Lower Ossington Theatre

We saw Fancy Nancy the Musical and LOVED the show… The cast, costumes, set and music was fantastic, nothing to complain about there. The issue I had was with the theatre staff. They were nice «enough» but not overly helpful… And the guy ushering us out of the theatre at the end was SO RUDE when we tried to take a quick picture on the stage… even though he said they asked the audience to take photos before the show (which they didn’t, and we were there an hour before hand) Now we know, but seriously, the guy couldn’t have been any more rude about it. Very disappointing.

Groupons for Avenue Q brought us to the Lower Ossington Theatre this weekend. We had a fantastic experience overall. We arrived as box office opened to ensure we’d be able to get 3 + 2 seats together for the two groupons that we purchased separately. Box office was accommodating and issued us 5 tickets in a row. As we took our seats, we realized that 1 of the seats was on the other side at the beginning of the next row. Staff was able to switch the tickets up so we could all sit together in a different row. There is not a bad seat in the house — we just wanted to share the experience together. Chairs were not the most comfortable, they are just folding chairs from costco with an added seat pad, but there was enough leg room and you can easily see the stage over the person in front. The place is licensed and minimal snacks are available. Come prepared with cash — No ATM on site. Parking in the area can be tricky so arrive early to ensure you’re able to find a spot.
Avenue Q itself was wonderful! The actors/​actress were super expressive and spot on vocally, never missing a beat when switching up the multiple character voices that they were doing. Set design was great too– a nice touch was the sexy ads from the back of the paper up in the windows.
I will totally keep an eye out for more groupons and other plays happening at this theater

i was there on saturday and had to fight with the manager! i got groupon tickets @$ 24 premum seats… They say on the tickets door open at 10, so I figure it’s better come early since the seats aren’t mark. So no. They just open the door to the place it self on 10am, not to the actual theater. Ok, was waiting first in line. And then when they open the door they tell me last 2 raws are groupon. Ok, small theater not that bad… And then… They tell me «to the end of the row please». And I’m like: I don’t think so!!! We are the first to get in i’ll choose where to seat in the row (in the middle)!! I ask for manager and he tells me he is the manager, I told him how does it make sense that I’m here first and you ask me to seat at the baddest seats. Kept argue with me… Telling me look how they kids are seating nice…(???) I end up seating where I want but it was such bad start … If that’s how osington theater is working I’m not going to go there again.

We saw The 39 Steps. It was hilarious. This followed the original very well, only it was a comedy instead of a drama. The actors were brilliant. The ‘clowns’ we so good. There were only 4 people in this play, however it seemed that there were many more; with role changes. It was great
There is not a bad seat in the theatre. However the seats themselves are a bit of numb bum experience.
I can’t wait for the next play, and or musical to start, I will be back for sure.

Great theatre to see a smaller production of some great Broadway shows. The cabaret theatre is really cute. Not the most comfortable chairs unfortunately. The theatre is in a new hip part of town that has had a revamp. Trendy places to eat and drink surrounding the theatre before and after the show.

Came here to see the American Idiot Musical which I really enjoyed. Yes, the performers were newbies, but come on… Green Day! If you don’t like Green day, you kind of suck and there’s a slim chance we can be friends.
But in terms of the actual theatre, it was «meh».
There was literally NO leg room in the aisles. I’m only 5’7 and my kneecaps were actually numb by the end of the show (but throbbing… how does that happen?). It was painful. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it is for taller peeps. Really made it hard to enjoy the last 30 – 45 minutes of the show, despite a brief intermission where I got up and walked around a bit.
Got a beer and the bartender put my change directly in her tip jar after giving me all of 1.333 648 seconds to retrieve it from her. I was zipping up my knapsack after putting my wallet back in it and would have given her the change anyways but at least put it down on the counter and let me put it in your tip jar myself.
Also, I purchased my ticket on Groupon for 40 bucks but a couple days later, while looking at the LOT’s web-​site, I noticed they were selling tickets for only $ 20. Guess it was my fault for not shopping around but one would assume they’d be getting the best price on groupon. So check the web-​site first before you purchase anywhere else.

I saw Avenue Q here last week.
First off, the chairs are a little uncomfortable — certainly less comfortable than most most movie theatres or nicer theatres (like the Mirvish theatres). That being said, it looks like they know that, as they added thick cushions to all the chairs. Truthfully, they were more comfortable than they looked.
The stage wasn’t really a stage — it wasn’t elevated — but I could see fine (we had floor seats). The set looked nice, the actors were great, and the show was hilarious! I guess the actor who plays Brian and his understudy were unavailable for that performance, so they called in someone who had done the part before but not with this cast/​set. I could barely tell (though my partner said he could). He did an awesome job, and that alone bumps this place up from a 3 to a 4 for me.

Since I’ve continued to see shows @ the LOT, I’d like to update my review.
Most recently, I attended the LOT to see the Rocky Horror Show. I see this show every year, and the cast never disappoints! This year was no exception (and can I just say that Adam Norrad is the best thing going on in theatre in Toronto right now???). I am forever enamoured with this theatre, and here’s why:
The staff is so friendly and helpful, and they really put everyone at ease in the space.
The productions are phenomenal. Such talented people are a part of this theatre.
The community surrounding the theatre is very LGBTQ-​friendly, and the productions at the LOT embrace and support this sentiment.
Here are some FYIs:
*If you subscribe to the LOT via email, you will receive coupons and discount codes for almost every production. I have never felt spammed by this service, and I highly recommend signing up.
*The theatre produces family-​friendly shows (Dora the Explorer) as well as adult-​themed shows (Rocky Horror Show, RENT). Do some research before you buy, and everyone will have a great time.
*The theatre is black box, which means that it’s a square shape with black walls and no discernible stage — seats are placed on risers taking up half the space, and the other half of the space is rigged with curtains and set pieces. The set-​up is quite conducive to audience interaction, so keep that in mind if you’re purchasing a floor seat, front-​row seat, or aisle seat. The audience interaction is one of the reasons I love the LOT so much — nothing compares to Dr. Frank-​n-​furter slithering over an entire row during a big number.
*The theatre itself does not have a dedicated parking lot, but there are several Green P parking lots along Ossington north of the theatre. Public transportation will easily get you within steps of the entrance.
*There are innumerable restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries within walking distance of the LOT.

I am a fan of everything musical and went to see Rent with my sister for my birthday. The musical itself was FANTASTIC, amazing singers and very entertaining.
The 2 things that are a complete downside were the chairs and price. They were the most uncomfortable thing I have ever sat on. If you’re expected to sit through a 3 hour show they must change them. I would consider not returning just because of the chairs and the price of the show. For a tiny theatre where ALL the seats are great, almost 50 $ is outrageous to me.
I most likely would not return until they changed their seats. Within 10 minutes my muscles and ass were on fire with pain! It made it hard to focus on the play.

I’ve been here a few times already and I love it from the get go!
It’s a small intimate close setting. I remembered my first time where i sat right at the front row and felt so intimidated because the actors were just in arms length! I wasn’t too sure if i was to look away or keep watching them act: P
Now, I’m so use to it that i love every moment of it. Seriously, every seat is great where ever you choose. That’s how close and intimate it is.
Yesterday, I took my hubby to watch Little Shop of Horror and he really loves it! We sat at the front where he did feel a little intimidated at first, but the whole experience of being this close from the actors made him so excited and gitty like a lil boy.
Recommend this place

MY 200TH REVIEW!
Cute date idea.
Take someone for pizza, then for a show, and end it with a drink at Respado. Genius!
I liked this theatre. I went to see «Little Shop of Horrors» and I liked it because you felt a genuine connection to the actors, as the theatre was so small. Of course, there are some downsides to a theatre this tiny: only two women’s washroom stalls (so antiquate long lines during intermission, as both shows at the theatre had intermission around the same time); the drinks were really expensive (but they didn’t look in our bags, so bring a water bottle with you); the seats were so uncomfortable your butt will hate you.
However, despite those downsides, I did have a good time and would definitely go back! Try to look for a deal, regular priced tickets are on the expensive side!

I’ve seen a couple of shows here now and have always had a good time! Both the front and back stages are cozy, intimate venues, so there’s no such thing as a bad seat. The ticket prices seem high for non-​union shows, but they often have offers available for discounted tickets. (We got tickets for Little Shop of Horrors through TO Tix at less than half the price listed on the theatre’s website.)
It’s nice being able to have a beer and a snack while watching the show, too.

This is my FAVOURITE theatre in Toronto. Being a musical enthusiast I try to take every opportunity to watch a musical, ESPECIALLY when it’s as cheap as the ones at the LoT.
This theatre is small so all of the seats are great. There are frequent coupon codes for half price shows just subscribe to them.
I’ve seen Rocky Horror (my favourite musical and I saw it here 3 times and it never gets old), Rent, Avenue Q, and Title of Show here. The cast is always local but EXTREMELY talented. The musicians are also amazing I don’t know where they get these people!
There was one time during a show when something happened to the sound equipment and there was feedback but it was fixed right after and that’s only happened once out of the five times I went there.
The cast are not only talented but oh so friendly as well! After one show we got to meet two of the cast and take a picture with them! One of them were super sweet and told my friend I to add her on Facebook!
I absolutely recommend this theatre to everyone and subscribe if you want cheap tickets!

They don’t really care about you!
We went to see Avenue Q last night and it wasn’t a good experience at all! Firstly when we reserve the seat there was no email confirmation. I spent a good 30 minutes looking in my inbox for the correct date and time and couldn’t find it. Luckily my friend noted the date when she booked and told me. When I told the ticket collector how this can confuse even intelligent people like me, he ignored me. Thank you.
There are showers in the restroom which freaked me out! Twilight zone. Listening and reading that statement makes me think that I’m an imbecile but it really did freaked me out… a lot!
As for the Avenue play there was a lot of hype about it, it was well performed for what it was but I did not like it. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it wasn’t that interesting. I thought it was kind of lame, nothing new or deep but kids might like it. Next time I would go to a real play instead of a musical and go watch humans instead of puppets.
It was really cold and I was hungry (that part wasn’t their fault) so I couldn’t enjoy the play normally.

Watched Avenue Q (must see!) here this weekend at it was definitely the perfect venue for this show! Intimate, cozy… love old theatres.
The premium seats are likely less preferred, but you can’t really have a bad seat in the small space. I would not be opposed to some comfier chairs but my multi-​functional handbag did the job to provide some back support.

I quite liked this no frills theatre. An excuse to not only come out of the woodworks to see a show, but an excuse to also pre-​theatre dine at any of the fine establishments along Ossington.
We saw Avenue Q here. Check in with the bar/​food vendor, find your seats. Many years ago, the place was a dance studio, I remember taking hiphop lessons in the space that is now their office/​concessions. The back room is one of their many theatres. It’s intimate. Almost every seat in here will be good, not to worry.
However, if you’re tall, you’ll be better off getting something in the front or on the aisles. It does get a bit squishy. It’s also chilly in here, with a cold air blasting down the middle aisle.
The production of Avenue Q was really good and entertaining. Having seen it on Broadway, it’s quite comparable. The puppeteering could have been perfected a little, some of the puppets were a little spazzier than needed, and I wish the humans could have worn long sleeved black tops, to blend in the back ground a little more. But the singing and performance was excellent.
Concessions are expensive, $ 5.50 for a small beer or wine, $ 3.50 for a water, but it’s allowed in the theatre, which is nice.
I would come back here to see another show at the right price. It may not be the real touring company, but they do a very good job

BOTTOM LINE: Intimate theatre, great casts, varied shows (musicals and stand-​up!) and frequent Groupons make this one of my favourite spots in town.
The LOT is great and it really spruces up the Ossington strip so it’s more than just hipster bars (which are slowly being taken over by the suits). The upstairs houses an intimate theatre with truly sloped seating so it’s impossible for your view to be obscured, while the downstairs has been set up for stand-​up/​open-​mic nights. Some have complained about technical problems and feedback, but my experiences have generally been limited to the occasional unresponsive mic.
I’ve watched Rent and Avenue Q and have really enjoyed the production values for this little theatre company. The talent is tight! While tickets are usually reasonably priced and can be booked online, the frequency that you can find deals on Groupon and Groupon clones make attending the theatre way more accessible! It’s totally worth it, and the best part is that with so many pre– and post– show options in the ‘hood, you’re guaranteed a good night.
A more recent discovery and something I really hope takes off are their stand-​up nights starting at 10pm and midnight. Entrance fee is totally legit and again, the talent is tight. The PBR here is CHEAP… and frozen. :S I laughed till I cried and I’ll definitely be back!

He’s a pinball wizard,
There’s got to be a trick,
A pinball wizard
Has such a supple wrist.
Oops…wait wrong musical.
I went to the late night, double feature, picture show! [The Rocky Horror Picture Show].
Anyway, the Lower Ossington Theater is really a pretty cool venue. It’s intimate and well-​designed. I saw a really strong production of Rocky Horror (the musical) here which included some singing-​along and obscene interruptions (Sl*t, *sshole, etc) but not toast or rice throwing.
The venue has tiered seating in simple folding chairs and is relatively small… I doubt there’s a bad seat in the house. The «pit», about 7 musicians for Rocky Horror were very effectively placed in raised cages on either side of the house. The show had really strong stage design and generally pretty strong actors and singers. There is one major problem, however, and that is the sound. You could see how you could mistake which musical you were at [ok, there no mentally-​disturbed boys playing pinball obviously], because when the volume gets loud the sound gets muddled here. Occasionally, the sound seemed to drop out a bit for a few of the actors. So, if I have one major criticism, it’s that the theatre really needs to invest in an audio upgrade.
The venue itself is quaint and cute, but generally modern. The snack stand had popcorn which smelled amazing, but there was a waiting list for it when we emerged at intermission. Hello, intermission might be the time to stockpile popcorn ;)
Theater staff were friendly and generally helpful. Unfortunately our seat and subsequent replacement seats were both double-​booked, so their reservation system may have a few hiccups.
In any case, go check out Rocky Horror now, and I’m sure I’ll be back to see something else here as well.
P. S. Theater is *not* handicapped accessible.

I went and saw Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre back when they were in their first run of this amazing and hilarious show. Having seen the Broadway incarnation of it, I was crazy impressed as to how well this local cast pulled it off. Consummate professionals and highly talented, these people are capable of something way beyond this tiny venue.
The biggest bummer was the seating. If there was a major difference (other than price) between their floor, «premium» and general seating, I couldn’t figure it out. The folding chairs are, of course, less than comfortable and REALLY close together. I’m not huge, but I felt like my shoulders must have been 5 feet wide to be pressing against my neighbours like that. If anything is keeping me from going back, it’s that. Should they invest in better seating, I’ll definitely be taking in every show they put on.

Nice little theater (very little) where I recently saw Avenue Q. The seating consisted of folding chairs, which was a little uncomfortable after 3 hours but I did enjoy the wine and popcorn served here.
I would definitely come back to see another show.