It’s getting darker outside. You might be dealing with it perfectly well, but chances are that you – or someone you know – is feeling a bit down, a bit drained from the fact that winter is fast-approaching. Now’s the best time for you to brighten up your week with some theatre! Here’s what’s playing in Toronto this week. If it’s red and got two asterisks before it, our Managing Editor, Wayne, highly recommends it.
Already Covered By MoT…
30 People Watching by nisha ahuja and Amelia Sargisson (Subtle Vigilance). Teens assault a South Asian classmate in BC in this play based on the murder of Reena Virk. Previews Oct 25-26. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 14, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $15-$25, previews $10-$15. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 416-392-1038, regentparkarts.ca.
Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and copes with grown-up problems in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Dec 14, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Studio, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley (Tarragon Theatre). An artist must prove that he forged a Vermeer painting he tried to sell in WWII-era Holland. Previews Oct 21-28. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $15. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
Circle Jerk by Justin Haigh, Scott Dermody, Brandon Crone and Wesley J Colford (Soup Can Theatre/safeword/Aim for the Tangent Theatre). Four playwrights present new works in which bits of dialogue submitted by the public were used as the opening and closing lines of their new creations. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Thu Nov 6 at 8 pm, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Nov 8-9 at 2 pm. $15-$24. lemonTree Studio, 196 Spadina (lower unit). soupcantheatre.com.
Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead by Bert V Royal (Echo Productions). A young man questions the existence of the afterlife after his dog dies. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15. The Space, 250 Augusta. 647-983-3246, echoproductions.ca.
Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Eva Duarte rises from poverty to become the Argentine president’s wife in this musical. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
Fabrik: The Legend Of M. Rabinowitz by Wakka Wakka Productions and the Nordland Visual Theatre (Harold Green Jewish Theatre/Wakka Wakka Productions). Puppetry and music are used to tell the true story of Moritz Rabinowitz, who fled Poland to become a leading clothing maker in Norway. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 16, Thu and Sat 8 pm, mat Wed-Thu 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $40-$50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, hgjewishtheatre.com.
The King And I by Rodgers & Hammerstein (Scarborough Music Theatre). An English school teacher goes to Bangkok to work for the King of Siam in this classic musical. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 15, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 15). $27, stu/srs $25. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.
My Treasure Island!!! by Karen Woolridge (Johnson Girls). A woman reevaluates her dull life after reading Treasure Island in this adaptation of Sara Levine’s novel. Previews Oct 24-26. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 16, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm (and Oct 28), mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $17-$33, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, johnsongirls.ca.
Rebel Without A Cosmos The Second City presents its fall mainstage revue. Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$29, stu $16-$18. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Spoon River adapted by Mike Ross and Albert Schultz (Soulpepper Theatre). A forgotten town comes back to life in this show inspired by Edgar Lee Masters’s 1915 poetry collection. Previews Oct 29-Nov 3. Opens Nov 4 and runs to Nov 15, see website for schedule. $23-$89. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
**Take Me Back To Jefferson by Michele Smith and Dean Gilmour (Factory Theatre/Theatre Smith-Gilmour). The Bundren family reveals their foibles and follies in this darkly comic adaptation of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Previews Nov 5. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35-$45, preview $23. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
**The Tempest by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). Love and revenge collide on a magical island in this classic play. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 22 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.
What I Learned From A Decade Of Fear by Beatriz Pizano, Lyon Smith and Trevor Schwellnus (Aluna Theatre). A ritual to atone for repression, war and paranoia becomes a eulogy for the human costs of collective safety through the use of security technology. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $12-$20. 1 Wiltshire, unit 124. alunatheatre.ca.
And the rest…
Arcadia by Tom Stoppard (Mirvish/Shaw Festival). The past and present collide when scholars living in an English country house learn about the people who lived there in 1809. Previews Nov 4-8. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
The Book Of Mormon by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Mirvish). Two naive missionaries go to a volatile region in Uganda in this religious satire musical. Previews Sep 16. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $49-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
BOXES BURIED DEEP by Sage Tyrtle (Convection Productions). Tyrtle performs her solo show of fairy tales based on her life. Nov 14-16, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm. $15, stu $10. Videofag 187 Augusta. http://www.tyrtle.com/boxes
BURYING TONI by Catherine Frid (Alumnae Theatre Fireworks Festival). Emma Jung grapples with her history, real and imagined, after 50 years of marriage to psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, runs in rep w/ You Have To Earn It; see website for schedule. $15, Sun mat pwyc, festival pass $25. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley. http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/
BUYER & CELLAR by Jonathan Tolins (Mirvish). An underemployed Los Angeles actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand’s basement in this solo comedy. Previews Nov 12. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Nov 12). $25-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. www.mirvish.com
CYRANO DE BERGERAC by Edmond Rostand (Amicus Productions). An eloquent but large-nosed man tells his handsome friend what to say to woo a young woman. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 16 and 22 at 2 pm. $22, stu/srs $20. Papermill Theatre 67 Pottery. http://www.amicusproductions.ca/
The Four Horsemen Project by Kate Alton and Ross Manson (Volcano Theatre/Crooked Figure Dances/Global Mechanic). The poetry of Rafael Barreto-Rivera, bpNichel, Paul Dutton and Steve McCaffery is adapted into a dance-theatre production. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 22, Mon-Sat 8 pm. $25-$49. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY by Stephen King (AEG Live). Tale of fraternal love, lust, jealousy and revenge with music by John Mellencamp. Nov. 11, 7:30pm. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria. http://masseyhall.com/
HUMAN FURNITURE by Claire Burns (Red One Theatre Collective/Triangle Pi Productions). A kinky tryst is threatened by an unexpected guest and a nosy neighbour. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. http://www.secureaseat.com/.
**INSATIABLE SISTERS (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). New performance works that celebrate queer womyn and trans* folks feature Fly Ladi Di & Katy Sly, Body Waves, Beany John and others. Nov 14 at 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/
The Love Game by Britney Tangedal (North of Maine) Games designed to keep a relationship fun lead a couple to question their commitment to each other. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20. http://www.northofmaine.ca/
Manon The National Ballet of Canada Choreography by Sir Kenneth MacMillan based on a novel about a Parisian courtesan. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 16, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 13 and 15). $26-$249. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.
Moment by Deirdre Kinahan (ARC). A family member returns home 15 years after a sudden act of violence ripped the clan apart. Previews Nov 4-5. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Thu and Sun 2 pm (no mat Nov 6). $20, previews $17. Sidemart Theatrical Grocery, 1362 Queen E. brownpapertickets.com/event/899552.
The Motherfu*ker With The Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Bob Kills Theatre). A stranger’s hat threatens a long-time romance in this play featuring intertwined themes of love and addiction. Previews Nov 9. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$30. The Coal Mine Theatre, 798 Danforth. brownpapertickets.com/event/863612.
**NSFW by Luck Kirkwood (Studio 180). This satire looks at power games and privacy in the cut-throat modern media workplace. Previews Nov 7-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $15-$39. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, studio180theatre.com.
OPERA LUMINATA (Opera Luminata). Sixteen singers present popular opera, musical theatre and contemporary favourites with pyrotechnics and visual effects. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $47.50-$56.50. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. http://www.operaluminata.com/
OPUS by Yaron Lifschitz (Canadian Stage/Circa). Acrobats tumble, spin and fly to the sounds of Shostakovich, played live on stage by the Debussy String Quartet. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 16, Wed-Sat 7 pm, Sun 1 pm. $30-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. http://www.canadianstage.com/
Peace Warriors by Doron Ben-Atar (TEATRON Theatre). This darkly comic play looks at the anti-Israel politics swirling around elite college campuses. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, Nov 5 preview at 1 pm ($19). $26-$48. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com.
**Sextet by Morris Panych (Tarragon Theatre). Stranded in a motel by weather, six musicians struggle to come to terms with their failing careers, failing marriages and unfulfilled desires. Previews Nov 5-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $23-$55, rush $15. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
The Rogue Show: A Tangente by Allen Kaeja (Kaeja d’Dance/Vertical City Performance). Allen Kaeja performs a solo exploration of individuality and defiance, but also of the unshakeable bonds of family and culture. Nov 8-16, Sat-Sun 4:19 pm. $50. Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd – 3rd Floor http://kaeja.org/creations/the-rogue-show.
SILVER DAGGER by David French (Nags Players). A mystery writer’s marriage is threatened when fiction becomes reality. Nov 6-15, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $12-$20. Tranzac. 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.
TAPESTRY BRIEFS: BOOSTER SHOTS (Tapestry New Opera). Short creations by librettist/composer combos are performed, featuring playwrights Morris Panych and James Rolfe, composer Dean Burry and others. Nov 13-16, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $35. Ernest Balmer Studio 9 Trinity, Suite 316. http://www.tapestryopera.com/
UNCOVERED: BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN (Acting Up Stage Company). The company performs a cabaret tribute show with original musical arrangements. Nov 12-13, Wed-Thu 8 pm. $32-$100. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor West. http://actingupstage.com/productions/uncovered-billy-elton
WEESAGEECHAK BEGINS TO DANCE FESTIVAL – 27 (Native Earth Performing Arts). New works by indigenous artists include plays by Jani Lauzon, Daniel David Moses, Lilia Leon, dance by Santee Smith and more. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 22, see website for schedule. $10-$20, pass $50. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E. http://www.nativeearth.ca/
YOU HAVE TO EARN IT by Ramona Baillie and Maria Popoff (Alumnae Theatre Fireworks Festival). A philandering boss, a scheming new employee and a wacky mail room clerk are part of this homage to screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, runs in rep w/ Burying Toni; see website for schedule. $15, Sun mat pwyc, festival pass $25. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley. http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/
Play listings based on NOW! Stage Listings