I know that most people do the bulk of their travelling in the summer months. However, most of my upcoming ballet and theatre plans are happening later in 2019. After my 2+ week trip in February, I’m happy to relax at home for the summer and go on many walkies with Agnes. (Most ballet and theatre companies tend to slow down in the summer, anyways.) I do know that the question that everyone wants answered, though: what shows am I going to see?
Though I wish I could say that I am travelling across an ocean to see a show again, all of my upcoming theatre plans for the rest of 2019 are Canadian based. The best part of these trips is that I’m able to see some friends and fit in other things without spending too much!
Ballet in the Park
Because I love traditions, I will be going to my umpteenth Ballet in the Park at the end of July here in Winnipeg. Getting to see a world class ballet company perform in an outdoor theatre in a gorgeous park, it is the perfect summer evening. You typically get to see an excerpt performed by the Professional Division students, as well as a few different Recreational Division pieces. And of course, a full-length shorter piece from the company, or an act of a full ballet from the company. In the past few years, I’ve seen the second act of A Cinderella Story and all of Celts, two amazing ballets. (And last year, we got a sneak peak of The Wizard of Oz!) And yes, Ballet in the Park is completely free, so it is completely worth going if you are in Winnipeg.
Anastasia
Yes, you read that correctly, I will be seeing Anastasia! The broadway musical is touring North America, so I will be heading to Toronto to see it in December. (Tickets are purchased and everything.) And I could not be more freaking excited. And asking why is a fair question…
If you were a child in the 1990s, you probably remember Anastasia, the 1997 animated Fox classic. (No, it wasn’t Disney.) I would wake up early to watch it before school, after getting it for my 9th birthday, like the nerd I still am. And, it actually is what kicked off my love of royal history. After seeing the movie, I convinced my parents to order me the Anastasia Royal Diaries book from the book order, and here I am today fiendishly reading more royal history. Sure, I still keep reading Romanov history hoping she escapes, but I love it as much as ever! The movie was turned into a musical in 2016, and is now in year three of wowing audiences.
I know a lot of people who don’t want to go because they are too attached to the movie soundtrack. Over the years, I’ve become used to hearing differences in movie vs. musical, so it isn’t a huge issue for me personally. (I can understand the hesitation, though.) I am actually most excited for the costumes- that red ball gown is just stunning. And I know that they aren’t real, but the tiaras and kokoshniks look amazing, too. I am meeting up with one of my best history friends, and she has been tasked with stopping me from buying a souvenir tiara… Overall, the show looks to be a wonderful production. And then I will be able to say, “Once Upon a December… I saw Anastasia” haha. (Points if you get that reference)
Also, I will be heading to the Royal Ontario Museum for their textiles gallery, and the Bata Shoe Museum while I’m there. It isn’t a theatre plan, but I’m fairly excited for those as well! (If you are travelling over 2,000 km for a weekend, you may as well fit in as much as possible…)
Six the Musical
I know what you are going to say: “Historian, you saw Six in February….” And you would be correct. The show made its North American debut in Chicago (which is currently running), and will be making its Canadian debut in November. So, I will be heading to Edmonton to see Six again! In case you didn’t read my Six the Musical review, it is a pop musical about Henry VIII’s six wives. At only 75 minutes, it really zips along, but you will want to dance for the entire show. It’s clever, it’s catchy, the costumes are gorgeous, and the only people who seem to dislike it haven’t seen it. (Why do people review shows that they haven’t seen?? Is it even a review at that point?)
Here is the point where I admit I’m a tad unsure about seeing Six again, however. I adore Six, and it is my favourite musical of all time. (It checks every single one of my boxes.) I’ve been watching some of the videos from the Chicago performances, and something just feels off. Not to say that they aren’t talented performers, but it seems quite weird to have Henry VIII’s wives in American accents. The choreography also doesn’t look as natural or comfortable to me. It will be a different cast in Edmonton, though, and in any case, I will take my Catherine of Argaon and Katherine Howard fix any way I can get it. And here is hoping I can get the Canadian cast to sign my tote bag, as well!
Have you seen Anastasia or Six the Musical? Leave your thoughts below! And do you travel to see shows, or wait for them to come to you?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
I need to book tickets for Anastasia here. Let me know if you want suggestions for what to do while you’re here (also when you’re coming!) My sister went to see Anastasia on Broadway. I saw shows when I was in London but I don’t plan a trip around a play.
I have a pretty good plan already! I think I will only have a day and a bit (taking the show out of it), so hopefully meeting up with a curator from the ROM and also stopping by the Bata Shoe Museum! And did she enjoy it??
Which curator? The Bata is wonderful! She loved it! I should really book those tickets… lol
Hopefully Alexandra Palmer (but I know it might be a longshot!)