Five for Twenty-Two (Or Less)

This week’s affordable theatre round-up is kicking it old school. Five shows that have some place in the tried and true canon of English language theatre. Whether they’re straight-to-the-point productions or reimaginings of older texts with a contemporary twist, step into the company of rock-solid playwrights and perhaps, in doing so, rekindle some memories of your first experiences at the theatre. Maybe one of these shows (or a variation) played a part in jump-starting your affinity for the stage? Or maybe here’s your optimal chance to get reacquainted. So grab a pal and check out a performance or two this week.

A Woman Of No Importance by Oscar Wilde (Alumnae Theatre). A woman finds out that her son’s boss is the man who got her pregnant and refused to marry her. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Feb 9. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

The Frogs: A New Musical by Stephen Sondheim, adapted by Burt Shevelove (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Dionysus brings playwright George Bernard Shaw back from Hades to save ancient Greece in this adaptation of a comedy by Aristophanes. Opens Jan 22 and runs to Jan 26. $15, stu $10. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

The Knight of the Burning Pestle by Francis Beaumont (Theatre @ York). The 17th-century play-within-a-play satire is re-imagined for contemporary audiences. Previews Jan 20-21. Opens Jan 22 and runs to Jan 26. $17, stu/srs $12, previews $5. York University, Joseph G Green Studio Theatre, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon (Scarborough Players) The great 1965 comedy, in a new production up close and personal on the Scarborough Village Theatre stage. Runs through Jan 26. $15 – $18. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. (at Markham Rd.) 416-267-9292, www.theatrescarborough.com

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical by Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot (First Act Productions). The hippie youth of the 60s explore free love and flower power in the shadow of the Vietnam War. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Jan 26. $22. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. firstactproductions.ca.