Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of December 16th, 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…

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.

Annie (TYA) by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin (Young People’s Theatre). The red-haired orphan seeks a place to call home in this Theatre for Young Audiences version of the musical. Previews Nov 11-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 29, see website for schedule. $22-$35. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and transitions to adulthood in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Dec 12 and runs to Feb 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Dec 23-Jan 2 and Feb 1-13). $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.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 Jan 5, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $19.99-$79.99. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. evildeadthemusical.com.

The Little Mermaid: Ontario’s O-Fish-Al Family Musical by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The mermaid seeks true love and happiness in this holiday pantomime musical. Previews Nov 22-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-599-9090, rosspetty.com.

**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 Feb 2, 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.

**Once by Enda Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Mirvish). An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Previews Nov 26-27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no shows Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1. See website for more dates). $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

**Parfumerie by Miklós László (Soulpepper). Shop clerks who don’t get along at work exchange anonymous love letters as pen pals. Previews Nov 27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 28, see website for schedule. $32-$68. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Provocateur Bad Dog Theatre presents an improvised espionage comedy thriller w/ Kirsten Rasmussen, Roger Bainbridge, Carmine Lucarelli and others. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 18, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.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-Wed 8 pm, Thu and Sun 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm (no shows Dec 24-25). $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**Venus in Fur by David Ives (Canadian Stage). A young actress determined to land the lead plays a cat-and-mouse game with the play’s director. Bloc party and opening night Dec 13-29, Tue-Sun 1 pm and 7 pm, $29-$59. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

Weather the Weather by Haley McGee (Theatre Columbus). A young girl must outwit trolls and gnomes in this outdoor production for all ages. Previews Dec 6-10. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 29, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Dec 21 and 23 at 5 pm (no shows Dec 17 and 24-26). $12.50-$32, previews pwyc at the door. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview. 416-504-7529, theatrecolumbus.ca.

And the Rest…

BeerProv: The Draft Jim Robinson presents up-and-coming improvisers competing in a series of elimination games. Dec 19 9:30 pm. $12. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. facebook.com/BeerProv.

Cadillac Comedy Cadillac Lounge presents sketch, improv, stand-up and more w/ Adrienne Fish, Jordan Foisey, Sean Emeny, the Beasts, Troupe Name Pending, Cash Grab, the Palcoholics and host Blayne Smith. Dec 18 8:30 pm. Pwyc. 1296 Queen W. 416-536-7717, cadillaclounge.com.

Catch 23 Comedy Bar presents a weekly improv pit fight. Fri 8 pm. $10. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Humber River Shakespeare Co). Five actors perform the timeless tale of greed, ghosts, salvation and hope. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 21, see website for details. $20, child $10. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas W. 416-209-2026, humberrivershakespeare.ca.

The Christmas Story (Church of the Holy Trinity). Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present a nativity pageant. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 22, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 4:30 pm (Dec 14, 21 and 22 also at 7:30 pm). $20, child $5 (suggested donation). 10 Trinity Square. 416-598-8979, thechristmasstory.ca.

Cool Yule (Famous People Players). The black-light dinner theatre company presents a multifaith celebration of the holidays. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Jan 4, call/see website for times. $40-$62. 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

Eat Your Heart Out with Morro and Jasp (U.N.I.T. Productions/Tightrope Books). This launch party for the clown sisters’ cookbook features live music, book signing and more. Dec 17 from 6 to 11 pm. Free. Drake Hotel, Underground, 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042, morroandjasp.com.

Elizabeth – Darcy: An Adaptation Of Pride And Prejudice by Hallie Burt and Kate Werneburg (Burt and Werneburg). Two women play all the parts and go through the venue’s historic rooms in this remount of the Fringe play based on the Jane Austen novel. Opens Dec 14 and runs to Dec 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm (and Dec 22, 29), mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Dec 27); no shows Dec 25-26. $20 (totix.ca). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227 ext 2, burtandwerneburg.com.

Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Lower Ossington Theatre). A flower shop clerk raises a plant that feeds on human blood in this musical. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Jan 12, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Dec 22-Jan 2). $59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Musical of Musicals, The Musical! by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell (Mirvish). Five musicals in one, each with the same plot but done in the style of a different Broadway composer. Previews Dec 18. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Jan 5, see website for times. $19-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Nutcracker Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement presents the holiday classic performed by youth ages 7 through 18. Dec 19-22, Thu-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$40. Humberside Collegiate Institute, Lismer Hall, 280 Quebec. 416-533-8705, piaboumanschool.org/tickets.

The Nutcracker The National Ballet of Canada presents the traditional holiday ballet. Colonel Chris Hadfield makes his Cannon Doll debut Dec 24 at 1 pm. Opens Dec 14 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $25 and up. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

The Nutcracker Toronto International Ballet Theatre presents the Russian classical version of the holiday ballet. Dec 20-21, Fri-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $40-$70. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. torontoballet.ca.

Oliver! by Lionel Bart (The Civic Light-Opera Co). This musical is based on Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 22, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $28. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, musictheatretoronto.com.

Peter Pan by JM Barrie (Hit and Run Dance Productions). This abridged version of the tale features ballet, sword fights, music, storytelling and more. Opens Dec 7 and runs to Dec 29, Sat-Sun (see website for times and other dates). Free w/ admission. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 416-923-1171, casaloma.org.

Poinsettia The Bad Dog Repertory Players present unscripted comedy about unexpected connections w/ Jess Bryson, Kyle Dooley and others. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 18, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

The Second City Holiday Spectacular (Miracles Not Included)Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. Opens Nov 18 and runs to Jan 1, Mon 8 pm, Tue-Wed 1:30 pm, Thu 1:30 & 10 pm, Fri 1:30 & 4 pm. $22. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Shakespeare-In-Hospitals Project Showcase (Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective). Program graduates Clare Blackwood, Cameron Lapp, Louisa Zhu and others perform. Dec 20-21 at 8 pm. $20, stu $10. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. brownpapertickets.com/event/511112.

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.

Special Constables (Circlesnake Productions). This action-comedy features the TTC Transit Police taking on a Metropass counterfeiting ring. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 21, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. circlesnake.com.

Spookey Ruben’s Dizzy Playground Live! Hi-Hat Recordings presents a stage version of the TV show w/ Spookey’s live band, sketch comedy, short film and impromptu hijinks. Oct 22 9 pm, Nov 19 9 pm, Dec 17 9 pm. $8-$10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. spookeyruben.net.

Super Fun Christmas Sing-A-Long (Sharron Matthews/George Masswohl). Matthews and Masswohl perform a holiday-themed musical show. Dec 20-21 at 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Superqueero Holiday Potluck Show (Gladstone Hotel). This holiday-themed show features consensual, anti-racist, unapologetic, not-your-average burlesque. Dec 16 at 7 pm. $5-$25 sliding scale. 1214 Queen W. c.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.