Q : Is it true that Toronto is a good place to see Broadway Style Plays?
A : There are so many reasons to visit the great city of Toronto www.torontotourism.com. But thanks to impresario David Mirvish and his late father, « Honest Ed, » this is a town shining with spectacular Broadway productions which do wonders for the tourism industry.
The biggest draw in Toronto these days is the Mirvish production of We Will Rock You www.wewillrockyou.ca. If you have children aged seven and over they will love it. It has been extended at the magnificent Canon Theatre until November 4. We Will Rock You features the music of the legendary rock group Queen. The story takes place in the world of Planet Mall, where globalization is complete and all instruments have been banned. Humans are homogenized into the same consumers. Fighting against the corporations is a group of rebels who remember the time they call, the Rhapsody — and it is their plan to make their own music once again. There were months of open casting calls and 21 year old Schlanger was among the lucky ones who got chosen to be part of the show after more than 2,000 people auditioned across Canada. This show is in fact one good reason to visit Toronto. So is Dirty Dancing, which debuts at the Royal Alexandria Theatre October 31. Log on to www.mirvish.com for more details.
DINING:
Before the show we recommend you dine at Mr. Greenjeans www.mrgreenjeans.ca, a mainstay at the downtown Eaton Centre for the past 30 years. This three-level, 400 seat capacity eatery has served over 20 million visitors since its inception. It is noted for catering to group bus tours and corporate events. The restaurant has a large atrium and indoor garden that overlooks Trinity Square. The menu offers more than 70 choices with special platters for large groups. Dishes include most of the pub grub fare such as BBQ ribs and wings, the signature burger with Buffalo Chips, chicken fingers, honey mustard chicken, fish and chips for the kids, delicious sweet potato fries and a dessert to die for called Here Comes the Fudge. There is in fact a full kids menu.
ACCOMODATIONS:
You could not picker a better place to stay near the theatre district than the Best Western Primrose Hotel www.torontoprimrosehotel.com just steps away from the financial, entertainment and cultural districts of downtown at 111 Carlton Street. The hotel provides guests with over 340 spacious and attractively decorated guestrooms with all the amenities of a luxury hotel along with the conveniences of home.
Located in the middle of downtown Toronto and just two blocks from a College Subway Station, the hotel is home to the Primrose Restaurant, which offers continental breakfasts each morning and specializes in international cuisines. There is also a Tim Hortons location, which sells doughnuts and pastries. A business center, including complimentary wireless Internet access, is available. The hotel features a fitness center and outdoor pool, which provides guests with a refreshing place to relax outdoors in the city during the summer months. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available six days a week. Duvets with a 250 thread count are the standard at this locale. Guestrooms are simple, yet inviting. Each bed has its own lamp, a writing area in one corner and a 27 inch television with a premium satellite/pay per view movie package. I especially appreciated the kitchenette facilities: a fridge, freezer, stove, oven, microwave and sink. Senior Sales Manager Joseph Gorewich notes that 85 percent of the rooms have this excellent feature now.
The standard deluxe rooms offer the choice of either two oversized double beds or one king bed. With over 300 square feet, these rooms are the largest standard rooms in the city. The Primrose is perfect for families or those on an extended stay. Suites offer either two queens or one king bed and an adjoining sitting area which can be separated from the remainder of the suite for privacy. The cozy parlor area features a plush living area and separate bathroom perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. You can create your own suite via connecting rooms.
At the Primrose guests can always count on the concierge on duty to provide assistance with regard to reserving tickets for city tours, Niagara Falls and Vineyard Tours, Broadway Shows or any major concert or event. Explore all the city has to offer by letting the concierge recommend some of the most exciting city districts to visit and shop, or scenic discovery paths to walk. The hotel has limited underground parking. Access is located on the east side of the building off Jarvis Street at Carlton and the charge is $23 per day (based on a 24 hr. period) with full in/out privileges. Access to underground parking requires key card entry.
