Koba Entertainment proudly welcomes the newest addition to its family of touring musicals - Max & Ruby: Bunny Party! After a sold-out tour across western Canadian cities, Max and Ruby are set to make their way east to over 20 cities this coming March.
It’s a surprise party for someone special, and bunny siblings Max and Ruby have a-million-and-one things to do before the big event. Join in the fun as they embark on a musical bus ride to East Bunnyhop General Store, where they deliberate on what to buy for the Super Duper Special Birthday Guest. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide - with hilarious results!
Back at home, Louise arrives with her beauty kit and everyone gets a makeover - even Max! When everything is all set for the party, Ruby discovers some uninvited guests including an engaging Robot, a giant Spider, and an adorable Slug.
Who could the mystery guest be? Find out by joining Max & Ruby in this lively theatrical production adorned with exquisite costuming, rich colorful sets, and original songs that will have the whole audience singing and hopping along. Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships with Max & Ruby: Bunny Party!
About Max & Ruby Live! On Stage
Max & Ruby: Bunny Party is a brand new live show by Koba Entertainment, the producers behind other memorable theatrical productions including The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure and Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon. Conceived and directed by Patti Caplette, this 90-minute event is the creative collaboration of a dynamic team of artists including Juno Award winner Norman Foote (music and lyrics), Beth Kates (scenic design), Anne Armit (costume design), and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet wardrobe department.
Max & Ruby originated as an enchanting book series by Rosemary Wells and has sold over 3 million books worldwide. Max & Ruby started on television in 2002. Max & Ruby’s playful high jinks are enjoyed by children around the world including Canada, U.S., Finland, France and Sweden.
Max & Ruby: Bunny Party
Eastern Canadian Tour Dates
March 12 - Hamilton, ON - Hamilton Place - 1:00PM - $28.50, $25.50
March 13 - Guelph, ON - River Run Centre - 1:00PM - $26.50
March 15 - Sarnia, ON - Imperial Theatre - 6:30PM - $26.50
March 16 - Mississauga, ON - Living Arts Centre - 1:00PM - $36.00, $31.00, $26.00 - On Sale Now
March 19 - Charlottetown, PE - Confederation Centre - 4:00PM - $27.00, $20.00 - On Sale Now
March 20 - Halifax, NS - Rebecca Cohn Theatre - 1:00PM - Contact theatre for ticket information
March 24 - Grand Falls, NL - Arts & Culture Centre - 6:30PM - $26.50 - On Sale Jan 20
March 26 - St. John’s, NL - Holy Heart Theatre - 1:00PM - Contact theatre for ticket information
March 27 - Gander, NL - Arts & Culture Centre - 1:00PM - $26.50 - On Sale Jan 20
March 31 - Sydney, NS - Membertou Trade & Convention Centre - 6:30PM - Contact theatre for ticket information
Paquin Entertainment Group is one of Canada’s premier entertainment companies with offices operating out of Winnipeg and Toronto. While artist management and concert promotion spurred the beginning of the business, Founder/CEO Gilles Paquin’s vision was infinite. Today, he continues to push the Company to expand, evolve and diversify. Paquin Entertainment Group’s portfolio holds over 25 years of global experience ranging from agency, artist management, corporate consulting and theatre/film.
Striving to not only support the arts, but also create art, Koba Entertainment was established in 2004 and in six years it has become the leading producer of family musical productions. At the creative helm of Koba Entertainment is Producing Artistic Director Patti Caplette. The Company’s live theatrical spectacles have captivated audiences around the world in over 165 North American cities, 6 countries and 3 continents.
Paquin Entertainment Group remains deeply focused on artist representation. Its agency division, led by President Julien Paquin, proudly represents over 150 artists including Randy Bachman, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bachman & Turner, K’NAAN, Tegan & Sara, Serena Ryder, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Classic Albums Live, Bowfire, as well as family favourites such as The Backyardigans, Max & Ruby and Toopy & Binoo.
Who can resist Mickey and the gang?Disney just seems to get it right when it comes to family outings and entertainment; that’s why we were so excited to head down to the Rogers Centre for Disney on Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey.
My husband, who has a slight obsession for all things Disney, was looking forward to taking in the music and waving hello to the Characters (yes, he actually waved).I was looking forward to the figure skating and family-time.The kids were looking forward to the ice cream and cotton candy.Don’t get me wrong, they were really excited for the show – in conjunction with the snacks.
We arrived early and settled into our seats.Familiar music played in the background:Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid.My daughter began reading the program (my son had gone with my husband to get – surprise – snacks).I checked my blackberry for e-mails (yes, I’m one of those moms); checked on the baby, who we’d left behind at grandma’s; consulted my play-date agenda for the winter-break… the lights went down and the show began.
Jackpot.
The seats in front of us were occupied by small children and we had a clear view of the stage.
I am five feet tall. Let me tell you that small luxuries, such as this, matter.
Rats.
The kid in front of me has one of those light-up, swirling, noisy, hand-held, costs-a-fortune-impulse-buys (availablefor purchase both out by the concessions and on either side of the stage).All around us, Disney items were available for purchase and consumption: taste, touch, hear, see, and smell.We were immersed.But, this is to be expected, I think.
Four Disney musicals – The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch and Peter Pan – are woven into one interconnected show.The storylines are condensed, but retain the essential moments and, most importantly, our favourite songs.
I’m not trying to be sappy here, but the best ice dancing occurred during the love songs (“Can you feel the love tonight,”“Kiss the Girl”).I must give credit, though, to the 15-20 monkeys at the beginning who really just stole the show from Mickey et.al.Perhaps, though, monkeys are naturally better figure skaters than mice?
My daughter was amazed at how “flexible” the dancers were.She also wondered why Mickey “makes all those hand motions” when he talks.
The variety of sets, props, and costumes were particularly impressive.Ariel looked longingly at Prince Eric on the upper-stage; Tinkerbell and Peter Pan (suspended from the ceiling) “flew” over the stage; small fireworks punctuated the storyline; a huge inflatable crocodile finally ate Captain Hook.
My children liked the bubbles released into the air during “Under the Sea.”
For Disney enthusiasts, the show was “classic” Disney.We even clapped for Tinkerbell (you know, to show her we “believe”).There were numerous familiar references to Disney storylines, characters, and songs.It wasn’t exactly “fresh,” but it was pleasantly nostalgic.
My children said they liked the funny parts the best.
Yes, Disney still does slapstick humour; and, yes, children still get a “kick” out of it (pun intended; you can all groan now).Goofy keeps falling on the ice and dropping his suitcases.Captain Hook kicks Smee and calls him silly names.
My favourite part?I really did love having some special family time.I was happy to give my children these special treats – an outing, a show, sticky-messy junk food…
The moment I was most impressed by Disney?That would be when I found a small, packaged wet-nap at the bottom of that bag of cotton candy.
Double-jackpot.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey is taking audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends at the Rogers Centre in Toronto from December 25, 2010 to January 2, 2011. You can save $5 dollars on the upcoming show by using the promo code BLOG. This offer is not valid on Rinkside, Front Row or VIP seats. Some restrictions may apply. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-870-8000. Learn more at www.rogerscentre.com or at www.disneyonice.com.
“100 times better than any bedside story!” – New York Times
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL arrives at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts December 17 as part of a North American tour. The critically acclaimed, record-breaking Broadway production officially opens December 17, 7pm and will play the recently renovated venue through January 2, 2011.
Icelandic film and stage actor Stefán Karl — best known for playing Robbie Rotten on Nickelodeon’s “LazyTown” — stars as the Christmas-hating Grinch. The Boston Globe said Stefán Karl “delivers an all-out, energetic, crowd-pleasing performance!” and last year The Hollywood Reporter called his performance “A Grinch for the ages…inescapable good humor, mind-boggling antics, breathtaking make-up and great costume.”
Stefán Karl is joined onstage by Seth Bazacas as Young Max, Serena Brook as Mama Who, Brance Cornelius as Papa Who, Ryan Knowles as Grandpa Who, Bob Lauder as Old Max and Rebecca Prescott as Grandma Who. Brooke Lynn Boyd and Carly Tamer share the role of Cindy-Lou Who and Ariana Gibb and Ginnie Lee House share the role of Annie Who.
The 25 member cast also includes Jenavene Bazacas, Andrew Boetcher, Matt David, Matt Densky, Lauren Devine, Katie Emerson, Kyle Garvin, Willow Grey, Emily Grosland, Jackie Nguyen, Domonique Paton, David Thornton, Lily Tobin, and Jennifer Wilcove as the Citizens of Whoville.
Beloved Max the Dog narrates this charming and comical tale of the miserable Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” and his attempt to wreak havoc on the tiny town of Whoville by trying to steal Christmas.
First performed on Broadway in 2006, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL broke box office attendance records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its limited holiday engagements.
With book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL retains the hit songs from the original 1966 animated television special “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” with lyrics by the legendary Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and music by Tony Award-winning composer Albert Hague (“Redhead”) plus eight new songs written specifically for this production.
Featuring magnificent sets by John Lee Beatty and costumes by Robert Morgan inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations, this 2010 tour is under the supervision of three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien with direction by Matt August and choreography by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca.
Support for this production comes from the Ministry Tourism and Culture.
The musical is produced by Big League Productions, Inc. and the Toronto presentation is by special arrangement with Dancap Productions, Inc.
The Sony Centre embarks on its 50th Anniversary season ready to play a central role in the cultural experience of Torontonians as a nexus of arts, culture and technology. The 50th Anniversary Season reflects the diversity and sophistication of 21st century Toronto audiences with programming featuring the international stars of dance, theatre, music and popular culture that resonate with today’s audiences. For tickets and more information visit www.sonycentre.ca.
Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
presents
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
December 17, 2010 – January 2, 2011
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $25 - $74 + HST
To purchase tickets call 416.872.2262 or online at www.sonycentre.ca
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Fri December 17: 7PM
Sat December 18: 11AM, 2PM, 5PM & 8PM
Sun December 19: 2PM & 5:00PM
Mon December 20 - Thu December 23: 2PM & 7PM
No shows December 24 & 25
Sun December 26: 2PM & 5PM
Mon December 27: 11AM, 2PM & 5PM
Tue December 28 & Wed December 29: 2PM & 7PM
Thu December 30: 11AM, 2PM & 5PM
Sat January 1: 2PM & 5PM
Sun January 2: 11AM, 2PM & 5:00PM
Koba Entertainment proudly welcomes the newest addition to its family of touring musicals –
Max & Ruby: Bunny Party!
It’s a big day for someone special. Bunny siblings Max and Ruby have a-million-and-one things to do before the very exciting event; they embark on a musical bus ride to find the greatest present in the world before coming home to undergo an unpredictable make-over just for this happy occasion.
When will the guest of honour arrive? Who will it be? Join Max & Ruby as their special guest is revealed at the Bunny Party of the year! That’s right, if your child has a birthday in the same month that Max & Ruby are in your city, he or she could become the Super Duper Special Birthday Guest! You can win the opportunity for your child to join the singing and dancing on stage as the bunny siblings’ guest of honour! Tune in to your local radio station for details on how to enter.
This fast-paced theatrical production will tour the nation and have the whole audience singing and hopping to original tunes. Western Canadian dates begin this fall and the Eastern tour dates will commence in Spring 2011.
Max & Ruby: Bunny Partyis a brand new live show by Koba Entertainment, the producers behind other memorable theatrical productions including The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure and Doodlebops: Together Forever Tour. Conceived and directed by award-winner, Patti Caplette, this 90-minute event is the creative collaboration of a dynamic team of artists including Juno Award winner, Norman Foote (music and lyrics), Beth Kates (scenic design) and Anne Armit (costume design).
Max & Ruby originated as an enchanting book series by Rosemary Wells, and has sold over 3 million books worldwide. Max & Ruby started on television in 2002. Max & Ruby’s playful high jinks are enjoyed by children around the world including Canada, U.S., Finland, France and Sweden.
Max & Ruby: Bunny Party
Western Canadian Tour Dates
Sept 7 – Victoria, BC – Royal Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 9 – Nanaimo, BC – Port Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 11 – Surrey, BC – Bell Centre – 1:00PM
Sept 12 – Vancouver, BC – The Centre – 1:00PM
Sept 14 – Kelowna, BC – Kelowna Community Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 16 – Kamloops, BC – Sagebrush Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 18 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1:00PM
Sept 19 – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1:00PM
Sept 20 – Lethbridge, AB – Yates Memorial Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 22 – Medicine Hat, AB – Esplanade Theatre – 3:30PM
Sept 24 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre – 4:00PM
A prominentproducer of original family musicals, Koba Entertainment has been captivating audiences throughout the world with celebrated characters from literature, television, and pop culture.Koba Entertainment productions have enchanted people of all ages in more than 165 North American cities, 12 countries and 4 continents. Production credits for young audiences include: The Backyardigans, The Doodlebops, Franklin, Big Comfy Couch, Little Bear, and Caillou.
About Paquin Entertainment Group
A diversified entertainment company, Paquin Entertainment Group is comprised of four divisions: agency, management, special events, and film and television, catering to a local, national and international clientele. Paquin Entertainment represents acts including: Randy Bachman, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Corb Lund, Tegan & Sara, Jimmy Rankin, K’NAAN and Serena Ryder.
Lovers of children’s books and theatre, will be tickled pink by Vital Theatre Company’s production of Pinkalicious - The Musical.
The actors do a wonderful job of bringing to life the best-selling book Pinkalicious, the story of a girl who turns pink after eating too many pink cupcakes (written by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann). A lively collection of songs, dances and costume changes keep parents and children smiling and entertained. In fact, there is not a dull moment as the Pinkerton family decides what to do about this ‘pinkifying’ situation.
The solution ultimately is one all parents can appreciate, eating green foods (shhh …. healthy and fun).
“I liked it because the songs had a great beat. It was very good.” - Seven-year-old audience member.
A Great Theatre Environment for New and Seasoned Young Theatre Goers
Pinkalicious - The Musical is playing at an intimate stage at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. There is a lovely selection of rugs on the floor for the young audience to sit on, creating an inviting environment for children (Note: Chairs are available for accompanying adults). The show is interactive at times, and children in the audience are invited to offer suggestions. The cast also came out to sign autographs in the lobby after the show I attended, which brought additonal smiles to a Pinkalicious day!
Pinkalicious - The Musical is playing at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts at 10268 Yonge Street on Saturdays at 11 am and 1 pm and Sundays at 1 pm, through March 21, 2010. Ticket prices are $25, or Family Package of 4 for $80. Special weekend group rates and school booking rates are available. Contact the Box Office at (905) 787-8811 or http://richmondhill.ticketwindow.ca.
Playhouse Disney Live! begins a Canadian tour in September 2009, and we wanted to keep you ‘in the know’.
Here’s the scoop …
Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals when Playhouse Disney Live! comes to your hometown! In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party - with the help of Rocket, of course! Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!
“Who explores a coral reef, plays in an octopus’s garden, and joins the jellyfish ballet… all before snack time? The Backyardigans! Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha, Uniqua and Austin are back on stage, singing, dancing, as they plunge sea deep in adventure. Dive into the action as the five friends explore clues, discover underwater magic, and match wits with an all-too-tidy octopus and a pair of playful (but messy!) dolphins. And with a splashy range of song-and-dance styles - including psychedelic soul, Bollywood, bossa nova, and more - our heroes save the day. With non-stop excitement and surprise, this watery tale will mesmerise, entertain and delight audiences of all ages!” - Koba Entertainment
TORONTO, Ontario. – Introducing Abby Cadabby!The newest Muppet on Sesame Street joins Elmo, Zoe, Rosita and all of her furry and feathered friends in asking, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ as they prepare for a pageant on Sesame Street.Get ready to sing cowboy songs, ride the rails and more when Sesame Street Live “When Elmo Grows Up” performs at Rogers Centre from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24. Tickets for all seven performances are on sale now!
When Elmo and his Sesame Street Live friends think about growing up, it’s a musical show-and-tell! Bert dreams of becoming a forest ranger, Telly longs to be a cowboy and their newest friend, Abby Cadabby, wants to be a Fairy Godmother just like her mommy. Elmo thinks about becoming a ‘weather monster,’ but has a hard time predicting his own forecast—he wants to be anything and everything all at once! “When Elmo Grows Up” includes lessons on perseverance, teamwork and the power of imagination. Children learn that if they believe in themselves and are willing to try, the possibilities are endless.
Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this musical Broadway-quality musical production, children learn about patience, acceptance and teamwork. The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “Home on the Range,” “Down on the Corner” and “Give a Little Love.” “When Elmo Grows Up” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “I Love Trash” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Tickets:$20 & $30. A limited number of $43 Gold Circle seats are also available. *Opening Night all seats (excluding Gold Circle) are $20. A facility fee of $2.00 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply. To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. For more information, call 416-341-3000.
Another very popular kids’ star, Bob the Builder, will be coming to Canada this Spring!
Based on the popular international television show sensation, Bob the Builder™ LIVE! Spud’s Big Mess is a singing and dancing extravaganza for budding builders and their families.The show stars Bob the Builder, his business partner Wendy, trusty machine-team members Scoop, Dizzy, Lofty and Scrambler and other favorite friends from Sunflower Valley, including the mischievous scarecrow Spud, Farmer Pickles and Mayor Bentley.
The show begins as Bob and his team build the first-ever recycling center and wind farm in Sunflower Valley. It isn’t long before some items go missing and a few of Bob’s friends mysteriously disappear. Faced with a mountain of garbage, they must figure out who is responsible for the mess and work together to fix it, while dealing with Spud’s antics. Can they all pull together and get the job done? Yes they can!
The 90-minute show features ten original songs and sees the characters embark on an adventure that promotes positive messages of caring for the environment, recycling, teamwork, cooperation and, of course, the importance of a can-do spirit.
Lovers of children’s books and theatre, will be tickled pink by Vital Theatre Company’s production of 
Another very popular kids’ star, Bob the Builder, will be coming to Canada this Spring!