Merry Christmas! Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of December 23rd, 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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

**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 27-8. 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.

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.

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.

**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. Opens Dec 13 and runs to Dec 29, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm (Dec 24 at 1 pm; no shows Dec 25-26). $24-$99. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

We Can be Heroes Second City presents a new collection of sketches, songs and improvisations inspired by the world around us. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Dec 31, 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.

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…

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.

DickWitForMayor! (and his Cat) by Rosemary Doyle and Jane Shields (Pink Kitty Co-op). A boy, a cat, a rat king and others feature in this musical holiday pantomime. Opens Dec 26 and runs to Jan 4, Thu-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, kids $15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

The Land of Smiles by Franz Lehár (Toronto Operetta Theatre). A Chinese prince falls in love with a Viennese woman in this operetta about love and duty. Opens Dec 27 and runs to Jan 5, Thu-Sat and Tue 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $72-$145. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

Magic at the Winchester (Abracadabaret). James Alan hosts a weekly live magic show with guests. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Dec 29, Sun 7 pm. $15. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. abracadabaret.com.

Midwinter Night: Sacred And Profane Rituals (Yara Arts Group/Koliadnyky/Lemon Bucket Orkestra). This seasonal show features traditional Carpathian winter songs, a baroque folk nativity play and more. Dec 27-29, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 3 pm. $15-$35, Fri gala $150. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, brama.com/yara.

Miracle on Mercer St. Second City presents all-ages seasonal comedy mixing live-action sketches with puppetry and songs. Opens Dec 21 and runs to Dec 23, daily at 2 pm plus Sun 4 pm. Opens Dec 26 and runs to Jan 1, daily at 2 pm. $14, family 4-pack $45. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

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-$165. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

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.

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.

Signed Sealed Delivered by Aadin Church (Ark 10 Productions). This musical revue pays tribute to Motown and soul. Opens Dec 19 and runs to Dec 29, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $49. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. ticketwindow.ca.

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.

Tea at the Palace by Ann and David Powell (Puppetmongers). This family-friendly puppet show features a retelling of two medieval Russian folk tales. Dec 26-29, Thu-Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, puppetmongers.com.

Whedonesque for the Holidays Bad Dog Theatre Company present an improvised re-imagining of three of Joss Whedon’s shows. Dr. Horrible at 8 pm, Buffy at 9 pm, Firefly at 10 pm. Dec 28. $10-$12, 2 shows $15-$20, 3 shows $20-$25. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.