We all have the occasional struggle in life, whether or not it’s actually something serious. The shows in this week’s Cheap Theatre listings all feature characters facing their own personal struggles, ranging from a trio of brothers seeking to regain their fortune, to a crazed fan coming to terms with a famous couple’s split, to queer performers questioning the nature of burlesque performance art. But hopefully you won’t struggle with the choice to go out and see some Cheap Theatre – tickets to each show are available for $20 or less! Check them out below.
Cockfight by Kat Sandler (Theatre Brouhaha/Red One Theatre Collective). Hoping to find their fortune, three brothers try to train a rooster to fight in this dark comedy. Opens Jun 12 and runs to Jun 29, Thu-Sun 8 pm (and Jun 25), mat Sat 2 pm. $20-$25. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.
The Ground From Which We Grow (Unapologetic Burlesque Showcase). Queer, consensual, anti-racist, unapologetic, not-your-average burlesque is performed for Pride week. Opens Jun 17 and runs to Jun 18, Tue-Wed 7 pm. $5-$25 sliding scale. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. unapologeticburlesque.weebly.com.
Just Me, You And The Silence by ADONG Lucy Judith (IFT Theatre/Obsidian/WorldPride Toronto/Queer Pride 2014). Reading of a play that looks at the anti-gay laws that have divided Uganda,followed by a panel discussion. Jun 22 at 7 pm. $10 adv, pwyc at the door (proceeds to Freedom and Roam Uganda). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Kate And Sam Are Not Breaking Up by Joel Kim Booster (Cue6 Productions). An obsessed fan plots to reunite two movie stars whose onscreen-to-offscreen romance has ended. Previews Jun 4-5. Opens Jun 6 and runs to Jun 21, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $20-$40. Fraser Studios, 76 Stafford. cue6.ca.
Prince Charming: Missing Person by Kelly Aija Zemnickis (Green with Envy Productions). A woman meets a man who is nothing like what she was promised in childhood storybooks. Opens Jun 22 and runs to Jun 29, Sun 7 pm. $20. Black Swan, 154 Danforth.416-839-8810, greenwithenvyproductions.ca.