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Hart House Theatre is often referred to as the cradle of Canadian Theatre. Opening in November of 1919 the Art Deco theatre on the University of Toronto campus quickly became a leader in the Canadian “Little Theatre” movement of the 1920's and 1930's. Hart House Theatre cultivated and featured some of the country’s finest actors, directors, playwrights and designers of the Pre-World War II era, including Raymond Massey, Dora Mavor Moore, Lloyd Bochner, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, Wayne and Shuster and Merrill Denison.

After the war, Hart House Theatre, under the direction of Robert Gill, became an extracurricular student theatre and for twenty years turned out a new generation of stage professionals. William Hutt, Don Harron, Kate Reid, David Gardner, Arthur Hiller, Donald Sutherland, Norman Jewison and Lorne Michaels all got their start treading the boards on the Hart House stage.

By the mid 1960's the theatre joined the world of academia with the creation of the Graduate Centre for Study of Drama. A new generation of students combined dramatic literature with practical theatre experience and learned from and contributed to the vibrant Toronto theatre scene of the 1970's. Click here for a pdf table of Hart House Theatre's production history from 1919 - 1986.

Today Hart House Theatre is the focal point for the performing arts at the University of Toronto. With over a thousand students participating each year in its extra-curricular season of drama, dance, music and film, Hart House Theatre continues to influence each new generation. 
 

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PAST SEASONS

2011/2012 - 2010/2011 - 2009/2010 - 2008/2009 - 2007/2008 - 2006/2007 - 2005/2006 - 2004/2005 - 2003/2004

2011/2012

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by David Nehls
Book by Betsy Kelso
Directed by Will O'Hare
Toronto Premiere
Sept 23 – Oct 8, 2011

"This play and venue provide a healthy dose of smiles and a million laughs... All seven actors are terrific... It’s exhilarating to see such young talent onstage... Obviously a tonne of work and effort has gone into this production, and it pays huge dividends... We can’t wait to return... Make plans to see it!" - Mooney on Theatre.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical is fun, funny, bold, and outlandish... Hart House has a truly amazing production, totally worth seeing. This is an example of excellent theatre." - The Varsity.

"I loved every minute of this show. The singing was better than some of the shows I've seen at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. There aren't enough stars to do this show justice in rating it!" - Audience Member

“Vocal talent abounds in this musical…Set design and costumes are great…no matter what your preference, there is more than one musical act that will satisfy your taste.” – The Medium

THE GENTLEMAN CALLER
Produced in association with Zadkiel Productions
By James Cunningham and Martin Hunter
Directed by David Ferry
Starring Nigel Bennett as Tennessee Williams
Oct 19 - 22, 2011

"[Nigel Bennett] brings a great deal of believable physicality to the character" - Mooney on Theatre

“Captivating and strangely moving. Nigel Bennett gives a truly moving performance.” - The Varsity

“Nigel Bennett plays this role with a masterful balance of crowd-pleasing flamboyancy and crippling insecurity and doubt.” - The Medium

MACBETH
By William Shakespeare
Directed Jeremy Hutton
Nov 9 – 26, 2011

“This show really did an incredible job of showing his descent from a valiant soldier into a manipulative dictator. It can in fact mirror our own regrets...The performance had incredible energy and passion. I have an urge to go and re-read Macbeth, as it is much better than I remember it...The experience [was] akin to watching a thriller.” - Mooney on Theatre

"The show is marked by well-designed and versatile scenery, stylish costumes. Hutton’s Macbeth is undoubtedly a thrilling piece." - The Newspaper

"The cast is talented, demonstrating a natural ease with Shakespearean material and producing an infectious energy. The various large-scale fight scenes are ambitiously executed and entertaining. Hutton remains faithful to the original text and setting of Shakespeare’s play. Sticking to tradition, with a few thoughtful updates, serves the show well." - The Varsity

CABARET
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and Stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Adam Brazier
Jan 13 – 28, 2012

“...this is a sexy, flashy, entertaining show...makes for a nicely raunchy cure to the January blahs” - Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star

“It’s brazen, it’s ribald, it’s wonderfully designed and it’s a great night out.” - Mooney on Theatre

FOUR STARS “Michael-David Blostein’s delicious drawl pulls us in from his breathy opening number, Willkommen...Adam Brazier’s razor precision and flamboyant whimsicality is evident in his role directing the show...The show smoulders with the carefree allure of booze and jazz…Hart House Theatre’s Cabaret captures that in its indulgent, irresistible entirety.” - Theatromania

“Friday night’s performance got off to a superb start….Blostein’s Emcee is a wonderful mix of joy and cynicism as he narrates the decline of the republic he loves...Ms. Lamanna’s…playful performance of Mein Herr, and at the show’s end, her Cabaret exuded a disillusionment and weariness that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.”  - Charlebois Post

THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Starring David Ferry
Mar 2 – 10, 2012

"It is an exploration of the human condition at its most vulnerable, and is tenderly and entertainingly delivered, and well worth watching." -The Charlebois Post

"This production of Night of the Iguana is a strong finish to the Hart House Theatre’s season." The Varsity

"Ferry truly shines as the down-and-out protagonist...Ferry showcases both flashiness and despondence with such ease as he effortlessly makes the audience feel his suffering while still endearing himself to them with his charm. His delivery often comes across as completely improvised, not in the sense of being unprepared, but in that his performance is so natural it hardly seems like acting at all." The Medium

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2010/2011

RICHARD III
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Starring Andre Sills
Sept 15 - Oct 2, 2010

“The overall effect of Hutton’s Richard III is a powerful one, and the experience is enjoyable.” -The Varsity

“Even from his opening lines, it was clear that Richard- played by the impeccable Andre Sills- would steal the performance and keep every audience member glued to his every move.” -The Medium

“Ladies and gentlemen, in no way is this your average production of Richard III. It’s more violent, more complex and compact for your convenience.” - Mooney on Theatre

EQUUS
By Peter Shaffer
Directed by Elenna Mosoff
Nov 12 - 27, 2010

“From the very first word he utters, Peter Higginson gives a commanding performance.” - The Medium

“Nerenberg himself seems to bear it all on the stage both physically and metaphorically. His explosiveness and vulnerability is palpable; the entire stage is alive with his frenzy.” - The Medium

 

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Book by Jeffrey Lane
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Jan 14 - 29, 2011

“Ashleigh Powell’s choreography was something quite spectacular.” - The Varsity

“The enthusiastic cast was truly spectacular, charming and they were all absolutely perfect in their roles.” - BlogUT

“Hutton keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, giving the performance a professional sheen.”  - insidetoronto.com

YELLOW FACE
By David Henry Hwang
Directed by Esther Jun
Mar 4 -12, 2011

“Esther Jun, the director, did a wonderful job bringing the play to life...I was not disappointed. This show is phenomenal.” - BlogUT

“Director Esther Jun’s production hits all the play’s humour and most of its philosophical notes, with Toronto newcomer Ben Wong especially impressive as Hwang and Kristoffer Pedlar memorable as Marcus…” - Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine

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2009/2010

JERRY SPRINGER-THE OPERA
Music by Richard Thomas
Book and Lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas
Directed by Mark Selby, based on the original by Richard Ouzounian
Musical Direction by Lily Ling
Starring Byron Rouse
Sept 24 - Oct 10, 2009

Named one of the 10 most influential works of theatre in the past decade by the Toronto Star

“Jerry Springer-The Opera is tacky, cheesy and bound to offend you.  In other words – go see this show...I liked everything about this play…the friend I brought couldn’t stop laughing.  See this show, there’s something to offend everyone.” Dana Lacey, Mooney on Theatre

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Nov 20 - Dec 5, 2009

"How do you spruce up one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays and manage to send the audience through tears of laughter in the process? Hart House Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream makes that possible." - The Medium Online

"If you have never been to Hart House Theatre then I would suggest you go sometime soon." - MooneyOnTheatre

 

HIGH FIDELITY
Music by Tom Kitt
Lyrics by Amanda Green
Book by David Lindsay-Abaire
Based upon the novel by Nick Hornby
Directed by Mark Selby
Music Direction by Lily Ling
Jan 15 - 30, 2010

“outstanding support roles that make the show worthwhile…rewind spots are creative; amazingly well acted and absolutely fascinating. HIGH FIDELITY is certainly worthwhile seeing.” - Ontario Arts Review

“I was blown away at the professional quality of the show (great cast, music, direction, staging, lighting - you name it!). The show is a ton-o-fun.” - CKLN Radio

ROBERTSON DAVIES: THE PEELED I
Produced by Arbitrary Angle Theatre Company
Scripted and Directed by John Krisak
Starring K. Reed Needles
Mar 3 - 6, 2010

“What better place to mount such a show than the storied Hart House Theatre, one of this city's most glorious cultural treasures.” - Robert Crew, Toronto Star

 

 

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2008/2009

KING LEAR
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Starring Peter Higginson
OCT 1 - 18, 2008

“NNNN – Peter Higginson demonstrates a deep understanding of the title role” - Now Magazine

"Hart House offers a slick, cinematic Lear which embraces the play’s drama and humanity, making a thriller out of a wizened script.” The Varsity

“…several outstanding performances which do full justice to Hart House’s commitment to offering first class productions in the University’s historical theatre.” - Scene Changes

BANANA BOYS
By Leon Aureus
Adapted form the novel by Terry Woo
Directed by Nina Lee Aquino
Produced by fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company
NOV 12 - 15, 2008

"One of the tests of a good play is being able to see it several times and discover new layers at each viewing. That's the case with Leon Aureus' Banana Boys." - NOW Magazine

"The cast of five is undeniably talented." - The Varsity

 

JERRY SPRINGER-THE OPERA
Music by Richard Thomas
Book and Lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas
Directed By Richard Ouzounian
Musical Direction by Lily Ling
Starring Byron Rouse
JAN 16 - 31, 2009

“The most profane, lurid piece of musical theatre you will see in your life, and may possibly be the most entertaining one as well…Springer (Byron Rouse) is fantastic…even those who will object to its profanity and irreverence will have to give a standing ovation to Ouzounian’s production and his cast’s performances” - The Medium

“Richard Ouzounian provides efficient direction, trying to find a scrap of humanity amid all the heavy satire, and Byron Rouse is excellent as the slick, non-singing Springer.” - ***EYE Weekly

“Ouzounian makes good use of Hart House Theatre’s wide stage…Rouse nicely captures the real Springer’s shoulder-shrugging sincerity.” - NNN NOW Magazine

“The opening act is such a continual ‘hoot’ that at one point I was laughing so hard, I uncontrollably broke wind.” - Ontario Arts Review

“The Hart House production is polished – you get what the fuss is about.” - The Globe and Mail

“The 20-odd twenty-somethings careering around the stage and auditorium appear to have stumbled into the deep humanity that lifts Thomas’ show from easy satire into something both raunchy and noble at the same time.” - The Toronto Star

ARCADIA
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
MAR 6 - 14, 2009

“VVVv (out of 4) The first Hart House Theatre production with a cast made up exclusively of U of T students, the performances were nothing short of professional” - The Varsity

"Arcadia is masterfully paced, deftly executed and an emotionally resonant performance." - The Newspaper

 

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2007/2008

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Graham Maxwell
SEPT 14 - 29, 2007

"a cracker-jack presentation from the cast...nothing short of sensational." - SceneChanges.com

"seamless direction from Graham Maxwell and gigantic, bawdy, outrageously funny performances." - The Newspaper

JULIUS CAESAR
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Anthony Furey
NOV 21 - DEC 8, 2007

"Convincing and powerful performances...provides insight into the human psyche." - The Medium

 

CRIMINALS IN LOVE
By George F. Walker
Directed by Andrea Wasserman
JAN 16 - 26, 2008

"...immediately captures the audience's attention and maintains it until the very last scene...Sex and crime, what's not to love?" - The Medium Online

"Another excellent production from the lovely Hart House Theatre." - The Strand

"This play is a must see." - The Varsity

STEPHEN AND MR. WILDE
By Jim Bartley
Directed by Martin Hunter
FEB 28 - MAR 8, 2008

"A pleasure ot watch for anyone...a pretty package that Wilde himself would approve of." - The Strand

"...an engrossing performance...captivatingly powerful." - The Medium Online

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2006/2007

REEFER MADNESS-THE MUSICAL
Canadian Premiere
Directed by Elenna Mosoff

"...the production was probably the brightest, most entertaining show in town." - SceneChanges.com

"I don't have anything bad to say about this play. If you want to see an accomplished piece of musical theatre, check it out." - The Strand

 

 

HAMLET
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Andrea Wasserman
Starring Jeremy Hutton
NOV 15 - 25, 2006

"Shakespeare himself would be honoured by the effort." - Excaliber, York

"Hart House Theatre rose to the occasion and proved the worthiness of buying a ticket." - The Medium

 

LYSISTRATA
By Aristophanes
Directed by Tabby Johnston

"Winter season heats up with ancient anti-war production." - The Varsity

THE STRINDBERG PROJECT
Directed by John Neville

"For the devout theatre lover, this project was an exciting journey celebrating a foundation in international theatre." - The Medium

 

THIRTEEN HANDS

"...with its great script, impressive acting, and skillful directing [the play] was a pleasant finale to the season." UofT Review

 

 

 

 

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2005/2006

OLEANNA
By David Mamet
Directed by Graham Cozzubbo

"Hart House Theatre's production is one of the most even-handed we've seen." - NOW Magazine

 

 

 

 

ROMEO AND JULIET
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton

"The Hart House Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet is superb." - The Medium

 

 

 

 

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Directed by Elenna Mosoff

"With a show that is as well rehearsed - the dance moves are smoking! - it can be hard to remember that what you're seeing is student theatre." - The Strand

"Rocky Horror delivers delightful hedonism." - The Window

 

 

 

THE STILLBORN LOVER
Directed by Martin Hunter

"The best play I've seen there." - Varsity

 

 

 

 

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2004/2005

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
By Anthony Burgess
Directed by Robert Guinty
Featuring BISHOP

"With youthful aggression as a recurrent issue for each new generation, A Clockwork Orange continues to deliver relevant material, currently in a new and exciting format." - The Window

"The cast is stacked with talent from the urban music scene...and U of T students." - The Varsity

 

OTHELLO
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Starring Andre Sills

"A feast for the eyes and ears" - Salterrae

"...a must-see for the local student of Shakespeare. It's a bold re-interpretation." - The Town Crier

 

GODSPELL

"Bursting with energy, full of fun, great songs and clowning around, this play reminds us why we call it a play." - The Medium

WASPS

"An entertaining evening of theatre - kudos to Hart House for opening my mind to Canadian drama." - The Varsity

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2003/2004

AS YOU LIKE IT
By William Shakespeare
Directed by David Gardner

"...a beautiful montage of staging, lighting, costumes, humour and original music." - The Window

ANGELIQUE
Directed by Eric Rose

"...proves that innovative and important work is happening in on-campus theatre." - The Strand

POSSIBLE WORLDS
By John Mighton

"The story and dialogue were strong and the acting was impressive." - The Strand

THE BALD SOPRANO & JACK OR THE SUBMISSION
By Eugene Ionescu

"[a] wonderfully eccentric theatre experience." - The Varsity

THE IBSEN PROJECT
Directed by Graham Cozzubbo

"The plays were fascinating, and one of the evenings was transcendent." - The National Post

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