Today I laughed and cried before rising to my feet in applause. That draw of emotion is a typical experience at Tarragon Theatre in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto.
Toronto is the most important location for live theatre in Canada and ranks as the world’s third largest home of English language performances. Most city visitors come to watch a blockbuster musical or a dramatic classic at places like the Royal Alexandra, Princess of Wales, or Soulpepper. If you want to see something new, Canadian and dramatic, however, check out Tarragon.
This theatre has been one of my favourites for decades, and in thinking back, I’ve never been disappointed, even if I knew nothing about the play beforehand. It offers two venues: Mainspace and Extraspace for more experimental shows.
The theatre is tricky to find just west of the Casa Loma campus of George Brown College, but take the Bathurst Street bus north from the Bloor subway to Bridgeman, and it’s only a short walk east from there.
Tickets are general admission and students enjoy a huge discount. Anyone with the flexibility to attend a Wednesday matinee will also save big. And, even if the play inside is serious, at least that will make you smile.
What’s Spot On:
• Friday Night Date Night gets you free wine or beer tastings, plus the chance to chat with the performing cast/creative team.
• Tarragon has been enchanting audiences since 1971, when it moved into a building that once housed a cribbage board factory.
