Shows That Caught Our Eyes in Toronto the Week of August 24th, 2015
It’s the dog days of summer but there are plenty of great theatre options to choose from this week. We’ve highlighted those we’d most like to see in red text. Check it out below the cut!
Already Reviewed by Mooney on Theatre:
Kinky Boots. by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper (Mirvish). A man inherits a shoe company and teams up with a drag queen in this musical based on the 2005 film. Previews from Jun 16, opens Jun 28 and runs to Sep 27, see website for schedule and prices. Show Info
Newsies. Mirvish presents the Tony Award-winning musical by Alan Menken, Jack Feldman and Harvey Fierstein. A charismatic NYC newsboy leads a ragged band of youth in a strike against a greedy publishing titan in this musical inspired by the “Newsboy Strike” of 1899. Previews Jul 8, opens Jul 9 and runs to Aug 30, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Show Info
Shakespeare in High Park: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (Canadian Stage/York U MFA Program). The tale of ambition, lust and betrayal is performed outdoors on alternating nights with The Comedy Of Errors. Previews from Jul 2, opens Jul 16 and runs to Sep 6, see website for schedule. Pwyc ($25 reserved). Show Info
Shakespeare in High Park: Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare (Canadian Stage/York U MFA Program). With the most recent graduates of the York University-Canadian Stage MFA program, and one sparkling cast, here’s your opportunitiy to take in this summer tradition under the stars in the High Park Amphitheatre. Show Info
And the Rest:
African Women Acting Festival. This celebration of African cultural heritage includes performances by J Nichole Noel, Ruth Mathiang & Adam Solomon, Yusra K. Ali, Toronto Accolades, Mardliss Dancers, Sensa Ra Neb, Iju Vudu, and others, plus arts, crafts, food and more. Workshops in drumming & dance and head wrap. Aug 29, 11 am-8 pm. Free. Workshops $20, RSVP for admission. (In case of rain, event will move inside the Scarborough Civic Centre, in the rotunda.) 150 Borough Dr. Albert Campbell Sq. Show Info
Behind the Door by Marguerite Andersen (PAL Place Residents Association). Pam Hyatt stars in the short play about an actor reflecting on her past glories, age and consequent lack of roles. Aug 29 at 7:30 pm. Pwyc (proceeds benefit PPRA). In the Crest Theatre Green Room Performing Arts Lodges Toronto 110 The Esplanade
Buskerfest. This festival of music, dance and European street theatre features musicians, comedians, contortionists, fire jugglers, acrobats, clowns, daredevils, street food and more. Aug 27-30, see website for schedule. Admission by donation (supports Epilepsy Toronto). Yonge-Dundas Square 1 Dundas E, Show Info.
Jeffrey by Paul Rudnick (Capricorn 9 Productions). A gay actor/waiter swears off sex after too much drama, then meets the man of his dreams. Opens Aug 27 and runs to Sep 5, Thu-Fri 8 pm (and Aug 29), matinees Aug 30 and Sep 5 at 2 pm. $20. Red Sandcastle Theatre 922 Queen E Show Info
The Journey of a Brown Girl. Kapwa Collective presents a theatrical work created, produced and directed by artist/activist Jana Lynne Umipig. This experimental theatre storytelling show calls out and breaks down misrepresentations of Filipina women and reminds audiences of their true selves – powerful leaders, healers, visionaries, teachersand warriors of culture and communities. Aug 28-29 at 7:30 pm (doors 6:30 pm.. $15-$18 adv, $20 at the door. Visit Event Website
Keeper by Tanisha Taitt (Fine Wine Theatre). Two women are bonded and blistered by death, doubt and distance. Opens Aug 25 and runs to Aug 31, daily at 8 pm. $22, stu $18. Artscape Youngplace 180 Shaw Show Info
Mary Poppins by Richard Sherman, Robert Sherman and Julian Fellowes (LOT). This musical is based on the PL Travers book and the 1964 film. Previews from Jul 9, opens Jul 16 and runs to Aug 30, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $50-$60. Show Info
Macbeth: Walking the Shadows. Shakespeare in the Ruff presents a contemporary puppetry adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Previews from Aug 13, opens Aug 19 and runs to Aug 30, Wed-Mon 8 pm. Pwyc. Withrow Park 725 Logan, Show Info
Pressgang Storytelling Celebrates Four Years (Pressgang Theatre) On the back of a sold out run of Served at The Toronto Fringe, Pressgang Theatre will be celebrating our four year anniversary with a storytelling show. Featuring stories by: Rhiannon Archer, Faisal Butt, Helder Brum, Jillian Welsh, Glyn Bowerman, Jake Babad, and Ashley Ann Caggianello, Hosted by Graham Isador. Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. $10. Aug 25 7-30 pm Show Info
The Second City Fall 2015 Mainstage Revue. Previews of Second City’s latest sketch comedy revue. Preview performances begin July 14. Tickets starting at $25. Performances every Tuesday to Sunday. Official Opening in August (date tbd). Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm. $25, stu $16-$18. Show Info
Superhero! A Bam! Zap! Pow! Murder Mystery Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre presents an interactive dinner-theatre whodunit set at a superhero convention. Runs to Oct 31, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm (dinner from 6:30 pm), see website for mats. $37-$87. Show Info
Theatresports Bad Dog Theatre presents Toronto’s longest-running improv comedy contest. Two teams compete in an unscripted battle for the audience’s love. 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Early Match: up-and-coming improvisers perform ahead of the main event. 7 pm. $5. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor Show Info – –
Under the Big Top Famous People Players presents a black light theatre show for all ages about the magic of the circus. Opens Jun 26 and runs to Oct 28, Tue-Sat, call/see website for times. Show Info
Vampire Campfire A silly gang of ghouls spend summer at a remedial camp for monsters in this all-ages interactive music and sketch show. To Sep 3, Wed-Thu 1 pm. $14, family 4-pack $45. Show Info
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage listings.