Toronto Arts & Entertainment – “Holiday Happenings”
(Nov./Dec. 2011)
By Dr. Réa Beaumont (UBC, M.Mus.)
Opening November 4, Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess is a collection of photos and memorabilia, including her jewelry and iconic dresses. This is a rare opportunity as Toronto is the only North American stop for the exhibit.
With artwork from The Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Art Gallery of Ontario’s exhibition of masterpieces Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde is on display now until January 15.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is taking place November 4-13 at the Direct Energy Centre on the CNE grounds (Exhibition Place) with its equestrian show, wine competition and activities for the entire family. You will have an excellent opportunity to learn more about fine wines and food at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo (November 17-20) being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The following weekend (November 25-27) at the same venue, Whole Life Expo celebrates healthy, ‘green’ lifestyles with more than 200 exhibitors and guest speakers on hand to promote and educate on a variety of topics ranging from organic foods to alternative medicine.
The Santa Claus Parade on November 20 officially launches the holiday season in the city, followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Nathan Philips Square downtown on November 26 with entertainment and fireworks. Redpath brought the Tall Ships to Toronto for the Waterfront Festival this summer and they were a rare sight. Now it’s time for the Winter Wonderland Cruise which sets sail at Harbourfront on the first three Saturdays in December but you need to book early as dates sell out quickly.
A wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas spirit or learn more about Toronto’s fascinating history, is to visit two of its beautifully preserved landmarks. Toronto’s Christmas Market sponsored by Lowe’s, returns to The Distillery Historic District for the first half of December (2-18). The District is transformed into a vibrant European market with entertainment ranging from Carolers and brass bands to organ concerts, plus a multitude of vendors, spectacular lighting, a Ferris Wheel, and Santa’s workshop with elves and reindeer. This special event is in addition to the Distillery’s unique boutiques, galleries and fine restaurants that are open year-round.
The historic Black Creek Pioneer Village decorates their early Victorian style nineteenth-century homes this December, inspired by images from Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. The evening tours on December 10, 17 and 18 are called Christmas by Lamplight and require advance booking. It is a magical, peaceful step back in time. The Village also has a child-friendly Family Baking Workshop on December 3 where you can learn traditional pioneer recipes.
The Canadian Tenors bring their superb show “Home for the Holidays” to Roy Thomson Hall on December 22 and 23. Choreographer James Kudelka’s version of The Nutcracker returns to the stage for the holiday season and is performed by our own National Ballet of Canada. Mirvish Productions presents the musical comedy 2 Pianos 4 Hands (2P4H) at the Panasonic Theatre from now until November 20 and the classic Mary Poppins at the Princess of Wales Theatre until January 8.
Ross Petty is one of Canada’s finest entertainers and last year he generously found time in his rehearsal schedule to be interviewed for UBC-TO’s Arts & Entertainment article. Petty is a household name to Canadians and highly respected for his impressive, versatile career. Each year the actor reinterprets a fairytale or a well-known story for his Christmas pantomime. The comedic musical is suitable for the entire family. This year’s show is The Wizard of Oz featuring the very talented stars from the Toronto production of “Rock of Ages” — Elicia Mackenzie (Sound of Music) and Yvan Pedneault, plus additional stellar cast members Jessica Holmes, Dan Chameroy and Ross Petty.
© Réa Beaumont 2011
