THEATRE – NOW PLAYING (5 STAR RATING SYSTEM)
Off-Mirvish/Vintage Productions. The Musical of Musicals – The Musical!, music by Eric Rockwell, lyrics by Joanne Bogart, book by Rockwell & Bogart. (5 stars.) Words to describe this fringe hit? Clever, witty, brilliant, fabulous, delicious. Rockwell and Bogart have crafted a satiric love-in to Broadway and London’s West End. The fives scenes are written in the style of great men of music theatre – Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Kander & Ebb. The talented 4-member cast plays the same characters with the same plotline, differentiated only by musical style. It is absolutely hilarious, and if you are familiar with the original shows, a perfect inside joke. Now extended for five more performances. (Directed by Vinetta Strombergs. Panasonic Theatre, www.mirvish.com, closes Jan. 12.)
Ross Petty Productions. The Little Mermaid by Reid Janisse. (4 stars.) Ross Petty’s pantomimes get more slick and polished every year. This latest incarnation features a terrific cast, and gorgeous sets and costumes. Even the sponsor commercials are funny. Petty as the villain knows how to get his boos. The kids will have fun and there are enough double entendres to keep the adults happy. You have to love a show with treats like “Holy carp!” and “Shellphone”. Hans Christian Andersen must be rolling in his grave. (Directed by Tracey Flye, Elgin Theatre, www.rosspetty.com, closes Jan. 4.)
David Mirvish. Once, book by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova. (3 Stars.) This Tony Award-winning musical is more or less faithful to the 2007 Irish movie of the same name, written and directed by John Carney, in which an immigrant Czech girl helps turn around the life of a disillusioned Dublin street musician. The multi-tasking cast also acts as the orchestra. What worked in the film seems contrived on stage. The folk/rock music is on the dull side. Note: I’m definitely a minority opinion. (Directed by John Tiffany, Royal Alexandra Theatre, www.mirvish.com, closes Jan. 5.)
DANCE – NOW PLAYING AND UPCOMING
The National Ballet of Canada. The Nutcracker. James Kudelka’s version is the Big Kahuna of Nutcrackers, featuring wall-to-wall dance, and sumptuous sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto. After umpteen viewings, there is always something new to see. The best traditional Nutcracker on the planet, bar none. (Closes Jan. 4, Four Seasons Centre, www.national.ballet.ca.) Globe Review bit.ly/1chYAcs.
OPERETTA – NOW PLAYING
Toronto Operetta Theatre. The Land of Smiles by Franz Lehar. Pure Viennese schmaltz, which makes TOT such fun. This beloved operetta, set in 1912, was banned by Hitler because of the romance between an Austrian noblewoman and a Chinese mandarin. Unadulterated romance as civilizations collide. TOT’s immensely enjoyable production is anchored in the excellent singing/acting performance of tenor Ernest Ramirez. (Closes Jan. 5, Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.)