Five Shows Under $25 in Toronto this Week

The loose theme this week is parents and children: we’re all one or both of these things, and whether you’re royalty or a Millennial, there’s always something to relate to in shows that deal with the often tenuous relationship between family members. In case this doesn’t strike your fancy, however, we’ve also got a horror cabaret to keep things interesting, and a total no-brainer with some returning Fringe shows. Check ’em out under the cut!

Life is a Dream by Pedro Calderón de la Barca (Sad Ibsen Theatre). When an aging king reveals a secret son who’s been locked away since infancy, the prince must overcome his isolated upbringing and a murderous prophecy. Opens Jul 15 and runs to Jul 24, Fri-Sat 7pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Show Info.

I Live With Him Every Day or The Tragedy of David and Dave by Joshua Bainbridge (Rep 21 at Canadore College). Young people struggle in a fast-paced world in which parents are absent and friends make desperate efforts to fill the gap. Opens Jul 20 and runs to Jul 23, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. Pwyc donations to the Actors’ Fund of Canada. Show Info.

Rattled by Claire Holland (Brouillon Productions). Friendships between childless women and new moms are tested at a baby shower. Opens Jul 20 and runs to Jul 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat 2:30 pm. $20. In the ExtraSpace. Show Info.

Best of Fringe 2016. Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival presents encore performances of hit shows from the festival. Shows getting an encore staging: Blind To Happiness, Far Away, Peter vs Chris, Dance Animal: Toronto, Everything Else Is Sold Out, Bright Lights, Out, Like A Generation, Tonight’s Cancelled, Romeo & Juliet Chainsaw Massacre. July 13-27, see website for schedule. $17.75. Show Info.

Songs and Screams: A Cabaret of Horror. Nathaniel Bacon performs a gory musical show to benefit Dirty Bird Theatre with Elley-Ray, Melissa Azore and others. Jul 19 at 8 pm. $20. Second floor. Show Info.

Photo by Katherine Fogler Photography.