Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of January 20th, 2014. ** 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 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 Feb 1-13). $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

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 23 and runs to Feb 1, daily at 8 pm, matinee Jan 27 at 2 pm (no shows Jan 26, 30). $20, stu/srs $15. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

Così fan tutte by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). Two soldiers wager on the fidelity of their fiancées in this comic opera. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 21, see website for schedule. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Flesh and Other Fragments of Love by Evelyne de la Chenelière (Tarragon Theatre). The discovery of a drowned body off the Irish coast leads a vacationing couple to examine their marriage. Previews Jan 7-14. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun (and some Sat) 2:30 pm. $48-$53, stu/srs $27-$45, previews $21-$25, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Keith Richards One Woman Show by Deanna Jones and Cole Lewis (Suitcase in Point Theatre Company). Jones takes a trip through Keith’s life, from boyhood to Toronto drug bust. Opens Jan 9 and runs to Jan 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm (and Jan 22). $15. Fixt Point, 1550 Queen W. 416-587-4346, suitcaseinpoint.com.

The Lover by Harold Pinter (Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). A suburban couple try to liven up their marriage with a lover and a prostitute. Previews Jan 14. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Jan 25, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20, preview $15. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

**Manon, Sandra and the Virgin Mary by Michel Tremblay (Pleiades Theatre). Pious Manon and worldly Sandra reveal themselves in parallel monologues about their fascination with the Virgin Mary. Previews Jan 11-14. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$37, previews/rush $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.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. $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. mirvish.com.

Nightmare Dream by Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu and Motion (IFT Theatre/Newface Entertainment/Obsidian Theatre). Preparing to return for his father’s funeral, an African immigrant in Canada is haunted by his disconnection to his traditional culture. Previews Jan 7-8. Opens Jan 9 and runs to Jan 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm (and Jan 12), mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (no shows Jan 23-24). $18-$30. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. nightmare-dream.com.

**Pith! by Stewart Lemoine (The Theatre Department). A sailor leads a widow and her housekeeper on an exotic jungle adventure without leaving the living room. Previews Jan 15. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, Tue pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, thetheatredepartment.com.

Sundown Bad Dog Theatre and Sex T-Rex present unscripted shows in the style of gritty western films. Opens Jan 8 and runs to Jan 29, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

The Ugly One by Marius von Mayenburg (Theatre Smash/Tarragon Theatre). A man enjoys his new beauty until his plastic surgeon offers his face to others in this black comedy. Previews Jan 8-12. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $48-$53, stu/srs $27-$45, previews $21-$25, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

We Can Be Heroes Second City presents a new collection of sketches, songs and improvisations inspired by the world around us. Opens Jan 2 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri and Sun 7:30 pm, Sat 7:30 & 10 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Wedding Singer by Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy (Hart House Theatre). An entertainer finds love in this musical based on the Adam Sandler film. Opens Jan 10 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 25 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

And the Rest…

Arlecchino Allegro (Toronto Masque Theatre). This cabaret of clowns and chamber music features stars from the Gorgonetrevich Corps de Ballet Nationale. Jan 23-25, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20-$45. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare (Rarely Pure Theatre). The tale of spontaneous love and friendships is set in a winter wonderland. Opens Jan 9 and runs to Jan 26, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. secureaseat.com.

BeerProv Jim Robinson presents the improv show. Jan 24 10:30 pm. $15. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. beerprov.com.

Cabaret by Christopher Isherwood, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Lower Ossington Theatre). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Carmen by Georges Bizet (Opera by Request). A concert version of the popular opera is performed. Jan 24 at 7:30 pm. $20. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2737 Bayview. 416-455-2365, operabyrequest.ca.

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

The Colours Of Kathak The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents a performance demonstration about the classical dance from India by Infusion Dance artistic director Parul Gupta. Jan 21 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

Craig Ferguson: Hot And Grumpy Just for Laughs presents the Scottish comic and Late Late Show host in a live show. Jan 23 7 pm. $45.50-$65.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria. 416-872-4255, masseyhall.com.

Dark Lady: The Musical by Justin Ruttan (Lionheart Productions Coeur de Lion). A drag performer navigates through being cheated on, finding a new love and, ultimately, herself. Opens Jan 22 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 7 pm. $10, stu $5. Glendon Campus Theatre, 2275 Bayview. 416-487-6822, coeurdelionproductions@gmail.com.

Flamenco Legacy Showcase Campania Carmen Romero and the School Of Flamenco Dance Arts present flamenco artist Francisca Sadornil Ruiz from Madrid. Jan 25 at 7 pm. $25. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. flamencolegacylatati.eventbrite.ca.

Heartbeat of Home Mirvish presents Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban dancers and musicians in a music and dance show. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Idiot’s Delight by Robert E Sherwood (Soulpepper). Countesses, arms dealers, lovers, revolutionaries and others spend a fateful weekend in a Swiss hotel on the eve of WWII. Previews Jan 23-29. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Mar 1, see website for schedule. $23-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

The Lady’s Not For Burning by Christopher Fry (Alumnae Theatre). A suicidal soldier falls for a woman accused of witchcraft in 1400s England in this romantic comedy. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Lament Of The Exile Performing Taiwan and Dance Theatre XX present a dance adaptation of Qu Yuan’s epic poem, choreographed by Zhang Xiao-Xiong. Jan 24-25 at 8 pm. Free. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. performingtaiwan.com.

The Little Child (Short One Player Theatre/Performing Taiwan). A boy takes care of his ailing father and dreams of better days in this puppet theatre play. Jan 24-25 at 8 pm. Free. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, performingtaiwan.com.

**London Road by Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork (Canadian Stage). This documentary musical is based on interviews with Ipswich residents following the 2006 serial murders in their town. Previews Jan 19-22, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $24-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

The Long Game by Brad Lepp (Driftwood Theatre). The Lepp play about an encounter between strangers gets a workshop reading. Jan 25 at 7 pm. $20. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. driftwoodtheatre.com.

Lunacy Cabaret – Cabin Fever (Zero Gravity Circus). This vaudeville-style cabaret features clown, circus, comedy, burlesque, music and more. Jan 25 at 9 pm. $20-$25. Centre of Gravity, 1300 Gerrard E. lunacycabaret.com.

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.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival (The Open Door East End Arts Collective). Itah Sadu shares folk tales and traditional stories from Africa, the Caribbean and North America. Jan 26 at 3 pm (runs every second Sun to Mar 23). Pwyc/$5 sugg. St David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donlands. 416-466-3142, mosaicstorytelling.ca.

The… Musician. An Etude based on a book by Vladimir Korolenko (Toronto Laboratory Theatre). A boy born without sight learns to communicate through music. Previews Jan 11-12. Opens Jan 17 and runs to Jan 26, see website for schedule. $20-$25. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. themusician.bpt.me.

**Once On This Island by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Acting Up Stage Company). A peasant girl rescues and falls in love with a rich man in this family musical. Previews Jan 21-23. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$50. Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-838-3006, actingupstage.com.

Pacamambo by Wajdi Mouawad (Canadian Rep Theatre). A missing girl is found with her grandmother’s body in this play for all ages about kids and death. Previews Jan 18-19, Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Jan 22 and runs to Feb 2, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and Feb 1). $24-$36, preview $15, Sun mat pwyc. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. 416-504-7529, canadianrep.ca.

petites danses Chartier Danse presents four different choreographic versions of two musical works. Jan 24-25 at 7 and 8:30 pm. $10-$18. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, chartierdanse.com.

The Princess And The Pea by Dave B Harris and Sue Plyte (Nags Players). A prince must decided between love and royal duty in this traditional English pantomime. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 1, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $12-$20. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.

Tanya Tagaq (Theatre Centre Carbon 14: Climate is Culture Performance Series). Contemporary Inuit artist Tagaq performs with collaborator Michael Red and glam-pop duo Post-Normal. Jan 26 at 7:30 pm. $25-$30. The Great Hall, Black Box Theatre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org.

This Is It by Sasha Singer-Wilson (the blood projects). A couple looks at their marriage in this exploration of intimacy, commitment and trust. Previews Jan 15 at 8 pm. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Jan 25, Thu-Sun 8 pm, late show Jan 24 at 11 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $20, preview $15, Sun mat pwyc. lemonTree Studio, 196 Spadina (lower unit). bloodprojects.com.

**The Way Back To Thursday by Rob Kempson (Theatre Passe Muraille). A boy and his grandmother bond over movies, but grow apart as he gets older. Previews Jan 16-18. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 8, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

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.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.