Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of April 21st, 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…

**Arrabal by Gustavo Santaolalla and John Weidman (Mirvish/BASE Entertainment). A young woman enters the underground world of tango clubs in volatile 1970s Argentina in this dance-theatre show. Previews Feb 4-12. Opens Feb 13 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.

**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 at 2 pm. $30-$45, preview $23, ltd pwyc Sun. 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.

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.

**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.

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.

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.

**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 30, Apr 5 at 4:30 pm, Apr 11, 15, 19, 24 and 30 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.

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, stu $18, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.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. 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.

 

And the Rest…

Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh (Precisely Peter Productions). The hostess from hell humiliates and dominates her guests at a dinner party in this satire on social climbers in 70s suburban England. Opens Apr 22 and runs to May 3, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $29.50, srs $25. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca.

Admissions by Tanisha Taitt (Teenage Graceland). A Grade 12 student makes a disturbing revelation while being tutored by her friend. Apr 24-27, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 & 7 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. Artscape Youngplace, Silver Studio, 180 Shaw. eventbrite.ca/o/teenage-graceland-6357147699.

The Ballad Of _____ B by Francisco-Fernando Granados (Harbourfront Centre HATCH). This performance installation explores the queerness of the imagination through experiences and language in exile. Apr 26 at 8 pm. $12-$15. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Bingo: The Musical by Michael Heitzman, Ilene Reid and David Holcenberg (Encore Entertainment). Love blossoms and friends reunite amidst the fierce competition at a bingo hall. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm (and May 4), mat Sun Apr 27 at 2 pm. $30-$32.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, encoreshows.com.

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward (The Village Players). The spirit of his first wife pesters a man and his new spouse in this comedy. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 17, see website for schedule. $20, stu/srs $16. Bloor West Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702, villageplayers.net.

Cold Comfort by Owen McCafferty (Fly on the Wall Theatre). A man returns to Belfast after 15 years to resolve issues with his dead father. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Near Studio, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, flyonthewalltheatre.ca.

Drunk Enough To Say I Love You by Caryl Churchill (Circlesnake Productions/The Playwright Project 2014). Two men are locked in a tense affair in this allegorical play about the seduction of Britain by the U.S. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

Easter by August Strindberg (Naught, a Theatre Company). The changing of the seasons unsettles a family consumed with pride and shame. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 3, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $18, stu $12. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. naughttheatre.wordpress.com.

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.

A God In Need Of Help by Sean Dixon (Tarragon Theatre). In 1606, four Catholics carrying a holy painting across the Alps are attacked by Protestant zealots and attribute their escape to divine intervention. Previews Apr 16-22. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 25, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun mats 2:30 pm (and Apr 26, May 3 and 10). $21-$53, 8 pm, Apr 26 pwyc, Fri-Sat rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Hänsel & Gretel by Englebert Humperdinck (Metro Youth Opera). The Brothers Grimm fairy tale gets an urban twist with emerging artists and children’s chorus in this opera. Apr 25-27, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $28, srs $23, youth $18.Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. metroyouthopera.ca.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell (Lower Ossington Theatre). In this musical comedy, an East German transgender musician moves to America to start a rock band and find love. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 10, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8 and 11 pm. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

In His Name by Robert Tsonos (The Canadian History Project). Frenchmen fight native warriors in the new colony of Ville Marie (Montreal) in 1660. Opens Apr 23 and runs to Apr 27, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Array Space, 155 Walnut. 416-993-7929, inhisname.eventbrite.ca.

The Last Confession by Roger Crane (Mirvish). This thriller explores the mystery shrouding the sudden death of Pope John Paul I in 1978. Previews Apr 19-26. Opens Apr 27 and runs to Jun 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no mat Apr 19). $35-$119. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Les Précieuses Ridicules by Molière (Théâtre français de Toronto). The French satirist takes aim at the extravagant ladies of the French bourgeoisie. Previews Apr 23-24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 10, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm, May 3 & 10 at 3:30 pm. $28-$57 Wed pwyc, ltd Sat rush $20; May 8 gala $125. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Mean Girls And Sharron’s Party (Sharron Matthews). Cabaret star Matthews performs to celebrate 10 years since appearing in Tina Fey’s film. Apr 25 at 9 pm. $20-$25. The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, brownpapertickets.com/event/631146.

The Memo by Václav Havel (Thought for Food). An employee goes on an absurd quest to decipher a message in a newly invented workplace language. Previews Apr 23-24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 10, Thu-Sun 7:30 pm. $25, preview $12.50. Unit 102, 376 Dufferin. thought4food.ca.

The Myth Of Europa (Toronto Masque Theatre). TMT explores the ancient Greek myth through a Baroque cantata by Michel Pignolet de Montéclair and a new work by James Rolfe and Steven Heighton. Apr 25-26, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $20-$45. Trinity St. Paul’s Church, 427 Bloor W. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com.

A Number by Caryl Churchill (Cart/Horse Theatre/The Playwright Project 2014). This physiological thriller looks at the relationship between fathers and sons. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

Of Human Bondage by Vern Thiessen (Soulpepper). W Somerset Maugham’s novel is adapted for the stage in a tale of loss, lust, obsession and the pursuit of beauty. Previews Apr 15-23. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 17, see website for schedule. $23-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

A One Night Stand With Shaw (Never Wrestle With Pigs). The emerging artist collective presents four short, lesser-known plays by George Bernard Shaw. Opens Apr 18 and runs to Apr 26, Thu-Mon 8 pm. $15, Mon $10. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. secureaseat.com.

Persee by Jean-Baptiste Lully (Opera Atelier). Perseus battles Medusa to rescue princess Andromeda in this retelling of the classical myth. Opens Apr 26 and runs to May 3, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $38-$166. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-622-2787, operaatelier.com.

Puppet Allsorts: Soli & Rob Sing With The Bug Buddies (Toronto Puppetry Collective). Alistair Ant Productions perform an all-ages puppet show. Apr 27 at 3 pm. $15. Metropolis Factory, 50 Edwin. puppetallsorts.com.

Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire (Alumnae Theatre Company). A couple searches for comfort after an accident turns their world upside-down. Opens Apr 11 and runs to Apr 26, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, pwyc Sun. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.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.

Roberto Devereux by Gaetano Donizetti (Canadian Opera Company). Jealousy and intrigue run through Queen Elizabeth’s court when her love interest falls for the Duchess of Nottingham. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 18, Apr 25, 29, May 3 and 15 at 7:30 pm, May 10 at 4:30 pm, May 18 at 2:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

The Roustabout Revue (Esther De Ville/Jaws). This vaudeville spectacular features circus arts, burlesque, mime, belly dance and more. Apr 24 at 8 pm. $15-$30. Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas W. 416-588-0307, lula.ca.

Shakesbeers Showdown (Spur-of-the-Moment-Shakespeare Collective). Shakespearean companies from across T.O. compete in improvised performances to prove who’s best at the Bard. Apr 25 at 9 pm. $10. May Cafe, 876 Dundas W. spurofthemomentshakespeare.weebly.com.

Shine Cabaret (Crowning Monkey). Comedy, poetry, music, dance and more with Candice Gregoris, Caroline Niklas, Morgan Joy and others. Apr 25-26, Fri-Sat at 8:10 pm. $15-$20. DANZoN Studio, 2480 Dundas W, suite 104. 647-701-0736.

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.

Three More Sleepless Nights by Caryl Churchill (Bad Joe/The Playwright Project 2014). This play looks at human relationships through the eyes of two ill-fated couples. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

Unemployment Unanimous – A 12-Step Program For Millennials (Project Boomerang). This collective creation looks at the work and life issues facing the generation born after 1980. Apr 25-26, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Mixed Company Theatre, 157 Carlton. 416-515-8080, projectboomerang.brownpapertickets.com.

Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill (Neoteny Theatre/The Playwright Project 2014). This dark comedy looks at how witch hunts affect communities and target old, poor and unconventional women. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks, Irving Berlin and Thomas Meehan (Curtain Call Players). The doctor’s grandson inherits the family castle and repeats the old experiments in this musical comedy based on the 1974 film. Opens Apr 17 and runs to Apr 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $26. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-703-6181, curtaincallplayers.com.

Play listings based on NOW stage listings.