Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown), who helmed the current Off-Broadway production of Avenger, repeated his duties for the Toronto production that began previews Oct. 20 and officially opened Oct. 31.

Toxic Avenger features music and lyrics by Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan (Memphis), and book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Memphis).

Leading the Canadian company is Mamma Mia! star Louise Pitre in the dual roles of Mayor Babs Belgoody and Ma Ferd. The cast also features Evan Smith as Melvin Ferd the Third, Brittany Gray (We Will Rock You, "Amelia") as Sarah, and Jamie McKnight and Daren A. Herbert performing numerous roles in the production. Cara Leslie and Peter Deiwick are production swings.

Based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman cult film, press notes for Toxic Avenger read: "Melvin Ferd the Third wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the on-the-take mayor's bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger New Jersey's first superhero."

For tickets phone (416) 644-3665 or visit ToxicAvengerToronto. The Music Hall is located at 147 Danforth Avenue in Toronto.