Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of January 27, 2020
The winter blahs have hit our house pretty hard this past week. Damp, chilly weather will do that. The cure for the kids is to get them out to their activities like dance class(es), or an indoor playground. The cure for my partner and I is to search for good theatre tickets. And luckily this winter, there is a lot of great shows to choose from.
This week it is I – Leanne – who gets to let you know what is in on stage this week that has me excited about heading into the dark cocoon of a theatre. Check out my ‘red‘ listing of shows that caught my eye!
Already Reviewed by MoT:
The Barber of Seville (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W) by Gioachino Rossini (Canadian Opera Company). A barber helps a nobleman woo his true love in this Italian comic opera. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 7, see website for schedule. $35-$225, box seats $350.
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Casimir & Caroline (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw) by Ödön von Horváth (The Howland Company). At a glitzy Toronto rooftop office party, two star-crossed lovers navigate clingy co-workers, the playboy boss and more in this play about love in the cold atmosphere of modern capitalism. Previews from Jan 14, opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 9, see website for schedule. $25-$40.
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Come From Away (Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge) by Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Mirvish). Newfoundlanders open their homes to stranded passengers following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Continuing at the Elgin after an 11-month run at the Royal Alex: Dec 13, 2019 to Mar 1, 2020, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (see website for holiday performance schedule and other schedule exceptions). $39-$169, limited rush $25 (premium tickets also available).
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If I Could #Throwback Time (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City’s 83rd sketch comedy revue basks in the neon glow of nostalgia, mining comedy gold from ancient treasures like old school video games, Power Rangers and Canada’s long, complicated history of sweeping social injustices. Previews from Sep 10. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Mar 1: Tue-Thu 8 pm; Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 7:30 & 10 pm. See website for more days and times, exceptions and to buy tickets. $28 & up.
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Legally Blonde: The Musical (Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle) by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin, Heather Hach (Hart House Theatre). Musical based on the 2001 film. Opens Jan 17 and runs to Feb 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Feb 1 at 2 pm. $28, srs $20, stu $15.
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Mother’s Daughter (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). Soulpepper Theatre presents a play by Kate Hennig. The story of Bloody Mary and the battle for the Tudor throne is presented as a contemporary exploration of women and power. Previews from Jan 14, opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 9, see website for schedule. $25-$98.
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The Phantom of the Opera (Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W) by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Cameron Mackintosh). New production of Webber’s iconic musical. Jan 8-Feb 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $49-$230.
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Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 30 Bridgman) by Hannah Moscovitch (Tarragon). The archetypal “student-teacher romance” gets turned on its head and re-envisioned for the post-#MeToo era. Previews from Dec 31, opens Jan 8 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm & some Weds 1:30 pm, see website for more info and tickets. $22-$70.
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Suitcase/Adrenaline (Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) by Ahmad Meree (Theatre Mada/TPM). This drama examines the lives of refugees and the series of liminal spaces they inhabit. Previews from Jan 16, opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $17-$38.
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Sweat (Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley) by Lynn Nottage (Canadian Stage). Tensions threaten a group of steel mill workers when the company starts hiring non-union workers for less money. Previews from Jan 14, opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Thu & Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $49-$79.
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The Trip to Bountiful (Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley) by Horton Foote (Alumnae Theatre Company). An elderly woman longs to return to her idealized home town. Opens Jan 17 and runs to Feb 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $25, Sun PWYC.
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And Everything Else:
Ashley With a ‘Y’ (Paradise Theatre, 1006 Bloor W). Ashley Botting performs her solo show, a mix of cabaret, storytelling and musical improv. Accompanied by pianist Scott White, Botting tackles everything from the mundane to deep human truths. Feb 1 at 9:30 pm. $25-$34.
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Black Sheep Comedy – Elvira Kurt Edition (Junction Craft Brewery, 150 Symes). Stand-up show with the comedy legend & gay icon plus Rhiannon Archer, Michael Moses, Tamara Shevon & Robert Watson. Jan 31 at 7:30 pm. $15-$20.
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Caroline, Or Change (Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge). Musical Stage Company and Obsidian Theatre present the musical play by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori. Set against the backdrop of the Kennedy assassination and the civil rights movement, the play uses fantasy and reality to explore a story about ordinary people facing extraordinary change. With a musical score that blends blues, soul, gospel, classical and traditional Jewish melodies, this modern masterpiece is a timely story of change for our socially conscious world. Starring R&B singer Jully Black in her musical theatre debut and renowned soprano Measha Brueggergosman. Previews from Jan 30, opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 15, see website for schedule. $39-$129.
Show Info
Drag Heals (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St) We invite you to the live performances of the Drag Heals cast being filmed for season 2 on stage at Buddies in Bad Times theatre. Drag Heals is a documentary TV series following eight drag kings, queens and genderqueer performers over an intensive 10 day workshop to build their own show. In each workshop day, a guest coach joins Tracey Erin Smith in exploring soul-deep story sharing techniques as well as the unique talents and skills required from a drag performer. Join us for what promises to be an emotional, exciting, hilarious and heart-squeezing performance! January 31st and February 1st at 8pm. $30 Regular, $20 for Students/Seniors/Arts Workers/Drag Performers
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Eating Bones and Licking Bread (Dancemakers, 9 Trinity #313-314). Dancemakers presents a new work conceived, created and performed by Lara Kramer. With a minimal soundtrack of field recordings, live dialogue, voice and textures, the work questions the colonial system of preserving hunger and consuming land. Jan 30-Feb 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25.
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Far East Comedy Tuesdays (The Corner Comedy Club, 946 Queen E) Ernie Vicente hosts a weekly diverse stand-up comedy showcase. Jan 28, shows at 8 and 10 pm. $10.
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Hookup (Bad Dog Company Theatre, 875 Bloor W). Bad Dog Theatre presents improvised romantic comedy based on the lives of two random audience members. Feb 1 at 9:30 pm, upstairs. $20, stu/arts workers $15.
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Jesus Hopped the A Train (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). When justice locks you up, what sets you free? Two notorious men await trial for murder, only to discover justice and goodness where it is least expected. Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis delivers an uncompromising drama about contradiction, contrition, and hypocrisy. Previews Jan 23, opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 23, see website for showtimes. $25 – $98.
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Marjorie Prime (Coal Mine Theatre, 1454 Danforth) by Jordan Harrison (Coal Mine Theatre). It’s the age of artificial intelligence, and 85-year-old Marjorie has a handsome new companion who’s programmed to feed the story of her life back to her. Previews from Jan 26, opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $47.50-$55.50, previews/rush $25.
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Patience: A G&S Opera (St. Anne’s Anglican Church, 270 Gladstone). St. Anne’s Music & Drama Society presents a comic opera in two acts with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. It is a satire on the aesthetic movement of the 1870s and 80s in England and on fads, superficiality, vanity, hypocrisy and pretentiousness. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 2, Thu-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$30.
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Pest Me Pet Me (Theatre Passe Mureille Backspace, 16 Ryerson) by Morgan Johnson & Alexandra Simpson (Animacy Theatre Collective). Two raccoons meet two roommates undergoing a renoviction from a downtown Toronto apartment in this workshop production. Jan 31-Feb 2, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15-$25.
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Progress Festival (The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queens St W). 2020 marks the 5th edition of Progress – an international festival of performance and ideas presented in partnership by SummerWorks Performance Festival and The Theatre Centre. The festival is collectively curated and presented by a rotating series of Canadian organizations, operating within a contemporary performance context. Jan 30 – Feb 15. See website for schedule. $25/show, 3 Show Pass $60. Information on Access Tickets on website.
Festival Info
Roses & Thorns (Bad Dog Theatre Company, 875 Bloor W). Bad Dog Theatre Company is delighted to announce the world premiere of Roses & Thorns, an original unscripted comedy that invites the audience to reflect on the highs and lows of their day as the expert cast transforms those memories into big laughs. Roses & Thorns is an improvised comedy aimed at audiences looking for a shot of optimism to fend off the winter blues and kick off the new year with a hopeful lens. Fri (Jan 10, 17, 24, 31) at 9:30 pm. $15, stu/arts workers $10.
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The Second City Totally Likes You (Second City, 51 Mercer). The Second City aims Cupid’s bow at dating, sex, meet-cutes and meet-uglies in this hormone-charged show that marries classic archive material with brand new swipes at relationships. Jan 11-Mar 30, Mon 8 pm, Sat-Sun 4 pm.
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Sinful Sundays Burlesque (Cherry Cola’s Rock’n’Rolla Cabaret & Lounge, 200 Bathurst). Weekly Sunday show featuring burlesque entertainers, drag and variety acts. Feb 21 at 9:30 pm. PWYC.
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The Snow Queen: A Freezing Pantomime (The Tranzac, 29 Brunswick). NAGs Players present a traditional English Pantomime by Alex Stamp based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 8, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $5-$20.
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this happened… (The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament). Citadel + Compagnie present dance expressed through five separate chapters: subject, code, conversation, fracture and memory. This is a performance that was written from the body as a way of distilling what has happened. Choreography by Kate Hilliard. Jan 29-Feb 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $25.
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This is How We Got Here (Aki Studio, 585 Dundas E. #120) by Keith Barker (Native Earth Performing Arts). Struggling after a tragedy, a quartet of sisters and spouses meet a mysterious fox with a curious gift. Previews from Jan 26, opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$30, previews $15, Tue PWYC.
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This Was the World (Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgeman) by Ellie Moon. A play about old power and new ideas, academia and decolonization, language and authority. Directed by Richard Rose, featuring R.H. Thomson. Previews from Jan 28, opens Feb 5 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $22-$65.
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Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.