Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 7, 2011. ** 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
Ditch by Geoff Kavanagh (Sometimes Y Theatre). Two shipmates on an 1845 Arctic expedition must confront their mortality after their ship is trapped in ice. Previews Nov 2. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $10-$20, Sun pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, sometimesytheatre.com.
Dreams Really Do Come True! (And Other Lies) Second City presents its latest sketch revue about the things we tell ourselves to get through life. Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8 & 10:30 pm, Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Fireraisers by Max Frisch (the red light district). Frisch’s play about fear and mistrust during a city’s arson epidemic is given a modern update. Opens Nov 2 and runs to Nov 19, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20, stu $15. Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas E. theredlightdistrict.ca.
**Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen (Soulpepper). A woman’s decision to stay with her cheating husband comes back to haunt her. Previews Oct 10-13. Opens Oct 14 and runs to Nov 18, see website for schedule. $45-$65, stu $28. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Like The First Time by Adam Seelig (One Little Goat Theatre Company). A woman is torn between her new single life and her past as a wife and mother. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$23, stu/srs $15-$18, Sun pwyc. Walmer Centre Theatre, 188 Lowther. 416-915-0201, onelittlegoat.org.
My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy by Steve Solomon (Philip Roger Roy/Dana Matthow/Bud Martin). Solomon performs his solo show about growing up in a wacky, bi-ethnic family. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Jan 1, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $51.50-$56. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, italianjewish.ca.
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon (Soulpepper). A meticulous man and his sloppy roommate try to coexist in a small apartment in this comedy. Previews Sep 22. Opens Sep 23 and runs to Nov 19, see website for schedule. $45-$65, stu $28. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
**The Sankofa Trilogy by d’bi.young anitafrika (Tarragon Theatre). The stories of three generations of Jamaican women are told in the plays blood.claat, benu and word! sound! powah!, presented in repertory. Previews Oct 22-Nov 3. Opens Nov 4 and runs to Dec 3, Thu-Sat 8 pm (no show Oct 28), some Tue-Wed nights and Sat-Sun mats (call/see website for details). $20-$45. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
The Test by Lukas Bärfuss (The Company Theatre). A man seeks scientific proof of his son’s paternity in this dark comedy. Previews Oct 31-Nov 2. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 26, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110,companytheatre.ca.
Uncalled For Presents: Hypnogogic Logic Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents the hit show from last summer’s Fringe. Nov 10 11 pm. $15-$20, 4-show pass $40. Second City, 51 Mercer. torontosketchfest.com.
And the Rest
2011 CREAM OF COMEDY a jury-selected group of Toronto’s best up-and-coming comedians will take to the legendary Second City mainstage to strut their stuff at the 16th annual Cream of Comedy Showcase Gala. Monday, November 7th, 2011 8:00 pm, The Second City, 51 Mercer Street $15 (plus HST) 416 343-0011 or www.secondcity.com
A Dare To Remember: Pat Thornton’s 24-Hour Stand-Up Show Comedy Bar presents non-stop comedy in a benefit show for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 8, from Mon 6 pm to Tue 6 pm. $5 come-and-go wristband. 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
ArtAttack! (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). This funder for Buddies features an auction of contemporary art and decor items with host Gavin Crawford and guests. Nov 10 at 7 pm. $25. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Carnivale Of The Mind (Workman Arts Hall). Closing night of the Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival features a multimedia journey through distorted perceptions and uncertain realities with Dr. Bruce Ballon, plus buskers and more. Nov 12 at 8 pm. $15. 651 Dufferin. 416-599-8433, rendezvouswithmadness.com.
Crazy To Kill: A Detective Opera by John Beckwith and James Reaney (Toronto Masque Theatre). A detective investigates murders in an asylum for wealthy mental patients in this opera featuring singers, actors and puppets. Nov 11-12 at 8 pm. $40, srs $30, under 30 $20. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. torontomasquetheatre.com.
Deceived by Motti Lerner (TEATRON Theatre). An American Jew is caught transferring information to Israel in this drama based on the Jonathan Pollard story. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 20, Tue-Thu and Sat (and Nov 13) 8 pm, mats Sun 2 pm (and Nov 9 preview at 1 pm). $31-$48, stu/srs $26-$30. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, teatrontheatre.com.
The Dark Room by SR Krieger (Socratic Theatre Collective). Eight tales of ghosts and spirits from ancient Greece to modern times are presented. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 13, Tue-Fri 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15, stu/srs $10, Tue-Wed pwyc. Unit 102 Studio, 376 Dufferin. socratictheatre.com.
Imprints by Michael Spence (Theatre Gargantua). An ailing woman is haunted by the ghosts of her ancestors while undergoing an experimental treatment. Previews Nov 9-10, Wed 6:30 and 9:30 pm, Thu 8 pm. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 26, Thu-Sat (and Nov 15) 8 pm, Nov 13 at 2:30 pm. $20-$25, previews $17. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatregargantua.ca.
In The Further Soil/Tribute To Tagore Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Harbourfront NextSteps present a celebration of Thakkar’s 70th birthday and 40 years of dance teaching with a remounted work by 20 company dancers and a solo tribute to Rabindranath Tagore by Thakkar. Nov 11-12, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $30-$35, srs $25-$28, stu $15. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Little Women adapted by Emma Reeves from the novel by Louisa May Alcott (George Brown College Theatre School). The March sisters grow up in genteel poverty against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 19, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Nov 12 and 16 at 1:30 pm. $18, srs $12, stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666.
Living Dances Ryerson Theatre School and Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie present three classic works by James Kudelka performed by Valerie Calam, Laurence Lemieux and others. Nov 12 at 8 pm. $35, stu $20. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-364-8011, colemanlemieux.com.
**Love Lies Bleeding David Mirvish, Corey Ross and the Alberta Ballet present a contemporary ballet by Jean Grand-Maître based on the life and music of Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 12, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $33.10-$178.10. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. ticketmaster.ca.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). Ambition leads to bloody murder in the classic tragedy. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 26, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 26 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.
**Mary Poppins by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman (Mirvish/Disney Theatrical Productions/Cameron Mackintosh). This musical is based on the PL Travers stories and the 1964 Disney film. Previews Nov 10-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Dec 24, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no eve show Dec 24; see website for other dates). $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
Pub Operas by David Brock and Gareth Williams (Tapestry New Opera). This modern opera tells five stories from Glasgow’s oldest pub. Nov 10-12, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $30. Ernest Balmer Studio, 55 Mill, bldg 58, studio 315. 416-537-6066 ext 243, tapestrynewopera.com.
**Ride The Cyclone by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell (Acting Up Stage Company/Atomic Vaudeville). Teenagers in a choir group get a chance to express themselves after dying in a roller coaster accident. Previews Nov 10-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Dec 3, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $30-$35, previews $15, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, actingupstage.com.
Sara’s Cave by Donald Molnar (Medina Theatre Ensemble). Two Jewish women hide in the cellar of a home also occupied by two Nazi soldiers in this staged reading. Nov 7 at 7:30 pm. Free. Temple Sinai Congregation, 210 Wilson. 416-436-9244.
Seussical by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Young People’s Theatre). This all-ages musical is based on the classic Dr. Seuss books. Previews Nov 7-9. Opens Nov 10 and runs to Dec 30, Sat-Sun 2 pm, see website for other dates and times. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
Shining City by Conor McPherson (Toronto Irish Players). A Dublin therapist counsels a widower haunted by the ghost of his wife. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 19, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu-srs $18, opening night reception $50, Nov 10 $10. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.org.
**Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays (Studio 180). This series of short plays about gay marriage is part of a simultaneous presentation around the world and includes live streaming from the NYC production. Nov 7 at 8 pm. By donation. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, standingonceremony.net.
Sylvia by AR Gurney (Alumnae Theatre). A stray dog comes between a man and his wife in this comedy. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 26, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. Studio, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.
That’s Just Crazy Talk by Victoria Maxwell (CREST.BD/CANMAT). Maxwell performs her solo show about one woman’s journey of coming to terms with mental illness. Nov 12 at 7 pm. Free (must pre-register). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-603-5800 ext 2870, crestbd.ca/events.
**The Children’s Republic by Hannah Moscovitch (Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company). A champion of children’s rights and a boy face a looming catastrophe in WWII-era Poland. Previews Nov 8-15. Opens Nov 16 and runs to Dec 18, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $38-$47, srs $33-$45, stu/previews $20-$24. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, hgjewishtheatre.com.
The Life And Times Of Mackenzie King: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1918-1939 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret). This history play looks at the Roaring Twenties and Dirty Thirties in Canada. Previews Nov 2-9. Opens Nov 10 and runs to Nov 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$40. Cameron House, 408 Queen W. 416-703-1725, videocab.com.
The Provok’d Wife by John Vanbrugh (Theatre @ York). A woman trapped in a bad marriage ponders her choices in this adaptation of the English Restoration play. Previews Nov 6-7. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 12, nightly at 7:30 pm, mats Wed and Fri 1 pm. $17, stu/srs $12, previews $5. York University, Joseph G Green Studio, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888, yorku.ca/perform.
**The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway (Factory Theatre). Women on a reservation plan a trip to Toronto to attend a huge bingo tournament. Previews Nov 5-9. Opens Nov 10 and runs to Dec 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$55. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
The Specials In 9/11/11 The Specials presents sketch comedy about a security-obsessed mayor and a talent agency. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 13, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $20. Scotiabank Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. brownpapertickets.com.
The Two Trees by Daniel Giverin (Red Sandcastle Theatre). This solo play is based on the writings of Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 20, Wed-Sat (and Nov 14) 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.
Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival @ Comedy Bar presents Humber College School of Comedy, Touch My Stereotype and the Hooligans. 7 pm. The Regulars, Beautiful Losers and a Classy Affair. 10 pm. Nov 8. $15-$20, 4-show pass $40. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 647-505-1050, torontosketchfest.com.
Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival @ LOT presents Asiansploitation, Shark Jump and Good Game. 8 pm. Troupe of Seven, the Templeton Philharmonic and Ladystache. 10 pm. Nov 8. $15-$20, 4-show pass $40. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 647-505-1050, torontosketchfest.com.
*Listings based on NOW stage listings*