Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 4th, 2013. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wish he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.
Already Covered by MoT…
Dirty Butterfly by Debbie Tucker Green (Bound to Create Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). This drama explores voyeurism, power and guilt by confronting the collateral damage of domestic abuse and racial economic divide. Previews Oct 30-31. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 17, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, preview $15, Nov 10 pwyc. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. boundtocreate.com.
The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Tarragon Theatre/TheatreRUN). An anxious government clerk tries desperately to fit in with a grotesque society in this multidisciplinary adaptation of the novella. Previews Oct 15-22, Tue-Sat 8 pm. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
Evil Dead – The Musical by Christopher Bond, George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla and Melissa Morris (Starvox Entertainment/Jeffrey Latimer Entertainment). The musical based on the Evil Dead film franchise returns home for its 10th anniversary. Previews Oct 24-27, Thu-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm (and Oct 31), Sun 3 pm. No show Oct 30. $19.99-$79.99. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. evildeadthemusical.com.
Farther West by John Murrell (Soulpepper). A prostitute seeks independence from male control in 1800s western Canada. Previews Oct 11-16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 9, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
**Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Cameron Mackintosh/Mirvish). An ex-convict seeks redemption and dodges his nemesis in this musical based on the Victor Hugo novel. Previews Sep 27-Oct 8. Opens Oct 9 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for exceptions/extra shows). $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. mirvish.com.
The Nefarious Bed And Breakfast by DJ Sylvis (Monkeyman Productions). Heroes, evildoers and superpowers collide at a retired villain’s B&B in this comic book-inspired play. Previews Oct 25-26. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 9, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, monkeymanproductions.com.
The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). A librarian seeks a tryst but must dodge his wife in this trilogy where each play is viewed from a different part of the home. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Nov 16, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Savage In Limbo by John Patrick Shanley (Bob Kills Theatre). Five losers converge in a Bronx bar in this dark comedy. Opens Oct 22 and runs to Nov 7, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. savageintoronto.com.
**Sucker by Kat Sandler (Blood Sweat & Blood Collective). Various odd characters grieve in their own way in a small town crushed by a whimsical tragedy in this Halloween-themed play. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 9, Thu-Sat 8 pm (and Nov 6), Sun 2 pm (and Nov 9). $20, Oct 27 pwyc, Oct 31 $15 w/ costume. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. secureaseat.com.
We Can Be Heroes Second City presents a new collection of sketches, songs and improvisations inspired by the world around us. Indefinite run, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Where’s My Money? by John Patrick Shanley (Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). Two couples are haunted by their past, present and future in this semi-surrealist comedy about revenge. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Nov 9, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.
And the Rest…
Aladdin by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin (Disney Theatrical Productions/Mirvish). A young sultan attempts to get his hands on a magical oil lamp in this musical. Previews Nov 1-20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for more shows). $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
**Alligator Pie (Soulpepper). Adapted from the children’s poems of Dennis Lee, this family-friendly production celebrates imagination and invention. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Dec 1, see website for schedule. $23, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Angel In The Night by Joanna Halpert Kraus (Medina Theatre Ensemble). This drama about courage, compassion and heroism gets a staged reading as part of Holocaust Remembrance Week. Nov 4 at 7:30 pm. Free. Temple Sinai Congregation, 210 Wilson. medinatheatre.blogspot.ca.
ArtAttack! (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Shawn Hitchins hosts this funder for Buddies with silent and live art auctions and appearances by guest artists. Nov 7 at 7 pm. $25-$100. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
L’Atelier (The Studio) Théâtre français de Toronto presents a multimedia dance show for all ages by Québec’s La Compagnie Bouge de là. Nov 9 at 2 pm. $15-$25. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.
Belleville-Ville The Joy of Camping presents an improv soap opera about small-town Canada in the 70s w/ Becky Belton, Adam Bailey, Don Berns and others. Nov 7 9 pm. $10. Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton. facebook.com/TheJoyOfCamping.
Brainstorm: Magic, Suggestion & Psychology (Gabriello Pitman). Pitman performs an interactive show. Sep 14 at 10 pm. Oct 12 at 10 pm. Nov 9 at 10 pm. $12-$15. Black Swan, 154 Danforth. shows.gplive.me.
The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Nov 4 8 pm, Nov 11 8 pm. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Burlesque 101 (The Harlettes). This revue covers everything from classic to neo burlesque, with Charlie Quinn, Sassy Ray, Maria Juana and others. Nov 10 at 9 pm. $15-$25. Revival, 783 College. harlettesburlesque101-es2.eventbrite.ca.
The Company We Keep (Theatre 20). Juan Chioran and Carly Street host a cabaret of songs and scenes from movies. Nov 10 at 7 pm. $20. The Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria. theatre20.com.
D&D Live! Campaign 3: Epic Levels Bad Dog Theatre presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 13, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
Dancenette Arabesque Academy presents multi-genre experimentation with Obskurah, Nicole Pemberton, Whiskey Sour, Raqs Macabre and others. Nov 10 at 7 pm. $10-$15. 1 Gloucester, suite 107. dancenette.com.
Dani DaOrtiz (Abracadabaret). The magician from Spain performs. Nov 9 at 8 pm. $30. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood. abracadabaret.com.
Day Of The Dead Harbourfront Centre presents a cultural festival with dance by Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico and the Mexican Folkloric Dance Co, plus music, art, film and more. Nov 9-10, noon to 6 pm (see website for details). Free. 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Donors by Brandon Crone (safeword). A sperm donor meets his 18-year-old son, but then more kids surface in this drama/horror. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 17, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $18. Hub 14, 14 Markham. secureaseat.com/donors.
Eleven Accords Toronto Dance Theatre and Harbourfront NextSteps present Christopher House’s choreographic counterpoint to minimalist composer Steve Reich’s Music For 18 Musicians. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 9, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25-$40, stu/srs/mat $20-$34. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-967-1365, tdt.org.
Epic: A Night Of Storytelling (The Flying Beaver Pubaret). Jennifer Gee, Francis Brian Shaw, Brian Finch and Erin Rodgers perform. Nov 7 at 7:30 pm. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, brownpapertickets.com/event/502367.
Exmas by Debbie Deer (Nicole Pena). Seven exes from different backgrounds and sexual orientations learn that they are all connected at an epic Christmas dinner. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 24, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $18, Sun $10 or pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
Far Away by Caryl Churchill (Bad Dress Productions). Two young hatmakers talk of rebellion in hushed whispers on the factory floor. Previews Nov 7. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 10, Thu-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $25-$30. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. farawaytoronto.com.
A Fertile Imagination by Susan G Cole (The W.O.W. Project). This evening of queer women’s theatre features a reading of Cole’s play. Nov 4 at 8 pm. Pwyc. Videofag, 187 Augusta. facebook.com/wowprojecttoronto.
Fruit Fly: Do All Gay Men Become Their Mothers? by Leslie Jordan (CSI Consultancy/BE Salon). Leslie performs his solo show looking back on his relationship with his Southern Belle mom. Nov 8-9, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm. $57-$90 (Casey House benefit). Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
**The Gravitational Pull Of Bernice Trimble by Beth Graham (Factory Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). A woman with three adult children learns that she has early Alzheimer’s and seeks her daughter’s help to exit on her own terms. Previews Nov 2-6. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Nov 3 at 7 pm). $23-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde (George Brown Theatre School). A politician is caught between private shame and public scandal in this social comedy. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat (and Nov 13) at 1:30 pm. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.
In Conversation With Belarus Free Theatre (Derrick Chua/TPM). Onstage conversation with BFT co-founders and artistic directors Natalia Kaliada and Nicolai Khalezin. Nov 7 at 4 pm. Pwyc donation to BFT. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529.
L’Isola Disabitata by Joseph Haydn (Essential Opera). The opera about sisters on a deserted island is performed in Italian with on-screen translation. Nov 8 at 7:30 pm. $20. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton. essentialopera.com.
Journey’s End by RC Sherriff (The Empty Room). This drama tells the story of a group of Allied soldiers on the front lines in 1918 France. Previews Nov 7. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (no mat Nov 9). $20, stu/srs $15. The Artisan Factory, 116 Geary. journeysend.eventbrite.ca.
Last Dance (Sedina Fiati). Fiati performs her solo multidisciplinary cabaret about love, dance and acceptance. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 16, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $10-$12. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. lastdance2013.brownpapertickets.com.
Magic At The Winchester (Abracadabaret). James Alan hosts a weekly live magic show with guests. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Dec 29, Sun 7 pm. $15. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. abracadabaret.com.
**Moss Park by George F Walker (Green Thumb Theatre/Theatre Passe Muraille). A young couple with a baby struggle to make ends meet in this dark comedy. Previews Oct 31-Nov 2. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.
Playwrights Canada Press Fall Launch (PLCNP). NOW’s Jon Kaplan and Susan G Cole host a night of readings by Keith Barker, Joan Burrows, Linda Griffiths, Jordan Tannahill and Jenny Young & Gordon Bolan. Nov 4, doors 6:30 pm. Free. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. facebook.com/PLCNP.
El Portero De La Estacion Windsor by Julie Vincent (Festival of Images and Words). Teatro Norte – Sur performs a staged reading of the play about an Uruguayan man escaping to Canada after the 1973 coup. Nov 6 at 7 pm. $8, stu/srs $5. Glendon Campus, York Hall, 2275 Bayview. festivalofimagesandwords.ca.
A Report To An Academy by Franz Kafka (Novo’s Productions). An ape who has learned to act like a human describes his struggle for identity in this monologue about animal trafficking. Nov 5 at 7 pm. $22. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
Reveal Me (Red Herring Burlesque). Virgin vixens and professional peelers put on a show. Oct 2, doors 8 pm. Nov 6, doors 8 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. aprofessionaldistraction.com.
The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien (Lower Ossington Theatre). A newly engaged couple find a freaky castle in the classic rock musical. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Nov 10, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
Singular Sensation: A Music Theatre Open Mic (Jennifer Walls). Sing showtunes with a live band and see previews of upcoming works at this weekly show. Mon 10 pm Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.
Social Security by Andrew Bergman (Encore Entertainment). An artsy Manhattan couple must deal with the wife’s mother while other family dramas play out in this comedy. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $28-$29.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. encoreshows.com.
Swan Lake The National Ballet of Canada presents James Kudelka’s choreography of the Tchaikovsky ballet. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 17, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 14 and 16). $25-$244. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.
Taking Sides by Ronald Harwood (Stage Centre Productions/Chicken Coop Theatre). The conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic serves as a Nazi cultural asset but also uses his position to save hundreds of Jewish musicians from death camps. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 9, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 647-831-3980, stagecentreproductions.com.
Tango Fire: Flames Of Desire Show One Productions presents an Argentinian tango show featuring German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi. Nov 8-9, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $49-$109. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-622-2787, showoneproductions.ca.
Time Stand Still by Donald Margulies (Leroy Street Theatre). A journalist couple who are in sync when on dangerous assignments struggle in a more domestic environment. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20-$25. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. leroystreettheatre.com.
Tony Ho’s Peak Falls Bad Dog Theatre presents dark improvised mini-series about a small town with a demonic secret. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 13, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
The Trial of David Suzuki by Laurie Brown (Cape Farewell/Donnelly Law/ROM Contemporary Culture). The scientist is tried for libel for calling for an end to the use of fossil fuels in this live theatre and public engagement project. Nov 6 at 8 pm. $50, stu $35. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-5797, rom.on.ca.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). The romantic comedy begins with a shipwreck and ends with marriages, reunions and revenge. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 23 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.
The Valley by Joan MacLeod (Tarragon Theatre). A freshman drops out and returns home after a traumatic arrest in this drama about mental illness, parenting and law enforcement. Previews Nov 6-12. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Nov 16, 23, 30) at 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13, Nov 6 pwyc. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
Winners And Losers by Marcus Youssef and James Long (Crow’s Theatre/Canadian Stage/Theatre Replacement/Neworld Theatre). Youssef and Long perform a staged conversation and play a game that looks at the ruthless logic of capitalism and its impact on relationships. Previews Nov 10-13, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.
A Woman’s Work Dance Matters presents works that explore perceptions of women, featuring Kemi Contemporary Dance Projects, Elke Schroeder, Megan Nadain, Evolucidanse and Vanessa Jane Kimmons. Nov 9-10, Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $18, stu/srs $14. Pia Bouman Studio, 6 Noble. dancematters.ca/tix.
The Woman In Black by Stephen Mallatratt (Lower Ossington Theatre). An estate lawyer tries to exorcise demons from a case involving a mysterious widow in this ghost story. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Dec 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Nov 3-13). $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
**Listings based on NOW stage listings.