The Mirvish Line-Up

The Mirvish line-up came out this morning. And while they certainly have quite a lot in the works, with a whooping nine shows on the schedule only about half are really exciting to me. But that is still four or so shows that I will definitely be hoping to see. Here's what interests me, oh and click the headline above for the full line-up.

Mirvish is bringing the crowd pleaser Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, back. And while I personally don't care to see it Joseph is definitely a big draw and will likely inspire another television foyer for Mirivish. Ouzounian is speculating that the lead will be chosen a la reality TV.

"Asked yesterday if TV viewers would choose a Joseph here, Mirvish only said, 'I think that would be a great thing.' Sources at CBC-TV conceded that: 'We're in discussions but nothing for sure at this point.' "

The most exciting thing on the schedule is The Harder They Come, the hit London musical based on the 1972 Jamaican film that made Jimmy Cliff and his reggae music worldwide sensations. I know a few, not-so-into-the-musical, friends who'd go see this and I am really looking forward to it.

There is also a revival of Stuff Happens, by David Hare, which should be interesting, and will definitely get me out to the theatre.

The farewell tour of Chaim Topol as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, has got a big cache attached to it, and will also bring out big houses. Although I might not be among the masses.

I haven't heard much about the musical Little House on the Prairie. It is obviously based on the classic stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which in turn gave rise to the beloved TV series. According to Ouzounian it broke house records at the Guthrie Theatre of Minneapolis when it premiered there last summer. So that makes it worthwhile and definitely something new for the city. Melissa Gilbert, one of the TV show's original stars, will appear in the musical here as well.

I am really sad that Young Frankenstein, the Mel Brooks musical is coming. I could care less, and would have rather seen Mirvish bring Legally Blonde or Grey Gardens.

The much discussed Priscilla Queen of the Desert follows Young Frankenstein. Priscilla is based on the cult classic film of the same name and is already a hit in Australia where the show was conceived. This show is scheduled to open in London next month and have its North American premiere in Toronto in the spring of 2010.

And perhaps the most exciting play of the season is last year's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning study of the ultimate dysfunctional family, August: Osage County, will come to the Canon for a limited run, starring Estelle Parsons. I can't wait for that!