Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of February 24th, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Mike, our Editor, wishes he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT…

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.

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 Mar 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Cher menteur (Dear Liar: A Comedy of Letters) by Jerome Kilty (Théâtre français de Toronto). This comedy is based on letters exchanged between Mrs Patrick Campbell and George Bernard Shaw. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm and Mar 1 at 3:30 pm. $20-$48, Wed pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Forgiveness (Modern Times Stage Co./Dreamwalker Dance Productions/Bora Bora Dance & Visual Theatre/Don*Gnu/Laboratoriet). This dance-theatre production looks at one of life’s most elusive themes. Previews Feb 15-18. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Feb 22-23 at 2 pm. Pwyc-$35. The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. moderntimesstage.wordpress.com.

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.

Henderson/Castle: Voyager Toronto Dance Theatre presents a collaboration between choreographer Ame Henderson,musician Jennifer Castle and nine dancers. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $26, stu/srs $20, mat pwyc. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-967-1365, tdt.org.

** 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 Last Seven Steps of Bartholomew 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.

** 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.

** The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). Remount of the fall show. In this trilogy about a philandering husband, each play is viewed from a different part of the home. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Mar 8, plays run in rep, see website for schedule. $37-$74. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Mrs. Warren’s Profession by George Bernard Shaw (Sterling Studio Theatre). A young woman learns that her mother is a brothel owner in this play about sex, money and morality. Previews Feb 18. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Feb 23 at 2 pm. $20, preview $15. 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Same Same But Different by Anita Majumdar (Theatre Passe Muraille/Alberta Theatre Projects). Two intersecting stories about a Bollywood starlet and her mother look at Indian cinema and clashing cultures. Previews Feb 14-17, Fri-Sat and Mon 7:30 pm. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Mar 8, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

** Shrew by William Shakespeare (Red One Theatre Collective). The classic comedy is presented with puppetry, slapstick and vaudeville styling. LOCATION AND SHOWTIMES CHANGED DUE TO FLOODING, CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

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.

And the Rest…

6 Essential Questions by Priscila Uppal (Factory Theatre). A woman reconnects with the mother who abandoned her 30 years before. Previews Mar 1-5, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $23-$45, mat pwyc. Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Aboard the Orient Express (Soulpepper Salon Series). This concert travelogue takes a musical and narrative train ride through a Europe on the brink of war, circa 1939. Feb 25-26, Tue 7:30 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $23-$49. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Afterplay by Brian Friel (AfterPlay Collective). Chekhov characters Sonya from Uncle Vanya and Andrey from Three Sisters have a brief encounter in 1920s Moscow. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, campbellhousemuseum.ca.

Al Khaima Arabesque Dance presents 12 belly dance soloists performing in an Arabian tent. Mar 1 at 8 pm. $15-$20. 1 Gloucester, suite 107. 416-920-5593, arabesquedance.ca.

Antony & Cleopatra by William Shakespeare (St Genesius’ Drama Society/SMCSU). Sparks fly between the Egyptian queen and the Roman ruler in the classic tragedy. Feb 27-Mar 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12, stu/srs $10. St Michael’s College Brennan Hall, 81 St Mary. uofttix.ca.

Art by Yasmina Reza (Column 13 Actors Company). The purchase of an expensive modernist painting tests the limits of friendship. Previews Feb 26. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20, Feb 26-27 pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. 416-414-6745, secureaseat.com/art.

A Beautiful View by Daniel MacIvor (Volcano Theatre/BeMe Theatre). This play looks at the turbulent friendship between two women and the use of labels in relationships. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, Mar 4 pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, volcano.ca.

BeerProv: The Draft Jim Robinson presents up-and-coming improvisers competing in a series of elimination games. Jan 23 9:30 pm, Feb 27 9:30 pm. $12. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, beerprov.com.

Bejide (Toronto Psychoanalytic Society & Institute). Two women wrestle with what it means to protect someone they love in this drama about multiculturalism and ideals. Mar 1 at 7:30 pm. $75. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. torontopsychoanalysis.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.

Big Maggie by John B Keane (Toronto Irish Players). A newly widowed woman sets out to fulfill her dreams in 1960s rural Ireland. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18; opening night $40. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.com.

** The Boylympics (Go Play Producing/Egale Canada). Boylesque T.O. performs interpretive figure skating, podium prancing and more in a show to promote LGBT rights. Feb 28 at 10 pm. $22-$28. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor W. boylympics.eventbrite.ca.

Cosi Fan Tutte/Carmen by Mozart/Bizet (Toronto City Opera). The popular operas are performed in repertory. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Mar 2, see website for times. $28, srs $20, stu $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Dance Through Time The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents classical and contemporary ballet by Ballet Jörgen. Feb 25 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

** Dear Censor (Birdtown & Swanville). This short play about defending the written word is based on letters and lectures by Margaret Atwood, Rohinton Mistry and other authors. Feb 25 at 7:30 pm. Pwyc ($10 sugg). Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com/event/dear-censor.

The Foolish Cabaret (Foo Productions). This bimonthly cabaret for physical theatre artists features bouffon, clown and mime. Nov 4 at 8 pm. Feb 24 at 8 pm. Apr 21 at 8 pm. Jun 16 at 8 pm. $10. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. fooproductions.com.

Flowchart Amelia Ehrhardt presents a series of interdisciplinary performances by artists with a minimal yet intense approach to their subjects. Feb 27 at 8 pm. $10. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. ameliaehrhardt.com.

** Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) by Ann-Marie MacDonald (Hart House Theatre). A professor goes on a surreal journey to prove her theory about two Shakespeare plays. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 8 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Handle with Care by Jason Odell Williams (TEATRON Theatre). A woman confronts a courier company clerk about a missing package in this romantic comedy. Previews Feb 20 (1 pm). Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Thu 8 pm (and Feb 23), Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $26-$48, preview $19. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com.

Henderson/Castle: Voyager Toronto Dance Theatre presents a collaboration between choreographer Ame Henderson,musician Jennifer Castle and nine dancers. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $26, stu/srs $20, mat pwyc. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-967-1365, tdt.org.

HiM: Evolution HiM Promotions presents male athleticism and dance moves. Feb 26 at 8 pm. $30. The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. facebook.com/himpromotions.

Ibsen’s Ghost by JM Barrie (Theatre Inamorata). Fundraising workshop performance of the one-act satire on the possible fate of Hedda Gabler. Mar 2 at 4 and 7 pm. $15. Women’s Art Association, Dignam Gallery, 23 Prince Arthur. theatreinamorata.com.

Into the Abyss by Nina Kaye (Unspoken Theatre/Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies). Kaye’s historical drama set in 19th century Niagara Falls gets a reading. Feb 25 at 8 pm. Free. Glen Morris Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. unspokentheatrecompany.weebly.com.

Letters to Saint Rita by Michael Ripley (Theatre Rattlebag). This play examines the evolution of a romantic relationship over a period of 20 years. Opens Feb 25 and runs to Mar 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

Lungs by Duncan Macmillan (Tarragon Theatre). A man and a woman discuss the ethics of having a child in today’s world. Previews Feb 25-Mar 2. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13, Feb 25 pwyc. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Major Tom by Victoria Melody (Harbourfront World Stage). A woman finds herself entered in a beauty pageant after entering her dog in a competition. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $29. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor (The Village Players). Three Cape Breton sisters are reunited by a family crisis. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Mar 22, see website for schedule. $20, stu/srs $16. Bloor West Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702, villageplayers.net.

Marry Me a Little by Stephen Sondheim (Tarragon Theatre). Sondheim songs surround a dialogue-free plot about the relationship between two lonely New Yorkers. Previews Feb 26-Mar 2. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, previews $21-$25, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer. (V-Day Toronto). Monologues edited by Eve Ensler are read to benefit women’s charities and to demand an end to violence against women. Feb 28-Mar 2, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $15. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. mmrptoronto.eventbrite.ca.

Nude With Violin by Noel Coward (East Side Players). Secrets emerge at an artist’s funeral in this comedy. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

Older & Reckless – Edition 31: All Duets MOonhORsE Dance Theatre presents works by Yvonne Ng & Robert Glumbek, Michael Marye, Vivine Scarlett and others. Feb 28-Mar 2, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $22. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. 416-504-6429 ext 30, moonhorsedance.com.

Panamerican Routes/Rutas Panamericanas (Aluna Theatre). This festival of performing arts for human rights features works by Canadian and Latin American artists, including Mapa Teatro, Grupo Cultural Yuyachkani, Aluna Theatre, Native Earth and others. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 9, see website for schedule. $tba. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. alunatheatre.ca.

RAW: Awakening (RAW: Natural Born Artists). This showcase of emerging underground talent features performing art, visual art, music and more. Feb 27 at 7 pm. $20. Revival, 783 College. rawartists.org/toronto/awakening.

Rennie Harris PuremovementRoyal Conservatory of Music presents Harris’s trademark fusion of hip-hop, poetry and dance. Mar 1 at 8 pm. $35-$80. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208, performance.rcmusic.ca.

Romeo & Juliet Ballet Jörgen presents Shakespeare’s tale of love, anguish and revenge, choreographed by Bengt Jörgen. Feb 28-Mar 1, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $36-$76, stu/srs from $30. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

** Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare (African Students Association at U of T). The tale of star-crossed lovers is set in Africa in this adaptation. Feb 27-Mar 1, Thu-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 1 pm. $20, stu $15 (eventbrite.ca). Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. african.sa.utoronto.ca.

The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon (Meadowvale Music Theatre). An orphan makes a magical discovery in this adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Mar 1) at 2 pm. $28, stu/srs $26. Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo. encoreseries.ca.

Shakespeare Forgive Us, The Third Act We Happy Few Shakespearean Improv Company presents an improvised play in the style of the Bard w/ Jeff Clark and musical comedy by Ingrid Hansen. Opens Feb 27 8 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Spring 2014 Mainstage Revue Second 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.

Tap Works! Tap Dance Centre presents choreographies by David Cox, Kim Chalovich, Ryan Foley and others. Mar 1 at 4:30 pm. $28-$35. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts. 905-306-6000, livingartscentre.ca.

The Two Worlds of Charlie F. by Owen Sheers (Mirvish). This darkly comic play presents a soldier’s view of service, injury and recovery. Previews Feb 25. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $19-$79. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Uptown Abbey (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Trouble follows an English lord and his American wife in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Apr 5, Fri-Sat 8 pm, see website for full schedule. $40-$85. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

The Video Game Show Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents improv inspired by classic and current console games. 8 pm. Opens Feb 26, Opens Mar 26, Opens Apr 30, Opens May 28. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Watch Her/A Month in the Country The National Ballet of Canada presents an original work by Azure Barton and Frederick Ashton’s ballet based on the Turgenev play. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 2, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Thu and Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$184. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

Wheel of Improv Natasha Boomer presents the weekly non-competitive competitive games game-show. Tue 9:30 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.

WWI. (Re)Visions of the Aftermath by the Approaches to Theatre class (Theatre Glendon). This collaborative creation looks at World War I through the eyes of those involved. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 7 pm. $10, stu $5. 2275 Bayview. 416-487-6822, facebook.com/revisionsoftheww1aftermath.

**Play listings based on NOW stage listings.