Panasonic Theatre
651 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1Z9
416-928-5963
The Panasonic Theatre has gone through several transformations, but remains a beloved element of Toronto's theatre landscape.
Category:
Performing Arts Location
What:
| Performing Arts Venue | | Theatre |
| Payment | | Interac, MasterCard, American Express, Visa |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Downtown |
| Getting There | | Yonge/Bloor Subway Station |
| Cross Street | | Yonge and Bloor St |
When:
| According to Calendar - Check Listings |
Profile Last Updated: December 22, 2008
Constant State of Flux
In the heart of downtown Toronto on Yonge Street, the Panasonic Theatre has undergone several transformations over the years. After its most recent overhaul, the Panasonic Theatre reopened in June of 2005 and became the home of that bizarre sensation, The Blue Man Group. The Theatre is no stranger to change; the edifice was first built in 1911 as a private residence. In 1934, it was converted into a movie theatre named The Embassy. Over the ensuing years, it would be renamed The Astor, The Festival and The Showcase. Finally, in 1993, it became a bona fide showcase venue when it reopened as with the off-Broadway production of Forever Plaid.
Foundation for the Future
The Blue Man Group concluded its residency at the Theatre in early 2007 and the Panasonic was slated to be reborn once again. As of 2008, the Panasonic Theatre is the proud home to We Will Rock You, the musical by Ben Elton and a certain world famous rock band, Queen. Although no one knows what will happen if and when We Will Rock You packs up it’s guitars and heads elsewhere, this much is certain: the Panasonic Theatre will continue to be part of the Toronto landscape for many years to come.
Almost at the Centre of the Universe
The Panasonic Theatre is located just a little south of what is generally acknowledged as the centre of universe: Yonge & Bloor. It’s close to the shops of Yorkville and Bloor St West, and is a neighbour to the prestigious University of Toronto campus. Indeed, the Panasonic Theatre is surrounded by countless bars, clubs and restaurants, ensuring that the fun doesn’t end when the show is over.
In the heart of downtown Toronto on Yonge Street, the Panasonic Theatre has undergone several transformations over the years. After its most recent overhaul, the Panasonic Theatre reopened in June of 2005 and became the home of that bizarre sensation, The Blue Man Group. The Theatre is no stranger to change; the edifice was first built in 1911 as a private residence. In 1934, it was converted into a movie theatre named The Embassy. Over the ensuing years, it would be renamed The Astor, The Festival and The Showcase. Finally, in 1993, it became a bona fide showcase venue when it reopened as with the off-Broadway production of Forever Plaid.
Foundation for the Future
The Blue Man Group concluded its residency at the Theatre in early 2007 and the Panasonic was slated to be reborn once again. As of 2008, the Panasonic Theatre is the proud home to We Will Rock You, the musical by Ben Elton and a certain world famous rock band, Queen. Although no one knows what will happen if and when We Will Rock You packs up it’s guitars and heads elsewhere, this much is certain: the Panasonic Theatre will continue to be part of the Toronto landscape for many years to come.
Almost at the Centre of the Universe
The Panasonic Theatre is located just a little south of what is generally acknowledged as the centre of universe: Yonge & Bloor. It’s close to the shops of Yorkville and Bloor St West, and is a neighbour to the prestigious University of Toronto campus. Indeed, the Panasonic Theatre is surrounded by countless bars, clubs and restaurants, ensuring that the fun doesn’t end when the show is over.
