By Mira Saraf

Five for Twenty (Or Less)

The theme for the week of July 26, 2010 is love and family. There’s no excuse – you can’t blame your purse strings for missing any of these shows. Enjoy!

1) Imbalance by Michael Clarke (Pandemic Theatre). A man’s mental illness takes over his life after his daughter goes missing. Previews Jul 20. Opens Jul 21 and runs to Jul 31, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15, stu/srs $12. Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St. George. pandemictheatre.com.

2) Kafka And Son adapted by Mark Cassidy and Alon Nashman (Theaturtle/Threshold). This play is based on a letter from Franz Kafka to his overbearing father. Opens Jul 28 and runs to Jul 29, Wed-Thu 8 pm. $16. Tarragon Theatre, Near Studio, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

3) One For Sorrow, Two For Joy (Magpie Theatre). Popular songs are used to reveal the romantic lives of six characters. Opens Jul 15 and runs to Aug 1, Thu and Sat-Sun 7 pm. $10-$15. Midpoint, 1180 Queen W. magpietheatrecompany.com.

4) The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare (Humber River Shakespeare Co). The touring company presents the battle-of-the-sexes comedy. Opens Jul 6 and runs to Aug 1, Tue-Sat 7 pm, Sun and holiday Mon 2 pm. Pwyc ($15 sugg). Various outdoor venues, see website for details. 416-209-2026, humberrivershakespeare.ca.

5) Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Driftwood Theatre). The classic comedy about love and hidden identities is presented in this touring production. Jul 27-29 at 7:30 pm. More shows at various outdoor locations around Ontario, see website for details (tour runs to Aug 15). Pwyc. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen West at Strachan. 905-576-2396, driftwoodtheatre.com.