Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 26th, 2012: ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wish he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT

BOBLO by Erin Brandenburg and Andrew Penner (Kitchenband/the Theatre Centre). This theatrical concert explores memory by paying tribute to a defunct Detroit theme park. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Dec 2. $25, stu/srs $20. The Great Hall Black Box Theatre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org.

Cinderella (A RATical Retelling) by Mike Kenny and Jason Jestadt (Young People’s Theatre). Five rats retell the classic fairy tale in this musical story for ages 4 and up. Previews Nov 12-14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Dec 30. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Echoes by N Richard Nash ((un)happy radish co-op/Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). A man and woman living in an asylum seek the line between illusion and reality. Previews Nov 20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 1. $20. Sterling Studio Theatre, north alley entrance, 163 Sterling. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Fare Game: Life In Toronto’s Taxis by Ruth Madoc-Jones, Marjorie Chan and Alex Williams (Theatre Passe Muraille). This docudrama multimedia play looks at the lives of taxi drivers and the struggles they face. Previews Nov 16-17. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 8. $30-$35, previews/under 30 $15. Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

Lord Of The Flies adapted by Nigel Williams (Lower Ossington Theatre). Stranded on an island, a group of school boys descend into violent chaos in this adaptation of Golding’s novel. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Dec 9. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Tagged & It’s Complicated by Matty Burns and Ben Wright (Out of Reach Theatre). Two twentysomethings look for love in the online dating world in this musical comedy. Opens Nov 24 and runs to Dec 1. $12-$15. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. outofreachtheatre.com.

**Terminus Mark O’Rowe (Outside the March/Mirvish). A mother with a heavy heart, a lonely woman and a dangerous loner experience a supernatural night in Dublin in this Irish rap-opera. Previews Nov 21-22. Opens Nov 23 and runs to Dec 9. $69, rush $29. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Arsonists by Max Frisch (Canadian Stage). A man lets two strangers into his home and turns a blind eye to the obvious in this dark comedy about the human ability to ignore acts of evil. Previews Nov 11-14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Dec 9. $24-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

The Drowning Girls by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic (Alumnae Theatre). Three women murdered by the same husband tell their stories. Opens Nov 17 and runs to Dec 1. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. Studio, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

The Lesson by Eugene Ionesco (Modern Times Stage Company). Language drives the action and becomes an instrument of tyranny in this absurdist one-act play. Previews Nov 10-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 1. $25-$35, Sun pwyc-$25.Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, moderntimesstage.com.

The Little Years by John Mighton (Tarragon Theatre). Growing up in the 50s, a young woman’s interest in science is dismissed by her family. Previews Nov 7-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 16. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

War Horse based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford (National Theatre of Great Britain/Mirvish). An English boy sets out to find his horse after it’s sold to the cavalry and shipped off to France during WWI. Previews Feb 10-27. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Jan 6. $35-$130, rush $29. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

And the Rest…

**A Brimful Of Asha by Asha and Ravi Jain (Tarragon Theatre/Why Not Theatre). An Indo-Canadian man discovers that his Indian vacation is actually a wife-seeking scheme by his parents. Previews Nov 25. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 16. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, previews $21-$24, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

A Dirty Dance With Dragons: Game Of Thrones Burlesque (Scarlett LaFlamme). Characters and themes from the HBO series are incorporated into this burlesque revue featuring Tanya Cheex, El Toro and others. Nov 30 at 9 pm. $15-$20. Club 120, 120 Church. gotburlesque.eventbrite.com.

Binti’s Journey by Marcia Johnson (Theatre Direct). A young African girl seeks her grandmother after losing her family to HIV/AIDS. Previews Nov 27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 9. $15-$20. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

CATP Live: The Movember Stand-Up Spectacular Comedy Above the Pub presents a live recording of the podcast show in support of prostate cancer research w/ Matt Carter, Scott McCrickard, host Todd Van Allen and others. Nov 28 8 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. heyitstva.com.

COC Ensemble Studio Competition (Canadian Opera Company). Singers seeking to join the Ensemble give a public performance for the final audition. Nov 29 at 6 pm. $15-$50. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Complete History Of The Moustache Kristian Reimer presents his solo show about the moustache’s journey through history. Nov 29-Dec 1. $10-$12. Electric Theatre, 299 Augusta. completehistoryofthemoustache.weebly.com.

Damien by Aldyth Morris (The Bench Theatre Initiative). This play tells the story of Father Damien de Veuster, the leper priest of Moloka’i. Previews Nov 21. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Dec 1. $12-$15, preview $10. Sanctuary, 25 Charles E. thebenchtheatre.com.

Ignorance (The Old Trout Puppet Workshop). From living in caves to the present day, this puppet documentary looks at the evolution of happiness. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 15. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, theoldtrouts.org.

Impatient Theatre Co presents improv by its students. 7 pm. House Party, scenes by ITC teams. 8 pm. Harold Night, the improv form created in Chicago by Del Close. 9 pm. Tue. $5. Clinton’s, 693 Bloor W. impatientcomedy.com.

Impulse 2012 The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents students performing works by Darryl Tracy, Robert Desrosiers, Peter Chin and others. Opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 8. $19, stu/srs $15. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-967-6887, schooloftdt.org.

Kosher Jokes for the Halaladays Eman and Jess Salomon present seasonal comedy by Jewish and Muslim comics w/ Faisal Butt, Robert Keller, Hoodo Hersi and host Ali Hassan. Dec 2 8 pm. $15. The LOT Comedy Club, 100A Ossington. brownpapertickets.com.

Les 3 Exils De Christian E. by Philippe Soldevila and Christian Essiambre (Théâtre français de Toronto/Théâtre Sortie de Secours/Théâtre L’Escaouette). A struggling artist breaks out of his depression when his cousin goes missing. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 2. $33-$48, srs $28-$41, rush $20, pwyc Wed. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Miracle On Mercer St. Second City presents all-ages seasonal comedy mixing live-action sketches with puppetry and songs. Opens Dec 1 and runs to Dec 29. $14, family 4-pack $45. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Mozart’s Magical Castle (Opera Atelier). Interactive activities and performances showcase the music, dance and story of Mozart’s most famous opera, The Magic Flute. Opens Dec 1 and runs to Dec 30. Included w/ admission. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 416-923-1171, casaloma.org.

Nine by Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts). A famous director looks for the plot of his next film while being pursued by beautiful women in 60s Venice. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 1. $22. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. randolphacademy.com.

Nonna’s Party by Ashley Burton (Gladstone Hotel). Burton brings stories of her feisty Sicilian family to life in this solo comedy. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Dec 19. $35-$55 (ticketweb.ca). 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.

Older & Reckless – Edition 27: All Men/All Solos MOonhORsE Dance Theatre presents works by Paul-André Fortier, Alon Nashman, Tom Brouillette and BaKari I Lindsay. Nov 30-Dec 2. $25, stu/srs $22. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. 416-504-6429 ext 30, moonhorsedance.com.

Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon (Angelwalk Theatre/Winnipeg Studio Theatre). The lives of four New Yorkers in their 20s intersect when one loses the notes to her graduate thesis. Previews Nov 29. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 9. $35-$45, preview $30, under 30 $25. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-872-1111, angelwalk.ca.

People We’ll Never Meet Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance and Fleshy Thud present four dance pieces on the topic of strangers with choreography by Jenn Cole, Sophia Cooper and Ryan Kerr. Nov 30-Dec 2. $10, Sun pwyc. Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College. 416-978-7986, graddrama.utoronto.ca.

Pillow Talk (Vamps Like Us Burlesque). Dolly Berlin, Pastel Supernova, the Harlettes and others perform at this burlesque cabaret. Nov 29 at 10 pm. $15. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. eventbrite.ca/event/4730299453.

Ryerson Dances Ryerson Theatre School presents works by Hanna Kiel, William Yong, Robert Glumbek, Roberto Campanella and John Ottmann, performed by students. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 1. $18, stu $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

Snow White: The Deliciously Dopey Family Musical by Rick Miller (Ross Petty Productions). Pop culture references permeate this holiday pantomime version of the classic fairy tale. Previews Nov 23-28. Opens Nov 29 and runs to Jan 5. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-599-9090, rosspetty.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 30-Dec 2. $20-$45. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, balletcreole.org.

Strolling Player by Richard Sheridan Willis and Heidi Reimer (Compass Theatre Productions). From falling off the stage to falling in love, Willis recounts the passions and absurdities of one actor’s life. Dec 1-2 at 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, richardwillis.org/SP5.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (St Michael’s College Student Union/Arts Commission). The wrath of a wrongfully convicted barber has brutal consequences in this musical. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 8. $20, stu/srs $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Tapestries – The Music Of Carole King And James Taylor (Acting Up Stage Company). This tribute cabaret features Cynthia Dale, Jake Epstein, Sara Farb and others. Nov 26 at 8 pm. $40-$80, stu $30. Royal Conservatory of Music, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208, actingupstage.com.

Tenth International Competition For The Erik Bruhn Prize The National Ballet of Canada presents young dancers from international companies. Nov 28 at 7:30 pm. $25-$239. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

The Fine Art Of Murder (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). This dinner-theatre whodunit features a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Dec 29. $66-$71. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

The Four Corners (Theatre Passe Muraille/FIXT POINT). Launch party and public listening session for a radio drama that explores the divergent nature of the Queen/Bathurst intersection. Nov 29 at noon. Free. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

The Munsch Brunch (George Brown Theatre School). This family-friendly show is based on popular Robert Munsch stories. Opens Dec 1 and runs to Dec 8. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666.

The Other Houdini by Robert Feetham (The Theatre Lab). Feetham performs his solo show of four interwoven stories that feature great escapes that are loosely based on Harry Houdini’s exploits. Nov 29-Dec 1. $10-$15. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. theatrelab.ca.

The Same by Steven Jackson (Minmar Gaslight Productions). Jackson’s absurd comedy about an awkward one-night stand gets a reading. Nov 30 at 7:30 pm. Free. Glad Day Bookshop, 589 Yonge. minmargaslightproductions.com.

**This Is What Happens Next by Daniel MacIvor and Daniel Brooks (Necessary Angel Theatre Company). MacIvor performs his solo show about the ‘Kingdom of Kevin’ and life in the modern world for the last time. Previews Dec 1-2. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Dec 8. $20-$25, preview $15, Dec 9 mat pwyc. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, necessaryangel.com.