Theatre

THE SNOW QUEEN
Nominated for two 2007 Dora Awards, Theaturtle’s multidisciplinary production returns, moving from Spadina’s Al Green Theatre to the Distillery District’s Young Centre. A collaboration between actor-director Alon Nashman, the Tokai String Quartet, dancer Kate Alton and choreographer Claudia Moore, this show for young audiences recounts Hans Christian Andersen’s wintry fairytale about a girl who must rescue her best friend from the clutches of an icy royal.
When: Dec. 4 to 15.
Where: Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49.
How much: $30.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS
The mere mention of the 1954 Bing Crosby–Danny Kaye film this show is based on is enough to inspire warm fuzzies or stomach-churning nausea, depending on your take on the holiday. Reprising the role he played in the San Francisco and Detroit productions, Ryerson grad Graham Rowat steps into Crosby’s shoes as Bob Wallace, a World War II army vet and entertainer who ends up performing at his former commanding officer’s Vermont lodge with his stage partner, Phil. Rowat’s wife, Kate Baldwin, takes on the part of Betty Hayne, his love interest and one half of an aspiring sister act. Walter Bobbie directs.
When: Nov. 30 to Jan. 5; previews from Nov. 20.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E.
How much: $37–$150; previews $37–$100.

PETER PAN
In this year’s production of Ross Petty’s annual panto-meets-musical holiday offering, Tinkerbell (Jennifer Waiser) pirates music, Captain Hook (Petty) harbours delusions of Johnny Depp–style grandeur (he wants to be an action star), and Wendy (Meghan Hoople) dreams of Christina Aguilera–like heights (she wants to be a pop star). No word on whether or not Peter Pan really just wants to skate—the head of the Lost Boys (II Men, here) is played by Kurt Browning. Stratford fave Susan H. Schulman directs.
When: Nov. 29 to Jan. 6; previews from Nov. 22.
Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St.
How much: $54–$74.

Orchestras and Brass

TORONTO PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
Kerry Stratton conducts the orchestra and the St. Michael’s Boys Choir in a Viennese-style Christmas concert, complete with some favourite Old World carols and orchestral works.
When: Dec. 16.
Where: George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St.
How much: $29–$59.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH
From the harpsichord, visiting conductor Nicholas Kraemer presides, in authentic fashion, over this year’s TSO performance of Handel’s perennial oratorio, with soprano Suzie LeBlanc, mezzo-soprano Laura Pudwell, tenor Michael Schade, bass-baritone Stephen Morscheck and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. The TMC, Canada’s oldest choral ensemble, has hosted regular Messiah performances since 1932.
When: Dec. 15 to 21.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.
How much: $36–$97.

CANADIAN BRASS
The celebrated brass quintet is back for its annual Christmas celebration at Roy Thomson Hall, aiming to please listeners of all ages with the requisite mix of traditional and madcap. Juno Award–winning organist Eric Robertson makes a special guest appearance.
When: Dec. 22.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.
How much: $29.50–$59.50.