It’s the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day, and on behalf on Mooney on Theatre we want to say, all the world’s a stage…and of all days, what better day to go see a play?
Started by the International Theatre Institute in 1961, this day offers us a chance to reflect upon and celebrate theatre, and recognize its ability to inspire, educate, shape thought and entertain. This year’s message for World Theatre Day is by actor and director John Malkovich:
“May your work be compelling and original. May it be profound, touching, contemplative, and unique. May it help us to reflect on the question of what it means to be human, and may that reflection be blessed with heart, sincerity, candor, and grace. May you overcome adversity, censorship, poverty and nihilism, as many of you will most certainly be obliged to do. May you be blessed with the talent and rigor to teach us about the beating of the human heart in all its complexity, and the humility and curiosity to make it your life’s work. And may the best of you – for it will only be the best of you, and even then only in the rarest and briefest moments – succeed in framing that most basic of questions, “how do we live?” Godspeed.”
– John Malkovich
Here’s a list of interesting plays in Toronto playing tonight. Pick your fave and have a great time tonight!
Live Wrong And Prosper Second City presents its latest revue of sketches, songs and improvisations. In previews, opens Mar 27. Tue-Sat 8 pm, plus Fri-Sat 10:30 pm, Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Bliss by Olivier Choinière (Candles Are for Burning). Céline Dion speaks through an oracle to Walmart cashiers in this surrealist play about our appetite for celebrity. Previews Mar 27-28. Opens Mar 29 and runs to Apr 8. $23-$33, stu $19-$27, mat pwyc at the door. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Boeing-Boeing by Marc Camoletti (Rogue Theatre). A man juggles three fiancées in this comedy. Previews Mar 27. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Apr 8. $25, stu $15. Common Good, Underground Space, 837 Dundas W. secureaseat.com.
Legally Blonde The Musical by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach (Lower Ossington Theatre). A sorority girl makes it to law school in this musical based on the 2001 film. Opens Mar 9 and runs to Mar 31. $45-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
My Granny The Goldfish by Anosh Irani (Factory Theatre). A neurotic man’s Indian grandmother comes to Canada to help him recover from illness. Previews Mar 17-21. Opens Mar 22 and runs to Apr 15. $30-$40, mat pwyc, previews $20. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
New Voices 2012 (Ryerson Theatre School). This theatre and dance festival features works created and produced by students. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Mar 31. $18, stu/srs $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.
Route 501 Revisited by Jonathan Goldsbie (Free Fall ’12). This streetcar tour of Queen West is conducted entirely via Twitter. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Mar 31. $20 (festival pass $23-$45). 501 Queen Streetcar, starting location tba. 416-538-0988, freefall12.eventbrite.ca.
Sia by Matthew MacKenzie (Cahoots Theatre Company). A Canadian student volunteering in West Africa is taken hostage by a former child soldier. Previews Mar 24-25. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Apr 15. $30, stu/srs $25, mats pwyc-$18.75. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, cahoots.ca.
The Small Room At The Top Of The Stairs by Carole Fréchette (Tarragon Theatre). A woman debates entering her husband’s secret room. Previews Feb 29-Mar 6. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Apr 8. $21-$51. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
That Tree You Claimed Your Throne by Ali El-Darsa (Free Fall ’12). Using text and live sound, the audience reflects on the artist’s experience of home and displacement in this performance art piece. Mar 26-27. $10 (festival pass $23-$45). The Drake Lab, 1142 Queen W. 416-538-0988, freefall12.eventbrite.ca.
WeeTube 5400 (Theatre Replacement/Free Fall ’12). Notorious YouTube videos and the comments that are posted with them are the basis for this live performance. Mar 26-28. $20 (festival pass $23-$45). Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, freefall12.eventbrite.ca.
Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee (Red Sandcastle Theatre). A drunk couple verbally abuse each other and their guests at a party. Mar 22-24 at 8 pm. Mar 27 and Apr 2 at 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411.
Listings based on NOW Stage listings
Image credit: Petr Novák, Wikipedia