Shows That Caught Our Eye This Week

Today is Blue Monday. Supposedly the most depressing day of the year – it’s Monday, which sucks, plus it’s already been a month since Christmas, and we’re a month away from Valentine’s Day. So what to do? How about getting out of the house and seeing some theatre! Here are our playlistings for the week. Anything highlighted in red with two asterisks before it comes highly recommended by our Editor, Mike.

Already Covered By MoT…

Alex in Wonderland (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). A boy follows a White Rabbit into a crazy world in this play for ages 3-10. Opens Jan 17 and runs to Feb 1, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm. $16. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre 4950 Yonge. http://solarstage.on.ca/

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. To Feb 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://lowerossingtontheatre.com/

The Heart of Robin Hood by David Farr (Mirvish). Robin and his crew steal from the rich and keep it for themselves until Marion steps up for the poor in this version of the tale. Previews Dec 23-Jan 6, 2015. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre 260 King W. http://mirvish.com/

Her2 by Maja Ardal (Nightwood Theatre). Seven women with breast cancer undergo a clinical trial of a new drug and express their hopes and fears. Previews Jan 13-14, opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$45, preview $25, Jan 20 pwyc.Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander.http://www.nightwoodtheatre.net/

**Hold Mommy’s Cigarette – Shelley Marshall performs her solo dark comedy about life, mental illness and survival. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Jan 31, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25. The Full Bawdy Loft 290 Carlaw, #202. http://holdmommyscigarette.com/

Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Hart House Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Jan 31, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 31 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. Hart House Theatre 7 Hart House Circle. uofttix.ca

**Lungs by Duncan Macmillan (Tarragon Theatre). A man and a woman discuss the ethics of having a child in today’s world. Opens Dec 31 runs to Jan 25, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $37-$52, rush $15. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman. http://tarragontheatre.com/.

The Meme-ing of Life – Remount of Second City’s 2013 sketch revue about the wins and epic fails of living on and off the digital highway. Mon Jan 19 and 26 at 8 pm, $18; and Fri Jan 30 at 7 pm, $30. Second City 51 Mercer. http://secondcity.com/

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.

**The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (Crows Theatre/Canadian Stage). Unrequited love, dreams, family feuds and devotion to art are part of this drama set in 1890s Russia. Previews Jan 11-14, opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 8, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. $22-$49.

Toronto, I Love You – BDT presents an unscripted, unconventional love letter to the city. Jan 21-31, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.com/

**Waiting Room by Diane Flacks (Tarragon Theatre). A doctor embarks on a medical experiment despite the objections of his colleagues while a couple wonder if the doctor has what it takes to save their child. Previews from Jan 6, opens Jan 14 and runs to Feb 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and some Sat). $29-$55, previews $23-$27. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman. http://tarragontheatre.com/

 

And the rest…

The Abandoned City (Victoria College Drama Society/Broadleaf Theatre). This original piece of devised theatre uses music, movement, puppetry and more to explore three distinct worlds – one floating, one adrift, and on burrowed. Jan 22-24, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $7, stu $5. In the Cat’s Eye Theatre. Goldring Student Centre 150 Charles W. http://uofttix.ca/

Ballet 360: An Evening of Contemporary Dance Ballet – Jörgen presents a showcase of contemporary choreographers. Jan 23-24 at 8 pm. $33-$80. Betty Oliphant Theatre 404 Jarvis. http://balletjorgen.ca/

Blood Relations by Sharon Pollock (Alumnae Theatre). This psychological journey looks at the real-life case of suspected axe murderer Lizzie Borden. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed $10, Sun pwyc. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley. http://alumnaetheatre.com/

Boom by Rick Miller (Kdoons/Wyrd Productions). Miller journeys through 25 years of turbulent history and portrays the world’s most influential politicians, activists and musicians. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Jan 21). $25-$79.Panasonic Theatre 651 Yonge. http://mirvish.com/

Don Giovanni by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). A womanizing nobleman meets his match in this classic opera. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 21, see website for schedule. $22-$424. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W. http://coc.ca/

Exit, Pursued By A Bear & Friends’ January Jamboree – Comedy variety show w/ Joel Buxton, Nacho Libras, Vest of Friends and others. Jan 22 8 pm. $5. The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth. http://facebook.com/events/846752225387365

Flesh and Other Fragments of Love (Une Vie Pour Deux) by Evelyne de la Chenelière (ESPACE GO/Théâtre français de Toronto). The discovery of a drowned body off the Irish coast leads a vacationing couple to examine their marriage. Presented in French with English surtitled performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $30-$48, Wed pwyc, Sat rush $20. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley. http://theatrefrancais.com/

Getting Hitched! An Engagement Party Directed By Alfred Hitchcock by Birgitte Solem and Brian Caws (MYDT). Dinner theatre comedy whodunit set in a world where the Bates Motel meets Mad Men. Previews to Jan 24, opens Jan 30 and runs to Mar 28, Fri-Sat dinner from 6:30 pm, show 8 pm. $81-$87, show only $45-$51. See website for info on other times/prices. Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre 2026 Yonge. http://mysteriouslyyours.com/

Ginger Nation (Shawn Hitchins). Hitchins performs his solo show about being a sperm donor to a lesbian couple. Jan 22-24, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 5 and 8 pm. $20. In the Cabaret. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://jointhegingernation.com/

**Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Unit 102 Actors Company/the Fresh Mint Project). The classic tragedy is presented in film noir style with suits, bourbon and fedoras. Previews Jan 21-22, opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, pwyc Jan 27 & Feb 3. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin. http://unit102theatrecompany.com/

I Love TOSKETCHFEST 2015 – T.O. Sketchfest celebrates its 10th anniversary with a fundraising party with comics, live music, prizes and more. Jan 21, 7-10 pm. $30. Steam Whistle Brewing 255 Bremner. http://torontosketchfest.com/

In Touch – 1976 & Recent Future Dancemakers presents the debut of a performance series by Dana Michel and Zoja Smutny. Jan 22-24, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25. Dancemakers Centre for Creation 9 Trinity. http://dancemakers.org/

The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca by Alden Nowlan and Walter Learning (Scarborough Players). Sherlock Holmes faces his arch rival, Dr James Moriarty, in this murder mystery. Opens Jan 9 and runs to Jan 24, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Scarborough Village Theatre 3600 Kingston Rd. http://theatrescarborough.com/

Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Jan 24, 2015, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 4 pm, Sat 2 pm (no shows Dec 25-26). $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://www.superstarmusical.ca/

Kemi Winter Gala – Dance performance of two collaborative works in this fundraiser for the company. Jan 19, 7 pm. $20, stu/srs $10. Winchester Street Theatre 80 Winchester. http://kemiprojects.ca/toronto-gala/

The Miser by Molière (WolfPAC). A greedy man’s children rebel against his wishes and seek to be with the ones they love. Jan 22-24 at 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. Luella Massey Studio Theatre 4 Glen Morris. http://uofttix.ca/

Oh What A Lovely War by Joan Littlewood, Theatre Workshop and Charles Chilton (Theatre @ York). Inspired by the stories of her own family, directing student Autumn Smith places the WWI-themed play in a factory setting. Previews Jan 18-19, opens Jan 20 and runs to Jan 24, Sun-Fri 7:30 pm, mat Wed and Fri 1 pm, Sat 2 pm. $7-$17. In the Joseph G Green Studio Theatre, Centre for Film and Theatre.York University 4700 Keele. http://theatre.finearts.yorku.ca/

Oklahoma! by Rodgers & Hammerstein (First Act Productions). High-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provide the background for a love story. Jan 21 to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $25. Papermill Theatre 67 Pottery. http://firstactproductions.ca/

The Other Place by Sharr White (Canadian Stage). A successful neurologist’s life seems to be falling apart, but things are not as they seem. Previews Jan 18-21, opens Jan 22 and runs to Feb 7, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Fri 7pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. $30-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre 27 Front E. http://canadianstage.com/

Panacea! by Gillian Bartolucci, Marshall Lorenzo, Nicky Nasrallah and Allana Reoch (Haggard B Productions). This comedy looks at the dark side of humanity and the mundanities of everyday existence. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $10. Fraser Studios 76 Stafford. http://brownpapertickets.com/event/1143406

Perfect Wedding by Robin Hawdon (Stage Centre Productions). A man awakens on his wedding day with a strange girl in his bed and his bride-to-be on the doorstep in this comedy. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 18 and 24 at 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. Fairview Library 35 Fairview Mall.http://www.stagecentreproductions.com/

Psycho B*tch From Hell by Marcy Rogers (Flying Beaver Pubaret). Rogers performs her latest solo show. Jan 23 at 9 pm. $10-$15. The Flying Beaver Pubaret 488 Parliament. http://pubaret.com/

Seussical the Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lower Ossington Theatre). This all-ages musical is based on the classic books of Dr. Seuss. Open Jan 10 and runs to Jan 25, Sat-Sun 11 am and Sun 1 pm. $30-$50. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://lowerossingtontheatre.com/

A Side of Dreams by Jani Lauzon (Paper Canoe Projects). A single mother discovers the spirit of the Dreamcatcher while searching for a cultural identity. Previews Jan 20, opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $10-$25. In the Aki Studio Theatre. Daniels Spectrum 585 Dundas E. http://papercanoeprojects.com/

Shen Yun Performing Arts – Classical Chinese theatrical dance and music inspired by myths and legends. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 25, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $60-$200. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 1 Front E. http://sonycentre.ca/

Small Axe by Andrew Kushnir (Project: Humanity/Theatre Centre). A queer white documentary theatre-maker learns a lot about himself while investigating homophobia in Jamaica. Previews Jan 17-20, opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 1. $25, stu/srs $22, previews $17 (Jan 18 benefit for Black CAP $40). Theatre Centre 1115 Queen W. http://theatrecentre.org/

Sonnets For An Old Century by José Rivera (Column 13 Actors Company). In a waiting room for the afterlife, souls have one chance to concisely relate the story of their lives. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. In the Backspace.Theatre Passe Muraille 16 Ryerson. http://artsboxoffice.ca/

A Steady Rain by Keith Huff (Paper Moon Productions). Two Chicago police officers find their lifelong friendship tested by a domestic disturbance call. Jan 22-25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$21.50. Sidemart Theatrical Grocery 1362 Queen E. http://papermoon.tixato.com/buy

Twelve Angry Jurors by Reginald Rose (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Jurors argue over the case of a young man accused of killing his father in a capital murder case. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. George Ignatieff Theatre 15 Devonshire Place. http://uofttix.ca/

Your Hood’s A Joke: Montreal Vs. Halifax – Toronto Comedy All-Stars presents a comedy turf war hosted by Danish Anwar w/ Jon Malanos, Faisal Butt and Ali Hassan vs Merv Hartlen, Dave Burke and Kyle Hickey. Jan 24 10 pm. $10. Comedy Bar 945 Bloor W. http://comedybar.ca/

 

Play listings based on NOW! stage listings