Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of June 25th, 2018
Toronto live theatre for the week of June 25th, 2018. It’s that time of year when Toronto’s vibrant theatre scene offers more by way of outdoor venues: enjoy some Shakespeare in the park, or some adventures on the open (lake Ontario) seas! Our Editor Samantha is on hand with a few of her top picks in red. Check them out below the cut:
Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:
Come From Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Mirvish). Newfoundlanders open their homes to stranded passengers following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Previews from Feb 13, opens Feb 18 and runs to Sep 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $69 and up. At The Royal Alexandra Theatre. Show Info.
The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe (Cameron Mackintosh). Super-sized staging of the iconic musical about love and obsession in 19th century Paris. Opens Jun 7 and runs to Jun 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. (see website for additional shows). $79-$220. At The Princess of Wales Theatre. Show Info.
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner. Returning to Toronto for a fourth time, Potted Potter The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff, takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 minutes. Opens Jun 13 and runs to Jul 8, Wed-Sun (and some Tuesdays), see website for schedule. $30-$100. At The CAA Theatre. Show Info.
And everything else:
Babel-o-drome. Collectif BUS123 and the Element choir present an immersive multimedia and multilingual walk in Wychwood Park. The series explores the relationship between language, identity and communication. Jun 29-Jul 1 at 9 pm. Free. At Artscape Wychwood Barns. Show Info.
Pirate Ship Adventure. Children’s interactive adventure theatre show aboard a 50-foot pirate ship that sails along the harbour. Kids get pirate names, dress in costumes & face paint and search for sunken treasure. May 5-Oct 8: May-June and Sep-Oct weekends, July & August daily, see website for schedule. $27. Show Info.
Canadian Stage Shakespeare In High Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Canadian Stage and the York University Dept of Theatre present the outdoor theatre in the park, now in its 36th season. The classic frolicking comedy is staged outdoors. Previews from Jun 29, opens Jul 13 and runs to Sep 2, Wed, Fri & Sun 8 pm. Pwyc, $25 adv reserved seating. At High Park. Show Info
What Is This? (WestBeth Entertainment). Actor/writer Simon Amstell performs his deeply personal comedic exploration of beauty, intimacy, freedom, sex and love. Jun 25 at 7 pm. $34. At The Berkeley Street Theatre. Show Info.
D’bi. Farewell Fundraiser Gala. Live performances, music, food and a dance party to celebrate the accomplishments and bid adieu to the Watah Theatre. Jun 26 at 7:30 pm. $30, adv $25. At The Theatre Centre. Show Info.
The Seat Next to the King. Launch of Steven Elliott Jackson published play with Jackson in conversation with director Tanisha Taitt and a play reading by Kwaku Okyere and Conor Ling. Jun 27 at 7 pm. Free. At Glad Day Bookshop. Show Info.
Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph (Theatre@Eastminster). The lives of a man and woman intersect between ages 8 and 38 in this bloody but sincere love story. Opens Jun 28 and runs to Jul 8, Jun 28-30 & Jul 6-7 at 7:30 pm, Jul 8 at 1:30 pm. $25, stu/srs $18. AUDIENCE ADVISORY: extremely strong language; partial nudity; adult content. At Eastminster United Church. Show Info.
Canadian Stage Shakespeare In High Park: Romeo And Juliet. Canadian Stage and the York University Dept of Theatre present the outdoor theatre in the park, now in its 36th season. The classic tragedy of star-crossed lovers is staged outdoors. Previews from Jun 28, opens Jul 12 and runs to Sep 1, Tue, Thu, Sat 8 pm. Pwyc, $25 adv reserved seating. At High Park. Show Info.
Wicked. by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman (Mirvish). The hit musical that gives a backstory to The Wizard Of Oz returns. Opens Jun 20 and runs to Aug 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm (see website for exceptions/more dates & times). $59-$209. At The Ed Mirvish Theatre. Show Info.
Two Birds One Stone. Natasha Greenblatt and Rimah Jabr present and perform their fictional documentary play, an exploration of the whistories of a Palestinian Muslim and a Jewish Canadian and the forces that push the women together. Previews Jun 21, opens Jun 22 and runs to Jun 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $5-$50 pwyc (no one turned away). At Tarragon Theatre. Show Info.
Treasure Island. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre presents an all-ages show based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson. Sing sea shanties and cheer on Jane Hawkins as she navigates her way through a wild and epic pirate adventure. Opens May 26 and runs to July 1, Sat & Sun 1:30 pm. $20. At Wychwood Theatre. Show Info.
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings.