Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of April 7th, 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…

50 Shades! The Musical – The Original Parody (Marshall Cordell/Albert Samuels/Emily Dorezas). Women in a book club read the novel and share their interpretations in this original musical comedy. Previews Apr 1. Opens Apr 2 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$75. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com/1785.html.

**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.

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and copes with grown-up problems in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Apr 10 and runs to Jun 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**Cock by Mike Bartlett (Studio 180 Theatre). A man breaks up with his boyfriend and falls for a woman in this comedic drama about identity. Previews Apr 4-5. Opens Apr 6 and runs to Apr 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, Wed 1:30 pm (no mat Apr 6). $25-$35, ltd Sun pwyc. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-872-1212, studio180theatre.com.

Elegies: A Song Cycle (Acting Up Stage Company). This celebration of the life and music of William Finn with biographical and fictional elements. Previews Mar 21-23. Opens Mar 25 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30-$50. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-838-3006, actingupstage.com.

The Gigli Concert by Tom Murphy (Soulpepper). An unstable Irish millionaire hires an English self-help guru to teach him to sing like an opera star. Previews Mar 28-Apr 1. Opens Apr 2 and runs to May 16, see website for schedule. $29-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

**Minotaur by Kevin Dyer (Young People’s Theatre/Polka Theatre/Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre). A cryptic text message from his soldier dad sends a boy on a quest in this fusion of Greek mythology and modern themes. Previews Mar 24-26. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Apr 13, see website for schedule. $15-$24. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

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.

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, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

And the Rest…

Anthem: A Cabaret (Seren Brooke Lannon). Lannon performs her musical show with Chris Tsujiuchi. Apr 13 at 7 pm. $20. Alleycatz, 2409 Yonge. whatsyouranthem.brownpapertickets.com.

Arms And The Man by Bernard Shaw (Shaw Festival). A woman is caught between two men on opposite sides of the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War. Previews Apr 4-May 8. Opens May 9 and runs in rep to Oct 18. $35-$113, stu mats $24. Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest.com.

Bad Girls Of History (Blazing Bombshell Burlesque). Coco Framboise, Scarlett LaFlamme and others pay tribute to the spirit of burlesque and rebellious women. Apr 12 at 10 pm. $12-$15. Club 120, 120 Church. badgirlsofhistory.brownpapertickets.com.

Beatrice & Virgil by Yann Martel (Factory Theatre/Canada’s National Arts Centre). A novelist meets a taxidermist who wants to write a play in this drama about horrific truths unearthed through art. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (Sun preview at 7 pm) plus May 3 & 10. $30-$45, preview $23, mat pwyc at the door. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**Belleville by Amy Herzog (Company Theatre/Canadian Stage). An unexpected event leads to stark revelations in the lives of young Americans living a seemingly perfect life in Paris. Previews Apr 6-9, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Apr 10 and runs to May 4, 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.

Burn This by Lanford Wilson (Sterling Studio Theatre). A tragic accident brings a woman, her roommate and the deceased’s brother together to reconsider their lives. Opens Apr 10 and runs to Apr 20, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20. 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Business As Usual by Viktor Lukawski, Adam Paolozza and Nicolas Di Gaetano (ZOU Theatre Company/Independent Creators Cooperative). Success and excess take a once-successful corporation off the rails and into chaos. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Ralph + Lina and Death Married My Daughter). $23, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Cabaret by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Shaw Festival). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Previews Apr 10-May 9. Opens May 10 and runs in rep to Oct 26. $35-$113, stu mats $24. Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade. 1-800-511-7429, shawfest.com.

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

Celebrate Resistance Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network presents a celebration of African and Indigenous resistance with Aztec Dance Group, music and martial arts. Apr 13 at 7 pm. $10-$12. Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas W. 416-588-0307, lacsn.weebly.com.

Convergence YMI Dancing presents new work by Julia Aplin, Mairead Filgate, Yuichiro Inoue, Liisa Smith and Pia Bouman. Apr 11-13, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $10-$15, Sun mat pwyc. Pia Bouman School for Ballet, Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. 416-532-8705, piaboumanschool.org.

D&D Live Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. 8 pm. Opens Feb 5, Opens Mar 5, Opens Apr 9, Opens May 7. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Dance Night 2014 Claude Watson Arts Program presents high school dancers performing works by Shawn Byfield, William Yong, Lisa Auguste, Anisa Tejpar and others. Apr 9 at 7 pm. $10. Earl Haig Secondary School, Cringan Hall, 100 Princess. 416-395-3824 ext 20139.

Death Married My Daughter by Danya Buonastella, Dean Gilmour, Nina Gilmour and Michele Smith (Play it Again Productions/Independent Creators Cooperative). A bouffon-inspired satire puts Man on trial when Ophelia and Desdemona are resurrected. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Ralph + Lina and Business As Usual). $23, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Dinner With Goebbels by Mark Leith (act2studio WORKS). This political satire features an imagined meeting of Joseph Goebbels, Karl Rove and Edward Bernays. Opens Apr 9 and runs to Apr 27, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (no shows Apr 18 & 20). $22. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. act2studio.ca.

Dora The Explorer Live: Dora’s Pirate Adventure (Lower Ossington Theatre). Dora and friends take a trip to Treasure Island in this kids’ show based on the animated TV series. Opens Apr 12 and runs to May 4, Sat-Sun 11 am and 1 pm. $29-$39. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Dreamplace & The Blackbox Memoir by Barbara Lorraine Laing (O Muse Plays for Parents Series). Live reading of the poetic monologue play in a casual, baby-friendly setting. Apr 7 at 1:30 pm. $10. Bebo Mia, 1 Munro. omuse.ca.

Elephant Empire Comedy Bar presents the sketch troupe w/ Hannah Spear, Andrew Gardner, Matt Lemche and Peter Stevens, performing fast-paced sketch and a one-act play. Mar 5-May 28, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $8. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Eros, Thanatos & The Avant-Garde The Eros Cabaret presents a music, dance, film, comedy and interdisciplinary performance. Apr 11 at 9 pm. $12-$15. Round Venue, upstairs, 152A Augusta. 416-451-6346, PedestrianThrashDC@hotmail.com.

Fat Pig by Neil LaBute (The LaBute Cycle). LaBute’s play questions how we value female beauty in modern society. Apr 13 at 2 pm. Pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. labute-cycle.com.

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

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Echo Productions). The classic horror story is newly adapted in this physical theatre piece. Apr 10-12, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $25. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. 416-538-1772, totix.ca.

Frozen by Bryony Lavery (EN(LIVE)N Productions). Three lives intertwine in an exploration of the human capacity for forgiveness, remorse and change. Previews Apr 1-4, Fri and Tue 8 pm. Opens Apr 5 and runs to Apr 20, Fri-Mon 8 pm (except Apr 20 at 2 pm). $25, Mon/previews pwyc ($20 adv). The Box Studio, rm 103, 89 Niagara. frozen.brownpapertickets.com.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (The American Place Theatre). This adaptation of Walls’s memoir recounts a precarious upbringing at the hands of her eccentric parents. Apr 10 at 8 pm. $28-$45. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts. 905-306-6000, livingartscentre.ca.

Hercules by George Frideric Handel (Canadian Opera Company). The Greek myth based on Sophocles’ tragedy is brought into the modern day. Opens Apr 5 and runs to Apr 27, Apr 5 at 4:30 pm, Apr 11, 15, 19 and 24 at 7:30 pm, Apr 27 at 2:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

I Send You This Cadmium Red (Art of Time Ensemble). Correspondences between artist John Berger and filmmaker John Christie are the basis of this multidisciplinary piece. Opens Apr 9 and runs to Apr 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $25-$59. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, artoftimeensemble.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, May 6, May 20, May 27, Jun 3. $5. 268 Augusta. 416-840-0501, ligueimprotoronto@gmail.com.

The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown (Big Benn Productions). Two 20-something New Yorkers spend five years falling in and out of love in this musical. Apr 10-19, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25-$30. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. thelastfiveyears.brownpapertickets.com.

The Last Man On Earth by the Ensemble (Keystone Theatre). The devil and his minion plot to corrupt the last trace of innocence on earth in this silent-film style play. Previews Apr 2. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, keystonetheatre.net.

Legacy by Rob Kempson (Harbourfront Centre HATCH). This interactive performance project brings three women over the age of 65 to the Twitterverse to consider how we might leave a lasting impression. Apr 12 at 2 and 8 pm. $12-$15. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com/hatch/legacy.

Lesbians Who Wear Lipstick: The Middle Ages by Marcy Rogers (The Flying Beaver Pubaret). Rogers presents a sequel to her 1989 show about a fearless young misfit who braves stone butches and orthodox feminists. Apr 12-13, Sat 9 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, pubaret.com.

Maggie’s Getting Married by Norm Foster (Nags Players). A woman makes a startling discovery on the eve of her sister’s wedding. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 12, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $12-$20. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.

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.

Nuts by Tom Topor (Scarborough Theatre Guild). An escort fights a psychiatrist’s ruling that she’s mentally unfit to stand trial for manslaughter. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 19, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Apr 13 & 19 at 2 pm (no eve show Apr 19). $20, stu/srs $17. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

Paprika Festival (Paprika Festival). This youth-led performing arts festival features new plays, workshop productions and full performances. Opens Apr 7 and runs to Apr 12, daily readings at 6 pm, performances at 7 and 9 pm, Cabaret Series at 10:30 pm. $5, some events free; festival pass $50. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. paprikafestival.com.

Persée The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents singers and dancers from Opera Atelier performing excerpts from Lully’s retelling of the classical myth of Perseus and Andromeda. Apr 8 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Pointe Master Class The National Ballet of Canada presents an open class for ballet students and spectators, led by Heather Ogden. Apr 13 from 11 am to 1 pm. $40 per class, $10 to watch (must pre-register). Walter Carsen Centre, 470 Queens Quay W. 416-345-9595.

Ralph + Lina by Michele Smith, Dan Watson and Christina Serra (Ahuri Theatre/Independent Creators Cooperative). Two Italian lovers struggle to stay together in the face of WWII, forced immigration and old age. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Death Married My Daughter and Business As Usual). $23, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil LaBute (The LaBute Cycle). LaBute’s play questions how we value female beauty in modern society. Opens Apr 8 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $17. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. labute-cycle.com.

The Renaissance Woman Boss Dance Company presents humanistic and artistic dance acts from a female perspective to challenge gender hierarchy and social norms. Apr 11-13, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, bossdancecompany.com.

Rent by Jonathan Larson (Lower Ossington Theatre). NYC artists struggle to make ends meet in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic in this musical. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Resurrection Journey: An Interactive Easter Experience (Shower Curtain Productions). The Easter story is presented by church and choir members of all ages. Apr 12 at 7:30 pm. $10, child $2 (food bank fundraiser). Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East. 416-694-4081.

Ring Around The Moon by Jean Anouilh (George Brown College Theatre School). Twin brothers, an heiress, a ballet dancer and others scheme and seek love in a French chateau. Opens Apr 9 and runs to Apr 19, see website for schedule. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams (George Brown College Theatre School). A reclusive widow is drawn out by a man who reminds her of her late Sicilian husband. Opens Apr 8 and runs to Apr 20, see website for schedule. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Sawah (Wanderer) Arabesque Dance Company & Orchestra and Harbourfront NextSteps present Middle Eastern dance and music about the weaving in and out of foreign influences in Arab culture. Apr 10-13, Thu-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $19-$39. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Shadows (Margo MacDonald). MacDonald’s play is based on the life of actor Eva LeGallienne, outed as a lesbian in 1930s New York City. Opens Apr 11 and runs to Apr 19, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20, stu $15. Videofag, 187 Augusta. videofag.com.

A Simple Man (TCB Productions). Tim Boyle tells a coming-of-age story through song. Apr 11-12, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Singular Sensation: A Music Theatre Open Mic (Jennifer Walls). Sing showtunes with a live band and see previews of upcoming works at this weekly show. Mar 17-Jun 30, Mon 10 pm. Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.

Soliciting Temptation by Erin Shields (Tarragon Theatre). A meeting for sex in a hotel room turns into a discussion on morality, economics and desire. Previews Apr 1-8. Opens Apr 9 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, previews $21-$25, rush $13. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Sound Of Music by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (Lower Ossington Theatre). An aspiring nun leaves the order to govern the children of an Austrian officer in this musical. Opens Apr 10 and runs to May 3, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 3:30 pm. $39-$69. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Spring Into Action Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie presents a performance of James Kudelka’s Alloneword with guest dancers, urban dance by Gadfly and more to raise funds for the Citadel. Apr 12 at 5 pm. $200. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. colemanlemieux.com.

Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque (Union Events/Travis Porter). The musical burlesque group performs a live show. Apr 11, doors 9 pm. $25-$75. Opera House, 735 Queen E. ticketfly.com.

Sunday Night Live The Sketchersons present a weekly sketch and live music show. Sun 9 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.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 Apr 8 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $20, stu $15. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. brownpapertickets.com/event/546366.

Tangled Kids Fest! Tangled Art + Disability presents entertainers from the disability community, including Propeller Dance, Lazylegz and singer Elizabeth Morris. Apr 9-10, Wed noon to 3 pm, Thu 9 am to noon. $5 sugg donation (pre-register katie@tangledarts.org). Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall, 585 Dundas E. tangledarts.org.

Tango Legends Sony Centre for the Performing Arts presents 14 dancers alongside live musicians celebrating the iconic Argentine dance. Apr 10 at 8 pm. $42.50-$72.50. 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, sonycentre.ca.

**Trudeau And The FLQ: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1963-1970 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret/Soulpepper). This history play looks at the Quebec separatist movement and Trudeau’s pirouette to power. Previews Mar 27-Apr 2, see website for schedule. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Fri and Mon 1 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$55. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, videocab.com.

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler (Aura Freedom/V-Day). Female monologists tell real women’s stories to raise awareness of violence against women. Apr 12, doors 7:30 pm. $15-$20. 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture & the Arts, 918 Bathurst. aurafreedom.org.

**Play listings based on NOW stage listings.