Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of June 10th, 2019.
MoT is here with fabulous suggestions for the theatre-goer in you! Spring has finally arrived, and so has Toronto’s busiest theatre season. Our managing editor, Wayne has highlighted the shows he’s most excited about in red! Take a look at our list below and we guarantee you’ll find your next theatrical obsession!
Already Reviewed by MoT:
By Heart. Berkeley Street Theatre. by Tiago Rodrigues (Teatro Nacional D. Maria II/Canadian Stage/Théatre Français de Toronto). The playwright teaches a Shakespearean sonnet to 10 people from the audience in this solo show. May 30-Jun 2, Thu & Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, mat Sat 5 pm, Sun 2 pm. $49-$79.
The Full Light of Day. Bluma Appel Theatre. by Kim Collier (Electric Company Theatre). Film/theatre hybrid about the matriarch of a wealthy Canadian family dealing with her family’s corrupt legacy. Jun 7-13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. From $51. Co-presented with Luminato Festival.
KIRA, The Path / La Voie. Fleck Dance Theatre. Lua Shayenne Dance Company presents choreographer/composer Fara Tolno’s production featuring African dance, percussion, music and chants. Jun 6-9, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $35-$50. Presented as part of Luminato Festival.
Pomegranate. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. by Kye Marshall and Amanda Hale (Queer Pride 2019). Chamber opera about the endurance of love over time. Previews Jun 5, opens Jun 6 and runs to Jun 9, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30-$50, ltd pwyc.
And Everything Else:
As You Like It. Kew Gardens Park. by William Shakespeare (Bard in the Park). Lovers meet and mingle in an enchanted forest in this outdoor production. Opens Jun 10 and runs to Jun 15, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. Pwyc. Bard in the Park is celebrating 15 years of bringing theatre to Toronto’s East End with Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, an exploration of love, identity, and self-expression.
The Full Light of Day. Bluma Appel Theatre. by Kim Collier (Electric Company Theatre). Film/theatre hybrid about the matriarch of a wealthy Canadian family dealing with her family’s corrupt legacy. Jun 7-13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. From $51. Co-presented with Luminato Festival.
The Book of Mormon. Ed Mirvish Theatre. by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Mirvish). Two naive missionaries go to a volatile region in Uganda in this religious satire musical. Opens Jun 11 and runs to Jun 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat 2 pm. $35-$200.
Four Sisters. Theatre Centre. by Susanna Fournier (Paradigm Productions/Luminato). Time erodes as a family of women struggle to survive a plague and a shifting political landscape in the culmination of The Empire trilogy, a story that defies the past and howls for the future. June 11-16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $39 & up.
Gymnologize. Red Sandcastle Theatre. by Dan McPeake (Wilde Bunbury Theatre). Tale of seduction, love, lust and lies following a fateful meeting in a bar. Opens Jun 11 and runs to Jun 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$20.
Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools. Berkeley Street Theatre. by Evalyn Parry and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory (Luminato/Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Multimedia storytelling show in which Parry and Williamson Bathory grapple with and reclaim the sharp tools of art and tradition that have been handed down to them. June 12-16, Wed-Sun 7 pm, mat Sun 1 pm. $50 & up.
We’re Funny That Way Festival. Tarragon Theatre. We’re Funny That Way Foundation presents queer musicians, comics, burlesque performers & storytellers. Performers include drag queens Selena Vyle and Randy Roberts, trans comic Ian Harvie, band Guitar Queeroes and more. Festival runs Jun 12-15, $5-$50 pwyc. The Gayla Gala, supporting the ShiningMountains Two Spirit Renewal Project in Red Deer, Alberta, kicks off the fest Jun 12 at 7:30 pm ($300). The gala features Colin Mochrie & Deb McGrath, Jess Salomon, Jonathan Wilson, Eman El-Husseini and others.
Buddies Emerging Creators Unit Showcase. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Queer Pride 2019, in association with b current performing arts, presents new works by from Ophira Calof, Brock Hessel, Shohana Sharmin, and Jade Walker & Kasden Leo Indigo. Jun 12-14, Wed & Fri 8 pm. Pwyc.
Pivotal Moments. Al Green Theatre. PushPULL Dance Toronto presents 21 original numbers in a variety of dance styles about the highs and lows that life can throw our way. Opens Jun 12 and runs to Jun 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25, child 12 and under $15.
There is No Rainbow Without Rain. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Queer Pride 2019 presents a drag musical celebration of the emos, the goths, the not enoughs, the too much and the ones who believe wearing black is not only slimming, but also a way of life. Hosted by Chocolate Baby Daddy and Ms. Nookie Galore. Jun 12 at 8 pm. $10.
Obeah Opera. Fleck Dance Theatre. by Nicole Brooks (Asah Productions/Luminato). Rhythmic a cappella retelling of the Salem witch trials, from the perspective of the Caribbean slave women who experienced it. Jun 13-22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $36 & up.
Parodos Festival. Ryerson Studio Theatre. Ryerson University presents a multidisciplinary, multicultural and multi-generational summer festival with an emphasis on theatrical work that is fresh, entertaining and professional. There is a focus on pairing emerging artists with seasoned professionals. Jun 13-16, see website for schedule. $20.
The Lion King. Princess of Wales Theatre. by Tim Rice, Elton John, Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi (Mirvish). The circle of life returns to Toronto in this musical based on the Disney film. Opens Jun 13 and runs to Aug 4, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, mat Sat 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $99-$250.
Ghostbusters Nine-Nine. Tranzac. by Jeff Adams, Megan Kelly and Tom McGee (Players). Hapless cops at a new police division seek help with a haunting in this comedy. Opens Jun 13 and runs to Jun 22, Thu-Sat 8:30 pm (doors 7:30 pm). $15-$25. This is a 19+ event. Proceeds from our 2019 season will be donated to:The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, The Downie Wenjack Fund and Casey House. Thursday, June 20 is Pride night.
Kings And Classics: We Are Worthy. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Queer Pride 2019 presents a drag king and gender performance show. Jun 14 at 11 pm. $15-$20. In the Cabaret.
The Secret Garden: In Concert. Factory Theatre. by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman (Bryant Productions). An orphan explores the wonders of her crusty uncle’s estate in this re-imagining of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. June 14-15, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $35, stu/kids $25.
The Black Drum. Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Soulpepper & the Deaf Culture Centre present a signed music musical by Adam Pottle. The story of a young woman whose tattoos come alive is told by Deaf actors through physical theatre, signed music, projection and dance. Previews from Jun 15, opens Jun 20 and runs to Jun 29, see website for schedule. $25-$50.
How I Became Canadian. The Social Capital Theatre. Iris Gardet-Hadengue performs her solo show about emigrating to Canada from France. Jun 15 at 8 pm. $15.
Listings Primarily Based on NOW! Stage Listings