SPICE GIRLS SET TO REUNITE TOMORROW IN LONDON FOR "VIVA FOREVER"

Spice Girls in Toronto - February 2008

For the first time in five years, the Spice Girls are expected to reunite tomorrow in London's West End. Although it isn't expected that they are announcing another Reunion Collaboration, the Pop Queens will be taking part in the launch of the Musical Viva Forever. 

Penned by Funnywoman Jennifer Saunders, the Musical strings together their Hits into a Story and is set to open this December at Piccadilly Theatre.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KRISTIN CHENOWETH AT TORONTO'S MASSEY HALL

Kristin Chenoweth in Toronto - June 2012

The brilliant Kristin Chenoweth arrived in Toronto yesterday for a one-night-only Show at Massey Hall.  Known best for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway Musical Wicked, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Singer/Actress' profile was boosted further by a Guest Role on FOX's Glee as April Rhodes and also a starring Role on the now-defunct GCB.

Although she was scheduled to appear at Holt Renfrew's Holiday Window Reveal alongside Feist back in November 2009, she unfortunately had cancelled, making it a long gap between Toronto visits. Fans however were left satiated after her Concert tonight with Reviews on Twitter ranging from "amazing" to "fantastic" and "floored".

Chenoweth arrived at Massey Hall in good spirits a few hours early after doing a bit of shopping around Yorkville, stopping-off at Holt Renfrew (coincidentally) and also Hazelton Lanes' TNT.  Complaining of a headache, she still was a Good Sport signing Autographs and taking Photos with a select few Fans despite her Handler deterring others from asking.

There is no rest for the "wicked" indeed, as Chenoweth is Ohio-bound after tonight's Show, wrapping-up her Tour at the end of June in Oklahoma.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARION ROSS IN TORONTO FOR "LOST IN YONKERS"

Marion Ross & Mr. Will-W.

Such an incredible honour for our City to be hosting the incredible talents of Marion Ross.  Many of us grew-up watching her as Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days and now at 83 years of age, the Actress still is vivacious and active, currently starring in a Stage Production of Lost in Yonkers.  In an exclusive Engagement at Jane Mallett Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, the Play is about two young Boys who one Summer are sent to live with their stern Grandmother and childlike Aunt. 

After completing a Matinee Show, I caught-up with Ross who walked to the Venue by-foot for her Evening Show, generously spending time to chat with me. "Oh, I'm in no hurry!", she tells me.  After a string of Shows were cancelled this past weekend, Ross reveals to me that her Co-Star's Spouse was killed over the weekend in a tragic Accident in New York.  This however, will not result in an extension of the Play's Toronto Run.

After personalizing a couple Items for me, she tells me it was her hope that Happy Days Co-Star Henry Winkler would make an Appearance with her, although that could not be.

Before heading into the Venue, we exchanged hugs and I even got a kiss on the cheek.  The redhead Actress gave me one bit of parting advice, "You be a good Boy now, you hear?".  Aww!  Touched.

Lost in Yonkers runs till June 10, 2012 at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts.  Click here for Tickets.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ATOM EGOYAN IN TORONTO FOR "CRUEL AND TENDER"

Atom Egoyan & Mr. Will-W.

Toronto's v. own Atom Egoyan needs little introduction.  The Academy Award-nominated Director (The Sweet Hereafter) is back home right now working on Martin Crimp's Stage Play, Cruel and Tender.  The Canadian Stage production which explores War in the domestic and political spheres, reunites him and his Wife, Actress Arsinée Khanjian once again after they first met 30 years ago working together on his Film Next of Kin.

It was also just announced that Egoyan once again will be reuniting this Summer too with Colin Firth, who starred in his 2005 Film Where the Truth Lies, in an upcoming Drama titled Devil's Knot.  Firth will be starring alongside another Academy Award Winner in Reese Witherspoon, with the Film being based upon the true story of three Men - The West Memphis Three - who wrongfully were convicted of Murder.  Looks like a good one!

Egoyan was at the TIFF Bell Lightbox earlier this evening discussing his 1999 Film, Felicia's Journey before an intimate audience, stopping for a quick Photo on his way in.  Despite his many acclaimed works, my personal guilty pleasure is his 2009 Erotic Thriller, Chloe starring Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore!

"THE BOOK OF MORMON", "THE WIZARD OF OZ", "HONEYMOON IN VEGAS" & "SISTER ACT" COMING TO TORONTO

The Book of Mormon Official Artwork

Mirvish Productions announced their exciting new line-up for for their 2013 season and surely Theatre Lovers have to be thrilled! Among the new stage productions to grace Toronto in the near future are TONY Award-winning Musical The Book of Mormon from the Creators of South Park - Trey Parker and Matt Stone - and Avenue Q Writer Robert Lopez. The Musical is about two Missionaries who travel to Uganda in hopes of imposing their beliefs upon locals who are facing much more pressing concerns like poverty, famine and AIDS. I definitely will be going to see this one!

Other Productions to come include the ever-popular Sister Act, Flashdance, La Cage Aux Folles, Honeymoon in Vegas (starring Tony Danza!!!), Backbeat and The Wizard of Oz!  The latter will feature new Material from the winning combination of Andrew Lloyed Webber and Tim Rice!

For more details, follow Mirvish Productions on Twitter or visit their Website.

HUGH JACKMAN SETS NEW BROADWAY BOX OFFICE RECORD

Hugh Jackman in Toronto - June 2011

Congratulations to Hugh Jackman, who set a new Broadway Box Office Record with his Hugh Jackman: Live in Concert in its final week after a successful ten-week run in New York City.  In July 2011, Torontonians were treated to a brief run at the Princess of Wales Theatre, presented by Mirvish Productions.  On Broadway, Jackman's Show brought in $2.057 million in its final week and a cumulative total of $14.6 million.  The previous one-week Broadway Record of $1.175 million was set by The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino.

Let's not forget also Jackman's Real Steel which also brought in a whopping $277 million worldwide in 2011 for DreamWorks too.  Clearly, both Theatre and Moviegoers alike can't get enough, which is a rare feat for an Actor.

Jackman soon will begin production on Tom Hooper's (The King's Speech) Film Adaptation of Les Miserables alongside Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Russell Crowe and Helena Bonham Carter.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"WAR HORSE" WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS

The Cast of War Horse with Director Steven Spielberg

The great-looking Cast of Steve Spielberg's War Horse hit the Red Carpet at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Avery Fisher Hall last night for its official World Premiere. If emerging Actor Jeremy Irvine isn't on your radar yet, by all means he will be after seeing War Horse.  The heartwarming/heartbreaking Tale opens via DreamWorks Pictures on Christmas Day. The six-time TONY Award Winner opens at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto also on February 10, 2012.

Stars Irvine, Tom Hiddleston (sporting a Goatee), Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Celine Buckens, David Kross, Robert Emms, Director Steven Spielberg all attended the high-profile Premiere.   See how dapper Irvine looks in his Burberry Suit, paying homage to his native Britain. Mega-hot Elizabeth Olsen (getting lots of Oscar buzz for Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick also showed-up to show their support.

See more Photos from the Premiere below:

KIM CATTRALL IN TORONTO FOR "PRIVATE LIVES"

Kim Cattrall & Mr. Will-W.

I have a confession.  When I was a Kid, I saw Mannequin at the Theatre five times.  And that was a lot of Allowance money in 1987!  I adored Kim Cattrall as an Egyptian re-incarnated in Modern Day as a sexy Mannequin, Emmy.  It was completely campy and ludicrous but that Rom-Com defined my Childhood and her performance to this day holds a dear place in my heart.  I still stop to watch it when I see it on TV and even sat through Mannequin 2: On the Run hoping it would carry on some trace of its Predecessor's legacy, but that could not be.

Since then, Cattrall has gone on to become a Pop Culture Icon with her work on HBO's Sex and the City as the brassy, fearless and in-charge Samantha Jones. In Toronto currently for a limited engagement of Mirvish Productions' Private Lives, Cattrall plays Amanda, a glamourous Socialite who visits the French Riviera with her new Husband, only to cross paths with her Ex-Husband once again, rekindling a bit of that old Romance.  Our v. own Paul Gross also stars in the Production, which is Broadway-bound after its Toronto run ends October 30, 2011.

I got to meet the lovely Cattrall who was still in-character leaving Royal Alexandra Theatre, speaking to Fans in a British accent.  One Fan asked her to sign Sex and the City memorabilia and she asked out loud, "Sex and the City? What is that?".  Funny.

Lovely and sweet, she stopped to sign some Playbills and posed for Photos before heading off for the night with her Pusateri's Shopping Bag and a bouquet of flowers in-tow.  Someone once told me that the brilliant Actress was cold to Fans and I found absolutely no evidence of that at all tonight.  She was warm and generous.

Click here to learn more about Private Lives and order Tickets.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DONNY & MARIE OSMOND IN TORONTO FOR "DONNY & MARIE LIVE"

Marie Osmond & Mr. Will-W.

As announced in March, legendary Teen Pop Idols Donny and Marie Osmond would be visiting Toronto for their Las Vegas-style Variety Show, Donny & Marie Live presented by Dancap Productions. Now playing at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Brother and Sister Duo are in-town for a two-week limited engagement.

Donny and Marie were lovely enough to stop and sign Autographs for Fans and pose for Photos on their way to an Opening Night Party nearby held in their honour.  Although I had the pleasure of meeting Donny back in March already, I finally got the chance to meet the gorgeous Marie.  Both were absolutely wonderful, taking their time to greet everybody despite one over-zealous Fan screaming out and climbing over the baffle to Donny.  Security however kept her in-line and all order was restored.

You can still purchase tickets for Donny & Marie Live here.

See more Photos below:

CARRIE FISHER IN TORONTO FOR "WISHFUL DRINKING"

Carrie Fisher & Mr. Will-W.

Actress/Writer Carrie Fisher just arrived in Toronto to begin preparations for her self-penned Play, Wishful Drinking. Presented by Mirvish Productions, the Show is a comical look back at the highs and lows of her career.  Her rise to the top saw her starring the iconic Star Wars franchise as Pop Culture Icon Princess Leia and acclaimed titles like Hannah and Her Sisters and When Harry Met Sally. Fisher's lows however have been more publicized, including her weight struggle in addition to a bout with alcohol and substance abuse. Currently, she is the face of the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program.

While in-town, the Actress had time to enjoy another production from Mirvish next door at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Hugh Jackman in Concert. It is said that Jackman and Fisher actually are good friends.

HUGH JACKMAN IN TORONTO FOR "HUGH JACKMAN IN CONCERT"

Hugh Jackman & Mr. Will-W.

Everybody loves Hugh Jackman! Everybody. The Tony Award winner gifted Canada his presence arriving via Porter Airlines on Canada Day, flying in from New Jersey to begin preparations for his upcoming one-man Show, Hugh Jackman in Concert. Debuting this Tuesday night at the Princess of Wales Theatre for Mirvish Productions, the Show ties together some of Jackman's favourite Showtunes with reflections upon his celebrated career and life.  Having had a successful run in San Francisco, the Hunk looks the duplicate that success with Toronto theatre-goers.  He will be backed by an 18-piece Orchestra.

I caught-up with Jackman walking about the Entertainment District with a small entourage wearing Jeans, a Polo Shirt and a pair of Sunglasses.  In hurry to head off with his Children Oscar and Ava, he still took the time to greet a couple Fans and me, taking Photos and signing an Autograph or two.  Yes, he's pretty much flawless.  Confirmed.

Tickets are still available for the two-week engagement Hugh Jackman  in Concert here.  

Jackman can be seen in three Films this year, including: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan in which he sings in Mandarin, Butter and $80-million dollar Blockbuster Real Steel, which also stars Kevin Durand who has been in Toronto of late filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis.  Perhaps Jackman be reuniting with his Van Helsing Co-star Kate Beckinsale, who also happens to be in-town filming Total Recall?

See more Photos below:

"THE BOOK OF MORMON" DOMINATES TONY AWARDS

Trey Parker and Matt Stone not only are giants of the Big and Small Screens, but now also the Great White Way! The Writer/Director Duo responsible for hits like South Park and Team America: World Police cleaned-up at the TONY Awards last night, winning in nine categories including Best Musical with The Book of Mormon.

Their Musical is about two Mormon Missionaries who visit Uganda, while struggling to connect with Locals who are more concerned with greater concerns.  

The Ceremony was hosted for a second time by Neil Patrick Harris (he last hosted in 2009) who brought the house down with a collaboration on stage with Hugh Jackman, who was just in Toronto earlier this week promoting his new stage show, Hugh Jackman in Concert.

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

HUGH JACKMAN & CARRIE FISHER TO BRING PLAYS TO TORONTO

Still from Real Steel

In a City certainly not lacking star power this Summer, Hugh Jackman is the latest confirmed to be in Toronto and from July 5 through 17, as he presents his original Concert-in-a-Play, Hugh Jackman in Concert at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

The incredibly handsome TONY Award-winning Thespian will be performing selections from various Broadway Musicals and also reflecting upon his vast Catalogue, in addition to his younger years growing up in Sydney, Australia. There is talk possibly of the Show heading to Broadway eventually for the 42 year-old Actor, who can be seen later this year in DreamWorks' futuristic Boxing Film Real Steel.

Hugh Jackman in Concert is presented by Mirvish Productions and you can learn more at their website as official details will be announced shortly.  Jackman Tweeted that Fans who are currently following him on Twitter will receive a special discount. 

Playing simultaneously is Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking at Royal Alexandra Theatre from July 12 through August 21. The Play also from Mirvish is said to be a hilarious full-frontal Confession on the excesses of Celebrity from the Actress/Author/Screenwriter.

(Photo credit: Dreamworks)

OWEN WILSON IN TORONTO VISITING WOODY HARRELSON

Owen Wilson

In an absolute surprise, I crossed paths with Owen Wilson in Yorkville today.  It was learned later that he is in-town catching up with BFF Woody Harrelson, who currently is hard at work on his self-written and directed Play, Bullet for Adolf, to open later this month at University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre.  Dressed casual in a Purple/Gray Track Suit and T-Shirt, Wilson's wispy hair and charismatic nose could be spotted a mile away.

Wilson was camera-shy when approaching him for a Photo together.  "I'm just here for a walk and just got here" he said in his Southern drawl, "No pictures please".  And so I put my Camera away.  "I'll sign an Autograph if you want", but unfortunately I had no Memorabilia on-hand for him.  He then struck up a bit of a conversation asking me, "Where's good to go so that people won't notice me?" as he nearly landed himself in the Dinnertime Traffic of the bustling area.  I devised a quick route for him to take to avoid being seen, but it didn't work as he sparked a number of Twitter sightings shortly after.  Oh well, I tried.

Both he and Harrelson caused quite a stir among Diners at acclaimed Lee in the City's King St. West area as they sat down to have a quiet Dinner together.  One onlooker on Twitter noted, "They aren't dressed for the occasion".  Boys will be Boys.  Later in the evening they were spotted at the on Prince Arthur Avenue in Yorkville playing Pool, followed by a bit of Club Hopping at Amber.

There may be an Autograph from Wilson to one deserving Fan surfacing shortly as part of my Giveaways. Stay tuned.   Hmm....

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

WOODY HARRELSON TO MEET FANS AT TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX

Woody Harrelson & Mr. Will-W.

Attention Toronto! Here’s your chance to meet Woody Harrelson. Harrelson will be appearing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Thursday, April 7, 2011 as part of their In Conversation With… Series.

In-town right now working on his Play Bullet for Adolf, Harrelson will be looking back at his successful career which has seen many important titles like The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Thin Red Line, Natural Born Killers, Zombieland and more. The Play will be running from April 21 through May 7, 2011 at the University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre.

Known as a difficult Celebrity to get a Photo-with or an Autograph from, this perhaps is your best chance to get up close with the versatile Harrelson.  More details on the event here.

By chance, I met Harrelson briefly at a Screening for his Good Friend Bobby Farrelly's Hall Pass recently in Toronto.  Read more about that here.

DONNY OSMOND IN TORONTO FOR "DONNY & MARIE LIVE"

Donny Osmond & Mr. Will-W.

Before there was Justin Bieber, there was Donny Osmond. Just ask your Mom - she knows.  The 53 year-old Singer/Actor who by the way looks amazing still, arrived in Toronto this weekend to do a round of Press for upcoming Donny & Marie Live, a Las Vegas-style Show which showcases both his and Sister Marie's Greatest Hits.  I am honoured totally to have run into him and snap a Photo together!

Osmond appeared this morning on his good Friend's The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV, to make a surprise announcement about his upcoming endeavour to a blindfolded Denis, who had to guess who her Special Guest was.  He revealed that he knows Toronto rather well, having lived here before in and around Mt. Pleasant Rd.

Donny & Marie Live will be presented by Dancap Productions and run at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts from July 5-17, 2011.

ELTON JOHN, DAVID FURNISH & BABY ZACHARY IN TORONTO FOR "BILLY ELLIOT"

Elton John & David Furnish at Canon Theatre - March 2011

Elton John officially took over Toronto today as CTV rolled out the Red Carpet for the Pop Legend.  In-town with Partner David Furnish to promote their TONY Award-winning Musical Billy Elliot, now playing at Canon Theatre, the pair went on a Media Blitz today which included appearances on both CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show and eTalk.  This preceded Red Carpet Coverage at tonight's Opening with CP24, while appearances also are slated tomorrow morning at CHUM-FM and CTV's Canada AM.

Elton John leaving CTV

John and Furnish arrived in Toronto last night at their Yorkville Hotel with their Baby, Zachary.  Hotel staff could be seen clamouring to unload an endless array of Luggage from their Van, including a white baby Bassinet.  The Couple were spotted outside a Starbucks not far from CTV earlier this morning, sitting cozy in their SUV for half an hour before arriving finally at the venue.  

John indicated today on The Marilyn Denis Show that close Friend Lady Gaga would be a great candidate to be his Child's Godmother and hinted that he may well be attending her The Monster Ball Show this Thursday at Air Canada Centre.

ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH TO PROMOTE "BILLY ELLIOT" IN TORONTO

Elton John at Billy Elliot in London

Mirvish Productions' Billy Elliot is currently playing at Toronto's Canon Theatre and many of you who have tickets next week just might see Sir Elton John and Partner David Furnish in the audience.  John wrote the Music for the TONY Award-winning Musical and will be in-town with Furnish, Executive Producer, to promote the Musical next Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

John along with Furnish, are scheduled to appear on CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show at 10:00 AM EST, followed by a taping of eTalk to air at 7:00 PM EST and CP24 will be covering the Red Carpet at Billy Elliot's official Premiere.  Above this, the following day, you can catch them both on CTV's Canada AM and hear them on 104.5 CHUM FM at 8:10 AM EST.

Also in town that day is Lady Gaga and perhaps we might also see John at her The Monster Ball Show at Air Canada Centre again, like last July?  The two were said to have lunched together while in-town last time.  Hmm.  Friends.

To learn more about Billy Elliot, click here.

(Photo credit: People Magazine/Reuters)

KIM CATTRALL TO APPEAR IN TORONTO PRODUCTION OF "PRIVATE LIVES"

Kim Cattrall in Private Lives

Sex and the City Fans, rejoice! Mirvish Productions has acquired Private Lives, which stars Kim Cattrall as a Woman of Glamour who rekindles a romance with her ex-Husband, played by Matthew McFayden.  This Toronto run will taking place right before the Show hits Broadway.

Private Lives will be playing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre from September to October 2011.

Visit Mirvish Productions' Website for more details.

(Photo credit: The Guardian)

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER IN TORONTO FOR "BARRYMORE"

Christopher Plummer & Mr. Will-W.

He may be 81 years-old, but legendary Actor Christopher Plummer is showing no signs of slowing down. Known most recently for his Oscar-nominated performance (his first ever) in The Last Station in 2009 and his voice work in the Oscar-nominated Disney Feature Up, Plummer may just now be delivering his best work yet. Residing now in Connecticut, the Toronto-born Actor is back in his hometown, promoting TD Bank's upcoming limited engagement of the Play, Barrymore which runs at the Elgin Theatre from February 27 to March 9, 2011.

The Play is about celebrated Shakespearean Actor John Barrymore, set in the final year of his life, as he struggles to get back into the role of Richard III. Plummer is reprising the same role which won him a Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play in 1997, in a story which might actually draw many parallels to his own life.