March Break in Toronto

If you are one of the lucky ones, you are away for March Break and won't be reading this post or thinking about what to do this week. However, if you're like us, trying to balance work and kids home from school we thought you could use some inspiration. Toronto has a lot of traditional March Break activities (ROM, AGO, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma etc.) but what about those of us who don't want to spend a small fortune or who have already done a few rounds of the traditional Toronto attractions?

Here is what we have planned for March Break. Won't break the bank and hopefully keep the troops somewhat occupied this week!

image by Andrew Wasyleczko

Towards Youth - A play on Radical Hope by Andrew Kushnir is playing at the Crowsnest Theatre until March 16th, 2019.

Towards Youth is a window into the lives of young people around the world. An exceptional ensemble cast takes us to classrooms in India, Taiwan, England, and Greece, to meet youth coming of age in extraordinary times. 

A moving theatrical experience that weaves personal stories from young people around the world into a 21st century narrative that connects us all. Is there a radical hope to be found in the humble drama classroom? We believe there is.

Crow's Theatre

Youth tickets are $18 all week long and today, Monday March 11th, the theatre is hosting a pay-what-you-can performance.

https://youtu.be/Vtw7vUDykKE

Day tripping to Buffalo anyone? Everyone who knows me finds my affinity for Buffalo amusing. But, there IS a lot going on in Buffalo these days. Since it's not March Break in the U.S. the museums will be quieter and my kids will get to see some different exhibits. We are going to visit the Buffalo Museum of Science where we can hit the exhibits, see a 3D film or two, visit the Kellogg Observatory and check out this cool Lego exhibit. (For $15!!) During our last trip we did a tour of the Martin House and we all really enjoyed it. Highly recommend you check it out.

One day this week we are going to do a walking 'mystery' tour of The Junction and the kids are actually pretty excited. I may have promised them hot chocolate and bakery treats enroute but still, they're excited. Wonderland is an audio drama game set around 1914, in our very own Junction neighbourhood. At the end of each chapter you get a puzzle -- solve it, and unlock the next chapter. What if we get stuck? Just put your phone in your pocket and go for a walk. Every 100 steps or so, one of the letters in the puzzle is filled in. The game description says it'll take about an hour. My plan is that we'll start it at the same time with headphones on and head over to the West Toronto Rail Path for a walk. The app is free and it'll get us all outside for an afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes!

image source Ontario Archives

The Humber Theatre has been such a huge part of our lives and we love supporting this local theatre. It's small, inexpensive and easy to navigate so I have no problem dropping my kids off for a movie while I run errands or squeeze in some work. They have a great lineup this week: Captain Marvel, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, The Lego Movie Part 2, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and Greenbook. Children are $8.00 everyday and on Tuesdays the whole family can enjoy $8.00 tickets.

The Toronto Public Library always has lots going on and this March Break is no exception. The TPL has even launched a new kids website . From Lego to slime making, movies to mural making there is something for everyone. Lots of events book up so make sure you check out the website to reserve a spot.

My goal is to avoid the crowds downtown, keep the kids off Netflix for a bit and not spend a fortune this March Break. If you have any other ideas let us know!

Spotlight : Village Players Theatre

There is a reason the Village Players in Bloor West is celebrating its 45th year. Well, a few reasons. Top of that list, is all of the amazing volunteers who have kept the lights on, the sets designed, the costumes made, the stage managed and the arts scene alive in our community. One of those volunteers is a wonderful client of ours who is embracing her new neighbourhood and giving back at the same time.

The Village Players showcased its first production in 1974. Over the years, volunteers and performers provided such a rich theatre experience that the demand grew and grew. The playhouse has moved along Bloor St to bigger and better spaces over the years but has remained a constant in the village arts scene. When they celebrated their 43rd season in 2016/2017 they proudly showcased an all Canadian season for Canada’s 150th birthday.

Here's a peek at what's coming up over the next few months.

Jordan Tannahill is a talented young Canadian playwright. NOW magazine has said he is "the future of Canadian theatre". Jordan was awarded the Governor General’s Award for English-language drama – for his plays Botticelli in the Fire & Sunday in Sodom.

His play "Late Company" starts March 1st. It is topical and heavy and we can't wait to see it. For tickets and more information go here!

Late Company

One year after the suicide of their teenage son Joel, Debora and Michael Shaun-Hastings sit down to dinner with their son’s bully and his parents. Closure is on the menu, but accusations are the main course as everyone takes a turn in the hot seat for their real or imagined part in the tragedy. Blame shifts over the course of the evening from one person to the next, raising questions no one is prepared to answer.

Village Players

Spring will bring a comedy to the theatre to lighten things up. "Unnecessary Farce" will run late April and May.

In an economy motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant. In the room next door, two undercover cops are supposed to catch the meeting on videotape. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room, who’s watching the video, who’s taken the money, who’s hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes.

Village Players

Have you ever been? If not and you want to learn more about the theatre, auditioning or volunteering check out their website. As they say, 'it takes a village' and that's never been more true than with this Bloor West gem.