Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of October 28th, 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

Birth of Frankenstein adapted by the company (Litmus Theatre). This site-specific production fuses Mary Shelley’s gothic novel with the dramatic personal circumstances that inspired her to write it. Previews Oct 22. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $30, stu $20, preview pwyc. Saint Luke’s United Church, Parlour Room, 353 Sherbourne. litmustheatre.com.

**La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A poet and a seamstress have a tragic love affair in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Opens Oct 3 and runs to Oct 30, see website for schedule. $12-$365. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

The Brady Project The Flying Beaver Pubaret presents comedy by Heidi Mole dedicated to the classic TV series. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Nov 2, Sat Saturdays 7 pm. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, brownpapertickets.com.

The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Tarragon Theatre/TheatreRUN). An anxious government clerk tries desperately to fit in with a grotesque society in this multidisciplinary adaptation of the novella. Previews Oct 15-22, Tue-Sat 8 pm. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13, pwyc on Oct 15. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Evil Dead – The Musical by Christopher Bond, George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla and Melissa Morris (Starvox Entertainment/Jeffrey Latimer Entertainment). The musical based on the Evil Dead film franchise returns home for its 10th anniversary. Previews Oct 24-27, Thu-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm (and Oct 31), Sun 3 pm. No show Oct 30. $19.99-$79.99. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. evildeadthemusical.com.

Exhibition (Les Coquettes). The company’s annual Halloween show features an art-themed cabaret of dance, cirque, live music and elements of burlesque. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Oct 31, Thu and Sun 7 and 10 pm. $20-$35. Revival, 783 College. lescoquettes.com.

Le Fa Le Do by Luc Moquin (Théâtre français de Toronto/Théâtre de la Catapulte). An archivist finds an old tape of a woman singing Fado music and enters a world of political intrigue in his quest to find her. Previews Oct 23-24. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 2, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $28-$57, some pwyc/rush available. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Farther West by John Murrell (Soulpepper). A prostitute seeks independence from male control in 1800s western Canada. Previews Oct 11-16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 9, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Cameron Mackintosh/Mirvish). An ex-convict seeks redemption and dodges his nemesis in this musical based on the Victor Hugo novel. Previews Sep 27-Oct 8. Opens Oct 9 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for exceptions/extra shows). $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. mirvish.com.

The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). A librarian seeks a tryst but must dodge his wife in this trilogy where each play is viewed from a different part of the home. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Nov 16, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Puppet Up: Uncensored (Mirvish). Puppets from the Jim Henson Company are used in this mashup of puppetry and improvised comedy for grown-ups. Opens Oct 22 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm (no show Oct 31). $19-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Savage In Limbo by John Patrick Shanley (Bob Kills Theatre). Various 32-year olds seek love, sex and a way out of their dead-end lives. Opens Oct 22 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. savageintoronto.com.

**Sucker by Kat Sandler (Blood Sweat & Blood Collective). Various odd characters grieve in their own way in a small town crushed by a whimsical tragedy in this Halloween-themed play. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 9, Thu-Sat 8 pm (and Nov 6), Sun 2 pm (and Nov 9). $20, Oct 27 pwyc, Oct 31 $15 w/ costume. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. secureaseat.com.

We Can Be Heroes Second City presents a new collection of sketches, songs and improvisations inspired by the world around us. Indefinite run, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

And the Rest…

Abduction From The Seraglio by WA Mozart (Opera Atelier). Two men plot to rescue their girlfriends from an Ottoman Pasha in this commedia dell’arte opera. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 2, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $38-$166. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-622-2787, operaatelier.com.

Aladdin by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin (Disney Theatrical Productions/Mirvish). A young sultan attempts to get his hands on a magical oil lamp in this musical. Previews Nov 1-20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for more shows). $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

All Our Happy Days Are Stupid by Sheila Heti and Dan Bejar (Suburban Beast). A vacation in Paris becomes a nightmare for two families in this irreverent critique of the pursuit of happiness. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Videofag, 187 Augusta. allourhappydaysarestupid.eventbrite.ca.

Alligator Pie (Soulpepper). Adapted from the children’s poems of Dennis Lee, this family-friendly production celebrates imagination and invention. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Dec 1, see website for schedule. $23, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Aluna Cafe: El Nogalar (Aluna Theatre). Volunteers from the audience read El Nogalar by Mexican-born playwright Tanya Saracho (in English). Oct 28 at 7:30 pm. Free. 1 Wiltshire, unit 123. alunatheatre.ca.

City Of The Mind (Talisker Players). Graham Abbey reads selections from Charles Dickens, Nora Ephron and others alongside live music from the 15th century to today in this tribute to cities. Oct 29-30, Tue-Wed 8 pm. $35, srs $25, stu $15. Trinity St Paul’s Church, 427 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Coma by Jude Idada (AfriCan Theatre Ensemble). A woman lies in a coma in a Nigerian hospital while her daughter and grandson argue over whether to pull the plug. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 3, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. Previews Oct 30 at 4 pm (pwyc). $32-$60. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. africantheatre.org.

Cream Of Comedy The Tim Sims Encouragement Fund presents Tim Sims Award nominees Diana Bailey, Brandon Ash Mohammed, Franco Nguyen, Nigel Grinstead, the Weaker Vessels and host Pat Thornton. Oct 28 8 pm. $15. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

D&D Live! Campaign 3: Epic Levels Bad Dog Theatre presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 13, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

**Dirty Butterfly by Debbie Tucker Green (Bound to Create Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). This drama explores voyeurism, power and guilt by confronting the collateral damage of domestic abuse and racial economic divide. Previews Oct 30-31. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 17, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, preview $15, Nov 10 pwyc. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. boundtocreate.com.

Escape Artist MOonhORsE Dance Theatre presents an evening of solos performed by Claudia Moore from choreographers Paul-Andre´ Fortier, Christopher House, Susanna Hood and Gadfly. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20; Oct 31 pwyc (free in costume). Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. 416-504-6429 ext 66, moonhorsedance.com.

Fire Of Anatolia Mustafa Erdogan presents the Turkish dance group performing dances based on ancient mythology and cultural history. Nov 1 at 8 pm. $40-$105. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. ticketmaster.com.

The Fish Eyes Trilogy by Anita Majumdar (nightswimming). This funder for the company features dinner and Majumdar performing her dance-theatre trilogy about the lives of three young Canadian women. Nov 1 at 6 pm. $100. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. nightswimmingtheatre.com.

From The Prairies With Love (Loonatic Fringe). This James Bond-inspired spoof cabaret features circus, comedy, magic and music by veteran Fringe artists. Oct 30-31, Wed 8 pm, Thu 8 and 10 pm. $10. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. facebook.com/events/1391732427727550.

**The Gravitational Pull Of Bernice Trimble by Beth Graham (Factory Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). A woman with three adult children learns that she has early Alzheimer’s and seeks her daughter’s help to exit on her own terms. Previews Nov 2-6. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Nov 3 at 7 pm). $23-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

I Love Lucy – Live On Stage by Kim Flagg and Rick Sparks (Mirvish). Be a member of the studio audience in this adaptation of the 50s TV show. Previews Oct 15. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no show Oct 31). $49-$89. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

I Seen You On TV The National Theatre of the World presents improv by comics seen on Canadian TV shows and ads. Oct 30 8 pm. $18. Drake Hotel, Underground, 1150 Queen W. thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.

In Pace Requiescat (Opera 5). Three operas based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe are presented as part of this Halloween-themed event. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Oct 31, Wed-Thu and Sun 7:30 pm (closing night followed by costume contest and dance party). $30, stu $25. Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm. o5inpace.eventbrite.ca.

Jill’s Living Room (Jill Léger). Léger hosts a monthly musical theatre open-mic show. Oct 28 at 8 pm. Nov 25 at 8 pm. $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

The List by Jennifer Tremblay (No Exit Theatre). A woman neglects a neighbour’s request and inadvertently causes her death. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 30. Oct 17-20, Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm. Oct 24-30, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $16-$20. The Artisan Factory, Unit 104G, 344 Westmoreland. thelist2013.com.

Little Dreams – A Cabaret (Gladstone Hotel). Alyssa DiMarco and Seth Drabinsky perform a musical cabaret with pianist Tara Litvack and host Natasha Negovanlis. Oct 30 at 8 pm. $15. 1214 Queen W. gladstonehotel.com.

Making Love In A Canoe (Kyle Golemba/Adam White). Golemba and White perform with Thom Allison and others in this CD release party for their all-Canadian revue of musical theatre. Oct 28 at 8 pm. $15. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Marina Antoinette: The Encore (RiaToss Productions). This fusion of live music, performance art, dance and fashion is based on the tragic rise and fall of French queen Marie Antoinette. Nov 3 at 9 pm. $20. Virgin Mobile Mod Club, 722 College. marinaantoinetteencore.eventbrite.ca.

Monkey Toast The Tite Group presents the improvised talk show w/ the Monkey Toast Players and host Ron Tite. Nov 2 8 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Moss Park by George F Walker (Green Thumb Theatre/Theatre Passe Muraille). A young couple with a baby struggle to make ends meet in this dark comedy. Previews Oct 31-Nov 2. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

The Nefarious Bed And Breakfast by DJ Sylvis (Monkeyman Productions). Heroes, evildoers and superpowers collide at a retired villain’s B&B in this comic book-inspired play. Previews Oct 25-26. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 9, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, monkeymanproductions.com.

No Romance by Nancy Harris (Toronto Irish Players). Various characters confront their innermost secrets in this play set in three separate acts. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18; opening night $50, Oct 24 $10/pwyc. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.com.

Old Stories Danceworks CoWorks presents choreography by Maxine Heppner that reveals public myths shared by a community of storytellers and the private world of a woman living amongst them. Nov 1-3. POSTPONED: call 416-204-1082 for information. Pia Bouman Scotiabank Theatre, 6 Noble. danceworks.ca.

Play In A Pub: William Shakespeare’s Star Wars (Driftwood Theatre). This funder for the company features performers reading from Ian Doescher’s book about what Star Wars would have been like if it had been written by the Bard. Oct 28 at 8 pm. $25. Whistler’s Grille, 995 Broadview. 416-703-2773, driftwoodtheatre.com.

Prayers for the New World by Laura Cockburn-Tulk (Glasswater Theatre). The scripts of Cockburn-Tulk’s Confessions and Gone Home are woven together using music and movement to create a seamless evening of storytelling. Previews Oct 17. Opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 2, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Oct 26 and Nov 2 at 2 pm. $25, stu $18. Berkeley Street Theatre, Rehearsal Hall, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, glasswater.ca.

The Process Revealed: Eleven Accords Toronto Dance Theatre presents a sneak peek at the upcoming show and discussion with the choreographer. Oct 28 at 7 pm. Free. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. tdt.org.

Requiem for a Dream! The Halloween Drag Musical (Asian Arts Freedom School/the Drag Musical Collective). This musical show celebrates all that is magical, powerful, haunting and sacred. Oct 30 at 7 pm. Pwyc. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. facebook.com/events/433517536765146.

The Return Of Mockery Night In The JunctionShoxs presents stand-up, sketch, improv and a cabaret drag number by Gabriel. Nov 1 Doors 8:30 pm. $5. 2827 Dundas W. mockerynight@gmail.com.

The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien (Lower Ossington Theatre). A newly engaged couple find a freaky castle in the classic rock musical. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Nov 10, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Saucy Senorita (Toronto Operetta Theatre). This operetta based on a zarzuela by Ruperto Chapi celebrates the music, song and dance of Madrid. Nov 3 at 2 pm. $46-$63. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com/1636.html.

Singular Sensation: A Music Theatre Open Mic (Jennifer Walls). Sing showtunes with a live band and see previews of upcoming works at this weekly show. Mon 10 pm Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.

Stalwart Women and Tempestuous Men: A Reading Of Two Early Canadian Plays (Theatre Double Take). Lake Doré by JE Middleton and The Second Lie by Isabel Ecclestone MacKay get a reading. Oct 29 at 8 pm. Pwyc. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. theatredoubletake.com.

The Swinging Wingding 5.0: Nightmare on College Street (Elliott Loran/Jeff Insell). This night of music, comedy, puppetry and live performance features Christel Bartelse, Jennifer Walls, Adam Proulx and others. Oct 31 at 6 pm (dance party from 9 pm). Free. Wild Indigo Martini Bar, 607 College. facebook.com/events/165875846939685.

Theatresports Fall Tournament Bad Dog Theatre presents the improv competition. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Dec 14, Sat Saturdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

There’s No Business Like Irving Berlin (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). This concert celebrating the Irving Berlin songbook features Brent Carver, Camilla Scott, Sheila McCarthy and others. Nov 3 at 7:30 pm. $60-$99. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, hgjewishtheatre.com.

True Story (lemonTree creations/Carmela Antonio). Join in telling original 10-minute stories, or just watch. Oct 29 at 7:30 pm. $5. lemonTree Studio, 196 Spadina (lower unit). lemontreecreations.ca.

Where’s My Money? by John Patrick Shanley (Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). Two couples are haunted by their past, present and future in this semi-surrealist comedy about revenge. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Nov 9, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

The Woman In Black by Stephen Mallatratt (Lower Ossington Theatre). An estate lawyer tries to exorcise demons from a case involving a mysterious widow in this ghost story. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Dec 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Nov 3-13). $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

You Can Sleep When You’re Dead by Glyn Bowerman, David Brock, Omar Hady, Graham Isador and Kat Sandler (TheatreLab). Various stories of tortured spirits unable to pass to the next world are told in the setting of the historic house. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Oct 31, daily at 7 and 9 pm. $25-$35. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. theatrelab.ca.

You’re Doing Great! A Bold-Faced Lie (Sharon Spell). Spell performs her storytelling show about her parents passing away within 3 weeks of each other. Oct 29 at 8 pm. $10 or pwyc. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. sharonspell.com.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings