We've got 2 Tony award winning shows in Toronto right now that both deal with similar themes -equality and freedom - but in very different ways.

Memphis took the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical.  It deals with racial tensions and the fight against segregation in the 1950's American south.  The previous year, Hair, the 1967 anti-war love in, came home with the award for Best Revival.

Memphis is a slick, tight, exuberant production, accentuated by home boy Sergio Trujillo's electric choreography.  The message is loud and clear, but it's set against a charismatic story line very loosely based on a Memphis disc jockey who introduced "black" music to the white populous.

In contrast, the technicolour Hair is almost set up like a self-help meeting with each character adding their story to the collective as it ultimately cumulates in presenting its core message.  The music is iconic and so ingrained into the psyche of anyone over 36, that you immediately find yourself singing along.

While Memphis hooks you right off the top with an affable cast of relatable characters, Hair's strung out commune of hippies often come across as irresponsible brats, as opposed to the freedom fighters and truth seekers they're meant to be.

But I suppose in that way, both shows capture their respective decades.  The neat, clean, pin straight 50's, with its underbelly of deceit and deception, and the letting-it-all-hang-out free spirit of the 60's.

What will be really interesting is when American Idiot, yet another musical about disillusioned youth, arrives in town later this month.  This time, the disenfranchisement is scored by Grammy Award winning Green Day.

You don't have too much time to catch any of them, but if you can get yourself to Toronto, all 3 are sure bets for a great night out, and all 3 will leave you with something to think about.

Memphis runs till December 24th at The Toronto Centre for the Arts.  For tickets and times, click here.

Hair runs till the 31st at the Royal Alex Theatre.  For tickets and times click here.

American Idiot takes over at the Toronto Centre from December 28th to January 15th.  For tickst and times, click here.