In this week’s selections for cheap theatre, the past comes to life in the here and now. From captured moments in time lifted from our city’s own rich history to classic tales (both biblical and fantastical) reawakened for a modern and eager audience. What was life like in the final years of Toronto’s first mayor? What happens when you take Adam and Eve and send them to middle America in the 60’s? Can a small cast recreate the zany world of Alice’s Wonderland? Stay tuned.

Alice In Wonderland: A Tale With No Porpoise by Katie Leamen (No Porpoise Productions). Six actors take on 25 characters in this absurd twist on the tale. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 16, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. noporpoiseproductions.com.

Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht (Humber College Theatre). A servant girl sacrifices everything to protect an abandoned child in this epic theatre work. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Feb 22). $15, stu/srs $10. Humber Arts & Media Studio, 300 Birmingham. 416-675-6622 ext 3080, humber.theatre@humber.ca.

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.

Simon Gauthier: Le vagabond céleste (Alliance Française). The tale of Pierrot the vagabond is told by Gauthier in French. Feb 12 at 7:30 pm. $10, stu/srs $5. 24 Spadina Rd. alliance-francaise.ca.