Ride the "Terror Train" for a Halloween trick or treat

(News Release)

WATERLOO, Ontario -- Are you brave enough for a night of terror on the rails? 

Bingemans and the Waterloo Central Railway have come together to deliver an experience like no other in Canada, this Halloween immerse yourself in an apocalyptic adventure along the rails on The Terror Train!

The unthinkable has happened… an unknown virus is infecting the region and overrunning it with dangerous and unpredictable mutants.

The roads are impassible, airports are shut down and the only way out is on The Terror Train!

That cwazy wabbit and more at the Warner Bros. Cartoons exhibition

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 20/18

 

   By Jim Fox

   “Ehh, what’s up doc?” as Bugs Bunny would ask.

   Well, “sufferin' succotash! (Sylvester the Cat),” let me tell you.

   The Looney Tunes gang will invade the Woodstock (Ontario) Art Gallery including Bugs, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner.

    These Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies alumni will be there in some form for the Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons exhibition from Nov. 10 to Jan. 5.

   It provides a “fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how these classic cartoons were made,” said Mary Reid, the gallery’s director/curator.

   “Through cels, model sheets, story sketches, animation drawings and concept paintings, you’ll discover the evolution of so many favourites,” she added.

All aboard! The 2018 CP Holiday Train will depart soon rolling across Canada and the U.S.

Celebrating 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for local food banks across Canada and the U.S.

 CALGARY, AB --The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will soon set out once again to entertain hundreds of thousands of people, celebrating 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America.

 The CP Holiday Train program launched in 1999 and has since raised more than C$14.5 million and gathered 4.3 million pounds of food for communities along CP's routes in Canada and the United States.

Departing from Montreal on Nov. 25 and 27 respectively, two trains will make the festive journey, travelling through both the U.S. and Canada to bring holiday cheer to 164 communities along CP's network.

Each event is free, with CP encouraging attendees to open their cupboards and wallets to help address hunger needs in their communities. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to ensure those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season. 

"On behalf of the 13,000-strong family here at CP, it is my great pleasure to kick-off the 20^th tour of the CP Holiday Train," said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It is a privilege for CP to be able to run a program like this and connect with so many communities across our network. I want to personally thank each individual who has made a donation over the past 20 years – your collective efforts have made the Holiday Train a huge success for two decades."

Metallica guitarist's It's Alive! clssic horror and sci-fi art coming to Toronto's ROM in 2019

(R. Kikuo Johnson, Rock On;

Peabody Essex Museum)

(News Release) 

Lead Guitarist from Metallica Brings Coveted Cinema Art Collection to the ROM

TORONTO -- It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection makes its Canadian debut at the Royal Ontario Museum in July 2019.

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett holds one of the most significant archives of classic horror and sci-fi cinema art in the world.

This multisensory exhibition presents an international selection of original pieces that Hammett has amassed over three decades, including rare film posters, artwork, props, and costumes that explore the connection between artistry, emotion, and the dark side of popular culture.

It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), Salem, Massachusetts.

It's "Go Time in Detroit" for fall and seasonal events

As the seasons change in metro Detroit, so does the focus of the fun. Fall brings a chance to cheer for your favorite sports teams, the start of a new theater season, shopping galore and several holiday-themed events. It’s Go Time in Detroit so let us help you plan your visit. DETROIT, MI -- Cheer for the home team with a crowd of loyal Detroit sports fans. There’ll be plenty of prideas the Detroit Lions play at Ford Field. The Detroit Red Wings take to the ice at the new Little Caesars Arena, the state-of-the-art stadium that’s also home to the Detroit Pistons.  Watch as thousands of people “run for the border” at the Detroit Free Press Chemical Bank Marathon Oct. 20-21. The 5K, Kids Fun Run and an inaugural one mile competitive race take place Oct. 20, while the Relay, Half Marathons and Marathon happen Oct. 21. The marathon course winds through Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, crossing the international border at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, through historic neighborhoods, around beautiful Belle Isle, and along the Detroit RiverWalk. Stroll an enchanted path lit by more than 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns and elaborately costumed characters during Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford Oct.18-21 and 25-28. New this year are a thrilling 19th century magic lantern show and chilling dreamscape for the imagination in Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park. The Hallowe’en Fairytale Feast is also new, with a horse-drawn hayride, Halloween-themed buffet and visits to your table by characters from the original Alice in Wonderland.

Spiders: Fear & Fascination at the Royal Ontario Museum

The Bloor St. Culture Corridor includes:

Royal Ontario Museum
 

(News Release - Bloor St. Culture Corridor)

TORONTO -- Get up close and personal with NEW additions to the Spiders: Fear & Fascination family, and some of the biggest and baddest arachnids in the world!

Related Spiders programming with exclusive evening access to the exhibition includes the talk Spider-Man: Legend & Legacy on October 30 (2018), when comic giants Chip Zdarsky and Adam Kubert unpack the history of Spider-Man in popular culture.

On October 26, guests also have the opportunity to check out the creepy and crawly world of arachnids at the biggest Halloween party in Toronto, Friday Night Live: Wicked.

For more information visit rom.on.ca. 
Photo credit: Spiderman Illustration courtesy Adam Kubert.

Monster Jam motors into London, Ontario, Oct. 27-28, 2018

Northern Nightmare

2018 Mega Line-Up Announced: 5 New Trucks Make their London Debut, Plus Return of Grave Digger and Northern Nightmare

(News Release)

LONDON, ON – Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live family entertainment, has announced the 2018 lineup* for the London Monster Jam shows with five of the eight Monster Jam trucks making their debut at Budweiser Gardens.

This season, Stinger, Storm Damage, Hurricane Force, Master of Disaster, Rage and Axe, along with fan-favourites Grave Digger and Canada’s Northern Nightmare will all be vying for the London champion title.

Monster Jam will be performing at Budweiser Gardens October 27 & 28, 2018 for three shows.

Capture Stratford Ontario’s holiday spirit as you prepare and celebrate the 2018 holidays

Stratford November – December 2018 – www.visitstratford.ca

 

(News Release)

Stratford, ON) We’re beginning to look a lot like Christmas as shopkeepers dress their windows in fresh cedar garland and twinkling lights tied with big red bows. Find the unexpected and latest trends in home décor, culinary must-haves and gift giving in Stratford. We’ll help you prepare for and celebrate the holidays with renewed life.

Explore the Christmas Trail to capture the spirit of giving and the joy of checking off that list. You’ll discover unique and individual gift ideas when you stroll our festive streets. We’ve made it easy to kick off your holiday shopping with six gifts for just $30(+HST) and 25 stops to choose from.

And because it’s Stratford….. be on the lookout for seven swans a swimming. Purchase your pass at Stratford Tourism, 47 Downie Street before December 20 when the trail offers end. (Valid: November 1- December 20)

Nature Photography Competition's 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners: ROM to feature works

ROM exhibition will feature 100 works including three acclaimed Canadian photographers

(News Release)

TORONTO, October 18, 2018 - The winners of this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition have been announced. Marsel Van Oosten of The Netherlands was named Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 by a panel of international judges. 

His image The Golden Couple, featuring a pair of Qinling golden snub-nosed monkeys, will be among the100 new wildlife photographs in the highly-anticipated Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, on display at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) from Saturday, December 1, 2018 to Sunday, March 31, 2019.

The Golden Couple by Marsel Van Oostan, The Netherlands

Also included in the exhibition is the work of three notable Canadian photographers with four striking entries that won praise as Highly Commended images.

Each captures an impressive array of natural wildspaces, spanning Canadian and international habitats. They are Shane Gross, an award-winning National Geographic underwater photographer who hails from Regina, SK, and Vancouver, BC photographers Liron Gertsman and Jess Findlay.

Organized by the Natural History Museum in London, England, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind. Now in its 54th year, the exhibition is based on an international competition with entrants from 95 countries.

The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical coming to Toronto in 2019

The New York Times Bestseller is now a Thrilling New Rock Musical

March 19 - 24, 2019

Ed Mirvish Theatre

 

(News Release)

TORONTO -- David Mirvish is thrilled to announce that THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, an “electrifying” (Newsday) musical adaption of the New York Times best-selling novel written by Rick Riordan, will play a strictly limited engagement, March 19 - 24, 2019, at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

  

Tickets to THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL go on sale Monday October 22nd.

With more than 100 million copies of the book series sold worldwide, this global phenomenon has found a new home on the live stage in a "mesmerizing" theatrical event that proves "lightning can strike twice!" (TheaterMania). Following a sold out run in New York City, this "winning adaptation" (The Hollywood Reporter), where it garnered 3 Drama Desk Award nominations, including Best Musical.

Stratford Festival announces casting for 2019 season

MEDIA RELEASE

Tickets go on sale to Members beginning November 11

The box office opens to the public on January 4

 

October 16, 2018… Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino is pleased to announce key casting for the 2019 season, including Michael Blake as Othello and Amelia Sargisson as Desdemona in the season opener, Othello, one of Shakespeare’s greatest and best-known tragedies.

 

“Stratford audiences will be delighted by outstanding new talent and brilliant Festival favourites in our 2019 season,” says Cimolino. “Filled with variety this playbill has provided opportunities for new growth and development for this extraordinary Canadian company of players.”

FESTIVAL THEATRE

Support for the 2019 season of the Festival Theatre is generously provided by Daniel Bernstein & Claire Foerster

 

Michael Blake to play title role in Othello

Othello | By William Shakespeare

Directed by Nigel Shawn Williams

May 3 to October 27 | Opening May 27

Production support is generously provided by The Westaway Charitable Foundation

This production is sponsored by BMO Financial Group

Cottage doers and dreamers unite at the fall show; Marvel Universe Live! comes to Canada

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 13/18

   By Jim Fox

   Last weekend marked the unofficial end of cottage season, with the water shut off, windows boarded up and the water toys and Muskoka chairs safety stored away for the winter.

   But these days, cottages are becoming retirement favourites and used year-round by others with amenities sometimes better than in the city.

   This makes the Fall Cottage Life Show ranking right up there with the spring version for people looking for winter projects and advice on the great Canadian dream of cottage ownership.

   The fall show, from Oct. 19 to 21 at the International Centre in Mississauga, highlights interesting items, gadgets, gizmos and advice from 225 exhibitors.

   Carpenter Wayne Lennox will show how to build an ice-fishing hut that doubles as a bunkie or playshed in the summer, said publicist Kate Calder.

   There’s a model cottage to inspect and an artisan doing chainsaw art as well, she added.

Christina Aguilera's postponed concert being rescheduled at Casino Rama Resort

Originally scheduled for tonight, October 11 (8PM); reported cancelled due to singer losing her voice

 

Rama, ON (Thursday, October 11, 2018) -  Casino Rama Resort regrets to announce that by artist request the Christina Aguilera concert scheduled for tonight, Thursday, October 11 (8PM) has been postponed due to artist’s illness. 

 

The Casino is working with the artist’s team to quickly reschedule the much anticipated performance and will provide details on the rescheduled date as soon as possible.

 

The Casino and the artist apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause and Ms. Aguilera looks forward to performing at Casino Rama Resort in 2019.

 

Ticket holders may hold onto their original (October 11, 2018) concert tickets which will be honoured for the rescheduled performance date or they may seek a refund.

If ticket holders wish a refund they must return to the original point of ticket purchase to do so. Please note the Casino Rama Resort Box Office is open from 12 noon to 8PM daily.

Marvel Universe Live! is coming to Hamilton as only Canadian stop

All-New Action-Packed Stunt Show Plays FirstOntario Centre October 18-21  (2018)

HAMILTON, ON — Canadian Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil.

The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena stunt show.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Marvel Universe LIVE! is coming to FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton from October 18-21 for 7 performances. This is the only Canadian stop in 2018.

   The cast assembles for Marvel Universe Live! coming to Hamilton, Ontario

Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax make their live production debut bringing their courage and misfit wit to Marvel Universe LIVE!

Alongside Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, Black Widow, Wasp and Iron Fist, the Guardians of the Galaxy help fight the scheming, menacing and loathsome villains Loki, Yondu and Green Goblin.

My kind of town, Toronto is for fall events

   One-Tank Trip for Oct. 6/18

   (c) By Jim Fox

   However you say it – Tor-AWN-toe, Toronno, Toranna or just T.O. – Canada’s largest city can be your “kind of town.”

   “It continues to evolve with city changes, restaurants, exhibits and fall-focused experiences,” says Irene Knight of Tourism Toronto.

   She checks in with an extensive list of what’s new and happening in the big city.

Toronto’s CN Tower (Barbara Fox photo)

   New and improved

   - The CN Tower, Toronto’s iconic landmark, has a renovated main observation area, LookOut Level, for an “eye-opening, mind-blowing new perspective on the most spectacular views in Toronto.”

   In the $16-million upgrade, there’s a new glass floor directly above the original, providing a dramatic, two-tier vertical view.

   Floor-to-ceiling “window walls” across three sections of the observation level allow for near-seamless unobstructed panoramic views.

   - Ontario Place continues expanding with new park areas, restaurants and movie screenings at the world’s first permanent IMAX Theatre.

   There’s the remounting of the Winter Lights Exhibition uutilizing creativity, innovation, light and discovery.

   - Storm Crow Manor is a Victorian mansion in the Church-Wellesley village that will play host to Toronto’s nerdiest sports bar.

   When the Storm Crow Tavern opened in Vancouver in 2012 it was quickly called the “nerdiest bar in Canada.”