Heroines, mean girls, ogres and more: here are some characters to plan a Toronto theatre weekend around.

Toronto is the third-largest English-speaking theatre city in the world, and Mirvish productions play a huge role in the local scene.

Attending a Mirvish show is a local rite of passage, with productions for every taste. Here are 10 electrifying shows worth planning your next visit around.

Wicked 

Now through July 21, 2024

Wildly inventive and outrageously heartwarming, this crowd-pleasing musical will change you “for good.”

The Tony award-winning Wicked follows the untold story of a smart and spirited young woman’s arrival to the Land of Oz just before Dorothy’s. The last thing Elphaba expects from Galinda, her peppy and popular roommate, is to get along. 

But now, the unlikely friendship blooming from their rivalry is put to the test upon a life-changing discovery.

Launching its first national tour, the Broadway sensation returns to Toronto this summer at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Discover why the world fell in love with Wicked before its star-studded film adaptation drops this fall. 

 

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical 

June 18–July 28, 2024

There’s breaking the rules, and there’s rewriting them. But no one becomes the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll overnight.

From community choir to cultural icon, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical traces the rise and comeback story of musical legend Tina Turner, who defied the boundaries of race, age, and gender. 

Presented in association with Tina herself, this electrifying jukebox musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

The show’s Canadian premiere is at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. Fun fact: Toronto is the city where Tina Turner performed her final North American concert!

Mean Girls 

July 30–August 25, 2024

You wanna do something fun? You wanna go to Mean Girls at the Royal Alexandra Theatre?

From the African savannah to suburban Illinois, new student Cady Heron is learning the hard way that the animal kingdom has nothing on high-school politics. The Canadian premiere of Mean Girls welcomes North Shore High back to Toronto, where the original cult classic teen comedy was shot.

The award-winning creative team behind the hilarious hit musical includes book author and original screenwriter Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), and producer/proud Toronto-native Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live).

 

Gazillion Bubble Show 

August 1–September 1, 2024

The Gazillion Bubble Show isn’t just family-friendly. It’s family-made! 

The world-record-breaking Master of Bubbles Fan Yang is joined onstage at the CAA Theatre by his wife Ana, son Deni, daughter Melody and brother Jano to create this breathtaking spectacle made of—you guessed it—a gazillion bubbles.

Prepare to have your mind blown by extraordinary bubble magic and masterpieces accompanied by dream-like laser displays. You may even have the chance to be inside one of these bubbles.

This production is a feast for the senses, ideal for audiences of all ages and languages. On August 4, 2024, a relaxed performance (with modifications to lighting, sounds and laser effects) is offered for those looking for a more sensory-friendly experience.

Shrek – The Musical 

August 6–18, 2024

Whether you’re coming from near or Far Far Away, Shrek the Musical will have you falling in love with a certain not-so-gentle giant all ogre again.

The musical adaptation of the beloved Oscar-winning film is a true theatrical extravaganza taking place at the Princess of Wales Theatre. With fantastical projections and puppetry, this production is a Shrek-tacular retelling of our favourite misunderstood monster’s journey of acceptance, belonging, and recognition.

The Canadian premiere of Shrek – The Musical will also feature revised material from its award-winning creators (Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, Kimberly Akimbo) and all-new original direction and choreography (Danny Mefford, Dear Evan Hansen). 

 

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac 

August 20–25, 2024

Formed in 1967, British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac continues to attract new fans over 50 years later

Globally recognized as the “finest Fleetwood Mac tribute concert”, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac embarks on its North American tour with the personal blessing of founding member Mick Fleetwood. 

But it’s more than a show! Rumours of Fleetwood Mac presents a unique opportunity for audiences across generations to experience the band’s legendary discography and unparalleled stage presence together.

A night to remember, you won’t want to miss its limited run at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Life Of Pi 

September 3–October 6, 2024

Based on the best-selling book by Canadian author Yann Martel, the internationally award-winning Life Of Pi is hitting the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre this fall. 

It’s the middle of the Pacific Ocean and sixteen-year-old Pi is shipwrecked with unexpected company—a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. What unfolds over the course of 227 days at sea is a metaphysical adventure of faith, endurance, and imagination.

This breathtaking—and multiple Olivier and Tony Award-winning—adaptation is brought to life with exquisite stagecraft by Tim Hatley (Shrek – The Musical) and world-class puppetry design by Nick Barnes (Angels in America) and Finn Caldwell (War Horse). 

Get your tickets while you can, because Toronto will be the only Canadian city to experience this once-in-a-lifetime production. 

 

Come From Away 

Opens September 22, 2024

Come From Away is finally returning to the Royal Alexandra Theatre after its nearly sold-out run was cut short by the pandemic—and it’s here to stay!

The remarkably true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland the week following 9/11 will undoubtedly pluck your heartstrings. And with an all-new Canadian cast and crew, the Tony Award-winning musical is one of two local productions at Mirvish with an unlimited run.

A decade in the making, learn more about Come From Away’s journey from conception to international hit.

Mamma Mia! 

October 8–November 10, 2024

The ultimate feel-good story, it’s no wonder Mamma Mia! was an ABBA-solutely smash hit on stage and on screen.

This renowned jukebox musical will transport audiences to the idyllic Greek islands right from the comfort of the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. 

Starting from a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known, Mamma Mia! is ultimately a celebration of womanhood and the impact of female relationships told through ABBA’s timeless music.

Mirvish is excited to welcome the iconic production back to Toronto, where its North American premiere took place in 2000. 

 

The Lion King 

Opens November 2, 2024

We just can’t wait for The Lion King!

The second Mirvish show with an open-ended run, the multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation finds a new home at the Princess of Wales Theatre with an entirely Canadian cast and crew. 

The critically acclaimed soundtrack by Elton John and Tim Rice is stunningly presented with evocative stagecraft and electrifying performances. 

Director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor—the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical—remains actively involved in the original and new productions of the show.