Five for Twenty (or Less)

by Leanne Milech

While the economy is slowly picking itself up, why not head to an inexpensive evening out at the theatre?  No, theatre does not always cost a lot, and yes, we can prove it.  Every Tuesday, Mooney on Theatre will be giving you five delicious theatre suggestions that cost $20 or less.  Now you can spend your hard-earned dollars wisely on awesome, live entertainment that won’t break the bank.  Below, our first five picks:

1) Grimm Too

Theatre Smith-Gilmour presents an enchanted forest complete with the other-worldly

– Shows run February 23 to March 21, Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, with tickets from $20

– See it at Factory Theatre, Studio (125 Bathurst). Call 416-504-9971 for more deets.

2) Rhubarb Festival

– A collection of short avant-garde theatre that will take you to the edge at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander)

– Shows run until February 28, Wednesday to Sunday at 8 pm; get a whole evening pass for $17

– Call 416-975-8555 or visit artsexy.ca for details about what’s on

3) Communion

– A woman seeks help from a therapist to repair her relationship with her daughter

– Previews being February 23 and play until March 2 for $20 a pop at Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman)

– Shows run Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm, with additional matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2:30

– Call 416-531-1827 or hit tarragontheatre.com

4) For a rollicking Friday night, see the stuff of Bad Dog Theatre (138 Danforth) on February 26:

Theatresports, improv playoffs, kick off at 8 pm for $10

That Friday Show, a one-act play by Bad Dog’s students, starts at 8:30 pm (in Studio #2) for an unbeatable pay-what-you-can fee

Hot Teachers In Love, an improv soap (juicy!), lays it on thick at 10 pm. for $10

– More info available at 416-491-3115 and baddogtheatre.com.

5) Fireside Culture Week

– Presented by the Parkdale Village BIA at various venues around Parkdale (the stretch of Queen West between Dufferin and Roncesvalles), this event features a hoopla of theatre from music to spoken word and beyond

– Runs February 22 to February 28

– Fireside Culture Week is totally free, but donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation

– Check out firesidecultureweek.com for a complete schedule