The recent announcement by the Ontario government about renewed restrictions to performing arts venues because of the Omicron wave threw a monkey wrench into the entire Toronto theatre season. Mirvish Productions has made their own announcement in response, including some necessary modifications to the 2022 season, along with a brand new offering.
“Health and safety is always our primary concern,” says David Mirvish in a media release. “Right now is not the time to have performances taking place. Indeed, the Ontario government has rightly closed all indoor theatres until January 27. Giving ourselves a buffer of three months before we resume performances is deemed prudent. We now look to reopen our theatres at the beginning of April.
“We hope there won’t be any more changes, but if there are any lingering concerns about safety we may very well have to change schedules again. We are committed to presenting the season of shows we announced in a safe and responsible way.
The affected productions
Four of the shows in the 2022 winter/spring season will play on new dates, and in new venues.
- Boy Falls From the Sky: Jake Epstein’s musical love letter to show business will now play April/May 2022 at The CAA Theatre, with precise dates to be confirmed.
- Room: The adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s bestselling novel Room with songs by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett will now take the stage April 5 to May 8 at The Princess of Wales Theatre.
- Pressure: David Haig’s acclaimed play about planning of the D-Day invasion in June 1944 will play April 19 to May 29 at The Royal Alexandra Theatre.
- 2 Pianos, 4 Hands: The smash hit comedy featuring Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt and their piano obsessions will be performed June 7 to July 17 at The Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Two of the shows scheduled remain unchanged. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is scheduled to begin on May 31, at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, is not affected. & Juliet is also scheduled to play on its original dates, beginning June 21 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
A new addition to close the season
While the temporary lockdown has caused schedule disruptions, David Mirvish also mentioned the addition of a new show to close the season in September. “But there is a significant addition to the season: Jonathan Church’s much-lauded production of Singin’ in the Rain will finally be coming to Canada after playing seasons in London, Japan and elsewhere around the world. It will replace Leopoldstadt, which was to play in January and February. Singin’ in the Rain will now be the final show of the season and play the Princess of Wales Theatre in September.”
Singin’ in the Rain evokes Hollywood glamour from the roaring 20s, featuring Andrew Wright’s acclaimed choreography and elaborate set designs from Simon Higlett that includes over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night. The score features the beloved songs from the original MGM film, including “Good Morning,” “Make ‘em Laugh,” “Moses Supposes” and the iconic title song.
The show will open in September 2022 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
More details about the Mirvish 2022 season [HERE].
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