The Yorkminstrels, founded in 1957, grew from presenting modest Gilbert and Sullivan operettas to offering two full-scale productions per year. For 50 years, it was north Toronto's premier musical community theatre company. Our shows typically featured large casts (25-45 performers), full orchestras, professional lighting and set design, and outstanding costuming. Our talented production personnel enabled us to present professional-calibre productions at reasonable cost to our audiences, at both Earl Haig Secondary School and more recently Leah Posluns Theatre. The group celebrated its 50-year anniversary in May 2008 with a gala event, attended by over 175 people who had performed both onstage and behind-the-scenes over the years. Due to escalating financial costs, the group has decided to suspend productions for the time being. However, The Yorkminstrels Show Choir, a costumed and choreographed mixed-voice ensemble formed in 1974 as an offshoot of the mainstage company, is still very active and will now proudly represent the Yorkminstrels into the future. The choir performs all over Toronto and the GTA at seniors’ homes, hospitals, and for civic, private and corporate functions. Repertoire includes Broadway medleys, golden oldies, contemporary music and seasonal songs. The Yorkminstrels is also a registered not-for-profit charitable organization, with a large number of supporting patrons and some corporate sponsors. Donations enable us to take our performances into the community. We welcome your support.
Here is the list of all the shows presented by the Yorkminstrels between Sept 1957 and Fall of 2007 : 2007 As If We Never Said Goodbye 2006 Oliver! Grease 2005 Hello, Dolly! West Side Story 2004 42nd Street The Wizard of Oz 2003 Guys and Dolls Fiddler on the Roof 2002 Anne of Green Gables Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2001 Where's Charley? Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2000 The Music Man A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum 1999 South Pacific Once Upon A Mattress 1998 Crazy For You Anything Goes 1997 Singin' In The Rain Guys and Dolls 1996 Gypsy My Fair Lady 1995 Hello Dolly! Most Happy Fella 1994 42nd Street Oliver! 1993 Babies: Bless Them All The Pirates Of Penzance 1992 Sincerely Yours (cabaret) Rose Marie 1991 Carousel The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas 1990 Mame You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Sweet Charity 1989 An Affair To Remember (cabaret) The Merry Widow 1988 Calamity Jane On The Twentieth Century 1987 Anything Goes Camelot 1986 Anne of Green Gables Jesus Christ Superstar 1985 Annie Get Your Gun Finian's Rainbow 1984 Pippin Orpheus in the Underworld 1983 Guys and Dolls The Music Man 1982 Applause 25th Anniversary Concert and The Mikado 1981 Kiss Me Kate Fiddler On The Roof 1980 How to Succeed in Business.. Oklahoma 1979 Half a Sixpence Hello Dolly 1978 My Fair Lady La Belle Hélène 1977 Bells Are Ringing Carousel 1976 Brigadoon The Merry Widow 1975 Calamity Jane The Most Happy Fella 1974 Where's Charlie? La Vie Parisienne 1973 Viva Mexico Song of Norway 1972 The Pajama Game Camelot 1971 Iolanthe Orpheus in the Underworld 1970 Kismet South Pacific 1969 Naughty Marietta 1968 Desert Song Ruddigore 1967 Centennial Celebration The Pirates Of Penzance 1966 Yeoman of the Guard 1965 The Gondoliers 1964 Iolanthe Ruddigore 1963 1962 The Pirates Of Penzance The Mikado 1961 The Gondoliers 1960 Yeoman of the Guard 1959 The Mikado 1958 H.M.S. Pinafore In September 1957, rehearsals began...