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1. 800 .4 61. 3333 | 416 . 872.1212 Issue 2 | S N A I L 1mirvish.com

BEYOND THE BIRDCAGE:LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Fringe benefits

GAME OF THRONES

Inside Honest Ed’s Private Office

FREE

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WIN$10,000CASH

Hurry!Hurry! Slow down this summerSlow down this summer

Read Snail & SaveSpecial offers inside!

Mirvish_SNA12ED2_Final.indd 1 12-06-26 1:22 PM

2 S N A I L | Issue 2 416 . 872.1212 | 1. 800 .4 61. 3333mirvish.com

THESE ARE THE KIND OFletters we receive at Mirvish Productions just before the annual Fringe Fest begins. We love getting these letters and we love going to see the shows at the Fringe. Each year brings an exciting crop of new shows and talents. At past Fringe Festivals we’ve found such shows as The Drowsy Chaperone, Da Kink In My Hair and My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, that we then picked up and produced in bigger venues. Who knows what this year’s Fringe will bring? For the price of $10 you may be able to catch the next big theatrical blockbuster before anyone else. Whatdo you have to lose? Goand see lots of shows!www.fringetoronto.comor 416-966-1062

THESE ARE THE KIND OF

annual Fringe Fest begins. We love getting these letters and we love going to see the shows at the Fringe. Each year brings an exciting crop of new shows and talents. At past Fringe Festivals

The

My Mother’s Lesbian that we

then picked up and produced in bigger venues. Who knows

bring? For the price of $10 you may be able to catch the next

Hello David Mirvish,I am the Artistic Director of Theatre Brouhaha and the writer/director of our upcoming Fringe Festival production, Help Yourself. The winner of the 2012 Toronto Fringe Festival New Play Contest, the show will haveits premiere at the George Ignatieff Theatre from July4th-14th, and I’d love for you to be there.I remember writing and inviting you to the fi rst play I ever wrote and self-produced in 2003. I was overjoyed when I received a response, even though it was an apology saying you were too busy to attend. My 17-year-old self completely understood.

My writing has changed a lot since 2003. It would be an honour if you could make it out this time.Help Yourself focuses on the story of 30-something Donny who is in the business of clearing consciences. For a hefty sum Donny will help clients justify to themselves their desired immoral actions. Donny’s life is great — fancy condo, beautiful girlfriend and swanky dinners — until a new client sparks a gut-wrenching, high-stakes session that leaves him wondering if breaking the rules is ever worth the payoff.

Sincerely, Kat Sandler

Inside vs.OutsideAt the beginning of each summer, Torontonians are rousedfrom their winter slumber by the sun’s fi rst warm rays. By July, people have migrated back to their air-conditioned homes, unable to endure the scorching temperatures that are here by Canada Day. How do you preferyour entertainment — the (almost non-existent) summer breeze in your hair or the frosty chill of climate-controlled calm?

from their winter slumber by the sun’s fi rst warm rays. By July, from their winter slumber by the sun’s fi rst warm rays. By July, people have migrated back to their air-conditioned homes, unable to endure the scorching temperatures homes, unable to endure the scorching temperatures

WAR HORSE A Tony Award-winning production in astate-of-the-arttheatre

CN TOWERToronto’s most famous(and highest at 553.33meters) landmark. Get a360˚ view of the city from a fi ve-star restaurant

THE RISE OF BEEFCAKE CINEMAA retrospective of ’80s action stars Schwarzenegger and Stallone

THE SPASteam rooms, salt pools and saunas make spas the perfect place to relax and be pampered

AIR CANADA CENTREThis summer boasts such high-profi le acts as Coldplay, Madonna and Peter Gabriel

STEAM WHISTLE BREWERYLocated just south of the CN Tower, you can take a tour or attend one of the many summer events

A MIDSUMMERNIGHT’S DREAMA classic Shakespearian comedy in a classic amphitheatre

EDGE WALKThe outer part of Toronto’s most famous landmark. Get a 360˚ view of the city while dangling over the edge

TIFF IN THE PARKClassic screwball comedies on the lawn at David Pecaut Square

THE BEACHSand, surf and sun make for a great day out on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario

MOLSON CANADIAN AMPHITHEATREYou can catch The Beach Boys, Florence And The Machine and KISS in front-row seats or a blanket on the lawn

FESTIVAL OF BEERSFeaturing 200+ beers, this weekend fest on the CNE grounds is hosted by brewing experts from around the world

THEATRE HEIGHTS MOVIES WATER CONCERTS BEER

INS

IDE

OU

TS

IDE

ENJOY SUMMERTIME AT YOUR OWN PACEMANY OF OUR READERS have asked “Why Snail?” When you move at a fast pace the little pleasures of summer get overlooked. So lets emulate a new summer champion, the snail, and slow down this season. We’ll take our time and enjoy all that the city has to offer; and bring all of you along for the ride — slow as it may be. And since they hibernate when the temperature drops, we will too. Snail will only be published until September 25. Our next issue: Tuesday, July 17. Contact us: [email protected].

The puppetry of War Horse is an amazing feat to behold. They quickly become so real to the audience that the puppeteers are not visible. The audience, once they recover from the awe, are left wondering “How did they do that?” This is your chance to fi nd out! Inside the Horse: Behind The Scenes With Joey is a one-time-only FREE event July 12 at 2 p.m. at the Princess of Wales theatre. Tommy Luther, Associate Puppetry Director and former Joey, will guide you through an exclusive look at the creation of the puppets and the play. Tickets are free, general admission and perfect for the whole family. To order your ticket visit mirvish.com.

From the Horse’s Mouth

ON THE FRINGE

JOEY (BRAD COOK, BRYAN HINDLE, CADEN DOUGLAS) WAR HORSE CANADIAN CAST 2012. PHOTO BY BRINKHOFF / MÖGENBURG

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TAKE A SIESTAIn the afternoon go for a

walk, fi nd a tree and curl

up in the grass under the

leafy canopy. Feel refreshed

and get back in touch with

Mother Nature. Relax in the

breeze and be lulled by

the sound of the world

buzzing by.

GIVE UP YOUR CELL

PHONE. LEARN MORSE

CODEReclaim your personal time

by giving up your phone.

Cannot live without keeping

in touch? Try Morse code

instead. We guarantee

you’ll make sure your

communication counts.

It will be thoughtful and

concise and give you time

to focus on more important

things, like relaxing!

LIGHT YOURBARBECUE BY RUBBING

TWO STICKS TOGETHER

Are your survival skills up

to snuff? Perfect your

pyro-technique and take

your time! Besides, you will

work up an appetite for

the delicious meal that will

result from your hard work.

USE SNAIL MAILRemember getting letters? Was not that lovely? Coming home to a mailbox fi lled

with envelopes that were not demands for payment. Let us bring it back. Write a letter. Send a letter. Make your mailbox feel appreciated.

DO NOT USE CONTRACTIONS!Take time with your speech; make every syllable count. Forget abbreviations and time-saving acronyms! Do not live your life in increments of 140 characters. Laugh out loud — do not lol! What is the rush?

ADOPT ISLAND TIMEIt is not the time of year to escape to the Caribbean, but that is no reason not to follow their attitude toward the clock. Meander through the city, enjoy. You will get there… eventually.

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! 8¾ ways8¾ ways

to slow downthis summer

FORGET THE CAR OR

PUBLIC TRANSIT. TAKE

A CANOE

It is earth-friendly and fun.

It may take you a while to

get there, but you’ll enjoy

the ride. And, let us face

it — have you been on the

Queen streetcar? — a canoe

will not add that much time

to your commute! Forget

being stuck standing next

to someone hours after

their deodorant has given

up. Get out in the fresh air,

on the water à la Samuel de

Champlain. Oh Canada!

STRETCH YOUR TIME.

TRY YOGA

As you become more

fl exible you may just fi nd

that your schedule follows

suit.

CHEW EACH BITE

32 TIMES

Summer dining is such

a delight with the plethora

of local produce and the

tantalizing fl avours from

every barbecue pit. Savour

every morsel and every

moment you can squeeze

out of the experience!

FORGET THE CAR OR

PUBLIC TRANSIT. TAKE

A CANOE

It is earth-friendly and fun. 1

STRETCH YOUR TIME.

TRY YOGA

As you become more

fl exible you may just fi nd 2

CHEW EACH BITE

32 TIMES

Summer dining is such

a delight with the plethora 3

TAKE A SIESTAIn the afternoon go for a

walk, fi nd a tree and curl 4

USE SNAIL MAILRemember getting letters? Was not that

7

to focus on more important

BARBECUE BY RUBBING

is the rush?

ADOPT ISLAND TIMEIt is not the time of year to escape to the

8¾

GIVE UP YOUR CELL

PHONE. LEARN MORSE

CODEReclaim your personal time

5

LIGHT YOURBARBECUE BY RUBBING

TWO STICKS TOGETHER

Are your survival skills up6

appreciated.

DO NOT USE CONTRACTIONS!Take time with your

8

In the spirit of our eponymous

gastropod, we want to slow

down this summer. Here in Toronto the

most glorious of all seasons is so short-lived. We

don’t want to miss a second of it

so we have come up with some ways to make

sure the summer does not pass

you by in a blur.

In the spirit of our eponymous

gastropod, we want to slow

down this summer. Here in Toronto the

most glorious of all seasons is so short-lived. We

don’t want to miss a second of it

so we have come up with some ways to make

sure the summer does not pass

you by in a blur.



This token of thanks from Chief Walter

Shanahan is among the many awards

given to Ed. He was also made an

Honourary Police Chief, member of

Canadian Actors’ Equity and IATSE, the

stagehand union.

A lovely photo of Ed

and Anne Mirvish in

front of their former

Toronto residence

on Vesta Drive.

Artists, dignitaries,

politicians, sports fi gures

and many others gave Ed

gifts of thanks over the

years, all of which are

displayed in his offi ce.

This is a pair of ballet

shoes, size 5, that ballerina

Gizella Witkowsky, former

principal dancer with the

National Ballet of Canada,

gave him.

This sculpture of Ed and Anne

was made of one piece of wood

and was sent to them from

Thailand as a gift for their 50th

wedding anniversary.

These books hold

about 6,000 photos.

They are only the

beginning of a vast

photo archive.

There’s no place like this place

Anyplace


1. 800 .4 61. 3333 | 416 . 872.1212 Issue 2 | S N A I L 5mirvish.commirvish.com

The offi ce is more than 3,000 square feet. It began as half

the size in 1959. At that time, the offi ce had a balcony

overlooking the cash registers on the fl oor below. But when

it became clear that private meetings could be heard by

the shoppers, a wall was erected. As the room began to fi ll

up, an expansion was arranged by moving the staff lunch

room and taking over that space.

All walls in Ed’s

offi ce are lined

with shelves so

that maximum

space can be

found to hold

the cornucopia

of goodies.

This silver embossed

Torah is one of a pair

that are more than

300 years old. Ed

acquired the pair in

the early 1990s and

donated one to the

ROM.

These binders, dated and arranged chronologically, document Ed’s life in correspondence and other documents. Among the documents are the accounting pages from the early years of the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The theatre’s receipts and expenses are simply stated in carefully formed handwritten cursive letters and numbers.

No, this isn’t the Bat Phone. It is, however, Ed’s

former private line. Only his wife Anne, and son

David, had the number. Ed joked that he had

also given the number to the prime minister,

the U.S. president, and other world fi gures.

Ed Mirvish’s offi ce in Honest Ed’s is one of a kind. Chockablock with photos, letters, drawings, posters, awards, plaques, mementos, statues and all kinds of other materials of sentimental and cultural value, the offi ce offers a history of Ed Mirvish’s remarkable life, which in itself is also a history of Toronto, especially as it relates to the retail industry and the growth of theatre. General manager Russell Lazar was persuaded to allow our photographers access to the offi ce, a privilege granted to very few.

Ed Mirvish’s offi ce in Honest Ed’s is one of a kind. Chockablock with photos, letters, drawings, posters, awards, plaques, mementos, statues and all kinds of other materials of sentimental and cultural value, the offi ce offers a history of Ed Mirvish’s remarkable life, which in itself is also a history of Toronto, especially as it relates to the retail industry and the growth of theatre. General manager Russell Lazar was persuaded to allow our photographers access to the offi ce, a privilege granted to very few.



Why the long face?A legendary creature has surfaced and has been spotted roaming the

streets of Toronto. Have you seen him? Half man, half horse, this species

was thought to be mere myth or hoax. But we have proof.

HORSEFACE EXISTS!Don’t be afraid, he seems to bear us no

ill will and has adopted the Princess

of Wales Theatre as a second home.

Perhaps lured to the theatre to catch

a glimpse of one of his own kind,

Horseface searches for the actors

who portray Joey and Topthorn. If

you see him around town please

email us at [email protected].

For more about Horseface,

visit mirvish.com/snail.

IN CASE YOU’VE SPENT THE LAST TWO WEEKS STUCK IN YOUR SHELL OR BUSILY OBLIVIOUS, HERE ARE SOME MOMENTSYOU MAY HAVE MISSED

La Cage Aux Folles, the outrageously fabulous, Tony award-winning hit musical is bringing all the glamour of St. Tropez to our fair city this fall. This musical comedy classic has won over critics and audiences throughout its history. Here’s a brief look at the history of this monumental show.

Snail on the street

monumental show.

Playwright/actor Jean Poiret’s French farce, La Cage Aux Folles premiered at the Theatre du Palais-Royal and ran for almost 1,800 performances.

The fi lm version of the play was released. It was an international sensation grossing more than $21 million worldwide.

A sequel to the fi lm, La Cage Aux Folles II, was released. Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault reprised their starring roles.

La Cage Aux Folles was adapted in the United Statesas a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein andmusic and lyrics by Jerry Herman. After a tryoutin Boston, the show opened on Broadway at thePalace Theatre to rave reviews. It ran for 1,761 performances.

The original production received nine TonyAward nominations, winning a total of sixincluding Best Musical, Best Original Score,Best Book of a Musical and Best Actor in aMusical for the shows breakoutstar, George Hearn.

Another sequel,La Cage Aux Folles III,was released in movie theatres.

The show had its West End premiere at theLondon Palladium. The show closed in Londonafter only 301 performances. Its short run andfi nancial failure were partly blamed on thepublic’s reaction to the AIDS crisis.

A fi lm adaptation, The Birdcage, starring RobinWilliams and Nathan Lane was released.

The show had its fi rst Broadway revival whichwon several Tony Awards including BestRevival of a Musical.

The second Broadway revival won three TonyAwards including Best Revival of a Musical.

A national tour of the 2010 Broadway revival began starring George Hamilton in the role of Georges and Christopher Sieber as Albin.

La Cage Aux Folles plays the Royal AlexandraTheatre in Toronto, Oct. 10 to Nov. 18. Ticketsare now on sale; call 416-872-1212 or visitmirvish.com.

1973

1978

1980

1983

1984

1985

1986

1996

2004

2010

2011

2012

David Mirvish delivering ice cream (and the fi rst issue of Snail) at his own pace at our press launch.

If I only had a Dorothy! The top 20 contestants for CBC’s Over The Rainbow will compete for the leading role in The Wizard Of Oz this fall.



Tue July 03War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreImprov All-StarsSecond CityToronto Blue Jays vs.Kansas City RoyalsRogers Centre

Wed July 04War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityLMFAOMolson Canadian AmphitheatreWafik NasrallaYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubFirst Peoples Cinema:1500 Nations, One TraditionTIFF Bell LightboxToronto Blue Jays vs.Kansas City RoyalsRogers Centre TIFF In The Park:My Man GodfreyDavid Pecaut Square

Thu July 05War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityFirst Peoples Cinema:1500 Nations, One TraditionTIFF Bell LightboxWafik NasrallaYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubToronto Blue Jays vs.Kansas City RoyalsRogers Centre

Fri July 06War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityThe Carnegie Hall Show!Second CitySummerliciousVarious restaurantsWafik NasrallaYuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

Sat July 07War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CitySummerliciousVarious restaurantsWafik NasrallaYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubToronto Argonauts vs.Calgary StampedersRogers Centre

Sun July 08War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityGentlemen Prefer Blondes:The Blonde In Fifties Hollywood CinemaTIFF Bell LightboxJames Ivory: Elegant PairingsTIFF Bell Lightbox SummerliciousVarious restaurants Wafik NasrallaYuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

Mon July 09SummerliciousVarious restaurants

Tue July 10 War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreImprov All-StarsSecond CityGentlemen Prefer Blondes:The Blonde In Fifties Hollywood CinemaTIFF Bell LightboxSummerliciousVarious restaurants

Wed July 11War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond City

NickelbackMolson Canadian AmphitheatreKate RiggYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubFirst Peoples Cinema:1500 Nations, One TraditionTIFF Bell Lightbox SummerliciousVarious restaurantsToronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FCBMO FieldTIFF In The Park:The Palm Beach StoryDavid Pecaut Square

Thu July 12War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityInside The HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreJason AldeanMolson Canadian AmphitheatreKate RiggYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubFirst Peoples Cinema:1500 Nations, One TraditionTIFF Bell LightboxSummerliciousVarious restaurants

Fri July 13War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityIron MaidenMolson Canadian AmphitheatreKate RiggYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubSummer In FranceTIFF Bell LightboxToronto Blue Jays vs.Cleveland IndiansRogers CentreSummerliciousVarious restaurants

Sat July 14War HorsePrincess of Wales Theatre

The Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CitySantanaMolson Canadian AmphitheatreKate RiggYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubSchwarzenegger/Stallone:The Rise Of Beefcake CinemaTIFF Bell LightboxSummer In FranceTIFF Bell Lightbox Toronto Blue Jays vs.Cleveland IndiansRogers Centre First Peoples Cinema:1500 Nations, One TraditionTIFF Bell Lightbox SummerliciousVarious restaurants

Sun July 15War HorsePrincess of Wales TheatreThe Fall 2012 Mainstage RevueSecond CityVans Warped TourThe Flats at Molson Canadian AmphitheatreKate RiggYuk Yuk’s Comedy ClubJames Ivory: Elegant PairingsTIFF Bell LightboxGentlemen Prefer Blondes:The Blonde In Fifties Hollywood CinemaTIFF Bell LightboxToronto Blue Jays vs.Cleveland IndiansRogers CentreSummerliciousVarious restaurants

Mon July 16The Best Of The Second CitySecond CityCanadian Open Vault:Summer 2012TIFF Bell LightboxSummerliciousVarious restaurants

CALENDARWHAT’S HOT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT AND BEYOND

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offers valid for select time periods. All prices in Canadian dollars and include HST and CIF. Seating is subject to availability. Offers maybe terminated at any time without notice. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer. No refunds or exchanges. Service charges apply.

LIMITED TIME OFFER!416.872.1212 1.800.461.3333

www.mirvish.comUse code SNAIL when ordering

Valid for select performances from July 21-Aug 5.Saturday evenings excluded.

Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King Street West

SAVE 20% ON TICKETS FOR

Valid for Tue. 7:30 p.m., Wed. 1:30 & 7:30 p.m., Thur. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m,1:30 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m. For performances until July 29.

Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West

$79 (REGULARLY UP TO $130)

Special Summer Reader Ticket Offers

*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

beat goes on

and the

American Express Pavilion

*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

Concert after parties in the

Exclusive American Express Entrance

*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.*Subject to availability. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

American Express Pavilion

Concert after parties in the

Access to the American Express Lounge*

Cardmember Benefi ts at the

beat Access to the American Express LoungeAccess to the American Express LoungeAccess to the American Express Lounge**beat Exclusive American Express EntranceExclusive American Express Entrance

Cardmember Benefi tsCardmember Benefi ts at the at the

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

americanexpress.ca/frontoftheline

Date: Jun 11, 2012Job#,

Filename &

Version#:

ABC21639_Mirvish_Amp_ad_FnlAd Size: 9.833” x 2.687” # Colours: 4/0

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Can’t get enough of Snail ? Go to mirvish.com/snail, or



THE GAUNTLETIn honour of the upcoming stage show BACKBEAT — The Birth Of The Beatles, this issue’s puzzle is all the Fab Four. In fact, it should be the Fab Five, because BACKBEAT tells the story of the Beatles’ early years when the group consisted of five lads from Liverpool. BACKBEAT plays July 21 to September 2 at the Royal Alex. For a special ticket deal, see page six.

Correctly answer this puzzle and the other seven in Snail’s eight issues, mail them to us and you will be entered into a draw to win an American Express cash card loaded with $10,000. For full details, terms and conditions, go to www.mirvish.com/snail/contest

WIN

$10,000

CASH

PHO

TO: ©

NO

BB

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LAR

K

PRIZING SPONSOR


hurry! issue... · throughout its history. here’s a brief look at the history of this monumental...

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