Toronto Youth Theatre
A few years back, my son and I sat adrift in a Toronto hotel restaurant,
considering our respective breakfasts. He was of an age when our interests did
not necessarily intersect. And we were tired — not exactly up for a day at
the museum or the zoo. Unaccustomed as I was to the concierge concept, I was at
a loss. Then I saw a large chalk board looming not 10 feet away. It listed local
activities, particularly shows. I had no interest in any of those Broadway
shows foundering on the Ontario
shores like the castaways of the S.S. Minnow entertaining themselves with
half-remembered stage directions. Besides, Miss
Saigon did not seem family-friendly.
Among the listings was a preview of The Hobbit at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre
for Young People (LKTYP). I ran through the basic plot with my son, who had
recently become familiar with the story. Having no idea what to expect, we
requested seats for the back of the theater and mounted the subway. The
production was wonderful; the stage was huge; Smaug
was massive; it was just a grand day out.
Now, whenever we find ourselves in Toronto in season, we venture to the LKTYP
and catch a current production, which is often something out of the ordinary.
This year they’re doing everything from Hana’s Suitcase to
George & Martha. Their Web site
(www.lktyp.ca) provides a schedule, directions, recommended ages, and quite a
bit more. The walk from the subway station may be a bit longer than it appears
on their map, but it can also take you by the Hockey Hall of Fame and the St.
Lawrence Market.
This article appears in Sep 27 – Oct 3, 2006.
