Toronto: Dirty Dancing
Q : What is the latest Broadway-style production to hit Toronto?
A: Dirty Dancing :
The Classic Story on Stage has taken Toronto by storm. Presented byDavid Mirvish and Mirvish Productions www.mirvish.com, this show is based on the 1987 blockbuster film. Both the movie and stage production were inspired by writer Eleanor Bergstein’s own experiences as a teen, Bergstein grew up in New York and spent her summer holidays at a resort in the Catskill Mountains . Her dad was a doctor and everyone called her Baby. The production is not a conventional musical. The actors don’t break into song; instead the seductive soundtrack is brought to life by musicians and singers under the musical direction of Bob Foster. Other songs are pre-recorded and presented in an impressive multimedia concert using video projections on moveable screens.
If you would rather not stay downtown, select the suburbs. In our case we chose the Radisson Toronto East www.radisson.com/torontoca_east. Nestled in a corporate hub in North York, surrounded by malls and major attractions, the hotel is precisely located on 401 and Victoria Park and minutes away from downtown Toronto. In fact, we were only moments away from the Don Valley Parkway which took us directly to the theatre district and back without any traffic concerns. All rooms have Sleep Number Beds, where the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted for your best sleeping comfort while complimentary high-speed internet access sets a perfect standard. You can unwind in the bar lounge, take a splash in the indoor swimming pool or tone yourself in the fitness center. Other convenient amenities include a complimentary shuttle service to local businesses within the vicinity. There is a full service restaurant, Le Café, and room service to take care of your taste buds. And this is the only hotel to provide complimentary parking in the area, which let me tell you really helps the pocketbook. Please keep this in mind. While the popular Yorkdale Mall is not far away via the 401, the Fairview Mall on Sheppard is a five minute drive and has plenty to offer. The exact address is 55 Hallcrown Place. Standard rooms range in price from $109 to $259 night. On Wednesday evening the manager invites guests to a reception featuring complimentary wine and hors d’œuvres. The hotel is part of the classy Westmont Hospitality Group, which really knows how to treat its customers. You can make reservations by calling 1-888 201-1718 or email rhi_toea@radisson.com.
One of the more popular spots to spend time with the kids is Dave & Buster’s www.daveandbusters.com, the gigantic bar, restaurant and game venue located at 120 Interchange Way in Vaughn near Paramount Canada’s Wonderland. We visited there recently with friends who live in Toronto. The place can accommodate 2,500 people at a time. There are private rooms and a vast menu to choose from. But the big draw here are the games. The young kids really enjoy the opportunity to win tickets and then cash them in at the store where a vast majority of prizes are available.
