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Joshua Chong

@joshuachong.bsky.social
902 followers 184 following 121 posts

Arts Critic & Reporter at the Toronto Star covering theatre, opera and classical music, along with the cultural institutions and individuals that breathe life into the city. Tips and pitches: jchong@thestar.ca

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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Exciting news out of Factory Theatre, which as @joshuachong.bsky.social rightly suggests in his @thestar.com interview has languished recently and lost its way amid legal, economic and programming issues. www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
Toronto's Factory Theatre appoints new artistic director with plans to expand organization's offerings
Kevin Matthew Wong has been tapped to lead the storied but now struggling arts institution.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
My critic's notebook on Nuit Blanche 2025 is now up @thestar.com. Some great exhibits in Etobicoke, but this year's festival was mostly underwhelming. (One of the biggest unforced errors: not having a single installation in Scarborough.)
thestar.com
Nuit Blanche 2025: Our critic on the good, the bad and the ugly from Toronto’s all-night arts fest
This year’s iteration of Nuit Blanche was a mixed bag, writes the Star’s arts critic and reporter Joshua Chong.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
What do you want to know about Canadian theatre or arts criticism more broadly? @thestar.com is hosting an AMA with me on Wednesday (Oct. 8) at 1 p.m. Leave your questions here in advance or join me for the live chat next week. #theaTO
thestar.com
Inside Canadian theatre: Join a live Q&A with Joshua Chong
Arts reporter Joshua Chong takes your questions theatre in Canada, from Stratford’s new leader to Toronto’s top trends, in a live Q&A on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
‘Slave Play’ was one of the most controversial shows in Broadway history. At Canadian Stage, it’s unmissable #theaTO My 4-star review for @thestar.com
thestar.com
‘Slave Play’ was one of the most controversial shows in Broadway history. At Canadian Stage, it’s unmissable
Jeremy O. Harris’s satire is subversive, maddening, riveting and confounding, all at the same time. It also cannot be missed.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Stratford Festival announces new artistic director — a star British theatremaker with big ambitions More in @thestar.com
thestar.com
Stratford Festival announces new artistic director — a star British theatremaker with big ambitions
The British theatremaker Jonathan Church will succeed Antoni Cimolino next year, taking the helm of North America’s largest repertory theatre company.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
I love reviewing classical music, but rarely get the chance to do it. Yesterday was one of those rare opportunities. Here's my review of Lang Lang's fiery return to the @torontosymphony.bsky.social, now up @thestar.com (Gift Link):
thestar.com
Polarizing piano star Lang Lang delivers a fiery, flashy TSO return — hair flips, foot stomps and all
The Chinese lodestar offered a fiery and flashy interpretation of Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto” on Wednesday night at Roy Thomson Hall.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
"MJ," the Michael Jackson jukebox musical at Mirvish, never looks at the man in the mirror. My 1.5-star review is now up @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Review: ‘MJ,’ the Michael Jackson jukebox musical at Mirvish, never looks at the man in the mirror
Lynn Nottage’s character rehabilitation features slick choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, but only skims the surface of Jackson’s life.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
BREAKING: Shaw Festival unveils 2026 season, including ‘Amadeus,’ ‘Funny Girl’ and ‘Cinderella.' Plus: a workshop presentation of a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. More in @thestar.com
thestar.com
Shaw Festival unveils 2026 season, including ‘Amadeus,’ ‘Funny Girl’ and ‘Cinderella’
The lineup includes ‘Amadeus’ along with the musicals ‘Funny Girl’ and ‘Cinderella.’
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Review: "The Art of War" at @stratfest.bsky.social is a profound new Canadian play, about creating art at the end of the world. My 3.5-star review is now up @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Review: Stratford Festival’s ‘The Art of War’ is a profound play about a Canadian painter sent to the warfront
Yvette Nolan’s deeply existential drama follows a Canadian painter sent to the front lines of the Second World War to bear witness.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
‘Old Times’ review: Harold Pinter classic manipulates power with ease — and terror — at Soulpepper, via @thestar.com
thestar.com
‘Old Times’ review: Harold Pinter classic manipulates power with ease — and terror — at Soulpepper
Peter Pasyk’s chic production manipulates power, perspective and memory with the ease — and terror.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
This Montreal riding obtained $27 million in public arts funds. Others received zero. Is the system fair? My investigation into regional disparities in Canada Council for the Arts funding, now online @thestar.com:
thestar.com
This Montreal riding obtained $27 million in public arts funds. Others received zero. Is the system fair?
A Star analysis has found significant disparities in how public arts funding is distributed across the country.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
There are some fine performances and great direction, but I simply could not get behind "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," now running @mirvish.bsky.social. #theaTO Here's my minority report, for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
In this electro-pop opera retelling of Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace,’ the leads shine, but the emotions fall flat
There’s little emotional depth in Dave Malloy’s sprawling retelling of Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” But the leads in this Canadian company shine.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
My @thestar.com review of Canadian Stage’s production of “Romeo and Juliet,” staged at the High Park Amphitheatre. #theaTO
thestar.com
Review: CanStage’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in High Park squanders its interwar Italy setting
Marie Farsi’s abridged adaptation features some solid central performances but doesn’t make the most of its interwar Italy setting.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
I joined CBC's Commotion with @elamin.bsky.social to discuss the wild Luigi Mangione musical now running in San Francisco. Have a listen to the episode: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
cbc.ca
© CBC/Radio-Canada 2025. All rights reserved.
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Steve Fisher, BFA, CD (he/him) @gracingthestage.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Here begins my @toronto-fringe.bsky.social '25 thread! Hopefully as the fest continues, all the #TheaTO & #ComedyTO folx I know on Meta & X will have figured out BSky's the only SM platform that 1. easily shares links & news, & 2. isn't overrun by toxicity. So yes, here (only here!) we go! #FringeTO
On an orange background, a copy of the program guide for the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival, with a page of the schedule highlighting some shows on the first 2 days.
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
So @thestar.com’s Fringe review hub has been updated, with more capsule reviews by @joshuachong.bsky.social @alexaamackie.bsky.social and me. Festival ends this weekend, so read this and choose wisely. www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
New batch of #FringeTO reviews are now up @thestar.com, from @glennsumi.bsky.social, @alexaamackie.bsky.social and me. We still have a few more coming later this week. #theaTO
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
We now have 33 #FringeTO reviews up on @thestar.com, with many more still to come in the next few days. #theaTO From @alexaamackie.bsky.social, @glennsumi.bsky.social and me:
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Alexa MacKie @alexaamackie.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
More Toronto Fringe reviews are up, including plenty of critic’s picks from myself, @glennsumi.bsky.social and @joshuachong.bsky.social! It’s been a beautiful festival so far — I’m feeling very grateful. Only a few more reviews and shows to go! 🎭 via @thestar.com: www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Nine new #FringeTO reviews are now up @thestar.com. #theaTO From @alexaamackie.bsky.social, @glennsumi.bsky.social and me:
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks First eight reviews are up, including three critic’s picks. Check back every day @thestar.com for more. #FringeTO #theaTO
thestar.com
Toronto Fringe Festival 2025: A complete guide with reviews and our critics’ top picks
Theatre critics Joshua Chong, Glenn Sumi and Alexa MacKie will review dozens of shows for the Toronto Star throughout the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Wrote about my experience being in The Lion King last week for @thestar.com www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
It’s the first day of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival. Glenn Sumi (@glennsumi.bsky.social), Alexa MacKie and I will be reviewing more than 50 shows over the next week for @thestar.com First batch of reviews will be out tomorrow! #FringeTO #theaT
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
SCOOP: Stratford Festival plans to remount ‘Something Rotten’ and stage a new revival of ‘Guys & Dolls’ next year. Both productions are expected to be directed and choreographed by Donna Feore. More details in @thestar.com
thestar.com
Stratford Festival plans to remount ‘Something Rotten’ and stage new revival of ‘Guys & Dolls’ next year
The company will remount its 2024 production of ‘Something Rotten’ and stage new revival of ‘Guys & Dolls.’
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Dora Awards 2025: The complete list of winners #theaTO
thestar.com
Dora Awards 2025: The complete list of winners
Toronto’s top performing arts awards were handed out Monday night at Meridian Hall, at a ceremony hosted by actor Peter Fernandes.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
“Karma, The Life We Inherit,” the first half of Why Not Theatre’s two-part play “Mahabharata,” won five Doras in the general theatre division on Monday night. #theaTO More for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Dora Awards 2025: ‘Mahabharata’ dominates Toronto’s top theatre honours amid major upsets
The retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic won five awards in the general theatre division, including for outstanding new play.
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Love this excerpt about critics disagreeing with each other about a show from yesterday’s reader Q&A with @theglobeandmail.com Theatre Reporter @aislingmurph.bsky.social (Reader pointed out how her rave differed from @joshuachong.bsky.social’s pan)
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Even without reading @joshuachong.bsky.social’s 1.5 star review, you couldn’t pay me to experience this installation at Luminato. Instant claustrophobia activated. www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
Luminato Festival 2025: This new ‘immersive experience’ is a monstrosity on the waterfront
This new ‘immersive experience’ is a monstrosity on the waterfront.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
My roundup of the 2025 #TonyAwards is now up @thestar.com. Here are the snubs, surprises and top moments from this year's ceremony.
thestar.com
Tony Awards 2025: The snubs, surprises and top moments from Broadway’s biggest night
“Wicked” star and past Tony winner Cynthia Erivo hosted the glittering ceremony Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
4/4 stars from me for Kat Sandler's unmissable new adaptation of "Anne of Green Gables" at @stratfest.bsky.social. Watching "The Winter's Tale" on Friday and this the following afternoon was a wonderful theatrical doubleheader.
thestar.com
One of Canada’s most beloved novels has a new adaptation at the Stratford Festival — and it’s unmissable, whatever the purists might think
This unmissable new stage adaptation, written and directed by Kat Sandler, lends the classic story some contemporary relevance.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
It’s one of Shakespeare’s so-called ‘problem plays,’ but in the hands of the Stratford Festival, it’s a must-see production. My first four-star review out of this year's Stratford opening week, now up @thestar.com. Don't miss this one!
thestar.com
It’s one of Shakespeare’s so-called ‘problem plays,’ but in the hands of the Stratford company it’s a must-see production
Director Antoni Cimolino’s “The Winter’s Tale” places complete trust in the material and in the skill of its cast. The result is astounding.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
My review of @stratfest.bsky.social's delightful revival of "Annie" is now up @thestar.com. Go see this one!
thestar.com
Even if you hate the musical ‘Annie,’ you must watch the Stratford Festival’s delightful new revival, which will leave any cynic with a smile
Donna Feore’s production hits all the right notes, and features a top-drawer cast of orphans and adults.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
The @stratfest.bsky.social's 73rd season is officially open. Here's my @thestar.com review of the first show of the year: Chris Abraham's production of "As You Like It."
thestar.com
Stratford Festival’s ‘As You Like It’ is not as you know it — with one risky swing that somewhat misses
Chris Abraham's modern-dress production is perfectly paced. But its two halves feel disconnected.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Sandy Rustin’s family-friendly murder mystery whodunit “Clue” is filled with physical comedy, but often plays it too safe. My review for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Can you turn a board game into a play? ‘Clue’ at Mirvish tries, but doesn’t successfully roll the dice
Sandy Rustin's family-friendly murder mystery whodunit is filled with physical comedy, but often plays it too safe.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
The Shaw Festival says this is its last ‘Narnia’ play. After seeing ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ that’s a good thing. My review of this incredibly disappointing production is now up @thestar.com:
thestar.com
The Shaw Festival says this is its last ‘Narnia’ play. After seeing ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ that’s a good thing
Is it a panto or a musical? This stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic novel has no clue what it is.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
This Tchaikovsky opera of gale-force emotionality gets an exceptional cast and conductor in its Canadian Opera Company revival. #theaTO My review for @thestar.com
thestar.com
This Tchaikovsky opera of gale-force emotionality gets an exceptional cast and conductor in its Canadian Opera Company revival
Robert Carsen’s staging of this Tchaikovsky classic has one major flaw, but is otherwise a gem of a production.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Luigi Mangione, the suspected health-care CEO assassin turned folk hero, is the subject of a new musical. Is that depraved or potentially brilliant? Shared some thoughts in my latest critic's notebook for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Luigi Mangione, the suspected health-care CEO assassin turned folk hero, is the subject of a new musical. Is that depraved or potentially brilliant?
Musicals are more than just singing cats and dancing candlesticks, writes Joshua Chong, and a show like "Luigi: The Musical" is not unprecedented.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
The house is crumbling — and so is the family in the promising new play ‘The Roof Is Leaking.' #theaTO My review for @thestar.com
thestar.com
The house is crumbling — and so is the family in the promising new play ‘The Roof Is Leaking’
Sanskruti Marathe and Davinder Malhi’s new work is brimming with rich ideas, but doesn’t conclude on a satisfying note.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Ovo’ marks an impressive, eye-popping return to form for the Canadian company. #theaTO My review for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Ovo’ marks an impressive, eye-popping return to form for the Canadian company
Who knew a troupe of acrobatic bugs could make for such boisterous entertainment?
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
‘A Strange Loop’ is the greatest American musical of the decade. But does it translate for Canadian audiences at Soulpepper?#theaTO My review of this brash, unapologetic and glorious show is now up @thestar.com:
thestar.com
‘A Strange Loop’ is the greatest American musical of the decade. But does it translate for Canadian audiences at Soulpepper?
Michael R. Jackson's "big, Black and queer-ass American Broadway show" is brash, unapologetic and glorious.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
My review of the Canadian musical "Life After" is now up @thestar.com. Don't miss this one. #theaTO
thestar.com
The new Canadian musical ‘Life After’ is a triumph at Mirvish. But is it ready for Broadway?
Britta Johnson’s astounding chamber work is brought to life in a slick production that feels almost ready for Broadway.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Her musical ‘Life After’ began on a tiny Toronto Fringe stage. Now, it’s playing at Mirvish’s biggest theatre — and shooting for Broadway. Here's @glennsumi.bsky.social's feature for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
Her musical ‘Life After’ began on a tiny Toronto Fringe stage. Now, it’s playing at Mirvish’s biggest theatre — and shooting for Broadway
Britta Johnson’s musical returns to Toronto after acclaimed runs across North America.
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Reposted by Joshua Chong
Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Loved chatting with LIFE AFTER’s Britta Johnson, Anika Johnson, Kaylee Harwood & director Annie Tippe before the acclaimed musical - which I first saw and loved at the Fringe - goes up @mirvish.bsky.social. Story in today’s @thestar.com www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
Her musical ‘Life After’ began on a tiny Toronto Fringe stage. Now, it’s playing at Mirvish’s biggest theatre — and shooting for Broadway
Britta Johnson’s musical returns to Toronto after acclaimed runs across North America.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
If you have a kid (or are a kid at heart), I highly recommend checking out "Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical" at @mirvish.bsky.social. #theaTO What a silly treat. My 4-star review for @thestar.com:
thestar.com
It’s a colourful, boisterous, rambunctious musical stuffed with toilet humour — and you never want it to end
This “Dog Man” spinoff, now running at the CAA Theatre, hits all the right notes to be engaging for both children and adults alike.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
“Downton Abbey” actor Elizabeth McGovern will headline the 2025-26 Off-Mirvish season, which will feature a lineup of five productions, the most in the subscription program’s history. #theaTO More details for @thestar.com
thestar.com
A Steve Martin musical and this ‘Downton Abbey’ star will headline the largest ever off-Mirvish season
The lineup also includes the Tony Award-winning musical "Kimberly Akimbo," starring Canadian stage legend Louise Pitre.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
My favourite musical rhyme I've heard in a very long time: "tadpoles"/"dad goals" Look out for my @thestar.com review later this week to find out which show this is from. #theaTO
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Letting audiences help shape a new play seemed like a bad idea. Boy, did the Vault Creation Lab prove me wrong! #theaTO My latest critic's notebook for @thestar.com
thestar.com
Letting audiences help shape a new play seemed like a bad idea. Boy, did the Vault Creation Lab prove me wrong!
This company is workshopping new plays in front of a paying audience. The show that critic Joshua Chong attended surprised him in more ways than one.
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Glenn Sumi @glennsumi.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
My review of Opera Atelier's DAVID AND JONATHAN is now up at @thestar.com. Even after studying the synopsis, I had some difficulty following the story. So I just sat back and let the music, dance and design wash over me. www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
thestar.com
It’s hard to figure out what’s going on in this 17th-century opera, but the singing, dancing and design make up for that
It’s hard to figure out what’s going on in this 17th-century opera, but the singing, dancing and design make up for that.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
NEW: An acclaimed Toronto theatre company that’s been largely dormant since the pandemic is relaunching with new leadership, a fresh mandate and a slate of three shows — including “Spring Awakening” — for the 2025-26 season. #theaTO More details in @thestar.com
thestar.com
This Toronto theatre company is relaunching with ‘Spring Awakening,’ a Canadian musical and some Broadway talent
Richard Ouzounian has been appointed the new artistic producer of the Eclipse Theatre Company, taking over from Broadway actor Chilina Kennedy.
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Joshua Chong @joshuachong.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
The Star is also hiring for its part-time student internship program (also known as the radio room). Applications are due April 11.
jobs.smartrecruiters.com
Toronto Star Radio Room Internship
Company Description: Torstar Corporation is a progressive media organization with a long, proud history in newspapers and a passion for capitalizing on the fluid world of digital and mobile media...
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