Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of February 18th, 2019.
MoT is here with fabulous suggestions for the theatre-goer in you! The cold weather has finally hit us, so stay warm (and entertained) by enjoying some of the best theatre Toronto has to offer. Assistant Editor Katee is here with her picks in red.
Already Reviewed by MoT:
Come From Away. Elgin Theatre. by Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Mirvish). Newfoundlanders open their homes to stranded passengers following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Continuing at the Elgin after an 11-month run at the Royal Alex: February 5 to June 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$169 (premium tickets also available).
Oslo. CAA Theatre. by JT Rogers (Studio 180/Mirvish). Drama about the back-channel talks that led to a historic 1993 peace agreement between the leaders of Israel and Palestine. Previews from Feb 9, opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 3, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm (note: no Wed matinee on Feb 13). $39-$99, stu $25.
Blood Tides. Fleck Dance Theatre. DanceWorks and Kaha:Wi Dance Theatre present a re-matriation to the house of humanity: the womb, the power of the feminine voice and body. Led by Santee Smith and an ensemble of Indigenous women, the piece highlights the retrieval of ancient women’s knowing and the restoration of rites of passage, song and dance of earthworld, underworld and cosmos. Feb 14-16 at 8 pm. $36-$42, srs $28, stu $15.
The Father. Coal Mine Theatre. Coal Mine Theatre presents a play by Florian Zeller (translated by Christopher Hampton). A daughter becomes caregiver to her demanding father who exists in his own lonely and frightening world in this deeply affecting look at the realities of living with Alzheimer’s and being cared for by loved ones who are becoming increasingly unrecognizable. Previews from Feb 3, opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 24, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $42.50, previews $25.
Canadian Rajah. Campbell House Museum. by David Carley (Canadian Rajah Collective). True story of Esca Brooke, heir of White Rajah of Sarawak (now Malaysia), who was exiled to Canada in 1864. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 17, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30.
And Everything Else:
Naked City Stories. The Social Capital Theatre. Stories of the terrible beauty and awful truth about the city of Toronto, with Megan Fahlenbock & Gare Joyce with guests. Feb 19 at 9 pm. $5.
New Magic Valley Fun Town. Tarragon Theatre. by Daniel MacIvor (Prairie Theatre Exchange/Tarragon). Two Cape Bretoners reunite after 25 years and revisit fun and uncomfortable memories. Previews from Feb 20, opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 31, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and some Sat) 2:30 pm. $22-$60. In the MainSpace.
Flowchart. Dancemakers. Series of multidisciplinary performances of converging practices and collaboration with Nikola Steer; Oliver Husain & Anni Spadafora; and Jasmyn Fyffe & Alicia Nauta. Feb 20-21 at 8 pm. $20 general, $15 for arts workers/underwaged. On sale online, with no service charges, until 3 pm the day of performance and then at the door – box office opens at 7:15 pm.
50/50. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre. 50/50 blends scripted drama with unscripted comedy. There are 8 scenes; in each scene a scripted actor is paired with an improvisor who has no prior knowledge of what the actor has rehearsed, making it up as they go along. This edition is co-produced with Black & Funny Toronto. 8 pm. $20, advance $15.
Opera Atelier: The Angel Speaks. Royal Ontario Museum. Opera Atelier concert melding Henry Purcell with baroque and contemporary dancing and a new commission by composer/violinist Edwin Huizinga, Feb 21 at 8 pm. $69.
Jukebox Hero the Musical. Ed Mirvish Theatre. Mirvish presents a coming-of-age saga by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, featuring the music of Foreigner. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Feb 24, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $TBA.
Pour. Theatre Centre. Native Earth Performing Arts and Civic Theatres Toronto present a contemporary dance work by Daina Ashbee, interpreted by Paige Culley. Feb 21-24, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35.50. Pour is a work that explores the vulnerability and strength of women, uncovering the layers of pain we absorb in our bodies as a result of societies that do not support them. * This performance includes nudity
Who we are in the dark. Bluma Appel Theatre. Canadian Stage and Peggy Baker Dance Projects present contemporary choreography by Baker featuring seven dancers and live music. Jeremy Gara and Sarah Neufeld of the rock band Arcade Fire are joined by seven dancers in this work that explores shifting identities, betrayals, secrets and intimacies played out in the dark. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Feb 24, Thu & Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. $51-$111.
Human Animals. East End Arts Space. ARC presents a play by Stef Smith. In a future dystopian overcrowded city, the animals are starting to rule the streets. Opens Feb 22 and runs to Mar 16, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm (no shows Mar 7-9). $5-$50 pwyc.
Shrek The Musical. Vaughan City Playhouse Theatre. by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori (Electric Moon Theatre Company). Musical based on the animated fairy-tale adventure film. Feb 22-24, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $22-$29.
Love Letters. Hope United Church. Merle Garbe presents the two-hander by AR Gurney. Two lovers communicate through letters from early childhood until the end of their lives. Feb 22-24, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15-$25.
The Princess Show. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The 40th Rhubarb Festival presents a show by Aaron Collier and Richie Wilcox of live art company HEIST. Follow the bearded sequinned wonder Princess Edward on her quest through a visually stunning fantasy world in this fully lip-synced, live-action-queer-anime-extravaganza. February 22 & 23 at 10 pm. Evening Passes $20.
Dance Matters— Series 2, Rebel Yells. Pia Bouman School for Ballet. Dance artists create work that is edgy, highly physical or unconventional. Featuring Elke Schroeder, Angela Blumberg, Rodney Diverlus, Mairéad Filgate and Mushtari Afroz. Feb 23-24, Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $14-$18. A post-show catered reception and cash bar takes place on Saturday and a moderated discussion takes place on Sunday.
Femme Noir. Mod Club. Femme Noir is a dance show celebrating some of music’s most influential Black female artists. In honour of Black History Month, Duality presents a bold new show showcasing concept-driven dance pieces, vivid imagery and stunning vocal performances. Feb 24 at 7 pm. $30.
Good Morning Viet Mom. Daniels Spectrum. by Franco Nguyen (Soaring Sky Collective/Cahoots Theatre). Nguyen performs his solo storytelling/stand-up show about visiting Vietnam and getting closer to his mother. Previews from Feb 16, opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$28, preview $15, Wed pwyc. In the Aki Studio.
Paolozzapedia. Theatre Passe Muraille. by Adam Paolozza (Bad New Days/TPM). Collage of Paolozza’s family stories, surreal images, Italian folk songs and scraps of memory from the old country. Previews from Feb 16, opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 3, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $5-$60.
Little Menace: Pinter Plays. Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Soulpepper Theatre presents a showcase of short works by Harold Pinter. Previews from Feb 16, opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 10, see website for schedule. $35 & up.
Mules. (Theatrefront/Hit & Myth). Two women are in a life-and-death struggle in an airport washroom in this dark comedy about poverty, class and drug smuggling. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Mar 2, Mon-Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $22.60-$28.25, stu/srs/arts workers $16.95, Mon pwyc.
Listings Primarily Based on NOW! Stage Listings