Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of February 3rd, 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.

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.

The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman (Encore Entertainment). A girl starts a malicious rumour about two women at an all-girls school. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $28-$30. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. encoreshows.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.

Free Outgoing by Anupama Chandrasekhar (Nightwood Theatre). A teen sex video goes viral in this play about the battle between technology and traditional values in India. Previews Jan 28-29. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, nightwoodtheatre.net.

Heartbeat of Home Mirvish presents Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban performers 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.

Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Unit 102 Actors Co). This play examines the judicial system and asks whether redemption is possible. Previews Jan 29. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm (and Feb 11), mat Sun Feb 9. $20, mat pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.com.

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 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.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.

A Masked Ball (Un ballo in maschera) by Giuseppe Verdi (Canadian Opera Company). Verdi’s tale of forbidden passion is set in the American south of the 1960s. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 22, see website for schedule. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (Lyric Hammersmith/Vestuport/Mirvish). A family’s life is turned upside down when their son transforms into a giant insect. Previews Jan 28-Feb 1. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

**Of Mice and Morro and Jasp by Heather Marie Annis and Amy Lee (U.N.I.T. Productions). The clown sisters take on John Steinbeck’s Depression-era tale of migrant workers seeking their dreams. Previews Jan 28. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 8, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Thu 1 pm, Sat 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, preview pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, morroandjasp.com.

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.

Ravenscroft by Don Nigro (Sterling Studio Theatre). A brilliant detective looks for the truth about a mysterious death and about himself in this dark comedy. Previews Jan 29. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 8, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20, preview $15. 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Scotland Road by Jeffrey Hatcher (Amicus Productions). A young woman in 19th-century clothing is found on an iceberg 75 years after the sinking of the Titanic in this psychodrama. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Feb 8) at 2 pm. $22, srs $20, stu $18. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-860-6176, amicusproductions.ca.

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.

**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.

And the Rest…

**360 Screenings: Love (360 Screenings). Immersive cinema experience combining a film screening with elements of theatre. Feb 7-8, Fri-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $40-$60. Secret Location, see website for details. 360screenings.com.

Ah So We Dance Harbourfront Centre presents a show by Kay-Ann Ward that recreates the story of today’s dancehall scene from Jamaica, Africa and beyond. Feb 8 at 9 pm. Free. Lakeside Terrace, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Arrabal Mirvish and BASE Entertainment present a dance-theatre show about the underground world of tango clubs in 1970s Argentina. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Apr 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $44-$84. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Best of the Second City presents classic and original sketch and improvisation. Mon 8 pm. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Broadway Magic (Windmill Theatre). The company presents a vocal review of 10 musicals that have radically changed Broadway. Feb 7-8 at 8 pm. $30. Unitarian Congregation Great Hall, 84 South Service Rd. 905-483-5702, windmilltheatre.com.

Celebrating Our Men in Dance Harbourfront NextSteps and dance Immersion present a showcase by artists of African descent, including Shawn Byfield, BaKari I Lindsay, Mafa Makhubalo, Sani Abu Mohammed and others as part of Black History Month celebrations. Feb 6-8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 1 pm. $25-$30, stu/srs $18-$20. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceimmersion.ca.

Cerulean Blue by Drew Hayden Taylor (Ryerson Theatre School). A blues band encounters various misfortunes in this comedy. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $tba. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

The Country Wife by William Wycherley (George Brown Theatre School). A politician is caught between private shame and public scandal in this social comedy. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm (and Feb 12). $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Dancenette Arabesque Academy presents multi-genre dance with Ariel Len, Gayatri, Karina Perez, Sarita, Working Girls, Zingari Dance Fusion and others. Feb 9 at 7 pm. $10-$15. 1 Gloucester, suite 107. dancenette.com.

Dib & Dob and The Journey Home by David S Craig & Robert Morgan (Theatre Direct/Roseneath Theatre). This family show features the comic adventures of two brothers lost in the woods. Feb 8 at 7 pm. $12. Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie. 416-537-4191 ext 224, theatredirect.ca.

The Dreamer Examines His Pillow by John Patrick Shanley (JR Theatre Company). A woman deals with her alcoholic father and an ex-boyfriend who seduced her sister. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. dreamer.brownpapertickets.com.

Firebrand by Alex Dault (Single Thread Theatre Company). This site-specific production looks at the final years of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20. Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. singlethread.ca.

Genesis & Other Stories by Rosamund Small (Aim for the Tangent Theatre). The story of Adam and Eve is reset in 1965 America and features slapstick, religious satire and backstage antics. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 and 9 pm. $10-$15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, totix.ca.

Globehead 2014: Prelims Bad Dog Theatre presents the annual shortform battle royale w/ the Sufferettes, Hawkins, Tony Ho and others. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 8, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $12, stu $10, pass $40. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

The Heel Vs Screwjob by Step Taylor (Code White Theatre). Two comical yet haunting one-act pieces are about infatuation, addiction, impulsiveness, regret and more. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 7 and 9:30 pm. $15, stu $10, Wed pwyc. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. codewhitetheatre@gmail.com.

Holodeck Follies The Dandies present sci fi-inspired improv w/ guests Ron Sparks & Scott McCrickard and sketch comedy from Two Weird Ladies. Feb 5 8 pm. $10. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. improvdandies.wordpress.com.

Labour by Eric and Ryan Welch (Coyote Collective). The Welch brothers use their experience of working in warehouses to explore the lives of burnt-out day labourers. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 9, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, coyotecollective.wordpress.com.

The Last Seven Steps Of Batholomew S. by Daniele Bartolini (Bata Shoe Museum). A mysterious voyager brings change to the places he visits and individuals he encounters. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 28, Fri 7 pm. $50. 327 Bloor W. 416-979-7799, batashoemuseum.ca.

Little Women by Jason Howland, Mindi Dickstein and Alan Knee (Scarborough Music Theatre). Four sisters grow up in Civil War-era America in this musical based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (Feb 22: 2 pm, no eve show). $27, stu/srs $22. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

Madeleine Robin Known As Roxane by Grace Smith (Theatre Double Take). A woman tells her side of a bizarre love triangle in this imagined sequel to Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 9, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. lemonTree Studio, 196 Spadina (lower unit). roxane.eventbrite.ca.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival (The Open Door East End Arts Collective). Hugh Cotton and Celia Lottridge share folk tales and traditional stories from England, Ireland and Russia. Feb 9 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.

QueerCab (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The monthly open-mic night for youth features music, spoken word, stand-up, drag and more. Jan 8 at 8 pm. Feb 5 at 8 pm. Mar 12 at 8 pm. Pwyc. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

The Radio Show Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion and Harbourfront World Stage present an original work about identity and communication that links the abrupt closing of an urban radio station with the effects of Alzheimer’s on a family. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $39. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Reveal Me Burlesque (Red Herring Burlesque). Virgin vixens and professional peelers put on a show. Jan 8, doors 8 pm. Feb 5, doors 8 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. aprofessionaldistraction.com.

Risky Business And Rebel Yells Dance Matters presents boundary-pushing works by Viv Moore, Julianne Chapple, Ming Hon, Hanna Kiel and members of ILLNANA DiverseCity Dance Company. Feb 8-9, Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $18, stu/srs $14, ltd pwyc Sun at the door. Pia Bouman Studio, 6 Noble. dancematters.ca/tix.

A Soldier’s Tale The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents a sneak preview of a dance-theatre work by Michael Greyeyes about the aftermath of war. Feb 6 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

Spring 2014 Mainstage RevueSecond City presents previews of its upcoming collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 28, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Sweet Charity: The Musical Adventures of a Girl Who Just Wants to be Loved by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields (UC Follies Theatre Company). A dancer seeks true love in 60s New York City. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 8, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat Feb 1 at 6 pm, Feb 8 at 2 and 8 pm. $25, stu/srs $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Swell Broad/The Homemaker by Brooke Banning/Laura Anne Harris (Convection Productions/Peanut Butter People). Harris directs a play about an unlikely rendezvous and performs her solo cabaret in this double bill. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 9, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $20, stu $15. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. brownpapertickets.com/event/546366.

**Tribes by Nina Raine (Theatrefront/Canadian Stage/Theatre Aquarius). A deaf man raised as part of the hearing world meets a young woman who’s gradually losing her hearing. Previews Feb 2-5, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Alborn (Down n’ Out Productions). A man reunites with his former professor, who is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 12, daily at 6 pm (no shows Feb 7-8), mat Sun 2 pm. $65 (Winterlicious dinner show), Sun pwyc (show only). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, campbellhousemuseum.ca.

Underground Alphabet Railroad by James Valitchka and Elle Reyes (Child and Teen Drama Program & Production Company). Kids from different countries befriend the children of slaves in their town in this play about the right to education. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 10, see website for times. $16, child $8. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. bit.ly/1i7DE7R.

What Noise is This: A Fundraiser (Writer’s Block Production). This funder for an upcoming production features a preview of the show, a DJ dance party and a raffle. Feb 4 at 7 pm. $10. Crawford, 718 College. facebook.com/events/1511657412391817.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.