Shows That Caught Our Eye This Week
You know the drill! There’s a lot of theatre going on in Toronto – and you don’t need me to tell you that a lot of it is holiday themed. Take a gander below and see if anything strikes your fancy! Anything highlighted in red with two asterisks before it is highly recommended by our Acting Managing Editor, Samantha.
Already Covered By MoT…
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/
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/
**Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Sterling Studio Theatre). Shakespeare meets Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut in this adaptation of the tragedy. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $15-$20. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin. http://www.sterlingstudiotheatre.com/
The Pageant – Bad Dog Theatre presents improvised “sitcom” episodes about a family’s quest to discover the true meaning of the holidays. $12, stu $10. Previews Nov 28, opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 20, Fri 8 pm, Sat 9:30 pm, mat Dec 13 & 20 at 2:30 pm. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.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.
**Venus In Fur by David Ives (Canadian Stage). A young actress determined to land the lead plays a cat-and-mouse game with the play’s director. Opens Dec 18 and runs to Dec 28, Tue-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm (Dec 24: 1 pm only; no shows Dec 25-26). $30-$59. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley. http://canadianstage.com/
And the rest…
Bed & Breakfast Play by Ann Powell and David Powell (Puppetmongers Theatre). The Princess And The Pea gets a clever retelling in this family-friendly puppet play. Dec 19-21, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$25, family pack $75; Sun gala and party $50. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman. http://puppetmongers.com/
The Christmas Story (Church of the Holy Trinity). Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present a nativity pageant. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 21, Fri 7:30 pm (and Dec 13, 20-21), Sat-Sun 4:30 pm. $20, child $5. Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square. http://thechristmasstory.ca/
Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical – by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The 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/
Crisis on St. Creskins by Henri Fabergé and the cast (Henry Fabergé’s Feint of Hart). Two Edwardian-era boys’ schools nurse a rivalry while trying to stage a holiday pageant. Dec 13-15, Sat-Mon 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat (preview) 2 pm and Sun 2 pm. $15-$20. Campbell House Museum 160 Queen W. http://campbellhousemuseum.ca/
Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove (Feld Entertainment). A medley of Disney stories and characters are assembled in this family ice show. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Dec 28, Dec 19 at 7 pm, Dec 20-28 at noon and 4 pm (Dec 24-25 4 pm only). $28-$95. Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way. http://www.disneyonice.com/treasure-trove
The Dog and the Angel by Martha Ross (Theatre Columbus). This outdoor show follows the Christmas shenanigans of an oddball family and their ailing dog. Previews Dec 11-13, opens Dec 15 and runs to Dec 31, daily at 7:30 pm (no shows Dec 21 and Dec 24-26). $32, srs $22, youth under 25 $12. Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview. http://theatrecolumbus.ca/
Donny & Marie Christmas (Mirvish). The Osmond siblings put on a holiday-themed song-and-dance show. Opens Dec 9 and runs to Dec 21, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $59-$140. Princess of Wales Theatre 300 King W. http://mirvish.com/
**Elizabeth-Darcy: An Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice by Hallie Burt and Kate Werneburg (Burt and Werneburg). Two women play all the parts and go through the venue’s historic rooms in this remount of the Fringe play based on the Jane Austen novel. Dec 18-21, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Note: Not wheelchair accessible. Show involves climbing stairs. Campbell House Museum 160 Queen W. http://elizabethdarcy.brownpapertickets.com/
The Expat Show: Improvised Comedy By Non-Canadians – Ann Pornel, Carol Zoccoli, Coko Galore, Deshay Padayachey, Karen Parker, Marshall Lorenzo, Paul Barnes, Sam Roulston share what they know about their mother land and what they think they know about Canada. 8 pm. $15. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.com/
**Flashman – by Dave Healey (Spadina Museum). A superhero fights to win the girl of his dreams and save the world in this 1930s sci-fi radio play. Opens Dec 7 and runs to Dec 21, Sundays at 1 and 3 pm (except Dec 7, the second show is at 3:30 pm). $8-$12. Spadina Museum 285 Spadina Rd. 416-392-6910.
The Gift – Danza Corpus presents a holiday family dance show that merges classical ballet and contemporary Cuban dance.Dec 19-20 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Winchester Street Theatre 80 Winchester. http://danzacorpus.com/
Intimate Experiences: Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Seasonal cabaret with hosts Bruce Dow and Jeff Madden. Dec 15 at 7:30 pm. $15-$20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander, Toronto. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/
**Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Mirvish). Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons become pop icons in this musical. Previews Dec 17-18. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Jan 4, 2015, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm (see website for more mats; no shows Dec 24-25, Dec 31, Jan 1). $25-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria. http://mirvish.com/
**Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Jan 24, 2015, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 4 pm, Sat 2 pm (no shows Dec 25-26). $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://www.superstarmusical.ca/
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.
Mikey Smith Raw Works Festival – d’bi.young anitafrika presents an exploration of trans-disciplinary works of art featuring dub poet Lillian Allen, and artists Clover Fannin, Jordan Laffrenier, Vero Diaz, Paul Ohonsi, Kelsey Rideout and many others. Opens Dec 16 and runs to Dec 21, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. $10-$15, festival pass $55. The Watah School 9 Trinity. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/14405091015
The Naughty Listers – Christmas is in peril when Santa decides to do away with the naughty list in this family show featuring puppets and live-action adventure and songs. To Jan 1, Sat-Tue 2 pm (and Dec 26, 31 and Jan 1). $14, family 4-pack $45. Second City 51 Mercer. http://secondcity.com/
**Nerd Girl Burlesque: Tassels and Tabletop – Revue featuring Delicia Pastiche, Helen of Tronna, Ava Noir, Betty Quirk, birthday girl Loretta Jean and others. Board game social after the show. Dec 18 8 pm (doors 7:30 pm). $10. Handlebar 159 Augusta. http://brownpapertickets.com/event/970027.
The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition – Ballet Jörgen’s version of the hoilday classic features a set inspired by Canadian art and choreography by Bengt Jörgen. Dec 17-18 at 7 pm. $31-$77. Betty Oliphant Theatre 404 Jarvis. http://www.balletjorgen.ca/
Pearle Harbour’s Ex-Mas Special (Sweet Tooth Theatre). The all-American wartime gal exorcizes the ghosts of her Christmas past in this musical stage/drag show. Dec 17-18 at 8 pm. $15. Videofag 187 Augusta. http://www.facebook.com/events/1521804151420272
Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner (Starvox Entertainment/Potted Productions). Clarkson and Turner use costumes, props and music to perform all seven Harry Potter books in 70 minutes. Opens Dec 17 and runs to Jan 11, 2015, see website for schedule. $40-$100. Panasonic Theatre 651 Yonge. http://mirvish.com/
Shakespeare-In-Hospitals Program Year-End Showcase (Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective). Cabaret-style show where artists share their material and experiences performing for patients. Dec 18-19 at 8 pm. $15, stu $10. Fraser Studios 76 Stafford. http://www.shakehospitals2014.brownpapertickets.com/
The Snow Queen adapted by Derek Genova (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). Gerda goes to the Palace of Ice to rescue her friend in this musical play for ages 3 to 10. Opens Dec 13 and runs to Jan 4, 2015, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm (and Dec 22, 23, 29, 30, Jan 2). $16. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre 4950 Yonge. http://solarstage.on.ca/
Soo Ryu Dance Festival – Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada presents the 8th festival of Korean dance, celebrating folk and contemporary dance forms. Performances by the Mi Young Kim Dance Company, Mi Sook Song, JinSu Mun and others. Dec 15-18: Dec 15 opening night at Korean Cultural Centre (1133 Leslie); Dec 16-17 performances at Toronto Centre for the Arts (5040 Yonge); Dec 18 workshop at Canada’s National Ballet School (400 Jarvis). $25-$90, festival pass $120. http://www.koreandance.net/
The Sugarplum Soirée – Improv comedy by White Rhino and This Is the Worst with host Mark Little. Dec 17 9:30 pm. $25 (benefits Gilda’s Club Toronto). Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.com/
**#Uncle John – by Joel Ivany (Against the Grain Theatre). A couple’s impending wedding is getting complicated by family drama in this modern interpretation of Don Giovanni. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 19, Dec 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 at 7:30 pm. $40. The Great Hall 1087 Queen W. http://www.againstthegraintheatre.com/
We Wrote Some Improv Skits, Here’s Them – Mark Little, Peter Stevens, Laura Cilevitz & Jeremy Woodcock and Nash & Young. 9:30 pm. $5. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.com/
**Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee (Red One Theatre Collective). A drunk couple verbally abuse each other and their guests at a party. Opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 21, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sun 1 pm. $15-$25. The Storefront Theatre 955 Bloor W. http://www.secureaseat.com/
Play Listings based on NOW! Stage Listings