Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of May 30th
May is drawing to a close, and with summer suddenly here, it’s time to open the doors to a whole slew of new theatre! With the Fringe Festival only a month away, this summer’s theatre season is starting off with promise with several new shows this week. This week it’s Megan’s turn at bat to highlight her most anticipated shows in red!
Already Reviewed by Mooney on Theatre:
The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín (Soulpepper Theatre). This solo play re-imagines the last days of Jesus as only a mother can. Opens May 6 and runs to Jun 18, see website for schedule. $25-$60. Show Info.
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon (Soulpepper Theatre). A neat freak and his sloppy roommate try to coexist in a small apartment in this comedy. May 5-Jun 11, see website for schedule. $32-$94. Show Info.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak (Mirvish). A man finds out he’s of aristocratic lineage and sets out to get rid of other heirs in this musical comedy set in Victorian England. Opens May 25 and runs to Jun 26, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Show Info.
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (LOT/Joseph Patrick Presents). A police detective seeks a murderer among seven strangers stranded in a guest house. Opens May 5 and runs to Jun 12, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 3:30 pm. $50-$60. Show Info.
Incident At Vichy by Arthur Miller (Soulpepper Theatre). Eight men await interrogation in a room in Vichy, France, in 1940. Previews from May 19, opens May 26 and runs to Jun 23, see website for schedule. $32-$94. Show Info.
Counting Sheep: A Guerrilla Folk Opera by Mark Marczyk and Marichka Marczyk (The Lemon Bucket Orkestra). This musical about the Maidan in Ukraine explores the politics of revolution and people yearning for change. Opens May 26 and runs to Jun 5, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 3 pm. $40, stu $25 (opening week only), limited $20 rush seats released 5 minutes prior to each performance (cash only). Show Info.
The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia? by Edward Albee (Leroy Street Theatre). A married architect falls in love with a goat in this play about societal taboos. Opens May 26 and runs to Jun 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20. Show Info.
Rocking Horse Winner by Anna Chatterton and Gareth Williams (Scottish Opera/Tapestry Opera). This modern adaptation of DH Lawrence’s short story explores the relationship between a young man with developmental challenges and his emotionally distant mother. Preview May 27, opens May 28 and runs to Jun 4, Tue, Thu-Sat 7 pm, Sun 4 pm. $36-$112, preview $25. Show Info.
Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross (Starvox Entertainment). In the 1950s, four young singers get a posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams in this musical revue. Opens May 17 and runs to Jun 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $40-$100. Show Info.
Body Politic. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and lemonTree creations present a play by Nick Green. This play looks at the legal, political and personal struggles surrounding one of Canada’s most important queer newspapers, published from 1971-87. Previews from May 21, opens May 26 and runs to Jun 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm (and Jun 4 & 11). Pwyc-$37. Show Info.
And the Rest:
Great Balls of Fire. Famous People Players presents a black light dinner theatre show featuring iconic rock n’ roll anthems. Opens Jan 15 and runs to May 31, see website for times. $40-$65 (includes lunch/dinner). Show Info.
The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein (Soulpepper Theatre). This comedy follows a woman from 1960s teen to 80s career woman while exploring feminism, friendship and social change. Previews from May 16, opens May 24 and runs to Jun 18, see website for schedule. $32-$94. Show Info.
Guy On Knees. Danny Adhim presents his solo comedy about a gay Guyanese immigrant turning 40 in Canada, told through stand-up, storytelling, music and poetry. Opens May 19 and runs to Jun 3, Thu 9 pm, May 27 & Jun 3 at 10 pm. $12. Show Info.
The Anniversary by Bill MacIlwraith (East Side Players). A widowed matriarch faces rebellion from her sons. Opens May 19 and runs to Jun 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $24, stu $17. Show Info.
Play Reading Week. Tarragon Theatre presents its annual celebration of plays-in-development featuring works by Erin Shields & Rob Baker, Cliff Cardinal, Jenna Harris, Philip McKee, David S Craig, Donald Woo, Rick Roberts and Step Taylor. Opens May 24 and runs to Jun 4, May 24-26 and May 31-Jun 4 at 8 pm. Free, no reservations taken, doors open at 7:30 pm so arrive early to grab a seat. Show Info.
Lemon by Andrew Markowiak (Filament Incubator). After courting a barren job market, a college grad opens a lemonade stand on her parents’ front lawn in this satire of a downtrodden economy. Previews May 25, opens May 26 and runs to Jun 5, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $15-$18. Show Info.
Instructions (To Any Future Socialist Government Wishing to Abolish Christmas) by Michael Mackenzie (Coal Mine Theatre). Set during the 2008 banking collapse, this play examines the shifting and suspect forces that drive the global financial system. Previews May 29, opens May 31 and runs to Jun 19, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm. $35, preview $20. Show Info.
A Bitter Shrew by Gillian English (The Theatre Elusive). English performs her new solo comedy show. May 29 and 31 at 8 pm. $10. Show Info.
The Indie 6ix Playwright’s Unit (The Storefront Theatre). New genre plays by Maggie Sulc, Fraser Elsdon, Natalie Frijia, Daniel Pagett, Amelia Sargisson and Rob Kempson. Opens May 30 and runs to Jun 4, Mon-Sat 8 pm. $10. Show Info.
Drag Queen Stole My Dress by Gillian English (The Theatre Elusive). This autobiographical solo show by English tells a story of love, loss, casino show girls, Aussies and a drag queen with kleptomania. May 30 at 10 pm. $10. Show Info.
Return to Grace (Mirvish). This theatrical tribute show looks at every phase of Elvis Presley’s career in concert. Opens May 31 and runs to Jun 12, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm. mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $30-$150. Show Info.
True Stories Told Live. Storytellers Faisal Butt, Rico Rodriguez, Tania Haas, Chris Gostling, Kevin Venus and host Marsha Shandur. 6:45 pm. $10, adv $8.50. Show Info.
You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner (The Civic Light-Opera Co). Musical based on the Charles M Schulz comic strip and its characters. Opens Jun 1 and runs to Jun 12, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (and Jun 11). $28. Show Info.
52 Pick-Up by TJ Dawe and Rita Bozie (The Howland Co). A mix of writing and improvisation is used in this intimate look at relationships told through a game of 52 Pick-up. Opens Jun 1 and runs to Jul 27, Wed 8 pm. $15-$20. Show Info.
Lemon by Andrew Markowiak (Filament Incubator). After courting a barren job market, a college grad opens a lemonade stand on her parents’ front lawn in this satire of a downtrodden economy. Previews May 25, opens May 26 and runs to Jun 5, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $15-$18. Show Info.
Inspirato Festival. Theatre InspiraTO presents performances of 10-minute plays by 24 local and international playwrights. Four themed shows of six play, with works by Barry McKinley, Elenna Stauffer, Angie Farrow, Keith Davidson, Marc Harpin, Julia Lederer, Dominik Loncar, Amanda Healey and others. Jun 2-11, see website for schedule. $25, festival pass $80. Show Info.
Adventures of a Supervet Tech by Sandra Lean-Leighton (Lilliput Productions). Find out what really goes on at your vet clinic in this solo show. Jun 2-3 at 7:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Show Info.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (LOT). This musical reinvents the Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. Opens Jun 2 and runs to Jun 26, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 3:30 pm. $50-$60. Show Info.
Rhinoceros. Adapted by Derek Prouse (Seven Siblings Theatre). A man resists conformity as citizens of his town turn into rhinos in this adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist play. Jun 2-5, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $15-$20. Show Info.
Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare (Bard in the Park). The play about love, loyalty and empowered women is set in the 1970s in this outdoor show. Jun 2-3 at 7 pm. Show Info.
Madam Mao. Collectively created by Paul Thompson, Janet Lo, Samantha Wan and Severn Thompson (Azure River). This play looks at the story of Jiang Qing, wife of Chairman Mao, and her role in China’s Cultural Revolution. Previews from Jun 2, opens Jun 4 and runs to Jun 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $32, stu/srs $26, Sun pwyc. In the Tarragon ExtraSpace. Show Info.
The Sword in the Schoolyard by Dean Burry (VIVA! Youth Singers). The legend of King Arthur is thrust into the modern world in this youth opera about the challenges of growing up. Jun 3-5, Fri-Sat 7 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Show Info.
Person of Interest. (Melody A. Johnson). Johnson reads from her monologue show about applying to volunteer at a local school only to learn through a police background check that she has a criminal record. Jun 4 at 8 pm. $10. Show Info.
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings