Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of October30th, 2017

Fall is in bloom, and so is Toronto’s theatre scene, from long-run major productions, to shirt-run indie shows. If you aren’t sure what to pick, our Assistant Editor Jess is here to help! Her most anticipated shows are highlighted (in red). Check them out below the cut:

Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:

Other Side of the Game. Cahoots Theatre and Obsidian Theatre present a documentary theatre work by Amanda Parris. Inspired by interviews conducted with individuals in Toronto and Halifax, this play explores the lives of Black women who support their men, their families and communities, even in the face of dire consequences. Previews from Oct 14, opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $37, stu/arts workers $25, previews $20. At Daniels Spectrum. Show Info.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Simon Stephens, adapted from the novel by Mark Haddon (The National Theatre/Mirvish). A 15-year old math genius on the autism spectrum comes under suspicion for the killing of his neighbour’s dog. Previews from Oct 10, opens Oct 15 and runs to Nov 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $38-$149. At The Princess of Wales Theatre. Show Info.

VOLTA by Bastien Alexandre (Cirque du Soleil). Theatrical spectacle about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail featuring music, dance, acrobatic arts and BMX bike stunts. Opens Sep 7 and runs to Nov 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm (and some Tuesdays), mat Sat 4:30 pm (and some Fridays), Sun 1:30 & 5 pm. $49-$300. At Big Top (Lakeshore/Cherry Street). Show Info.

Cloud by Daniel Pagett (Scapegoat Collective). This mutlidisciplinary production tells of humanity’s creation of a collective consciousness: an internet that can share thought and emotion files and tactile experience. The production explores themes of ownership, love, non-monogamy and the need to feel special. Opens Oct 20 and runs to Nov 5, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $30. At Artscape Sandbox. Show Info.

And everything else:

The Goat Or, Who Is Sylvia? Soulpepper Theatre Company presents the provocative play by Edward Albee. A married architect falls in love with a goat in this play about infidelity and taboos. Albee invites us to a contemporary Greek tragedy with his trademark subversive humour. Previews from Nov 1, opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 18, see website for schedule. $35-$95. At The Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Show Info.

Grease The Musical by Jim Jacob and Warren Casey (Irregular Entertainment). The original high-school musical set in the 1950s deals with themes of first love, friendship and themes of identity. Previews from Nov 1, opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 10, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $29-$159. At The Winter Garden Theatre. Show Info.

Matt and Ben by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers (Radioactive Ladybird Productions). This fast-paced buddy comedy follows Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (both portrayed by women) as they face a dilemma: the script for Good Will Hunting just fell from the sky – will anyone believe they wrote it? Nov 2-4, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15, at the door or via mattbento.bpt.me. #MattBenTO. At The Commons Space. Show Info.

Reflector. Theatre Gargantua celebrates its 25th Season with the premiere of a new work by Michael Spence. This multimedia work explores the power of image in our techno-connected world as it follows four people processing a soul-shattering photograph. Previews Nov 2, opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 18, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20-$28. At Theatre Passe Muraille. Show Info.

My Name is Asher Lev by Aaron Posner (Studio 180 Theatre/Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company). A young Jewish artist is torn between his Hasidic upbringing and his need to fulfill his creative promise. Previews from Nov 4, opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 26, Tue-Thu & Sat 8 pm, Nov 12 & 19 at 7 pm, mat Wed 1 pm (and Nov 23), Sun 2 pm. $TBA. At The Toronto Centre for the Arts. Show Info.

Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Scarborough Music Theatre). Eva Duarte rises from poverty to become the Argentine president’s wife in this musical. Previews, Nov 2, opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 18, Thu-Sat 8 pm (no evening show Nov 18), mat Nov 5, 12 and 18 at 2 pm. $30, preview $23. At The Scarborough Village Theatre. Show Info.

Coriolanus by William Shakespeare (Skipping Stones Theatre). Originally set in ancient Rome, the tragedy about a great military general who is unsuited for political office is reset in WWI Europe. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 4, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm. $20, arts worker $15. At Kensington Hall. Show Info.

Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells) by Rose Napoli (Nightwood Theatre/Crow’s Theatre). A feminist retake on a student/teacher relationship, wrestling with burgeoning sexuality and consent, literature and passion, right and wrong. Previews from Oct 25, opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 11, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $20-$25. Presented as part of The Consent Event, a play series and symposium navigating the minefield of modern sexuality. At The Streetcar Crowsnest. Show Info.

Musik für das Ende by Claude Vivier (Soundstreams). Staged production of the dramatic composition for 20 voices. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 3 pm. At The Streetcar Crowsnest. Show Info.

The Marriage of Figaro by WA Mozart (Opera Atelier). Mozart’s commedia dell’arte tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness in a world on the brink of revolution, sung in English. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 4: Oct 26, 28, 31 and Nov 3 at 7:30 pm, Oct 29 at 3 pm, Nov 4 at 4:30 pm. $39-$194. At The Elgin Theatre. Show Info.

Grab ‘Em By The Pussy, Or How To Stop Worrying & Love The Bomb by Rouvan Silogix (Theatre ARTaud/Filament Incubator). This surrealist Vaudeville farce draws from Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche and examines the rising populism/fascism around the world with circus feats and political comedy. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Nov 1). Pwyc from $15-$75. At Theatre Passe Muraille. Show Info.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (David Fox). David Fox presents and performs the poem about a journey on the high seas. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 5, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $15-$20. At Red Sandcastle Theatre. Show Info.

Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools by Evalyn Parry and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory (Theatre Passe Muraille/BIBT). A concert and conversation in which Parry and Williamson Bathory grapple with and reclaim the sharp tools of art and tradition that have been handed down to them. Previews Oct 24-25, opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Pwyc-$40. At Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Show Info.

The Valley. East Side Players presents a play by Joan MacLeod. Inspired by the 2007 Tasering death of Robert Dziekanski at the Vancouver airport, The Valley dramatizes the volatile relationship between law enforcement and people in the grip of mental illness. Opens Oct 20 and runs to Nov 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm.. $24, stu $15. At The Papermill Theatre. Show Info.

Thirteen Hands by Carol Shields (Alumnae Theatre). Four women, their daughters and granddaughters find connection through a weekly game of bridge. Opens Oct 20 and runs to Nov 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $25, (opening gala reception & show $50); Wed 2 for $25, Sun pwyc. At Alumnae Theatre. Show Info.

Legends of Horror. Host Dracula leads an immersive theatrical 1.5 km indoor/outdoor walk through the bowels of the historic castle to encounter classic horror figures. Opens Sep 29 and runs to Oct 31, daily every half hour from 7 pm-midnight. $40-$45. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. At Casa Loma. Show Info.

Curious George and the Golden Meatball. by John Kavanaugh and Jeremy Desmon (Lower Ossington Theatre). The mischievous monkey from kids’ books tries to help his chef friend win a cooking competition in this all-ages musical. Opens Oct 14 and runs to Nov 26, Sat 1 pm, Sun 11 am & 1 pm. $30-$40. At Lower Ossington Theatre. 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. Opens Sep 22 and runs to Nov 26, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 4 pm. $55-$65. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.

Dreamgirls by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger. (LOT). A Black female trio from Chicago become superstars in this musical based on the aspirations and successes of R&B acts of the 60s and 70s. Opens Sep 8 and runs to Nov 19, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 4 pm. $55-$75. At Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.

Bat out of Hell The Musical. Mirvish presents the rock ‘n’ roll musical by Jim Steinman (producers: David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl, Randy Lennox and Tony Smith). A young rebel falls in love with the daughter of a powerful man in a post-apocalyptic world in this rock ‘n’ roll musical. Previews from Oct 14, opens Oct 25 and runs to Dec 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $29-$139. At Ed Mirvish Theatre. Show Info.

Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings.