It’s the last week of November. Let that set in. Next Monday is December. On behalf of everyone, can I just say… how did that happen? But somehow, it did. Distract yourself from the fact that December is coming by seeing some shows! Here’s what’s playing in Toronto this week – and if it’s got two asterisks, and it’s highlighted in red, it’s particularly recommended by our Editor, Samantha.
Already Covered By MoT…
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.
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
Fishskin Trousers by Elizabeth Kuti (Cart/Horse Theatre). Three tales from three eras in the fishing village of Orford in Suffolk are woven together in this storytelling play. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc.
**Hold Mommy’s Cigarette – Shelley Marshall performs her solo dark comedy about life, mental illness and survival. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20. The Full Bawdy Loft 290 Carlaw, #202. http://holdmommyscigarette.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/.
**Metropolitan Operas – By Joe Pintauro (Witchboy Theatre). Short plays featuring prostitutes and priests, chauffeurs and film stars, set in the gritty 80s of New York City. Nov 19-29, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin. witchboytheatre.com
The Motherfu*ker With The Hat by Stephen AdlyGuirgis (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.
Nijinsky – (The National Ballet of Canada). Choreography by John Neumeier exploring the life and work of Russian dancer/choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 27 and 29). $26-$249. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W. http://www.national.ballet.ca
**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.
Ralph + Lina – by Michele Smith, Dan Watson and Christina Serra (Ahuri Theatre). Two Italian lovers struggle to stay together in the face of WWII, forced immigration and old age. Nov 28-30, Fri-Sat 7 pm, Sun 1 pm. $30, stu/srs $25. Theatre Centre 1115 Queen W. ahuritheatre.com.
**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.
Rope – by Patrick Hamilton (Bygone Theatre/City of Toronto). Two young men murder a classmate just for the thrill in this 1929 play based on true events. Gibson House 5172 Yonge. http://bygonetheatre.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.
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.
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/
And the rest…
84 Charing Cross Road – adapted by James Roose-Evans (Stage Centre Productions). This play is based on 20 years of correspondence between American writer Helene Hanff and a U.K. bookseller. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 23 and 29 at 2 pm. Fairview Library 35 Fairview Mall $27.50, stu/srs $22. http://www.stagecentreproductions.com/
**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.
The Carnegie Hall Show: The Movember Edition – The National Theatre of the World presents the improv variety show w/ Matt Baram, Naomi Snieckus, Chris Gibbs, guests Deb McGrath, Mark Little and others. 8 pm. $18-$20, stu $10 (all proceeds to Movember Canada). Drake Hotel 1150 Queen W movembercarnegiehallshow.bpt.me
Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition Gala – (Canadian Opera Company). The COC’s fundraising gala features a showcase of emerging vocal talent, reception and dinner. Nov 25 at 5:30 pm. $100. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W. http://www.coccentrestage.ca/
A Christmas Carol – by Charles Dickens (Soulpepper). Michael Shamata’s adaptation of the classic holiday ghost story gets a staging. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 27, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
A Christmas Carol – by Charles Dickens (Alexander Showcase Theatre). The classic holiday tale is staged in the style of a 1940s radio play. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 7, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$27, opening night gala $70. Papermill Theatre 67 Pottery. http://alexandershowcasetheatre.com/
Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical – by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The he classic tale is adapted into a wacky holiday pantomime musical. Previews Nov 21-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, 2015, see website for schedule. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre 189 Yonge. http://www.rosspetty.com/
**Death In A Black Suit – by Maureen Jennings (Scarborough Theatre Guild). Actors rehearsing for a Murdoch mystery play must solve a murder while stranded at a cottage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 13, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Dec 7 and 13 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. http://theatrescarborough.com/GUILD_Death.html
The De Chardin Project by Adam Seybold (Theatre PasseMuraille). An exiled Jesuit priest crosses continents in search of knowledge and truth. Previews Nov 20-23. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Dec 14, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. Theatre PasseMuraille 16 Ryerson. $17-$38, mat pwyc at the door. http://passemuraille.on.ca/
**HMS Pinafore – by WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (U of T Faculty of Music). A captain’s daughter falls for a lower-class sailor in this comic opera. Nov 27-30, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $40, srs $25, stu $10. Edward Johnson Building 80 Queen’s Park. https://performance.rcmusic.ca/event/u-t-opera-hms-pinafore-gilbert-and-sullivan-2
Holidazed & Confused – The Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. $22. Nov 17-Jan 1, various days and times, see website. secondcity.com
I Lost It In Kiev – by Deb Filler (Filler Up Inc). Filler performs a solo show about her travels through the backstreets of the world. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 3 pm. $21.50-$36.50. In the Factory Studio. Factory Theatre 125 Bathurst. http://fillerup.ca/
In The Dust – (Ad Hoc Collective). This multidisciplinary collective creation explores the loss of home and the way our memories live on in spaces we’ve inhabited. Nov 27-29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $10-$15. Saint Luke’s United Church 353 Sherbourne. http://www.adhoccollective.wordpress.com/
Intimate Experiences: Intimately Us – (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Members of the Graduate Company present mini-personal cabarets with hosts Bruce Dow and Jeff Madden. Nov 30 at 7:30 pm. $15-$20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander.
James and the Giant Peach – by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Timothy Allen McDonald (Young People’s Theatre). An orphan finds adventures in a magical fruit in this musical based on the Roald Dahl book. Previews Nov 24-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $25-$45. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front E. http://youngpeoplestheatre.ca/
**Kim’s Convenience – by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). The popular play about a Korean family in Regent Park struggling with their past returns to the stage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 28, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
La Vida Breve – by Manuel de Falla (VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert). Passion flares when love crosses the boundaries of social class in this Spanish one-act opera featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian, Ernesto Ramirez and others. Nov 30 at 2:30 pm. $40-$52. Jane Mallett Theatre 27 Front E. http://www.operainconcert.com/
**Le Chant De Georges Boivin – by Martin Bellemare (Théâtre français de Toronto). An elderly widower decides to retrace the steps of his first love, who he hasn’t seen for 50 years. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $30-$48, Wed pwyc, Sat rush $20. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley. http://www.theatrefrancais.com/
Oh, Sarah! – by Ariel Mastandrea (Pacun Peras The-A-Tro). This play is based on the life and art of French actor Sarah Bernhardt. To Nov 29, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15, stu/srs $10, Sun $7. Arcadia Studio 680 Queens Quay W. pacunperas@gmail.com
Or Rather, Her Daughter – Reading of Waugh’s modern adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession. Nov 25-26 at 8 pm Pwyc. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://outlooktheatregrou.wix.com/outlooktheatre
Outside – by Paul Dunn (Roseneath Theatre). Fundraising reading for the production of a new play about a teen who overcomes homophobic bullying. Nov 26 at 7 pm. $20 (under age 25 free). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://www.roseneath.ca/outside-special-event
**Paulo and Daphne – by Ned Dickens (Theatreworks Productions). This contemporary take on Ovid’s story of Apollo and Daphne is about breaking the ties that bind, atonement and transformation. Previews Nov 19. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20-$25, stu $12.50, Tue pwyc. Pia Bouman School for Ballet 6 Noble. http://theatreworksproductions.com/
Play Reading Week – Tarragon Theatre presents plays-in-development by FabrizioFilippo, Anna Chatterton, Marie-BeathBadian, Rachel Blair, Evan Webber, Kat Sandler and others get staged readings. Nov 18-22 and Nov 26-29 at 8 pm. Free.In the Near Studio. 30 Bridgman. http://tarragontheatre.com/
Soulful Messiah – Harbourfront NextSteps and Ballet Creole present a holiday production danced to Quincy Jones’s R&B rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Nov 28-29, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25-$45. Fleck Dance Theatre 207 Queens Quay W. balletcreole.org
The Scorpions’ Sting: An Egyptian Myth – by Dean Burry (Canadian Opera Company’s Glencore Ensemble Studio). When their professor is stung by a scorpion, his students must find the cure hidden in hieroglyphics in the Lost Temple of Isis in this all-ages opera. Opens Nov 29 11 am. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen’s Park.
The Stronger Variations – Conceived and directed by Allyson McMackon (Theatre Rusticle). This version of August Strindberg’s play about a wife meeting her husband’s mistress examines the nature of betrayal, desire and loyalty. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$37, Sun pwyc at the door. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander.
Play Listings based on NOW! Stage Listings