Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of November 23rd, 2015
There are tons of new shows this week, from fallen angels to fleeing lovers, feminist conquerors and fuzzy puppets. We’ve selected a few that we’re particularly excited about this week in red text. Here are the weekly picks:
Already Reviewed by Mooney on Theatre:
Old Jews Telling Jokes by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent (Playhouse Productions Inc). One-liners, double-entendres, songs, skits and comedy routines. Opens Oct 14 and runs to Dec 6, Wed-Thu 7 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $45-$65. Show Info.
Click-bait and Switch The Second City presents its Fall MainStage Revue featuring sketches, songs and improv. Indefinite run, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, late shows Fri-Sat 10:30 pm. $16-$35. Show Info.
The Trouble With Mr. Adams by Gord Rand (Tarragon Theatre). A high school volleyball coach falls in love with his star player in this dark comedy. Previews from Oct 20, opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and Sat mats at 2:30 pm on Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14). $28-$60, srs $45-$49, stu $29, rush $15. Tarragon ExtraSpace. Show Info.
We are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915. Theatre Centre presents the Obie Award-winning play by Jackie Sibblies Drury. A group of young actors come together to tell the little-known story of the first genocide of the 20th century. Previews Nov 3-4, opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 29, see website for times. $22-$30, preview $17. Show Info.
Heretic. Soup Can Theatre presents a theatrical retelling of the story of French warrior/martyr Joan of Arc, written and performed by Sarah Thorpe. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$22. TPM Backspace. Show Info.
Wormwood by Andrew Kushnir (Tarragon Theatre). A man travels to Ukraine to the elections following the Orange Revolution and falls for a local woman. Soon he finds himself becoming an unexpected player in the country’s fractured politics. Previews from Nov 11, opens Nov 18 and runs to Dec 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (select Sat mats at 2:30 pm on Nov 21, Nov 28, Dec 5; select Wed mats at 1:30 pm on Nov 25, Dec 2, Dec 9 and Dec 16). $28-$60, srs $45-$49, stu $29, rush $15. Tarragon MainSpace. Show Info.
Bombay Black by Anosh Irani (Factory Theatre). This drama explores the complex and brutal world of exotic dancing in Mumbai. Previews Nov 17-19, opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35, preview $25. Show Info.
Domesticated by Bruce Norris (Canadian Stage). A popular politician is discovered by police at the bedside of an injured prostitute. Nov 17-Dec 13. $TBA. Show Info.
Nirbhaya by Yaël Farber (Nightwood Theatre). Inspired by events on a Delhi bus in Dec 2012, this play presents a tapestry of personal testimonies that tear away the shame that keeps survivors of sexual abuse silent. Nov 18-29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$45. Show Info.
Fat Pig by Neil LaBute (Braveheart Productions). Friends criticize a man when he begins dating a plus-size woman. Opens Nov 18 and runs to Nov 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25. Show Info.
Seminar by Theresa Rebeck (Mirvish/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). Four aspiring young writers pay big bucks to be mentored and mocked by a cantankerous, once-celebrated novelist in this comedy. Nov 14-Dec 6, see website for details. Show Info.
And the Rest:
Fireworks Festival. Three full-length plays are presented in repertory along with playwright talks and roundtables. Divine Wrecks by Chloe Whitehorn (Nov 4-8); Cottage Radio by Taylor Marie Graham (Nov 11-15); and Radical by Charles Hayter (Nov 18-22). Opens Nov 4 and runs to Nov 28, see website for schedule. $15, Sun pwyc. Show Info.
Magic, Famous People Players black light theatre company presents an all-ages seasonal production. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Jan 2, see website for times. $40-$68 (includes lunch/dinner). Show Info.
The Stone Princess by Zoe Henderson (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). Two princesses are born as twins, but only one can be Queen in this fairy tale about sibling rivalry, stolen identities, magic and the importance of appreciating your own special gifts. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 29, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm. $16. Show Info.
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. Nov 12-Dec 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $50-$60. Show Info.
Armstrong’s War by Colleen Murphy (Canadian Rep Theatre). A young soldier recovering from injury is visited by a girl in a wheelchair looking to earn her service badge for Pathfinders. Previews from Nov 11, opens Nov 18 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $30-$35, previews $20, Sun pwyc. Show Info.
The Road to Paradise by Jonathan Garfinkel and Christopher Morris (Human Cargo/Crow’s Theatre). A child suicide bomber in Pakistan, a Canadian soldier in Kandahar, an Afghan immigrant in Toronto: three worlds collide in this play about love and loss in the time of war. Based on interviews, presented in English & Dari with English surtitles. Previews Nov 14-15 at 8 pm, opens Nov 17 and runs to Nov 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $32-$37, previews $20, Sun pwyc at the door. Show Info.
Fancy Nancy: The Musical by Susan DiLallo and Danny Abosch (Lower Ossington Theatre). Stage adaptation for families of the picture book Fancy Nancy And The Mermaid Ballet by author Jane O’Connor. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Jan 31, Sat 11 am, Sun 11 am & 1 pm. $25-$45, family packs $84-$124. Show Info.
Jacob Two-Two Meets The Hooded Fang by Mordecai Richler (Young People’s Theatre). A young boy struggles to be heard in this musical adaptation of Richler’s classic book. Opens Nov 16 and runs to Dec 20, see website for schedule. $10-$41. Show Info.
Julie by Philippe Boesmans and Luc Bondy (Canadian Stage/Soundstreams). Opera based on August Strindberg’s Miss Julie. Opens Nov 17 and runs to Nov 29, Thu & Sat 8 pm (and Nov 17), Nov 20 & 22 at 7 pm, mats Nov 25 and 29 at 1 pm. $24-$99. Show Info.
Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Starvox Entertainment). A heavy metal band sell their souls to the devil in exchange for success but soon realize that fame is no match for the Christmas spirit. Opens Nov 17 and runs to Jan 3, 2016, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, mats Sat-2 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $40-$100. Show Info.
Late Company. A Why Not Theatre presentation of a Surface/Underground production by Jordan Tannahill. A year after a tragedy, two couples sit down to dinner only to discover they are far from finding the closure they seek. Previews Nov 18, opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 29, see website for times. $22-$30, preview $17. Show Info.
Lion in the Streets by Judith Thompson (Theatre by Committee). The ghost of a child wanders around looking for her killer and witnessing the cruelty of her former neighbours. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat (and Nov 29) at 8 pm. $15-$20. Show Info.
Boys From the Burbs by Michal Grzejszczak (The Empty Room Collective). A group of kids follow their adolescent dreams hoping to escape a mundane life in the suburbs. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 28, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, srs/arts workers $15. Show Info.
Les Zinspirés puissance. (Théâtre français de Toronto). Five shows written by teens and reworked and performed by professionals will be presented in French with English surtitles. Nov 20-28: Nov 20 & 25 at 8 pm, Nov 28 at 3:30 pm. $18-$26. Show Info.
The Frog Princess by Suzanne Gauthier (act2studio Works). An evil villain’s thirst for power has a kingdom in chaos in this family-friendly holiday pantomime. Nov 21-23, Sat-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat-Mon 2 pm. $17-$20, child $10. Show Info.
Sex Tape Project. fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company presents a site-specific theatrical experiment, written by Adrienne Wong, Donald Woo and David Yee. This multi-location theatrical experiment explores themes of voyeurism, power and sexuality. Three 40-minute plays per night. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 6, Fri-Sun 7, 8 & 9 pm. $15 single play, $38 three-play pass. Show Info.
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage by Eleanor Bergstein (Mirvish). Musical based on the 80s movie. Opens Nov 24 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed & Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$180. Show Info.
Title and Deed by Will Eno (Nightfall Theatrics). An expat seeks connection and redemption in his new country in this meditation on life as a state of permanent exile. Opens Nov 24 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 & 7:30 pm. $24. Show Info.
Wingfield on Ice by Dan Needles (RHCPA). A businessman-turned-farmer deals with winter and town feuds in this solo comedy. Nov 24 at 8 pm. $45-$50. Show Info.
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball (FWWTSD). Five bridesmaids hide out in a bedroom, each with their own reasons for avoiding the wedding festivities, in this comedy. Opens Nov 24 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $25. Show Info.
John Milton’s Paradise Lost by Paul Van Dyck (Beyond the Mountain/Rabbit in a Hat). Van Dyck performs his solo adaptation with CGI projected characters, puppets and a rock and roll soundscape. Previews Nov 25, opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 6, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$25. Show Info.
The Castle by Howard Barker (Storefront Theatre). Male warriors come home to find the kingdom overrun by feminism in this play about gender, sexuality and religion. Nov 26-Dec 13, details TBA. Show Info.
The Dover Road by AA Milne (Stage Centre Productions). Lovers fleeing their marriages and seeking to elope are tested at the estate of an eccentric gentleman. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 5, Wed-Fri 8 pm (and Nov 28), mat Nov 29 and Dec 5 at 2 pm. $30, stu/srs $25. Show Info.
Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig (Alexander Showcase Theatre). A hapless understudy impersonates a famous tenor in this musical comedy. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 5, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $27, stu/srs $22. Show Info.
Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones (Irish Stage Company). Inhabitants of a small town in Ireland cope with the presence of a Hollywood film crew trying to film scenes of idyllic rural life in this tragicomedy. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Show Info.
About Me: Part I. Final presentations by senior students in the Solo Performance class of the Theatre & Performance Studies (TAPS) program at University of Toronto Scarborough. These autobiography-based presentations are developed by students over the course of the semester, culminating in two nights of solo performances. At Leigha Lee Browne Theatre. Nov 26-27 at 8 pm. Free and open to the public. RSVP at about-me.eventbrite.ca.
King Lear by William Shakespeare (The Watershed Shakespeare Festival Collective). The classic family tragedy is set in pre-confederation Upper Canada. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30. Show Info.
Spy School!: Mission Ridiculous. Written by Danny Wengle, Ken MacDougall, Brian Caws & the Cast, presented by Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre. James Bond and other secret agents go back to school in this interactive dinner-theatre show. Runs to Mar 26, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm (dinner from 6:30 pm), see website for other matinees & shows (no shows Dec 25-26). $45-$87. Show Info.
Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock (Koba Entertainment). Musical family theatre show based on the characters from the Nickelodeon TV series. Nov 28 at 1 and 4 pm. $34-$113. Show Info.
The Tarot Show. Unspoken Theatre Company presents a public reading and short play showcase. Nov 28-29 at 8 pm. $10. Plays to be presented: The Fall and The Cave by Nina Kaye; Sing For Your Supper by Natalie Kaye. Show Info.
The Super Fag Glitter Party 2. Burlesque & drag performances by Leelando Calrissian, Betty Quirk, Sevvy Skellington, Allysin Chains and Maximum Capacity, with host/DJ Bruce LaBruce. Nov 28 at 10 pm. $10. Show Info.
Peter Pan: The 20th Anniversary Family Musical Panto-Monium! (Ross Petty Productions). Petty makes his final appearance as the villain in the annual holiday musical panto production. Previews from Nov 27, opens Dec 3 and runs to Jan 3, 2016, see website for schedule. $27-$99. Show Info.
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings