Tickets are on sale for the three weeks of performances being hosted as part of the grand opening of Aurora Town Square, running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 13.
The week will feature a variety of performances, both indoor and outdoor, with musical, dance and theatre productions performing everything from Mozart to the Little Mermaid.
"The Grand Opening of Aurora Town Square is an exciting moment for our community," Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a news release. "We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this vibrant new space and bring a multitude of experiences and performances to the heart of downtown Aurora. There’s something for everyone, join us in celebrating this incredible milestone!"
The grand opening of the new community hub, first proposed back in 2017, has been a long time coming.
The $53-million project includes an addition of a performing arts theatre, climate-controlled museum archives, dance studio, multi-purpose studios, a cafe, as well as a large outdoor square and major renovations to the Church Street School building, which was the home of the temporarily displaced Aurora Cultural Centre and museum and archives.
What’s planned for the opening?
The extended grand opening celebration will feature performances from a variety of artists.
Among them are the Norman Dance Company’s production, delving into China’s culture from the the perspective of four orchids.
There will also be live classical music with York Chamber Ensemble’s Mozart to Movies, as well as Canadian singer-songwriter Marshall Dane, known for his genre-crossing country songs, accompanied by an ASL interpreter.
There will also be a personalized silent disco party, with attendees choosing their favourite musical genre and listening in through individual headphones.
The celebration will also feature musical performances by the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, singing hymns and songs, as well as the the Aurora Community Band performing Broadway blockbusters such as Chicago, Les Misérables, and Lion King.
Sultans of String’s The Refuge Project will spotlight the diverse stories of recent immigrants, while the Dave Mowat Trio will blend of Chicago, Delta, and Country blues, with Indigenous storytelling from Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley.
Juno-nominated R&B singer George St. Kitts will host a performance in a cocktail lounge setting, with themed cocktails and local cuisine, while Alan Cross, a broadcaster and historian, will also host an interactive music salon.
Marquee Theatrical Productions, confirmed as the town’s resident theatre group, will be performing scenes from The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, and Alice in Wonderland.
There will also be a film screening of the award-winning documentary Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery: Uncovering History, about the Aurora pet cemetery, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
There will also be a short film festival featuring local seniors hosted by Shadowpath Theatre. Attendees can also view the world premiere screening of The Rug, a short horror movie filmed entirely in Aurora
The lineup also includes a night of Caribbean music by Exodus and a Tribute to Bob Marley led by the top Reggae Performer of the Year, Lazo.
The modern classic rock band, Zeus, will perform as the first official rock concert at The Square.
Other notable performances include the Fiddlestix extreme fiddle show, The Beresfords with a tribute to the songs of Taylor Swift, and Ysi Cattle along with Louisa Barbosa.
During the grand opening, the Aurora Cultural Centre will also be kicking off its 2024-2025 season, Up Close & Musical, on September 27 with Juno-nominated Barbra Lica and her 5-piece band, supported by opening artist Charlotte "Trombone Charlotte" McAfee-Brunner.
Their jam-packed season of 26 concerts will take place back ‘home’ at Aurora Town Square.
There are still more announcements to come, with an “exciting performance” on Oct. 11 to be announced at a later date in August.
In addition to the lineup of performances, Aurora Town Square will host a variety of interactive art installations, programs, and heritage exhibits.
More information, how to buy tickets and the full schedule for performances can be found at AuroraTownSquare.ca.
