A DOSE OF NOSTALGIA FOR YOUR INNER CHILD
Alligator Pie Watch this if: You know a pint-sized poet.
If you’ve read Dennis Lee’s book of poems Alligator Pie, you know it’s impossible to say them out loud without a singsong melody. Unsurprisingly, those poems make a pretty charming children’s show when they’re put to music.
Soulpepper Theatre is bringing back this family hit as part of its Winter Waves festival featuring a new cast of young favourites directed by the show’s original creators: Mike Ross, Ins Choi, Gregory Prest, Ken MacKenzie and Raquel Duffy. Your little ones will almost definitely want some more Alligator Pie.
Dec. 27-31, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert Watch this if: You want to . . . wait for it . . . phone home.
For whoever wanted a pet alien when they were kids, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial will forever have a special place in their hearts.
Same goes for whoever gained a fear of white HAZMAT suits or a love for Reese’s Pieces after viewing it for the first time. In any case, that 1982 Steven Spielberg blockbuster has a certain kind of cinematic magic.
How can you improve upon that, you ask? Show it on a jumbo-sized screen and have John Williams’ beloved score performed live by an orchestra.
Dec. 29-30, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza Watch this if: You want to forget the rest of 2016 and end it with a laugh.
So 2016 was rough, right? Begin 2017 by laughing this year right out the door. Massey Hall presents its 16th annual comedy fest to ring in the new year, featuring headliners Caroline Rhea ( The Caroline Rhea Show, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch) and Mike MacDonald ( Just for Laughs, My House! My Rules!), two legendary Canadian standup comedians.
But arrive on time for the openers: a promising group of local comedians from up-and-comer Dom Paré to Aisha Brown, a standup on the verge of her big break. Show 2016 who’ll have the last laugh.
Dec. 31, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.