It’s the last week of September – and the first week of October! Looking for some theatre to watch as the month switches? Here’s a list of shows playing in Toronto this week. Anything in red with two asterisks in front of it comes highly recommended by our Editor, Samantha.

 

Already Covered By MoT…

A Tender Thing by Ben Power (Soulpepper Theatre). An elderly Romeo and Juliet reminisce on their lives together in this re-working of Shakespeare’s text. Previews Aug 14-18. Opens Aug 19 and runs to Oct 1, see website for schedule. $29-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

American Buffalo by David Mamet (Unit 102 Actor’s Company). Three small-time hustlers try to achieve the American Dream through a poorly planned coin heist. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Oct 4, Sep 22-27 and 30, and Oct 1-4, all shows 8 pm. $20-$25, pwyc Sep 24 and 30 (unit102tix@gmail.com). Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.com.

**Aromas by Andrew Faiz (The Junes Company). A woman searching for her identity gains insight from an escort in a parallel realm in this drama. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Oct 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $23. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, aromastheplay.com.

**Bloody Family by Philip McKee and Tanja Jacobs (Theatre Centre). This adaptation of the ancient Greek tragedy The Oresteia looks at a family ripped apart by idealism. Previews Sep 26. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Oct 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$30. 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org.

**An Enemy Of The People by Henrik Ibsen (Tarragon Theatre). A doctor clashes with officials who want to cover up a public health risk to protect the economy. Previews Sep 16-23. Opens Sep 24 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$53. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Freda And Jem’s Best Of The Week by Lois Fine (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). This play about a lesbian couple and their kids looks at how queer culture approaches family issues. Previews Sep 13-17. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Oct 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Pwyc-$37. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Glenn by David Young (Soulpepper Theatre). Two versions of Bach’s Goldberg Variations frame this look at iconic Canadian artist Glenn Gould. Previews Aug 26-Sep 1. Opens Sep 2 and runs to Oct 4, see website for schedule. $29-$74, rush $5-$23.Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Hart House Theatre). Two bachelors’ lies catch up with them in this farcical satire. Opens Sep 19 and runs to Oct 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 4 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle.416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

**KURIOS – Cabinet Of Curiosities by Michel Laprise (Cirque du Soleil). The Seeker looks to his curio cabinet to give him access to a secret, invisible world in this show featuring acrobatics, music, dance and design. Opens Aug 28 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5 pm, mat Sat 4:30 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $60-$160, stu/srs/child from $50. Grand Chapiteau Tent, Port Lands, Commissioners at Cherry. cirquedusoleil.com/kurios. 

**Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker (Out of Joint/Mirvish). A lieutenant stages a play with a cast of convicts and marines on Britain’s new penal colony in 1789 Australia. Previews Sep 13-20. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman (Mirvish). The hit musical about the backstory of The Wizard Of Oz returns.Previews Sep 3. Opens Sep 4 and runs to Nov 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $36-$139. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria.416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

 

And the rest…

**Arsenic And Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring (Stage Centre Productions). A man discovers that his spinster aunts are serial killers in this black comedy. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Oct 11, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 5 and 11 at 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall.416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.

**Birth by Tom Arthur Davis (Pandemic Theatre). In a future society where people don’t age or die, the government must regulate childbirth. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 17, Wed-Fri 7:30 pm (and Oct 18). $25. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. uniiverse.com/pandemictheatre.

**The Book Of Mormon by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Mirvish). Two naive missionaries go to a volatile region in Uganda in this religious satire musical. Previews Sep 16. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $49-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Boy With Tape On His Face by Sam Wills (Mirvish/Seabright Productions). Wills performs a unique blend of comedy with no talking and drama without words. Runs in rep with Julie Madly Deeply as part of Best Of The Edinburgh Festival. Previews Oct 1. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Oct 19, see website for schedule. $25-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Escape From Happiness by George F Walker (Alumnae Theatre Company). A bizarre event in a dysfunctional family prompts an incident of brutality in this dark comedy. Opens Sep 26 and runs to Oct 11, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley.416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Explain Yourself 2.0: Compulsive Acts (Hardworkin’ Homosexuals). A launch party for a book about Sky Gilbert’s works includes a performance cabaret featuring Gilbert, Donnarama, Moynan King, Gavin Crawford and others. Sep 29 at 7:30 pm. $3. Club 120, 120 Church. club120.ca.

Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi (Canadian Opera Company). Falstaff’s life of pleasure comes crashing down when he attempts an ill-advised seduction scheme. Opens Oct 3 and runs to Nov 1, see website for schedule. $12-$339. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

The Fish Eyes Trilogy by Anita Majumdar (nightswimming). This funder for the company features snacks and Majumdar performing her dance-theatre trilogy about the lives of three young Canadian women. Oct 2 at 7 pm. $35. Dancemakers Studio, 9 Trinity. nightswimmingtheatre.com.

The Fun Palace Radio Variety Show (Small Wooden Shoe). Historical vaudevilles and revues are mashed up with radio and TV programs, contemporary theatre and podcasts in a show with actors, comics, musicians and storytellers. Oct 2-4, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 4 pm. $12. Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton. funpalace.ca.

The Garden Party by Vaclav Havel (Victoria College Drama Society). A young man tries to get a job by crashing a garden party in this absurd play staged outdoors. Oct 2-4, Thu-Sat 7 pm. $7, stu/srs $5. Victoria College Quad, 91 Charles W. uofttix.ca.

**Hold Mommy’s Cigarette (Shelley Marshall). Marshall performs her solo dark comedy about life, mental illness and survival. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 28, 8 pm every night. $20. The Full Bawdy Loft, 290 Carlaw, unit 202. 416-821-1754, holdmommyscigarette.com.

Julie Madly Deeply by Sarah-Louise Young (Mirvish/Seabright Productions). Young performs a musical solo tribute to Julie Andrews. Runs in rep with The Boy With Tape On His Face as part of Best Of The Edinburgh Festival. Previews Sep 30. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Oct 19, see website for schedule. $25-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Kiss & Cry Charleroi Danses and Canadian Stage This interdisciplinary show uses film, dance and words on a miniature set to look at what happens to those that disappear from our lives. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 5, Wed-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sun 1 pm. $30-$99. BlumaAppel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, canadianstage.com.

**Life, Death And The Blues by Raoul Bhaneja (Theatre PasseMuraille/Hope and Hell Theatre). This concert/theatre hybrid combines autobiography, interviews and live music to explore the power, passion and meaning of the blues. Previews Sep 25-28. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 19, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm (and Sep 30), mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $17-$38. Theatre PasseMuraille, 16 Ryerson.416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

The Little Mermaid Jr. by Alan Menken and Doug Wright (Lower Ossington Theatre). The Disney Broadway production is adapted for younger audiences. Opens Sep 20 and runs to Oct 5, Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2:30 pm. $30-$50. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Love Vs. Smut (Pressgang Theatre). This evening of storytelling features dating tales from Sam Mullins, Jill Welsh, Glyn Bowerman, Faisal Butt and Graham Isador. Oct 4 at 8 pm. $10. Handlebar, 159 Augusta.647-748-7433, facebook.com/pressgangtheatre.

The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (Obsidian Theatre/Shaw Festival).Dr Martin Luther King, Jr opens up to a young woman working at the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his murder. Previews Sep 27-30. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$35, Tue pwyc. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 416-531-1402, obsidiantheatre.com.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (Single Thread Theatre Company). The romantic comedy gets a site-specific staging at the historic house and gardens. Opens Sep 10 and runs to Sep 27, Wed-Sat 8 pm (no show Sep 17 and 24). $25. Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd. singlethread.ca.

Past Perfect by Michel Tremblay (Théâtre français de Toronto). A young woman pursues an epic love affair, but finds heartache. Performed in French with English surtitles for some shows. Previews Sep 24-25. Opens Sep 26 and runs to Oct 5, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $28-$57, Wed pwyc, Sat rush $20. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley.416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Peeler’s Playhouse (Dolly Berlin). Burlesque by Aviva the Mirage, DD Star, Sassy Ray and others, followed by a live band. Oct 4 doors 10 pm. $10. Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas W. dollyberlin.com.

The Princess & The Pea adapted by Derek Genova (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). Prince Tommy must choose between two princesses in this musical show for ages 3 to 10. Opens Oct 4 and runs to Oct 25, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm. $16. 4950 Yonge. 416-368-8031, solarstage.on.ca.

ProArteDanza Season 2014 HarbourfrontNextSteps Choreographies by Roberto Campanella, Guillaume Côté and others. Oct 1-4, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20-$40. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

QueerCab (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The monthly open-mic night for youth features music, spoken word, stand-up, drag and more. Oct 1 at 8 pm. Pwyc. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Rapid Eye Movement by Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley (Expect Theatre). Artists from the Emerging Inter-Arts Ensemble perform a dance-theatre piece as part of Nuit Blanche. Oct 4-5, Sat 7 pm to Sun 7 am. Free. ArtscapeYoungplace, 180 Shaw. expect.org.

Rebel Without A Cosmos The Second City presents its fall mainstage revue. Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$29, stu $16-$18. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

rehearsal/performance Ame Henderson presents live rehearsals as part of her residency at the AGO and in preparation for a Nuit Blanche event. Opens Aug 27 from 6 to 8 pm. Sep 10 from 6 to 8 pm. Sep 24 from 6 to 8 pm. Oct 2 from 6 to 8 pm. Free. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas W. 416-979-6648, ago.net/ame-henderson.

Rob Ford the Musical: Birth Of A Ford Nation by Brett McCaig and Anthony Bastianon (McCaig Regan Productions). The GTA mayor ruffles the ruling elite and goes on a journey from rock star to rehab to redemption. Previews Sep 16-17. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Sep 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35-$40. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst.416-504-9971, robfordthemusical.com.

Shakespeare-In-Hospitals Project Showcase (Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective).Cabaret-style show where artists share their material and experiences performing for patients.Oct 2-3, Thu-Fri 8 pm. $10. Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas E. 416-977-4667, facebook.com/events/703597069734684.

The Thing Between Us by Alison Lawrence (the mcguffin company). This comedic psychological drama looks at the relationship between two women over a lifetime. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Oct 19, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (no mat Oct 4). $30, srs $25, preview $20, mat pwyc. Theatre PasseMuraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson.416-504-7529, mcguffincompany.com.

True Stories Told Live (The Garrison). Laila Gomes, Heather Farrell, Olivia Rafferty and others tell personal stories in 10 minutes or less. Sep 29 at 7:30 pm. Free.1197 Dundas W. truestoriestoronto.com.

Twist & Shout (Famous People Players). Memories of Dick Clark, juke boxes, drive-in movies and early rock ‘n’ roll are part of this all-ages black-light theatre show. Opens Aug 25 and runs to Oct 25, see website for schedule. $40-$65. 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

**The Velveteen Rabbit Ballet Jörgen The Margery Williams children’s book is adapted as a story ballet for all ages. Choreography by Kathleen Rea. Oct 4-5, Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm. $16-$32. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-655-9090, balletjorgencanada.ca.

**We Walk Among You by the Ensemble (Artichoke Heart Collective). Desperate to save his son, a doctor performs experiments in an abandoned hospital and encounters an otherworldly creature. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Oct 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$25. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman.416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Whole Lucsculpture Live music and flamenco dance by Kiyo Asaoka. Oct 3 doors 7 pm. $20. Lucsculpture, 663 Greenwood.416-461-7936, lucsculpture.blogspot.com.

World Of Dance presents the international urban dance competition. Oct 4, from 3 to 11 pm. $30. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd. worldofdance.com/tour.

 

Play Listings based on NOW! Stage Listings