It’s been almost ten months since my last column, so this will be a collection of notes reflecting both past and future happenings here in Toronto.

A big news item is the partnership between MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS and DISNEY THEATRICALS for the Toronto production of “THE LION KING,” which will open at the Princess of Wales Theatre in the late spring of 2000. The initial run is for 22 months, followed by a cross-Canada tour. Then the Canadian company becomes the U.S. touring company.

The Canadian auditions will hopefully provide an all-Canadian cast, but auditions will follow in the U.S. and other countries for any parts remaining not filled. You may submit resumes and photos to Mirvish Productions, 260 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 1T9; Fax # 416-593-9221.

Some of the biggest concerts held in Toronto over the past months have included: the SPICE GIRLS (the foursome), SEAN LENNON, ’N SYNC, AEROSMITH, ARLO GUTHRIE, GLADYS KNIGHT, BILL COSBY, TONY BENNETT, JUDY COLLINS, VAN HALEN, ISAAC HAYES, JULIO IGLESIAS, JOE COCKER, CLINT BLACK, THE MOFFATS, JANN ARDEN, VINCE GILL, KISS, TOM JONES, MARILYN MANSON, BARENAKED LADIES, DIANA KRALL, NEIL DIAMOND, CLEO LANE, JOHN DANKWORTH, and B.B. KING.

Toronto’s newest venue, the 20,000-seat AIR CANADA CENTRE, opened on February 22 and will be the new home to both the TORONTO MAPLE LEAF hockey team and the RAPTORS basketball team. The seating can be reduced to 5,200 seats for such attractions as SHANIA TWAIN, TRAGICALLY HIP, ROLLING STONES, SESAME STREET, BILLY JOEL, JIMMY BUFFETT and ROD STEWARD.

CELINE DION was scheduled for April 29, but her husband and manager, RENE ANGELIL, developed skin cancer and CELINE canceled all shows until the end of May so she could be with him while he undergoes treatment. She has rescheduled her concert at the new venue on September 17.

The turmoil concerning LIVENT CORP. continues. Their theaters in Toronto, New York, and Chicago are now part of a bid by three entertainment companies hoping to buy them for approximately $100,000.00. LIVENT still has two shows running on Broadway: “FOSSE,” which has just been nominated for nine Tony Awards, and “RAGTIME,” which is still doing good business in the low 90% range. “RAGTIME” is playing across the street from “THE LION KING” (which is sold out until Christmas of 2000) and has a company on tour and a company in Chicago. There is also a company of “FOSSE” on tour.

After a record ten-year run at the Pantages Theater, Toronto’s “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” closes in September; the FORD THEATRE here is still dark.

LIVENT’s production of “PARADE,” which closed at the end of February due to lack of Business, garnered eight Tony nominations.

All other proposed productions seem to be on hold until the sale of the theaters and various lawsuits are settled.

Other big musicals that have played Toronto in the last ten months include “RENT”, LES MISERABLES,” “BUDDY,” “FOSSE,” “HOT SHOE SHUFFLE,” “LADIES NIGHT,” a new comedy based on the film hit “THE FULL MONTY,” “JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND LIVING IN PARIS…,” “JOLSON,” “MASTERCLASS,” starring ELIZABETH ASHLEY, BOB BEKER’S “DEFENDING THE CAVEMEN,” NEIL SIMON’S “PROPOSALS,” “GREASE,” “CHICAGO” (twice, the second time with CHITA RIVERA and BEN VEREEN). This production and its famous stars went from Toronto to the new MANDALAY BAY HOTEL in Las Vegas.

Coming back for return engagements are “RIVERDANCE,” “CABARET,” and “FAME.”

The first revival in 40 years of “PAJAMA GAME” is coming from Great Britain and will be opening at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Directed by noted English actor SIMON CALLOW and featuring set design by the famous painter, FRANK STELLA, the production will have an all-English cast, with the exception of the role of “Babe.”

“OUR TOWN” is the SOULPEPPER COMPANY’S first play of its second season at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Last summer the company opened with two rare classics, “DON CARLOS” and “MISANTHROPE,” and garnered absolute raves from audiences and critics alike. The second season continues with “A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE,” “ENDGAME,” and two others in a semi-repertory series that begins in July.

Originating in South Africa, “KAT AND THE KINGS” also comes to Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre. Brought to London’s West End by English producer PAUL ELLIOT, the show received rapturous reviews and played to standing-room-only during its run in London. It also won the coveted Olivier Award, which is equivalent to Broadway’s Tony Award.

“ART,” another Broadway Tony Award-winner from London’s West End, will likewise play the Royal Alexandra for an upcoming run.