Lasting Impressions in 3D at CAA Theatre: REVIEW

Lasting Impressions in 3D: The Magic of the Impressionists opened at Mirvish‘s CAA Theatre in Toronto and I was invited to attend the media preview. The show features state-of-the-art 3D motion sculpting and holographics technology to bring some of the best loved works of renowned Impressionist painters to life with subtle movement. Initially produced during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide an inspiring yet socially-distanced experience, the show became so popular, it will soon open globally.

As we entered the theatre, we saw that it had been transformed to create a charming Parisian-style cafe. The regular row seating in the orchestra section had been replaced with tables and chairs facing the screen. We took our seats at a table for four, which we shared with another couple.

Our server quickly introduced himself and took our drinks order. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages such as pop, coffee, tea and spring water are available. Each table received two charcuterie boards to share, which included a selection of cheeses, kielbasa, sausage, pickles, crackers, cake and date squares.

The first segment of the show gave an introduction regarding the main Impressionist artists including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gaugin, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Eva Gonzales, and Camille Pissarro. Their works came to life on screen in immersive 3D, each accompanied by a gorgeous music by composers including Debussy and Ravel. Other paintings were paired with music by popular French artists Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour. A recording of Canadian Adam Fisher’s version of Don McLean’s song, “Vincent,” which was written in honour of Van Gogh, was incredibly touching.

After the intermission, the audience was instructed to wear the 3D glasses that had been provided for the second portion of the show. Ballerinas’ tutus flitted across paintings while boats rocked over waves. Seeing Monet’s water lilies gently float on water like shimmering glass was one of the highlights of the 3D experience.

Relaxing, inspiring, moving, uplifting and transformative are all words that come to mind when I think of the experience of watching this 3D show. Not only did I learn more about the individual Impressionist artists, but seeing the projections of the paintings as close as we did, gave me a microscopic view of the artists’ techniques. For example, when you look at Van Gogh’s self portraits from a distance, you see the colours as a whole. But looking up close at his paintings, you can see that Van Gogh used red, green and even blue paints to create shadows on his face.

This is really a show that you have to see in person to appreciate the depth of its beauty and magnificence.



After watching Lasting Impressions in 3D, I am inspired to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario soon to see their collection of Impressionist paintings of which there are many. In addition to their regular collection, the AGO’s current exhibit, Steam: Impressionist Painting Across the Atlantic, includes over 20 paintings from Impressionist painters demonstrating the impact that travel had on artists.

Lasting Impressions in 3D at CAA Theatre runs until November 5, 2023. Tickets start at $44.50 and can be purchased online at Mirvish.

Performances are Tuesday to Thursday at 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.; Fridays at 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; and Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Running Time is 1 hour and 40 minutes including intermission.

CAA Theatre is located at 651 Yonge Street.

Instagram: @LastingImpressionsin3D

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