Toronto Theatre and Concert Venues

Toronto is home to the world’s third-largest English-speaking theatre district; with so many theatres, you can see a different play every night of your trip. You can watch the big name productions in the city’s larger theatres, or discover a new playwright in one of the smaller venues, like the Berkeley Street Theatre. As for concerts, Toronto is a frequent stop on world tours. Being the largest city in Canada, Toronto attracts all the big name acts as they travel through North America. And don’t forget the hundreds of bars and clubs. Places like the Horseshoe Tavern or the Sound Academy play host to great indie acts.

Molson Amphitheatre

Located on the grounds of Ontario Place, Molson Amphitheatre is one of the city’s most popular venues. A roof covers most of the seats at the outdoor stadium, but the last few rows and the lawn seating section are exposed to the sun, the rain, and seagull droppings. If the hundreds of seagulls don’t scare you off, you’re in for an amazing show - the cool breeze off Lake Ontario is the perfect accompaniment to strumming guitars and pounding drums. Molson Amphitheatre is on the grounds of Ontario Place at 909 Lake Shore Boulevard West. To see a complete line-up of upcoming concerts, visit www.livenation.com/venue/molson-amphitheatre-tickets.

Air Canada Centre

If a huge musical touring act passes through Toronto, it makes a stop at the Air Canada Centre. With a seating capacity of 19,800, the ACC plays host to music industry giants like Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and Britney Spears. All of the top acts play the ACC because it is one of the city’s best venues for live concerts; the sound system is unbeatable, and the sightlines from seat to stage are good even in the upper sections. The Air Canada Centre is centrally located in downtown Toronto. Its address is 40 Bay Street. To learn more about the venue, visit www.theaircanadacentre.com.

Kool Haus

Occasionally, bands like to forego seated venues in favour of a sweaty club gig. In Toronto, most head for Kool Haus, an upscale, well-designed live concert venue. Coldplay, Keane, Metallica, and No Doubt have all took to the Kool Haus stage. The sightlines are great - unless you have the misfortune of standing behind someone six-and-a-half feet tall. Still, the sound system is booming, the washrooms are clean, and the patio roof is sure to cool you down after a hot concert. Its location - 132 Queens Quay East - is far from the subway, so make sure you grab a transfer for the #6 Bay Street south bus. For more information, visit www.theguvernment.com.

Massey Hall

Musicians and artists have been entertaining the crowds at Massey Hall since 1894. With under 3,000 seats, it is a smaller venue - don’t expect to see a stadium show here. Instead, you’ll be floored by the acoustics. The auditorium is so well designed, you’ll feel like you’re sitting right next to the band - even when you’re sitting in the last row of the uppermost balcony. Fellow concert-goers can hear every word of your conversation, so keep your gossip to a minimum. Massey Hall is located at 178 Victoria Street, just east of the Eaton Centre on Yonge Street. For directions to the venue, visit www.masseyhall.com.

Roy Thomson Hall

Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Roy Thomson Hall is perfectly situated in the heart of Toronto’s King Street theatre district. This hall is known for its sightlines - not one of the hall’s 2,630 seats is more than 107 feet away from the stage. The exterior of Roy Thomson Hall is an attraction unto itself; the sloping glass canopy roof looks futuristic, even though the hall was constructed in 1982. Roy Thomson Hall is located at 60 Simcoe Street on the corner of King Street. To see seating plans of the venue, visit www.roythomson.com.

Second City

If laughter is the best medicine, the audiences at The Second City are the healthiest people in all of Toronto! The Second City’s comedy sketches mock and satirize everyday situations, leaving the audience simultaneously laughing and nodding their heads in agreement. Mike Myers and John Candy both learned the craft of the laugh here, so expect to see some incredible talent on the stage. The Second City is located at 51 Mercer Street, just off Blue Jays Way. For a show schedule, visit www.secondcity.com.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

To see the best opera and ballet performances the city has to offer, head to the Four Seasons Centre; the theatre is home to both the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. Critics have praised this new theatre’s design - with blond woods and simple lines - for its intimate and welcoming feel. Every seat has been computer-tested to ensure the best possible sightlines. And the comfortable seats have plenty of leg room, perfect for those long performances that last well into the night. The building’s glass facade is incredible to see at night, when it is lit up like a jewel box. The Four Seasons Centre is at 145 Queen Street West. To find out more about the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, visit www.fourseasonscentre.ca. To learn how you can take in a free concert at the centre, visit the Canadian Opera Company’s website at http://www.coc.ca/Home.aspx.

Canon Theatre

Formerly known as the Pantages, the Canon Theatre was built in 1920 as a motion picture theatre. It stayed a movie theatre until 1989, when rival company Famous Players filed an injunction preventing the owners - Cineplex Odeon - from showing movies in the building. The theatre was converted into an elegant live theatre venue featuring grand columns and soaring ceilings. Past performances include Phantom of the Opera and We Will Rock You. The Canon Theatre is located at 244 Victoria Street, just steps from the Dundas Subway stop. To buy tickets online, visit www.mirvish.com.

Princess of Wales

This new theatre has the distinction of being the first privately-owned theatre built anywhere in North America in over 30 years. Builders broke ground in 1991, and by 1993, the famous musical Miss Saigon debuted to a sold-out crowd. With one of the widest stages in North America, every seat has incredible sightlines. Even the seats at the back of the balcony are no more than 85 feet from the stage. Be sure to take note of the murals by famous artist Frank Stella - his models of these murals have been displayed in museums around the world. The Princess of Wales’ address is 300 King Street West. To see the full line-up of upcoming shows, visit www.mirvish.com.

Royal Alexandra Theatre

The Royal Alexandra is the oldest continuously operating theatre on the continent. Its history is evident the moment you step inside the National Historic Monument. With red velvet seats, hand-carved walnut details on the walls, and waist-coated ushers, the theatre lives up to its royal name, bestowed on the building by Edward VII for his consort, a Danish princess named Alexandra. Many legends have performed on the stage, from Orson Welles and Humphrey Bogart to Mary Pickford and Pavlova. To see a list of current performances, head to www.mirvish.com. The Royal Alexandra Theatre is located at 260 King Street West.

T.O. TIX

If you want to see a show on a shoestring budget, head to www.totix.ca. Here, you can purchase advance tickets to great shows in and around Toronto for full price. If you wait until the day of the performance, however, T.O. TIX offers half-price and discounted tickets. Simply buy the tickets online, print the voucher, and show the voucher at the show’s box office window, along with your credit card and a photo I.D. Alternatively, you can visit T.O. TIX at Yonge-Dundas Square, Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m.. Experiencing Toronto’s theatre district has never been so affordable!

Map of Toronto Theatre Venues

Molson Amphitheatre Air Canada Centre Kool Haus Massey Hall Roy Thomson Hall Second City Four Seasons Canon Theatre Princess of Wales Royal Alexandra T.O. TIX

 

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