Believe it or not, it’s December! And one other thing you may not believe is how many shows are popping up in the city! Check out what’s playing below. If it’s got two asterisks and highlighted in red, it’s highly recommended by our Acting Managing Editor, Mike.
Already Covered By MoT…
A Christmas Carol – by Charles Dickens (Soulpepper). Michael Shamata’s adaptation of the classic holiday ghost story gets a staging. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 27, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
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 Nov 6 and runs to Dec 14, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Studio, 100A Ossington.416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
**Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical – by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The he classic tale is adapted into a wacky holiday pantomime musical. Previews Nov 21-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, 2015, see website for schedule. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre 189 Yonge. http://www.rosspetty.com/
Fishskin Trousers by Elizabeth Kuti (Cart/Horse Theatre). Three tales from three eras in the fishing village of Orford in Suffolk are woven together in this storytelling play. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc.
James and the Giant Peach – by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Timothy Allen McDonald (Young People’s Theatre). An orphan finds adventures in a magical fruit in this musical based on the Roald Dahl book. Previews Nov 24-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $25-$45. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front E. http://youngpeoplestheatre.ca/
Kim’s Convenience – by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). The popular play about a Korean family in Regent Park struggling with their past returns to the stage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 28, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
Paulo and Daphne – by Ned Dickens (Theatreworks Productions). This contemporary take on Ovid’s story of Apollo and Daphne is about breaking the ties that bind, atonement and transformation. Previews Nov 19. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20-$25, stu $12.50, Tue pwyc. Pia Bouman School for Ballet 6 Noble. http://theatreworksproductions.com/
Rebel Without A Cosmos The Second City presents its fall mainstage revue. Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$29, stu $16-$18. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Sextet by Morris Panych (Tarragon Theatre). Stranded in a motel by weather, six musicians struggle to come to terms with their failing careers, failing marriages and unfulfilled desires. Previews Nov 5-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $23-$55, rush $15. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
The Stronger Variations – Conceived and directed by Allyson McMackon (Theatre Rusticle). This version of August Strindberg’s play about a wife meeting her husband’s mistress examines the nature of betrayal, desire and loyalty. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$37, Sun pwyc at the door. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander.
And the rest…
Arabesque Holiday Season Gala – Hundreds of dance, drum and music students and professional company dancers perform in this belly dance showcase. Dec 6 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Estonian House 958 Broadview. http://arabesquedance.ca/
**Arcadia by Tom Stoppard (Mirvish/Shaw Festival). The past and present collide when scholars living in an English country house learn about the people who lived there in 1809. Previews Nov 4-8. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
A Christmas Carol – by Charles Dickens (Alexander Showcase Theatre). The classic holiday tale is staged in the style of a 1940s radio play. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 7, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$27, opening night gala $70. Papermill Theatre 67 Pottery. http://alexandershowcasetheatre.com/
Ballet 360 – Ballet Jörgen presents contemporary and classical ballet featuring highlights from the company’s repertoire. Dec 2. Noon – 1 pm. Free. In the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. 145 Queen W. http://coc.ca/
Bill Nye – The Science Guy blends education and comedy in this live stage show. Dec 4, Doors 8 pm, all ages. $39.50-$99.50. Queen Elizabeth Theatre 190 Princes’ Blvd. http://ticketfly.com/
Blackbird – by David Harrower (FilmBooth Productions). A man and woman meet again, 15 years after their relationship ended. Previews Dec 2, opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 11, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20-$25. In Gold Studio 107. Artscape Youngplace 180 Shaw. blackbird.alovestory@gmail.com
The Brown Bull of Cuailnge – by Neil Wechsler (The Room). Separated from their company and lost for an indefinite period, four Irish soldiers search for home. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, Tue pwyc. Sidemart Theatrical Grocery 1362 Queen E. http://thebrownbull.com/
The Christmas Rag Bad Cabaret on Roncy (Crowning Monkey). This evening features comedy, burlesque, and poetry with Dolly Berlin, Martha O’Neill, host Rachelle Elie and others. 8 pm. $20-$25. The Village Healing Centre 240 Roncesvalles. http://crowningmonkey.com/
**Curtains by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Randolph Academy). A musical theatre-loving cop is called in to solve an opening night murder in 1959 Boston. Opens Dec 2 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $22. Annex Theatre 730 Bathurst. http://randolphacademy.com/
Death In A Black Suit – by Maureen Jennings (Scarborough Theatre Guild). Actors rehearsing for a Murdoch mystery play must solve a murder while stranded at a cottage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 13, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Dec 7 and 13 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. http://theatrescarborough.com/GUILD_Death.html
The De Chardin Project by Adam Seybold (Theatre PasseMuraille). An exiled Jesuit priest crosses continents in search of knowledge and truth. Previews Nov 20-23. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Dec 14, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. Theatre PasseMuraille 16 Ryerson. $17-$38, mat pwyc at the door. http://passemuraille.on.ca/
Dogfight by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Holiff/Spetter) – Reading of the off-Broadway hit musical about three marauding marines. Dec 1-2 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Tranzac 292 Brunswick. http://brownpapertickets.com/event/938307
The Friendly Spike Theatre Review (Friendly Spike Band). The troupe launches a digital story book, telling the history of the Band from the viewpoint of its members. Dec 5 at 6 pm. Pwyc. In the Auditorium. May Robinson Building 20 West Lodge. friendlyspike@primus.ca
The Fun Palace Radio Variety Show – (Small Wooden Shoe). Historical vaudevilles and revues are mashed up with radio and TV programs, contemporary theatre and podcasts in a show with actors, comics, musicians and storytellers. Dec 4 at 8 pm. Pwyc. Double Double Land 209 Augusta. http://www.funpalace.ca/
Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Jan 24, 2015, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 4 pm, Sat 2 pm (no shows Dec 25-26). $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://www.superstarmusical.ca/
The Judy Garland Christmas Show (That Never Was) by David Church, Jim Webber and Joe Patrick (The Civic Light-Opera Co). Musical play in the style of a 50s holiday special that is part spoof, part tribute show. Opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 14, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Dec 13) at 2 pm. $28. http://musictheatretoronto.com/
The Good Thief – By Conor McPherson (Fly on the Wall Theatre). Workshop performance of the play about a man who becomes a fugitive after a routine job goes awry. Dec 7-8, Sun 2 pm, Mon 7:30 pm. Pwyc. Fionn MacCool’s 181 University. http://flyonthewalltheatre.ca/
Hansel & Gretel – (Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre). Siblings must find the gingerbread house without using their tech devices in this updated version of the fairy tale. Dec 3-7, Wed-Fri 10:30 am, Sat-Sun 2 pm (see website for more times). $15, kids $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre 922 Queen E. http://cowovermoon.ca/
Holidazed & Confused – The Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. $22. Nov 17-Jan 1, various days and times, see website. secondcity.com
Impulse 2014 – The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents students performing works by Darryl Tracy, Robert Desrosiers, Allen Kaeja and others. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Winchester Street Theatre 80 Winchester. http://schooloftdt.org/impulse-2014
Le Chat Botté by Charles Perrault (Théâtre français de Toronto). The fairy tale Puss In Boots is adapted as an all-ages musical comedy. Dec 6 at 11 am and 2 pm. $15-$25. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley. http://www.theatrefrancais.com/
Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Sterling Studio Theatre). Shakespeare meets Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut in this adaptation of the tragedy. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $15-$20. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin. http://www.sterlingstudiotheatre.com/
Mad About Munsch (George Brown College Theatre School). This family-friendly show is based on popular Robert Munsch stories. Nov 29 and Dec 6, 10:30 am & 1 pm. $20, srs $15, stu/kids $8. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane.
**The Pageant – Bad Dog Theatre presents improvised “sitcom” episodes about a family’s quest to discover the true meaning of the holidays. $12, stu $10. Previews Nov 28, opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 20, Fri 8 pm, Sat 9:30 pm, mat Dec 13 & 20 at 2:30 pm. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.com/
Paperseries/Theatre of the Film Noir – (Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies). Double bill featuring plays by David Yee and George F Walker. Dec 5-7, Fri-Sat 7 and 9 pm, Sun 2 and 4 pm. Free. To reserve rsvp.dramacentre@gmail.com. Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse 79A St George. http://dramacentre.utoronto.ca/?page_id=1790
Platinum Holiday Special (A Platinum Production). Drag kings The Yes Men, Dolly Berlin, Axel Blows and others star in a holiday-themed burlesque and cabaret show. 9:30 pm (doors 8:30 pm). $15-$20. Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen W. http://aplatinumholiday.bpt.me/
Queercab – Buddies’ monthly open-mic night for youth features music, spoken word, stand-up, drag and more. 8 pm. Pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/
Siavash: The Price of Hope (Shahrokh Yadegari). Storytelling, music and images based on Persian poetry are used to explore the trials of Prince Siavash from the Shah-Nameh (Book of Kings). Dec 5-6 at 8 pm. $50-$75. Aga Khan Museum 77 Wynford. http://agakhanmuseum.org/
A Streetcar Named Desire – by Tennessee Williams (UC Follies Theatre Company). A delusional Southern belle moves in with her sister and her volatile husband. Opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Dec 6 at 2 pm. $15-$22. Hart House Theatre 7 Hart House Circle. http://uofttix.ca/
This One – by Denise Mader (First Root). In this autobiographical play, Mader comes to terms with her mother’s death through the baking of pecan pies. Previews Dec 3. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Dec 14, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun mat 2 pm. $25, stu $20. Fraser Studios 76 Stafford. http://thisone.brownpapertickets.com/
Vanguardia Dance Festival – Harbourfront Next Steps and Vanguardia Dance Projects showcase nine contemporary artists/companies representing various Latin American countries. Dec 5-6 at 8 pm. $24, stu $15. Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com/nextsteps/vanguardia-dance-projects.
Play Listings based on NOW! Stage Listings