It’s a great time in Toronto for spectacular theatre on a wallet-friendly budget. In case you haven’t heard, the Next Stage Theatre Festival is still in full swing. All the fun is happening at Factory Theatre right at the corner of Bathurst and Adelaide and ticket prices sit at a comfortable $15. In case you also didn’t know, we here at Mooney have already reviewed each of the shows so while you’re deciding what you would like to see, have a look through our review round-up and perhaps we can help you decide.
Still looking for more theatre on a budget? Well there’s still plenty to be had. Keep reading for our other cheap theatre picks. This week’s theme is all about family relations gone awry. How far can a mother’s meddling go? What happens when two brothers meet two sisters? And how can a musician save a family? Keep watching to find out.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh (Red Sandcastle Theatre). A lonely fortysomething woman deals with her mother’s meddling in this darkly comic Irish play. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 1, daily at 8 pm (no shows Jan 21-22 and 27). $20, stu/srs $15. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.
The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca (Victoria College Drama Society). A widow imposes an 8-year mourning period on her daughters, who rebel against her strict control. Jan 16-17, Thu-Fri 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.
The Melville Boys by Norm Foster (Theatre Scarborough). Plans for a guys’ getaway change when the brothers meet two sisters in this comedy. Opens Jan 9 and runs to Jan 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 12 & 25 at 2 pm (no eve show Jan 25). $20. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.
When We are Dead by Larissa Diakiw (Gasp Gasp). A snowstorm traps Anna in her childhood home with a man she hooked up with at her dad’s funeral. Jan 16 at 8 pm. $6. Saving Gigi, 859 Bloor W. 416-531-1538.
Willow Quartet by Joan Burrows (The Village Players). A violinist helps a divided family find harmony. Opens Jan 10 and runs to Feb 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm (and Jan 15), mat Sun Jan 19 & 26 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $16. Bloor West Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702, villageplayers.net.