Shows That Caught Our Eye This Week
Finish your January in style – go see some theatre! Here’s a list of all the shows that caught our eye that are playing in Toronto this week. Anything highlighted in red with two asterisks before it particularly caught the eye of our Founding Editor, Megan.
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/
**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/
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
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…
Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo (Soulpepper). An anarchist arrested after a bombing in Milan falls from the 4th floor of the police station in this satirical farce. Previews Jan 29-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 21, see website for times. $29.50-$89. Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, see website for other shows/exceptions/matinees. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://soulpepper.ca/
**The Carnegie Hall Show – The National Theatre of the World presents the improv variety show w/ Jessica Holmes, Christy Bruce, Rob Baker, James Gangl and others. Jan 28, 8 pm. $20, stu $10 at the door. Drake Hotel 1150 Queen W. thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com
**Corral’s Corral! A Kid’s Show For Adults – Corral Blue presents Drawprov w/ Tom MacKay, Lindsay Grant and Dan Hershfield, puppetry, songs and more. 8 pm. $10. The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth. http://corralblue.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/
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/
How Do I Love Thee? by Florence Gibson MacDonald (Canadian Rep Theatre). This play explores the role of addiction and artistic inspiration in the love story of poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. Previews Jan 31-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Feb 1, at 7 pm). $35-$40, previews $20, $15 rush Sun. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley. http://canadianrep.ca/
Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl (The Empty Room). A girl admired for her “beautiful sadness” becomes happy, disappointing her followers. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 8, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $20-$23, stu $15-$18, opening night pwyc (limited rush one hour before show). The Collective Space 221 Sterling, Unit 5. http://empty-room.com/
Murder at the Burlesque: Fembots & Ascots (The Social Capital/Red Herring Burlesque). This serial incorporates burlesque, improvised comedy and the spy world of the 1960s. Jan 30 at 8 pm. $15. The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth. http://fembotsascotsmatb.eventbrite.ca
Ntu and Skwatta – DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps present a double bill by South African choreographer/dancer Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. Jan 29-31, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $19-$37. The program is comprised of two solos – NTU and Skwatta – choreographed and performed by Mantsoe, both embodying the limitless spirituality and realities of his South African homeland, brought to life through his forceful performance. Harbourfront Centre Theatre 231 Queens Quay W. http://www.danceworks.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/
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/
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/
**The Spoke: What The Cat Dragged In, And Other Animal Tales – Outside the March Theatre Company presents its monthly storytelling event with Alan Dilworth, Stephanie Bitten, Alison Norwich, Sarah English and others. Hosted by Sebastien Heins and Amy Keating 8 pm. Pwyc (proceeds to Just Paws Animal Rescue). Videofag 187 Augusta, Jan. 26 @ 8pm. http://outsidethemarch.ca/
The Ties That Bind by James Ince (Our Souls). Ince performs his semi-autobiographical solo show about the facts and fictions society tells itself regarding mental illness. Previews Jan 27, opens Jan 28 and runs to Jan 31, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20-$30, mat pwyc at the door. In the TPM Backspace. Theatre Passe Muraille 16 Ryerson. http://artsboxoffice.ca/
True Stories Told Live – Storytelling show with Lesley Wood, Nadine Prada, Keira Loukes, Jessica Mahler and Rebecca Young. Jan 27 at 6:30 pm (doors 6:45 pm). Free. The Garrison 1197 Dundas W. facebook.com/events/714715298642526.
**Twisted by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre (b current/Factory Theatre). Ollie and Nance struggle to survive on the streets of Toronto in this modern re-imagining of Oliver Twist. Previews Jan 31-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Feb 1 at 7 pm). $23-$45. Factory Theatre 125 Bathurst. http://factorytheatre.ca/
W. Shakespeare’s “The Jedi Doth Return” (Redheaded Coffeshop Girl/Red One Theatre Collective). Staged reading of the Star Wars classic reimagined by William Shakespeare. Jan 26 at 8 pm. $15-$17. The Storefront Theatre955 Bloor W. http://eventbrite.ca/e/15305695748
Play Listings Based on NOW! Stage Listings