Shows That Caught Our Eye This Week

There’s an absolute ton of shows opening in Toronto this week – some because it’s Valentine’s Day, but in general, it also seems to be a ripe week for theatre-going! You can take advantage by checking out our list of shows playing in the city below – anything highlighted in red with two asterisks is highly recommended by our Editor, Samantha.

Already Covered By MoT…

**Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo (Soulpepper). An anarchist arrested after a bombing in Milan falls from the 4th floor of the police station in this satirical farce. Previews Jan 29-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 21, see website for times. $29.50-$89. Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, see website for other shows/exceptions/matinees. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://soulpepper.ca/

**Die Walküre by Richard Wagner (Canadian Opera Company). A warrior goddess risks everything to preserve the future. Sung in German with English subtitles. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 22, see website for schedule. $22-$424. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W.

Don Giovanni by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). A womanizing nobleman meets his match in this classic opera. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 21, see website for schedule. $22-$424. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W. http://coc.ca/

The Heart of Robin Hood by David Farr (Mirvish). Robin and his crew steal from the rich and keep it for themselves until Marion steps up for the poor in this version of the tale. Previews Dec 23-Jan 6, 2015. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre 260 King W. http://mirvish.com/

How Do I Love Thee? by Florence Gibson MacDonald (Canadian Rep Theatre). This play explores the role of addiction and artistic inspiration in the love story of poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. Previews Jan 31-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Feb 1, at 7 pm). $35-$40, previews $20, $15 rush Sun. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley.http://canadianrep.ca/

**Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind (Lower Ossington Theatre). A group of 19th-century German teens explore their budding sexuality and deal with the consequences. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Mar 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://lowerossingtontheatre.com/

Twisted by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre (b current/Factory Theatre). Ollie and Nance struggle to survive on the streets of Toronto in this modern re-imagining of Oliver Twist. Previews Jan 31-Feb 4, opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Feb 1 at 7 pm). $23-$45. Factory Theatre 125 Bathurst. http://factorytheatre.ca/

Waiting Room by Diane Flacks (Tarragon Theatre). A doctor embarks on a medical experiment despite the objections of his colleagues while a couple wonder if the doctor has what it takes to save their child. Previews from Jan 6, opens Jan 14 and runs to Feb 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and some Sat). $29-$55, previews $23-$27. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman. http://tarragontheatre.com/

 

 

And the rest…

**Abyss by Maria Milisavljevic (Tarragon Theatre). A young woman goes missing and her family looks to her lover from a troubled region for answers. Previews from Feb 3, opens Feb 11 and runs to Mar 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and some Sat). $29-$55, previews $23-$27. In the Extraspace. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman.http://tarragontheatre.com/

Be Mein Valentine! (Skin Tight Outta Sight/Boylesque TO). Burlesque show in the tradition of the Weimar Republic Berlin featuring sexual outlaws, ladies of ill repute and men of gender ambiguity. Feb 13-14 at 9:30 pm. $25-$50. Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen W. http://bemeinvalentine2015.eventbrite.ca/

Beginnings and Endings – The York Dance Ensemble presents its annual production. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 13, Wed-Fri 7:30 pm, mat Thu 2 pm. $12-$18. In the Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan Theatre, Accolade E building. York University 4700 Keele. http://dance.finearts.yorku.ca/

**Beyond Belief by Burke Campbell (1000 Monkeys). A Hollywood bad-boy hopes to redeem his image by playing Jesus in a new film, but brings his vices to the set. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Red Sandcastle Theatre 922 Queen E.

**Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward (Mirvish). The spirit of his first wife pesters an author and his new spouse in this comedy. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Mar 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed and Sat-Sun 2 pm. $35-$175. Princess of Wales Theatre 300 King W. http://mirvish.com/

Brain Food: The Soft Launch for The Playwright Project 2015 – Panel discussion on exploring and celebrating the rewards of curiosity with Denis Pinto (Jane’s Walk), theatre artists Byron Laviolette and Amy Lee and others. 2 pm. Free. Factory Theatre 125 Bathurst. http://playwrightproject.com/651-2

**Cannibal! The Musical by Trey Parker, Christopher Bond, Aaron Eyre and Trevor Martin (Starvox Entertainment). This musical tells the (mostly) true story of Alferd Packer, the only person ever convicted of cannibalism in America. Previews from Feb 10, opens Feb 17 and runs to Mar 8, Tue-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $30-$110. Panasonic Theatre 651 Yonge. http://mirvish.com/

The Cardinals (Stan’s Cafe/Harbourfront World Stage). A trio of red-robed clerics attempt to perform their abbreviated version of the Bible with their Muslim stage manager in this piece about images and their meaning. Feb 12-15, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35-$45. In the Studio Theatre. Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay W. http://harbourfrontcentre.com/

**Dangerous Liasons by Christopher Hampton (The Storefront Theatre/Red One Theatre Collective). Two aristocrats amuse themselves by compromising women of virtue in pre-Revolutionary France. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 22, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25. The Storefront Theatre 955 Bloor W. http://secureaseat.com/

The Dining Room by AR Gurney (Soulpepper). A series of vignettes over the span of 50 years satirize the family life of bourgeois America. Preview Feb 5-11, opens Feb 12 and runs to Mar 7, see website for times. $29.50-$89. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://soulpepper.ca/

Fear and Tremblng by Layla Metssitane (Théâtre des Hommes). Theatrical adaptation of Amélie Nothomb’s novel performed in French with English subtitles. Feb 11 at 8 pm. $15-$30. Alliance Française 24 Spadina Rd. http://alliance-francaise.ca/

Fu-Gen’s Chinese New Year/Un-Valentine’s Day Fundraiser – fu-GEN Theatre Company party and fundraiser. with live music, spoken word, Vietnamese food and a mini-ping pong tourney. Lineup include Leonard Cervantes, Alexander Junior, Janice Jo Lee, Steven McCarthy, and Elena Juatco. Feb 12 at 7 pm. $20, adv $15. May Cafe 876 Dundas W. http://fu-gencabaret.brownpapertickets.com/

In | Body – The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents choreographic creations of the graduating class. Feb 13-14 at 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $12. Winchester Street Theatre 80 Winchester. http://schooloftdt.org/

Love For Love by William Congreve (George Brown College School of Performing Arts). A nobleman’s son must choose between love or money in this Restoration comedy. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 14, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm (and Feb 11). $20, srs $15, stu $8.Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://youngcentre.ca/

**Love Letters Cabaret: Smoke – Pastel Supernova presents a dance/theatre show where cigar factory workers in the 50s daydream about love affairs, secrets and desires. Also features spoken word artist Dwayne Morgan. Shows at 8 and 10:30 pm. $25-$45. Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas W. http://lula.ca/

Marilyn: Forever Blonde by Greg Thompson (NuMu Production). The story of Marilyn Monroe is told in her own words and music in this show based on extensive research. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $46.95-$107.95. Winter Garden Theatre 189 Yonge. http://marilynforeverblonde.com/

Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus – Live! – (Starvox Entertainment). Comedian John Frusciante performs a solo theatrical comedy based on the book by John Gray. Feb 13-15, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2, 7 and 9:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $29.95-$79.95. Randolph Theatre 736 Bathurst. http://ticketfly.com/

**Once by Enda Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Mirvish). An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Previews Feb 10-21, opens Feb 22 and runs to May 31, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $29-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria. http://mirvish.com/

Playground – York U Department of Dance presents choreography by senior dance majors. Mar 26-27 at 7 and 8:30 pm. $12-$18. In the Joseph G Green Studio Theatre. York University 4700 Keele. http://theatre.finearts.yorku.ca/

**Progress: International Festival of Performance and Ideas – SummerWorks and the Theatre Centre present performances, workshops and conversations featuring six international shows, six languages and five free artist workshops and talks. Feb 4-15, see website for schedule. $15-$30, some free events. Theatre Centre 1115 Queen W. http://thisisprogress.ca/

**R-E-B-E-C-C-A by Sara Farb (Theatre Passe Muraille). A girl with developmental disabilities due to premature birth interacts with an alternate self who was born at full term in this solo piece about the randomness of fate. Previews Feb 5-8, opens Feb 10 and runs to Mar 1, see website for schedule. $17-$33. In the TPM Backspace. Theatre Passe Muraille 16 Ryerson. http://passemuraille.ca/

**Rhubarb Festival (BIBT) – The 36th edition of the new works festival features plays, dance, performance art and more. Shows include Sharron Matthews’s Full Dark, Morro & Jasp’s Anything Goes and Bruce Dow’s “Ohio” And Tadeu End Their Lives In Montague Parkette. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 22, see website for schedule. $20 evening passes, Young Creators Unit and offsite events pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/

Snow Angel by Nikki Loach and Peter Balkwill (Quest Theatre/Young People’s Theatre). The magic of winter and the ripple effect of kindness is explored in this play for ages 4 and up. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 19, see website for schedule. $15-$30. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front E. http://youngpeoplestheatre.ca/

**The Sound of Cracking Bones by Suzanne Lebeau (Pleiades Theatre). A child soldier rediscovers her humanity when a small boy is brought to the rebel camp, reminding her of her stolen childhood, lost family and village, and giving her the courage to break the chain of violence. Previews Feb 14, opens Feb 18 and runs to Mar 7, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. Mar 3-7 shows are in French. $17-$38. TPM Mainspace. Theatre Passe Muraille 16 Ryerson. http://passemuraille.ca/

Tales From The Vienna Woods by Ödön von Horváth (Ryerson Theatre School). This satire about the deception and brutality of the petite bourgeoisie is set in 1930s Austria. Open Feb 5 and runs to Feb 11, daily at 7 pm (no show Sun). $20, stu/srs $15. Ryerson Theatre 43 Gerrard E.

This Is The Worst! Share The Love! – Fully improvised musical comedy w/ This Is the Worst and guests Attack of the Heart. Feb 9 9:30 pm. $10. http://thisistheworstcomedy.com/

Two Plays By Marguerite Duras (Spiel Players). Adaptations of Le Shaga and Savannah Bay are presented in this double bill. Previews Feb 5-6, opens Feb 7 and runs to Mar 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15-$20, preview $12. Fraser Studios 76 Stafford. http://spielplayers.com/

U of T Drama Festival – Hart House Theatre and the U of T Drama Coalition present the 79th annual festival, where nine one-act plays compete for five awards. This competitive showcase features plays written, directed and performed by students. Feb 12-14, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $12, stu/srs $10. Hart House Theatre 7 Hart House Circle. http://uofttix.ca/

The Valentine Rag Bag Cabaret on Roncy (Crowning Monkey). Comedy, burlesque, circus, magic and more with Cheryl White, Willie Wonder, Paul Hutcheson, Esther de Ville, Disco Volante, Cleve Jones and others. Feb 13-14 at 8 pm. $20-$25. The Village Healing Centre 240 Roncesvalles Advance tickets Friday: tinyurl.com/RagBagFRIDAY   Saturday: tinyurl.com/RagBagSATURDAY

The World Goes ‘Round (Scarborough Music Theatre). This show features the music and lyrics of John Kander and Fred Ebb including songs from Cabaret, Chicago and more. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 21, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun (and Feb 21) at 2 pm. $25-$27. Scarborough Village Theatre 3600 Kingston Rd. http://theatrescarborough.com/

Play Listings Based on NOW! Stage Listings