In these cold, dark days, it’s important to find respite and joy. To get my fill, I’m looking forward to these shows.
Horrorshow Productions is back with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet St (Dec. 5–14, Alumnae Theatre). It’s a fun, creepy and reasonably-priced musical, filled with charming artists.
Wing Chun Dance Drama (Dec. 16–Jan. 4, Meridian Hall) is making its North American debut. Created by Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, it’s a thrilling combination of martial arts, dance and storytelling.
Bad Hats’ Narnia (now until Dec. 28, Young Centre for the Performing Arts) is good family fun. Bad Hats Theatre recreates children’s classics to be as entertaining for adults as they are for kids. Narnia boasts a strong cast, such as Amaka Umeh, Astrid Van Wieren and Belinda Corpuz.
For a laugh, Holiday! An Improvised Musical (Dec. 11–21, Factory Theatre) is back, singing out the angst of festive social times. Also check out Invasion: Christmas Carol (Dec. 2–14, Assembly Theatre), featuring Colin Mocherie on opening night, Andrew Phung the second and a rotating cast of invaders.
The National Ballet is presenting its 30th year of choreographer James Kudelka’s Nutcracker (Dec. 5–31, Four Seasons Centre).
If panto is your bag, Ross Petty is back with Robin Hood: a Very Merry Family Musical (now until Jan. 4, The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre).
In the new year, Make Banana Cry (Jan. 14–17, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre) by Andrew Tay and Stephen Thompson is an acerbic examination and critique of xenophobia and Asian fetishization, reclaiming the self through runway aesthetics and dance.
Finally, the world premiere of the comedy Mischief by Lisa Nasson (Jan. 15–Feb. 8, Tarragon Theatre) follows a young Mi’kmaw woman living in two different worlds during a time of upheaval.
This article appeared in the 2025 Dec – 2026 Jan issue.
