#THEATRE: MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS PRESENT “THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL” | RALPH MACCHIO IN ATTENDANCE

Like me, I’m sure you were dumbfounded when you heard that THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL was an actual thing, but it is and it’s now here in Toronto, brought to us by Mirvish Productions. After a successful run in St. Louis and London, there is talk of this crowd-pleasing production going to Broadway. But first, Toronto, a city of impeccable taste, gets it first!

Based on the smash 1984 film of the same name, this adaptation follows 17-year-old Daniel (Gino Ochello) who moves to California to New Jersey with his widowed mother Lucille (Jodie Jacobs). He hits it off with Ali (Abigail Amin), but not without stepping on the toes of her ex-boyfriend Johnny (Joe Simmons). Subjected to relentless bullying, things are looking dire for Daniel until he enlists the help of handyman Mr. Miyagi (Adrian Pang), who happens to be a former veteran. Before he knows it, he’s entered into a Karate competition to face-off against arch-nemesis Johnny who trains with the aggressive and ruthless Cobra Kai under John Kreese (Matt Mills), while learning how to defend himself.

While it takes a bit of time to absorb, we absolutely loved the second act here which really goes in deeper on the kindred friendship between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel. From different worlds, but somehow their connection makes sense. The choreography, including fight sequences look dynamite, as is the set design also.

Truly fantastic performances from Singapore’s Pang, alongside up-and-comer Ochello, and together they have a winning chemistry which will win hearts!

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL plays at Princess of Wales Theatre till November 1, 2026. Get your tickets now at Mirvish.com.

Some opening night highlights including appearances from original Karate Kid himself Ralph Macchio, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Composer Drew Gasparini.

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@mrwillwong THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL Toronto Premiere with Ralph Macchio in attendance. Playing now till 11.1.26 at Princess of Wales Theatre. #TheKarateKid #KarateKid #RalphMacchio #mirvishproductions #theatre ♬ original sound – Mr. Will Wong

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “KARATE KID: LEGENDS”

Remember what you’re fighting for. Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, and Ralph Macchio star in Karate Kid: Legends – coming soon exclusively to movie theatres via Sony Pictures Canada. Today we get a new Trailer!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “COBRA KAI” SEASON 6 NOW IN PRODUCTION

Great news! Netflix’s COBRA KAI is back in production for its sixth and final season! Season 6 arrives in 2024.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Cobra Kai takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka).

Cobra Kai is written and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg via their production company, Counterbalance Entertainment. Will Smith, James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett executive produce for Westbrook Entertainment along with Susan Ekins in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka also serve as executive producers.

Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Xolo Maridueña, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan, Peyton List, Gianni DeCenzo, Courtney Henggeler, Vanessa Rubio, Dallas Dupree Young, Yuji Okumoto, Alicia Hannah-Kim, Griffin Santopietro, Oona O’Brien

The first five seasons are now streaming with the series set to return for a sixth and final season in 2024.

#FIRSTLOOK: OFFICIAL POSTER & TRAILER FOR “HITCHCOCK”

“I’m just a Man hiding in a corner… with a Camera”.

Oscar, we have a Dark Horse. Entertainment Weekly gets the first glimpse at Hitchcock and today from Fox Searchlight, we get a look at the first official Poster and Trailer for the Biopic about one of the most iconic Filmmakers of all time.  The Film is set around the making of Psycho and focuses on the Love Story between Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) and his Wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren).

Director Sacha Gervasi tells EW a little about Hitchcock in this Film stating, “Hitch lived in this world of fantasy; to him it was more real than real life. And I think Alma was able to kind of, in this film at least, smash it down a little bit”.  This will be Gervasi‘s first time helming a Feature Film, after dabbling in Screenwriting with 2004’s The Terminal and 2010’s Henry’s Crime.  Read more here.

Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel, Ralph Macchio, James D’Arcy and Toni Collette round-out a superb Cast.

Watch this brand-new Trailer below:

Fox Searchlight’s Hitchcock opens November 23, 2012 in Limited Release, expanding in weeks following.

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)