Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of February 18th, 2013. ** 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

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and works through the transition to adulthood in this musical puppet show. Opens Jun 22 and runs to Oct 7. Opens Jan 10 and runs to Mar 3. $45-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Claire, From The Bus by Kjartan Hewitt (Liars Theatre Co). A thirtysomething man on his way to a party meets a sexually aggressive girl whose age is a mystery in this comedy. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Feb 28. $20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. clairefromthebus.com.

**Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata by Veda Hille and Bill Richardson (Factory Theatre/Acting Up Stage Company). This musical comedy looks at modern life through the lens of the classifieds website. Previews Jan 30-Feb 5. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Mar 3. $35-$47, preview $22, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Every Letter Counts by Nina Lee Aquino (Factory Theatre). A woman searching for her path in life examines the legacy of her uncle, a Filipino political icon. Previews Jan 26-30. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 24. $32-$42, preview $22. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Here To Hear by Linda A Carson and Cathy Nosaty (Carousel Players). A girl and her father find harmony despite having different musical tastes in this interactive play for young audiences. Previews Feb 4. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 21. $15-$20.Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

La Clemenza Di Tito by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). Emperor Tito chooses to forgive rather than punish those who plotted to assassinate him in this Italian opera. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 22. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Loveloss Dancemakers presents choreography by Michael Trent that looks at how love and loss affect the body. Previews Feb 14. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Feb 24. $25, stu/srs $20; Feb 20 funder $50. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. 416-367-1800, dancemakers.org.

**Rare by Judith Thompson (Young Centre for the Performing Arts). This collage of real-life stories is put on by an ensemble of co-creators/performers with Down syndrome. Opens Jan 28 and runs to Mar 2. $15-$30. 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca. 

Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard (Soulpepper). This absurdist comedy follows the antics of two minor characters from Hamlet. Previews Feb 7-12. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 2. $51-$68, stu $32 (rush $22, stu $5).Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Shakespeare’s Nigga by Joseph Jomo Pierre (Obsidian Theatre/3D Atomic/Theatre Passe Muraille). Two iconic black characters, Shakespeare’s Othello and Titus Andronicus’s Aaron, confront their creator. Previews Feb 2-6. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 23. $15-$35. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, obsidiantheatre.com.

**Spent by Dean Gilmour, Michele Smith, Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza (Theatre Smith-Gilmour/Why Not Theatre/TheatreRUN). This two-person comedy looks at the greed that caused recent financial crises. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 22. $15-$30. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

The Marvelous Wonderettes by Roger Bean (Lower Ossington Theatre). This musical comedy pays homage to high school songleader squads of the 1950s. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Mar 3. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Power Of Harriet T! by Michael Miller (Young People’s Theatre). Harriet Tubman helps black Americans escape to Canada in the 1800s in this historical play for ages 8-15. Previews Feb 4-6. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 22. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

The Wizard Of Oz adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Really Useful Group/Mirvish/Troika Entertainment/Warner Bros/Bill Kenwright). A twister sends Dorothy over the rainbow in this musical based on the film. Previews Dec 20-Jan 12. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Jun 2. $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Tristan Und Isolde by Richard Wagner (Canadian Opera Company). The operatic story of passion and vengeance is performed with video imagery. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 23. $12-$390. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

And the rest…

3 Desis And A Diva by Jenny Alexander (Magnila Media/Orange Shot Productions). A scholar and his alcoholic poet cousin discuss family issues, the creative process and what it means to be a first-generation Canadian. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 10. $15-$20. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. 3desisandadiva.com.

**4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane (Necessary Angel Theatre Company). This freeform piece provides a stark look behind the veil of severe clinical depression. Previews Feb 11-13. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 23. $25-$38, previews $10-$15, Feb 18 pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, necessaryangel.com. 

A Day In Hollywood – The MGM Revue (Civic Light Opera Company). This musical revue showcases movie musicals of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 2. $28. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch W. 416-755-1717, musictheatretoronto.com.

**Agokwe by Waawaate Fobister (The Agokwe Collective). Two teenage boys from neighbouring reservations fall in love in this solo show. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Feb 24. $25, stu/srs $15. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-204-0855, totix.ca. 

And Slowly Beauty… by Michel Nadeau (Belfry Theatre/National Arts Centre English Theatre). An uninspired office worker wins tickets to a play and discovers the transformative power of art. Previews Feb 20-26. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 31. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, previews $21-$24, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Brent Carver (Young Centre for the Performing Arts). The Tony Award-winning actor/singer performs a musical cabaret. Opens Feb 16 and runs to Mar 3. $20-$40. 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

**Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris (Studio 180/Mirvish). A battle over race and real estate rages over two generations in a suburban Chicago neighbourhood. Previews Feb 12-17. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 3. $45-$79, stu/rush $20. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn (East Side Players). A prostitute and two wives use time travel to prevent two murders in this comedic murder mystery. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 9. $22, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

Daffydil 2013: Dreaming Nights Under Hospital Lights (U of T Faculty of Medicine). Doctors try to resolve the mysterious illness of a young shark hunter. Proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Feb 23. $20-$30 (uofttix.ca). Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, daffydil2013.com.

Dracula – A Love Story by Sharyl Hudson (Brant Theatre Workshops). Follow actors through the castle’s historic halls in this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 22. $39, (Valentine’s Day show $66). Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 647-725-1826, casaloma.org.

Ducky’s World The Joy of Camping presents camp comedy by Sean Michael and Hillary Thomson about a man and his puppet friends. Feb 21 8 pm. $10. Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton. 416-531-5833.

Duncan Trussell High on Trees and Puff Mama present the writer/actor/stand-up comedian in a live show. Feb 21-23. $20.The Underground Comedy Club, 670 Queen E. 416-732-7761, brownpapertickets.com/event/301365.

Egg Zeppelin: The Improvised Bacon, Music & Comedy Show Kris Siddiqi and Marcel St. Pierre present the comedy talk show, w/ special guests Precious Chong, Toby Berner and musician Kristen Cudmore. Feb 21 8 pm. $10-$12. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

From The House Of Mirth Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie present a dance/theatre piece inspired by Edith Wharton’s novel, choreographed by James Kudelka. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 24. $50, Feb 20 pwyc. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. 416-364-8011, colemanlemieux.com.

Hannah Moscovitch Double Bill (Tarragon/Theatre Crisis/Theatre Panik). Other People’s Children is performed with Little One (to Mar 17) and In This World (Mar 19-24). Opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 24. $27-$53, previews $21-$24, rush $13, pwyc Mar 16 mat. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Jackie And Jack by Jim Christy (Theatre Lab/Back Burner Productions). This play imagines a meeting between Jackie Kennedy and Jack Kerouac on a beach in 1959. Opens Feb 22 and runs to Mar 2. $15-$20, Sun mat pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. totix.ca.

Midden by Morna Regan (Toronto Irish Players). Family secrets and old grudges are unearthed in this play about three generations of women. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 9. $20, stu/srs $18, opening night/reception (at 7 pm) $50. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.com.

MotionMusic The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents a quartet of works by dancers from Peggy Baker Dance Projects. Feb 19 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

Nightmare Dream by Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu and Motion (IFT Theatre/Newface Entertainment). As he prepares to return for his father’s funeral, an African immigrant in Canada is haunted by his disconnection to his traditional culture. Previews Feb 20. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Feb 24. $25, mat pwyc. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. nightmare-dream.com.

Of Love And Longing: Songs Of Richard Strauss (Canadian Opera Company). Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio perform arias and art songs by Strauss. Feb 21 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

Once Upon A Murder (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Preparations for a royal wedding are interrupted by a murder in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Jan 25 and runs to May 31. $40-$71. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

Rhubarb Festival (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The new works festival features plays, dance, performance art and more by Sook-Yin Lee, Nina Arsenault, Nicolas Billon, Alex Tigchelaar, Fay Slift and others. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 3. $20/evening pass, One-To-One Performances pwyc, Mobile Works free. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Sem Mim & Ima Harbourfront World Stage and Grupo Corpo present two dance works combining classical ballet and contemporary Brazilian and world dance forms. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Feb 23. $15-$50. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Shakespeare’s Magic Carpet (Act II Studio). Different characters intermingle in a mosaic of scenes from the Bard’s plays. Feb 21-23. $15-$18. Ryerson Theatre School, 44 Gerrard E. 416-979-5000 ext 6297, ryerson.ca/~act2.

Spring 2013 Mainstage Revue Second City presents previews of the upcoming revue, featuring sketches, songs and improvisation. Opens Mar 5. Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm (and Sat 10 pm). $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The (Burlesque) Oscars (The Harlettes). The burlesque troupe pays tribute to influential movies and stars from the 40s to today. Feb 23 at 8 pm. $15-$30. Revival, 783 College. burlesqueoscars.eventbrite.com.

The Barber Of Seville by Gioachino Rossini (Toronto Opera Repertoire). A barber helps a nobleman woo his true love in this Italian comic opera. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Mar 3. $28, srs $20, stu $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, toronto-opera.com.

The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Opens Feb 1 and runs to Feb 25. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter (Two Wolves Theatre). An experienced hitman and a newbie pass time in a basement while awaiting instructions for their next job. Previews Feb 21-22. Opens Feb 23 and runs to Mar 3. $20, stu/srs $15, preview $10, Sun pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, twowolvestheatre.com.

The Glory Of Living by Rebecca Gilman (Nightrider Co-op/Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). A troubled teen runs away with an older man to escape life with her prostitute mother. Previews Feb 19 at 8 pm. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 2. $20, Tue $10.Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

The Shakespeare Challenge (Shakespeare in Action). Ten amateur actors perform an abridged version of The Tempest as part of the company’s annual funder. Feb 23 at 7 pm. $40. Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm. 416-703-4881, shakespeareinaction.org/shakespeare-challenge.

The Tales Of Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach (Toronto Opera Repertoire). A drunken poet recalls his lost loves in this French opera. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 2. $28, srs $20, stu $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, toronto-opera.com.

The Vagabond Trust Reading Series (Vagabond Trust). Readings by Ann Marie Macdonald, Priscila Uppal, Ins Choi, Joseph Jomo Pierre and others plus music and art. Feb 18 at 8 pm. Free. The Ossington, 61 Ossington. jsquaredtheatre.blogspot.ca.

Till Eulenspeigel (In The Afterlife Of Jerzy Kosinski) (Humber Theatre). The merry prankster figure from German folklore takes the audience through startling images, motifs and themes from Kosinki’s most visceral writings. Opens Feb 22 and runs to Mar 2. $15, stu/srs $10. Humber College Studio Theatre, 300 Birmingham. 416-675-6622 ext 3080, humber.theatre@humber.ca.

*Listings are based on NOW stage listings*