizard of Oz | Musical | December 20, 2012 | August 18, 2013 | 277 |
|
20 | Hairspray | Musical | May 5, 2004 | November 28, 2004 | 264[115] |
|
21 | Billy Elliot the Musical | Musical | February 1, 2011 | September 3, 2011 | 244 |
|
22 | The Lord of the Rings | Musical | February 8, 2006 | September 3, 2006 | 230[116] |
|
23 | Matilda the Musical | Musical | July 5, 2016 | January 7, 2017 | 215 |
|
24 | Hamilton | Musical | February 22, 2023 | August 20, 2023 | 207 |
|
25 | Dear Evan Hansen | Musical | March 5, 2019 | July 21, 2019 | 160 |
|
Once | Musical | February 10, 2015 | June 28, 2015 | 160 |
| |
26 | Two Pianos Four Hands | Play | July 28, 1998 | September 5, 1998 | 146 |
|
27 | Jane Eyre | Musical | November 14, 1996 | February 1, 1997 | 117 |
|
28 | Cats | Musical | May 28, 2013 | September 1, 2013 | 112[117] |
|
Awards
[edit]Many of the productions performed on Mirvish's stages are honoured by the annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards (commonly called the "Dora Awards"), which are given by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) for the best in performing arts productions in the Toronto area.[118] The Dora Award is the most prestigious award for Toronto's performing arts sector. Although similar in function to Broadway's Tony Awards or the Olivier Awards in London's West End, the Dora Awards do not often affect the Toronto theatre scene. This has been attributed to the lack of promotion of the Dora Awards ceremonies, confusing award categories, and that many of the shows nominated have already closed by the time of the awards ceremony.[119]
Theatrical subscription seasons
[edit]Main season
[edit]Off-Mirvish season
[edit]Theatres and current or upcoming productions
[edit]Theatre | Address | Capacity | Current production | Type | Opening | Closing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAA Theatre | 651 Yonge St. | 700 | O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy | Comedy | November 21, 2024 | November 24, 2024 |
Ed Mirvish Theatre | 244 Victoria St. | 2,300 | Moulin Rouge! | Musical | November 19, 2024 | January 12, 2025 |
Princess of Wales Theatre | 300 King St. W | 2,000 | The Lion King | Musical | November 2, 2024 | Open-ended |
Royal Alexandra Theatre | 260 King St. W | 1,244 | Come from Away | Musical | September 22, 2024 | Open-ended |
- An * after the opening date indicates that the listed show has not yet opened, but is scheduled to open on the given date at that theatre.
- Capacity is based on the capacity listed for the respective theatre on the Mirvish Productions website.[141][142][143][144]
Notes
[edit]- ^a Riverdance replaced The Boys in the Photograph on the 2008-2009 subscription season.[145]
- ^b Legally Blonde replaced Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on the 2009-2010 subscription season.[146]
- ^c The Last Ship replaced Girl from the North Country on the 2018-2019 subscription season.[147]
- ^d The Boy Friend replaced Hello, Dolly! on the 2019-2020 subscription season.[148]
- ^e Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged during the 2019-2020 season, The Boy Friend, Room, and Indecent were cancelled.[40]
- ^f Boy Falls From The Sky replaced Pressure, and was added to the 2021-2022 main subscription season.[51]
- ^g Singin' in the Rain replaced Leopoldstadt on the 2021-2022 subscription season.[51]
- ^h Just For One Day replaced Mamma Mia! on the 2024-2025 subscription season.[149]
References
[edit]- ^ Morrow, Martin (1 October 2013). "Celebrating 50 years of the Mirvish vision". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Akrit, Michael (23 August 2021). "Mirvish Productions to breathe new life into Toronto's dormant theatre scene with new 11-production season". Toronto Star. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ "About". Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ a b c d Martin, Sandra (11 July 2007). "Mr. Toronto dies at 92". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ DeVries, Hilary (7 December 1983). "Canada's 'Honest Ed' comes to the rescue of London's Old Vic". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Enright, Janet (2 December 1985). "Salesman for all seasons". MacLeans. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Old Vic changes hands again". CBC. CBCNews. 13 November 1998. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Ellicock, Ray (18 August 1997). "Mirvishes Put London Old Vic Up for Sale". Playbill. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Taylor, John Doug (28 May 2015). "Toronto's historic Royal Alexandra Theatre". Historic Toronto. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Mirvish, David (19 June 2022). "David Mirvish on the life and legacy of his father, Honest Ed". Toronto Star. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Tomson Highway In Conversation". YouTube. MirvishProductions. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Hall, Alix (13 August 2016). "A Brief History Of Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre". Culture Trip. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Marie, Denise (22 August 2022). "Royal Alexandra Theatre – A Jewel Box of Beaux-Arts Architecture". Toronto Journey 416. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ a b Bateman, Chris (6 October 2012). "A brief history of the Princess of Wales theatre block". BlogTO. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Viagas, Robert (6 September 1997). "Toronto Theatre Gathers Tributes to Princess Diana". Playbill. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ a b Bemrose, John (24 May 1993). "A Home For Miss Saigon". MacLeans. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Jones, Kenneth (26 August 2008). "Mirvish Productions Buys Toronto's Canon and Panasonic Theatres". Playbill. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Petillo, Faetra (26 August 2008). "Key Brand Sells Canon and Panasonic Theater to Mirvish Productions". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ Posner, Michael; Bradshaw, James (16 May 2012). "Losses in the limelight: The education of Aubrey Dan". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Menon, Vinay (6 July 2012). "Entertainment The rise and fall of Dancap Productions". Toronto Star. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (6 December 2011). "Canon Theatre renamed in honour of Ed Mirvish". Toronto Star. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Atchison, Chris (March 4, 2013). "Preservation not on the playbill at Princess of Wales Theatre". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
- ^ Hume, Christopher (May 27, 2014). "Revised Mirvish-Gehry design saves Princess of Wales Theatre: Hume". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
- ^ McLaren, Leah (14 July 2014). "David Mirvish on the Edge". Toronto Life. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ O'Neil, Lauren (1 December 2017). "Historic Toronto theatre renamed after Canadian Automobile Association". BlogTO. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Knelman, Martin (5 May 2016). "Exclusive: Royal Alex to shut this month for $2.5 million facelift and reopen in November". Toronto Star. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (27 February 2019). "Watch Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre Go Blue to Welcome Dear Evan Hansen". Playbill. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "It's been 3 years that The Royal Alex has been wrapped in blue. Today the Grande Dame of King St is once again in her Beaux-Arts birthday suit of hand-carved sandstone and blonde brick". Twitter. Mirvish Productions. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Smith, Elaine (12 February 2022). "Mirvish Production's $5 million theatre transformation promises immersive magic for 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Smith, Elaine (12 February 2022). "Mirvish Production's $5 million theatre transformation promises immersive magic for 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ Wild, Diane. "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria debuts June 15". TV-eh?. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ Ahearn, Victoria (28 July 2008). "Maria found: Elicia MacKenzie wins coveted role". Toronto Star. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Turns out Janna's a 'Maria' after all". Toronto Star. 14 August 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (5 November 2012). "Over the Rainbow: Danielle Wade is Dorothy". Toronto Star. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Cameron, Kelly (15 January 2013). "Photo Coverage: THE WIZARD OF OZ Opening Night Gala". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Maga, Carly (16 January 2019). "Dear Evan Hansen cast announced". Toronto Star. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (22 April 2015). "Toronto's Kinky Boots has its Lola and other cast". Toronto Star. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (14 March 2020). "David Mirvish has finally shut down his Toronto theatres". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (14 March 2020). "David Mirvish has finally shut down his Toronto theatres – but did he act too late for his reputation?". The Globe and Mail.
- ^ a b Gans, Andrew; McPhee, Ryan (4 April 2020). "Mirvish Extends Suspension of Performances in All Toronto Theatre, Affecting Hamilton, Come From Away, More". Playbill.
- ^ "CHECK IN FROM AWAY, Episode 1, Come From Away". YouTube. 5 May 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ Wassenberg, Anya (24 August 2021). "Mirvish Reopens Four Theatres With 11 Show Season". Ludwig van Toronto. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ Nouser, Mariam; LeBlanc, Erin (1 November 2021). "Live events in Toronto are making a full-capacity comeback. Here are a few to check out". Toronto Star.
- ^ Friend, David (24 December 2021). "Mirvish pulls plug on all 'Jesus Christ Superstar' performances due to COVID-19 cases". Global News.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (14 December 2021). "Nestruck on Theatre: Come From Away finally reopens in Toronto, as Omicron looms". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Four Toronto performances of Come From Away cancelled after backstage crew member tests positive for COVID-19". The Globe and Mail. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ Rocca, Ryan (27 December 2021). "'Come From Away' permanently closes in Toronto". Global News. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ Vincent, Michael (27 December 2021). "Toronto Theatre Community In Shock As Come From Away Closes Permanently". Ludwig van Toronto. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Mirvish, David (27 December 2021). "ome From Away Closes Permanently in Toronto". Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Wild, Stephi (20 December 2021). "Tom Stoppard's LEOPOLDSTADT Will No Longer Play Toronto In 2022". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ a b c Yeo, Debra (5 January 2022). "Mirvish Productions changes the dates of three more shows, including Emma Donoghue's 'Room'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Wassenberg, Anya (18 August 2022). "Mirvish: Healthy Audience Numbers Bode Well For Toronto's Live Theatre Scene". LudwigvanToronto. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (3 January 2023). "Finally, a happy new year for Canadian theatre: box office records, extension and very few COVID-19 cancellations". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Simonson, Robert (4 April 2011). "ASK PLAYBILL.COM: When Did Broadway Shows Start Offering Sunday Performances?". Playbill. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "What Time Do Broadway Shows Start?". BroadwayWorld. 10 September 2022.
- ^ Law, Lana (26 May 2022). "29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Toronto". PlanetWare.
- ^ Tsekouras, Phil (9 October 2019). "Toronto theatre company issues re-seller warning after fake tickets for 'Hamilton' marked-up by 700%". CTV News. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ a b Murphy, Aisling (31 August 2022). "Subscriptions, rush tickets and lotteries, oh my! Here's how to enjoy the best of Toronto theatre on a budget". Toronto Star. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Musbach, Julie (5 June 2019). "THE BOOK OF MORMON Announces Lottery Ticket Policy". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Arnold, Chris (28 January 2020). "Online lottery gives chance at $10 tickets — not $550 — for the hit musical Hamilton". National Post. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Dunn, Breyen (2 March 2020). "2020/21 Mirvish Theatre season features 13 shows, including six new productions". TheBuzzMag. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ a b "David Mirvish: The State of Canadian Theatre". YouTube.com. The Agenda with Steve Paikin. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "Exclusive: Muriel's Wedding the Musical has found its Muriel". The Daily Review. Daily Review. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Nersessian, Mary (5 August 2004). "The tweaking of The Last Empress". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Breaking News: Disney's Aladdin to Play Pre-Broadway Tryout in Toronto Starting November 2013; Broadway Spring 2014", Broadwayworld.com, January 22, 2013
- ^ Fricker, Karen (17 October 2018). "Ain't Too Proud pays a busy, sometimes breathtaking tribute to the Temptations". Toronto Star.
- ^ Thomas, Sophie (24 August 2021). "'& Juliet' to play pre-Broadway engagement in Toronto". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Lefkowitz, David; Ellicock, Ray (3 December 1996). "Jane Eyre Opens Dec. 3". Playbill. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Gioia, Michael (4 February 2014). "World Premiere of Arrabal, Told Through Dance and Music of Gustavo Santaolalla, Begins Feb. 4; Sergio Trujillo Directs". Playbill. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "David Mirvish: The State of Canadian Theatre". YouTube.com. The Agenda with Steve Paikin. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- ^ Cristi, A.A. "Mirvish Announces Productions for Main Subscription 2018-19 Season". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ a b Bellingham, Heather (24 September 2012). "Mirvish Productions Announces the Off-Mirvish series". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ a b Furgala, Gregory (24 September 2012). "Culture Mirvish Productions announces new "Off-Mirvish" series for smaller-scale productions". Toronto Life. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ Leong, Melissa (24 September 2012). "Mirvish goes edgy with alternative season". The National Post. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (6 February 2019). "Musical phenomenon Hamilton to hit Toronto stage in 2019-20 season". The Globe and Mail.
- ^ "Les Miserables". About the Artists.
- ^ Albin, Kira. "Mickey Rooney: Hollywood, Religion and His Latest Show". Grand Times. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Heritage FDN Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lefkowitz, David (5 February 1997). "NY and Toronto To Switch Beasts in B&B". Playbill. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Lefkowitz, David; Ellicock, Ray (9 December 1997). "Mirvish Musical Still up in the 'Eyre' for B'way". Playbill. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Ellicock, Ray (5 November 1996). "Rent Will Open in Toronto Nov. 1997". Playbill. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Jones, Kenneth (2 February 1999). "Canada Will Hear Lion King Roar in March 2000 in Toronto". Playbill. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (18 March 2005). "Long-Running Toronto Mamma Mia! to Close". Playbill. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Filichia, Peter (19 September 2004). "Getting Drowsy". Theatermania. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Jones, Kenneth (4 September 2003). "Bialystock, Eh? Canadian Cast of The Producers Announced; Performances Start Nov. 21 in Toronto". Playbill.
- ^ Dixon, Guy (7 October 2004). "Mirvish cuts Hairspray run short". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- ^ "'Lord of the Rings' musical opens in Toronto". CBC News. 23 March 2006. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "Full Casting Announced for Toronto's We Will Rock You". BroadwayWorld. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (6 December 2006). "Dirty Dancing Musical to Make North American Debut in Toronto". Playbill. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
- ^ a b "THE SOUND OF MUSIC Ends Run At The Princess of Wales Theatre January 10". BroadwayWorld. 10 January 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ Gans, Andrew; Jones, Kenneth. "Rock of Ages Opens in Toronto May 11". Playbill.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (18 May 2010). "e Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical coming to Toronto". Toronto Star.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (16 February 2010). "Billy Elliot to Make Canadian Premiere in February 2011". Playbill. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ Knelman, Martin (8 February 2011). "Mirvish ropes War Horse for Toronto". Toronto Star.
- ^ Harding, James (23 May 2012). "Canada to Launch OVER THE RAINBOW Reality Show to Cast 'Dorothy' in ALW's THE WIZARD OF OZ". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ Ahearn, Victoria (9 June 2013). "'Cats' gets another life in Toronto, 28 years after original production". CTV News. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Brand new Les Misérables coming to Toronto stage". CBC News. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (7 July 2014). "Tony-Winning Musical Once Will Play Sit-Down Production in Toronto with Canadian Cast". Playbill.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (22 April 2015). "Toronto's Kinky Boots has its Lola and other cast". Toronto Star. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ Crawford, Trish (20 April 2016). "All Canadian principal cast in Mirvish musical Matilda". Toronto Star. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ Gans, Andrew. "Beautiful Begins in Toronto June 27 With a Broadway Carole King". Playbill.
- ^ Maga, Carly (18 February 2018). "Come From Away takes off in Toronto production". Toronto Star. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (22 February 2018). "Canadian production of Dear Evan Hansen set to open in Toronto in 2019". Globe & Mail. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Henry, Alan (22 May 2019). "HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD to Play Toronto in 2020". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Chong, Joshua (7 March 2023). "Broadway juggernaut 'Six,' new Roy Orbison musical will be part of upcoming Mirvish season". Toronto Star. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
- ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe (25 March 2024). "Come from Away To Return to Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (21 November 2023). "The Lion King roaring back to Toronto in 2024 for an unprecedented second open-ended run". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ Chong, Joshua (28 October 2024). "Jukebox musical '& Juliet' will return to Toronto as Mirvish announces new Canadian run". Toronto Star. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Long Runs – Toronto". WorldTheatres. WorldTheatre Toronto. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ^ "MAMMA MIA closes in Toronto (press release)". BroadwayWorld. 18 March 2005. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ^ Sierra, Gabrielle (19 April 2010). "THE LION KING Returns To Toronto, Plays Princess Of Wales Theatre 4/19-5/22". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Singh, Simran (27 December 2022). "'Come From Away' permanently shuts down in Toronto after 855 performances, says it's 'impossible to continue'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (15 February 2009). "Dirty Dancing announces last show in TO". Toronto Star. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
- ^ Ouzounian, Richard (15 October 2012). "War Horse ends record-setting Toronto run on Jan. 6". Toronto Star. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ a b Dixon, Guy (7 October 2004). "Mirvish cuts Hairspray run short". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Jones, Kenneth (28 June 2006). "Frodo Will Find Journey's End in Toronto Sept. 3, When Mammoth Rings Closes". Playbill. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ Ahearn, Victoria (9 June 2013). "'Cats' gets another life in Toronto, 28 years after original production". CTV News.
- ^ "Dora Mavor Moore Awards". Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (23 June 2017). "opinion Toronto's thriving theatre scene deserves a better Dora Awards". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Lawrence, Mark Andrew (1 March 2006). "Mirvish announces 2006/07 Season". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Mirvish Toronto 07/08 Season". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Mirvish goes with musicals for 2008-2009 season". CBC. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ Mooney, Megan (22 August 2009). "Updates on the Toronto Mirvish Theatre 2009-2010 Season". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ "An electrifying season: Mirvish 2010/2011". Mooney on Theatre. 23 February 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ Diamond, Robert (8 February 2011). "2011-12 Mirvish Season Set - Pre-Broadway Kim Cattrall in PRIVATE LIVES, Pre-London CHESS, HAIR, POPPINS & More". Broadwayworld.
- ^ Mooney, Megan (6 February 2012). "Mirvish announces its 2012 – 2013 season, including Book of Mormon". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Ouzounian, Richard (13 February 2013). "Aladdin, Once, Les Misérables highlight new Mirvish season". Toronto Star. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Rostas, Daniel (16 September 2014). "Announcement: Mirvish Reveals 2014/2015 Season". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Dunn, Breyen (5 October 2015). "Mirvish Announces 2015/16 Productions". The Buzz Mag. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Young, Lin (16 February 2016). "Mirvish Announces 2016/2017 Season Lineup". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Nestruck, J. Kelly (28 February 2017). "Plays from around the globe lined up for Mirvish main stage in 2017-18". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Wheeler, Brad (26 February 2018). "Bob Dylan musical added to Mirvish Productions 2018-19 lineup in Toronto". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Nestruck, J. Kelly (6 February 2019). "Musical phenomenon Hamilton to hit Toronto stage in 2019-20 season". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Mirvish Announces 2021-2022 Season!". Both Sides of the Curtain. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ a b Friend, David (8 June 2022). "Mirvish announces 1st full season since COVID-19, featuring Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill". CBC. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
- ^ Nestruck, J. Kelly (7 March 2023). "Six, with a sextet of Canadians set to play pop-star versions of Henry VIII's wives, headlining Mirvish Production's 2023/2024 season". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ Wheeler, Brad (13 February 2024). "Mamma Mia! and The Lion King headline Mirvish's 2024-25 season". The Globe & Mail. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ Bellingham, Heather (24 September 2012). "Announcement: Mirvish Productions Announces the Off-Mirvish series". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ Yeo, Debra (23 May 2023). "Aaron Sorkin's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' adaptation makes its Canadian debut in Off-Mirvish season". Toronto Star. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
- ^ Chong, Joshua (14 May 2024). "'Fifteen Dogs' and the acclaimed musical 'Life After' will return to Toronto in Off-Mirvish season". Toronto Star. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Royal Alexandra Theatre". Mirvish.com. Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "Princess of Wales Theatre". Mirvish.com. Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre". Mirvish.com. Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "CAA Theatre". Mirvish.com. Mirvish Productions. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Bradshaw, James (27 May 2009). "Joseph's out and The Boys are back in Toronto". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ Mooney, Megan (22 August 2009). "Updates on the Toronto Mirvish Theatre 2009-2010 Season". Mooney on Theatre. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
- ^ Wheeler, Brad (16 July 2018). "Mirvish brings The Last Ship to Toronto, with Sting along for the ride". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ Henry, Alan (19 December 2019). "Menier Chocolate Factory's THE BOY FRIEND Replaces HELLO, DOLLY! in Toronto". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ Wheeler, Brad (29 April 2024). "Live Aid musical Just For One Day coming to Toronto". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 22 May 2024.