With the mercury dropping it's the perfect time to step indoors for a taste of the arts. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz takes the stage starting Dec. 1 and there's a great selection of music performances set for the holiday season.
ON STAGEThe Wonderful Wizard of OzCivic Light Opera Company presents the musical The Wonderful Wizard of Oz starting Dec. 1. It closely follows the original story with an enchanting musical score. This production stars Olivia Stupka and Alisa Berindea (alternating performances) as Dorothy Gale from Kansas. Her friends - the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion - are played by (respectively) Damien Gulde, Bryan Chamberlain and David Haines. Performances: Dec. 1, 8, 15 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 18 at 8 p.m. Matinees: Dec. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr. Tickets: $25. Call 416-755-1717 or visit www.civiclightoperacompany.com WORKSHOPPioneer Baking Black Creek Pioneer Village presents a family workshop on pioneer baking Dec. 4 and 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Bake up a storm on the wood-burning stove, follow Christmas recipes loved by the pioneers, and take home some tasty treats - a perfect way to begin your holiday baking. Maximum two children with each adult. Cost: $50 for one adult and one child; $75 for one adult and two children (taxes not included). Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy. Call 416-736-1733.MUSICNot A Creature was Stirring Only the FledermausToronto Philharmonia Orchestra presents Not A Creature was Stirring Only the Fledermaus on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Features Strauss: Die Fledermaus Overture; Rachmaninov: Vocalise; Corelli: "Christmas" Concerto; Dvorak: "Carnival" Overture; Sibelius: Valse Triste; Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite. Cristopher Zimmerman will be conducting. Tickets: $47.50 to $69.50. George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. For tickets, call 416-870-8000.Christmas in the ChapelElora Festival Singers and Chamber Orchestra present Christmas in the Chapel Dec. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a wonderful selection of best-loved traditional and classical Christmas choral arrangements with Noel Edison, conductor and Michael Bloss, organist. Morrow Park Chapel is designed with magnificent stained glass, Portuguese onyx (rose marble), and tiled Venetian mosaics, the chapel provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of Christmas wonder. Tickets: $50 with proceeds going towards the Tyndale University College and Seminary Uncommon Ground Campaign. Parking is available at Tyndale University College and Seminary, 25 Ballyconnor Ct. and shuttle buses will run from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Morrow Park Chapel, 3377 Bayview Ave., south of Steeles Avenue. Call 416-226-6620, ext. 4100. Visit www.tyndale.ca/events/christmas A Festive ConcertThe Alexander Singers and Players present A Festive Concert Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 seniors, $15 students and children 12 and under get in free. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave. W. Call 416-324-1259. When Snowflakes Fall When Snowflakes Fall is Bach Children's Chorus December Concert set for Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. It features four choirs of the Bach Children's Chorus. Repertoire for this concert has been selected to carry you to a carefree enjoyment of the pleasures of the season. Tickets: $24 and $26. George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. Visit www.bachorus.org or call 416-870-8000.
On and Off the Wall is a monthly arts calendar listing. It runs in The North York Mirror the last week of the month and features events taking place the following month. To get your event listed, send details to amair@insidetoronto.com