Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of March 10th, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wishes he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT…

6 Essential Questions by Priscila Uppal (Factory Theatre). A woman reconnects with the mother who abandoned her 20 years before. Previews Mar 1-5, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $23-$45, mat pwyc. Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

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 May 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $44-$84. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

In Spirit by Tara Beagan (Native Earth Performing Arts/Panamerican Routes Festival). A native community struggles with a young girl’s disappearance and the society that failed her. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 16, Festival dates: Mar 4 at 11 am, Mar 7-8 at 7:30 pm, Mar 9 at 2:30 pm. Mar 11-16:, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. nativeearth.ca/inspirit.

**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. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

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, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Miller And His Wife (Puppetmongers). This puppet-play adaptation of two folk stories looks at power, bullying and trickery. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 15, Mar 6-8 and 14-15 at 7:30 pm, mats from Mar 8-15 Tue-Sat 2 pm. $20. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, puppetmongers.com.

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (The Chekhov Collective). Unrequited love, dreams, family feuds and devotion to art are part of this drama set in 1893 Russia. Previews Mar 6. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $tba. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

**Swan Lake The National Ballet of Canada presents James Kudelka’s choreography of the Tchaikovsky ballet. Opens Mar 8 and runs to Mar 16, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Mar 15). $25-$184. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

**The Wanderers by Kawa Ada (Cahoots Theatre Company). The war back home continues to fracture life for an Afghan-Canadian family. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Mar 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$37, Sun pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, cahoots.ca.

**Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Presentation House Theatre). A boy embarks on imaginary travels with animals in this adaptation of the iconic children’s book. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 30, see website for schedule. $15-$29. Young People’s Theatre, Studio, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

And the Rest…

American Idiot by Billie Joe Armstrong and Green Day (Mirvish). Three lifelong friends must choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia in this musical based on the Green Day album. Opens Mar 11 and runs to Mar 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm. $45-$120. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Backyardigans: Sea Deep In Adventure (Koba Entertainment). Characters from the TV show go underwater in this family musical. Mar 16 at 1 and 4 pm. $26-$36. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts. 905-306-6000, livingartscentre.ca.

Belle Gunness: The Black Widow Of LaPorte by Justin Cummings and Peter Grant Mackechnie (UC Follies Theatre Company). Based on a true story, this play looks at a woman who may have killed up to 40 people in 19th-century America. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 22 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Blackbird by Adam Rapp (Pinchback Productions). Two heroin addicts try to crawl out of the gutter on Christmas Eve in late-90s NYC. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 23, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Mar 16 at 1 pm. $10-$15. Hub 14, 14 Markham. blackbird.brownpapertickets.com.

The Carousel by Jennifer Tremblay (Nightwood Theatre). Driving along Quebec’s north shore, a woman enters a maze of memories as she travels to be with her dying mother. Previews Mar 11-12. Opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, Downstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, nightwoodtheatre.net.

Choreographic Works Ryerson Theatre School presents new works choreographed and performed by students. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 15, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $18, stu/srs $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller (Theatre & Performance Studies, UTSC). A small town is thrown into chaos with accusations of witchcraft in 1692 Massachusetts. Opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $10. stu/srs $8. U of T Scarborough Campus, Leigha Lee Brown Theatre, 1265 Military Trail. 416-208-2931, tc-utsc.eventbrite.com.

Dark Matter (Circlesnake Productions). Captain Marlow must retrieve the brutal Kurtz from a distant space colony in this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Apr 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc ($10 reserved). The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. circlesnake.com.

Departures & Arrivals: An Evening In Support Of Crossing Gibraltar (Cahoots Theatre Company). This gala to support the company’s outreach program for refugees and newcomers features music, stories and a performance of The Wanderers. Mar 11, doors 6 pm. $75. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, cahoots.ca.

Disney On Ice: Let’s Party! (Feld Entertainment). Mickey and Minnie Mouse celebrate with various other characters in this family ice show. Opens Mar 12 and runs to Mar 16, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Fri and Sun noon and 4 pm, Sat 11 am and 3 pm. $28-$93. Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. disneyonice.com.

Gavin Crawford – Sh**ting Rainbows Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents Crawford’s blend of stand-up and comedic monologue featuring impersonations, original characters and songs. Mar 10 8 pm. $20. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. torontosketchfest.com.

Les Improbables Supermarket presents a biweekly show with competitive improv en français. 7 pm. Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 11, Mar 25, Apr 8, Apr 22. $5. 268 Augusta. 416-840-0501, ligueimprotoronto@gmail.com.

The Irrelevant Show Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents a live taping of the CBC Radio show featuring Mark Meer, Jana O’Connor, Neil Grahn and others. Mar 12 7 pm. $39. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. torontosketchfest.com.

Jean-Marc Massie: Delirium Tremens (Alliance Française). The Quebecois storyteller performs in French. Mar 14 at 7:30 pm. $10, stu/srs $5. 24 Spadina Rd. alliance-francaise.ca.

The Kids In The Hall – Brain Candy Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents all five members on stage performing a live reading of the 1996 film plus the debut screening of the film’s original ending. Mar 11 8 pm. $39. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd. torontosketchfest.com.

A Life Beyond Doubt by Carol Libman (Tomorrow’s Eve Theatre). Characters from age 14 to 70 interact in this play that explores themes of life, loss and the power of memory. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 15, Wed-Mon 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$25, mat pwyc. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. 1-800-838-3006 ext 1, tomorrowseve.bpt.me.

Magic @ The Cage (Abracadabaret). Magicians, mind readers and mystery entertainers perform weekly magic and comedy. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Jun 29, Sun and Tue 7 pm. $15-$20. The Cage 292, Crimson Lounge, 292 College. 416-995-1736, abracadabaret.com/cage.

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.

Monster (Theatre P.O.V/Devised Theatre Festival). Drawing from the Brothers Grimm and Kafka, this play is about a fairy tale, a game and a young girl trying to make her parents happy. Mar 13-15, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12, stu $10. York University Accolade East Bldg, room 207, 4700 Keele. facebook.com/DevisedTheatreFestival.

New Directions In Indian Dance Kalanidhi Fine Arts and Harbourfront NextSteps present new trends in Indian dance through performances and symposia. Mar 13-16, Thu-Sun 7:30 pm. $23-$35. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

**New Ideas Festival (Alumnae Theatre). The annual showcase of new writing, works-in-progress and experimental theatre and staged readings. Opens Mar 12 and runs to Mar 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm, Sat readings at noon. $15, Sat readings pwyc, festival pass $40. Studio, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

New Jerusalem by David Ives (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A Jewish philosopher’s radical ideas threaten his community’s safety in 17th-century Amsterdam. Previews Mar 15-19, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30-$60. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Princess Polly And The World’s Smallest Ninja Second City presents an all-ages sketch revue. Opens Mar 10 and runs to Mar 16, Sun-Fri noon. $14, family 4-pack $45. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Producers (A Platinum Production). This showcase features classic burlesque performances by Two Dames Productions, Red Herring and Regina Dentata. Mar 13 at 9:30 pm. $10. 3030 Dundas West. 647-400-2621, aplatinumproduction@live.com.

Puppet Allsorts: The Spider Prince (Toronto Puppetry Collective). Arm’s Length Productions perform an all-ages puppet show. Mar 16 at 3 pm. $15. Metropolis Factory, 50 Edwin. puppetallsorts.com.

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.

Rain, Wind, Clouds And Lightning The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents Korean drumming and ribbon hat dance by Ensemble Jeng Yi. Mar 11 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

Sixteen Scandals Second City presents its spring revue about our unhealthy fascination with political train wrecks, media fiascos and red-carpet meltdowns. Mar 6-May 28, in previews, opens Mar 10, then runs Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Skule Nite 1T4 U of T Engineering Society presents an engineering musical and sketch comedy revue. Opens Mar 12 and runs to Mar 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $16-$20. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

T.O. Sketchfest Cabaret Series Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents troupes and members of the T.O. comedy community perform sketches based on a theme, judged by the audience. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 16, Thu-Sun 8:30 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. torontosketchfest.com.

T.O. Sketchfest @ Comedy Bar Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents Two Weird Ladies, Kaboom Hooray and Rulers of the Universe (8 pm). Fratwurst, the Birch Street Crooners and the Rocket Scientist (10 pm). Mar 13. $15, 4-show pass $50. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. torontosketchfest.com.

T.O. Sketchfest @ LOT Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents the Templeton Philharmonic and the National Theatre of the World (8 pm). Ladybusiness, Bitches Leave and She Said What (10 pm). Mar 13. $15, 4-show pass $50. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. torontosketchfest.com.

T.O. Sketchfest SiriusXM Sketch Off Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents a 12-troupe competition including Tony Ho, Vest of Friends, British Teeth, She Said What, Rulers of the Universe and Fratwurst. Opens Mar 12 8 pm. $15. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. torontosketchfest.com.

UK Comedy Double Bill (Red Sandcastle Theatre). Comedic plays from international Fringe festivals include Alex Dallas in Nymphomania and Matt Panesh in Love Hurts Actually. Mar 14-15, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.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 Vagina Monolgues Meets The F Word (360 Productions). Jennifer Phillips combines excerpts from Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues with excerpts from her play, The F Word, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 16, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $16-$26 (totix.ca). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, facebook.com/TheFWordProduction.

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.

The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan (Scarborough Players). A man fights to clear his son’s name after the boy is expelled from naval college. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

Play listings based on NOW stage listings.