Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 11th, 2013. ** 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…
Alligator Pie (Soulpepper). Adapted from the children’s poems of Dennis Lee, this family-friendly production celebrates imagination and invention. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Dec 1, see website for schedule. $23, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Dirty Butterfly by Debbie Tucker Green (Bound to Create Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). This drama explores voyeurism, power and guilt by confronting the collateral damage of domestic abuse and racial economic divide. Previews Oct 30-31. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 17, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, Nov 10 pwyc. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. boundtocreate.com.
Evil Dead – The Musical by Christopher Bond, George Reinblatt, Frank Cipolla and Melissa Morris (Starvox Entertainment/Jeffrey Latimer Entertainment). The musical based on the Evil Dead film franchise returns home for its 10th anniversary. Previews Oct 24-27, Thu-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 10:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $19.99-$79.99. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. evildeadthemusical.com.
The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Tarragon Theatre/TheatreRUN). An anxious government clerk tries desperately to fit in with a grotesque society in this multidisciplinary adaptation of the novella. Previews Oct 15-22, Tue-Sat 8 pm. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
**The Gravitational Pull Of Bernice Trimble by Beth Graham (Factory Theatre/Obsidian Theatre). A woman with three adult children learns that she has early Alzheimer’s and seeks her daughter’s help to exit on her own terms. Previews Nov 2-6. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Nov 3 at 7 pm). $23-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde (George Brown Theatre School). A politician is caught between private shame and public scandal in this social comedy. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat (and Nov 13) at 1:30 pm. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.
**Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Cameron Mackintosh/Mirvish). An ex-convict seeks redemption and dodges his nemesis in this musical based on the Victor Hugo novel. Previews Sep 27-Oct 8. Opens Oct 9 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for exceptions/extra shows). $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. mirvish.com.
Moss Park by George F Walker (Green Thumb Theatre/Theatre Passe Muraille). A young couple with a baby struggle to make ends meet in this dark comedy. Previews Oct 31-Nov 2. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 16, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.
The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). A librarian seeks a tryst but must dodge his wife in this trilogy where each play is viewed from a different part of the home. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Nov 16, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). The romantic comedy begins with a shipwreck and ends with marriages, reunions and revenge. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 23 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.
We Can Be Heroes Second City presents a new collection of sketches, songs and improvisations inspired by the world around us. Indefinite run, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
And the Rest…
After Miss Julie by Patrick Marber (Red One Theatre Collective). This version of Strindberg’s play about class, sex and gender roles sets the characters in post-WWII England. Previews Nov 14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $10-$20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.
Al Khaima Arabesque Dance Studio presents 12 belly dance soloists performing in an Arabian tent. Nov 16 at 8 pm. $15-$20. 1 Gloucester. 416-920-5593, arabesquedance.ca.
Aladdin by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin (Disney Theatrical Productions/Mirvish). A young sultan attempts to get his hands on a magical oil lamp in this musical. Previews Nov 1-20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm (see website for more shows). $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
Annie by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin (Curtain Call Players). The red-haired orphan seeks a place to call home in this musical. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 16, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 16). $26. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. curtaincallplayers.com.
**Annie (TYA) by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin (Young People’s Theatre). The red-haired orphan seeks a place to call home in this Theatre for Young Audiences version of the musical. Previews Nov 11-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 29, see website for schedule. $19-$32. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
BeerProv: The Draft Jim Robinson presents up-and-coming improvisers competing in a series of elimination games. Nov 14 9:30 pm. $12. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. facebook.com/BeerProv.
The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Nov 4 8 pm, Nov 11 8 pm. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Bye Bye Birdie by Michael Stewart, Lee Adams and Charles Strouse (Etobicoke Musical Productions). A teen superstar does a farewell show before going to the army in this musical based on the life of Elvis Presley. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 30, Fri-Sat 8 pm (except Nov 30 at 2 pm), Sun 2 pm. $28, stu $22. Burnhamthorpe Auditorium, 500 the East Mall. 416-248-0410, e-m-p.ca/tickets.html.
The Chosen adapted from the book by Chaim Potok (TEATRON Theatre). Two boys from different Jewish backgrounds become unlikely friends after a bitter baseball game between their two schools. Previews Nov 13 at 1 pm ($19). Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $26-$48. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, teatrontheatre.com.
Danzas Sagradas Ritmo Flamenco Dance and Music Ensemble and Harbourfront NextSteps present dance inspired by Picasso’s painting Guernica, choreographed by Anjelica Scannura. Nov 15-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $25-$30. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
D&D Live! Campaign 3: Epic Levels Bad Dog Theatre presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 13, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
Donors by Brandon Crone (safeword). A sperm donor meets his 18-year-old son, but then more kids surface in this drama/horror. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 17, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $18. Hub 14, 14 Markham. secureaseat.com/donors.
Eddie Izzard: Force Majeure World Tour WestBeth Entertainment presents live stand-up shows by the British comic. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 16, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $44.25-$73.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria. 416-872-4255, masseyhall.com.
Exmas by Debbie Deer (Nicole Pena). Seven exes from different backgrounds and sexual orientations learn that they are all connected at an epic Christmas dinner. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 24, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $18, Sun $10 or pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.
FireWorks (Alumnae Theatre). Three full-length plays by Norman Yeung, Joan Burrows and Shirley Barrie are presented in repertory. See website for info on playwright talks and roundtables. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20/show, series pass $50; some pwyc shows. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.
The Game’s Afoot/Holmes For The Holidays by Ken Ludwig (Nags Players). Spooky comedy ensues at a party thrown by an actor known for portraying Sherlock Holmes. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 16, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $12-$20. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.
The Gay Heritage Project by Damien Atkins, Paul Dunn and Andrew Kushnir (The GHP Collective/Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The creators explore the notion of gay heritage through a highly physical, comedic and fast-paced performance style. Previews Nov 17-20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. Pwyc-$37. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
Heaven Above, Heaven Below by Linda Griffiths (Theatre Passe Muraille/Duchess Productions). Two decades after dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, a man and woman run into each other at a friend’s wedding. Previews Nov 14-16. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.
Is He Dead? by Mark Twain (Amicus Productions). An artist fakes his death to get out of debt and marry his sweetheart in 19th-century Paris in this comedy. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Nov 23) at 2 pm. $22, srs $20, stu $18. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-860-6176, amicusproductions.ca.
Journey’s End by RC Sherriff (The Empty Room). This drama tells the story of a group of Allied soldiers on the front lines in 1918 France. Previews Nov 7. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (no mat Nov 9). $20, stu/srs $15. The Artisan Factory, 116 Geary. journeysend.eventbrite.ca.
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (Unit 102 Actors Co). The Roman emperor is brought down by his senators in the classic tragedy. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, mat pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.com.
Last Dance (Sedina Fiati). Fiati performs her solo multidisciplinary cabaret about love, dance and acceptance. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 16, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $10-$12. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. lastdance2013.brownpapertickets.com.
The Light Between Margie Gillis Dance Foundation and Harbourfront NextSteps present a new work by Gillis and her collaborators about a blissful and sometimes turbulent world of transition and transformation. Nov 12-13, Tue-Wed 8 pm. $25-$35. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Lunacy Cabaret – Party Animals (Zero Gravity Circus). This vaudeville-style cabaret features clown, circus, comedy, burlesque, music and more. Nov 16 at 9 pm. $20-$25. Centre of Gravity, 1300 Gerrard E. lunacycabaret.com.
New Animal DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps present choreography by Dana Gingras featuring the 605 Collective reclaiming their animal bodies as a means to become fully human. Nov 15-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $18.75-$37.25. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Numbers KOKUS Productions presents a dance-theatre piece about a girl’s journey through WWII and the Holocaust. Nov 15-17, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. numbersproduction.com.
Oberto, Conte Di San Bonifacio by Giuseppe Verdi (TrypTych). The tragic story of jealousy, revenge and betrayal is performed in Italian with projected translation. Nov 16-17, Sat-Sun 7:30 pm. $35, srs $25, stu $10. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2737 Bayview. 416-970-2709, tryptych.org.
Older & Reckless – Edition 30: All Solos MOonhORsE Dance Theatre presents works by Marie-Josée Chartier, Louise Moyes, Mi Young Kim and Gerry Trentham. Nov 15-17, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $22. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. 416-504-6429 ext 30, moonhorsedance.com.
Opérafest (Atelier S). This evening features arias, scenes and ensembles from the repertoire of Grand Opera. Nov 15 at 8 pm. $25-$30, stu/srs $20-$25. First Unitarian Congregation, 175 St Clair W. 416-927-9105, atelier-s.org.
A Room Of One’s Own adapted by Patrick Garland (Bloomsbury Collective). This interactive production lets the audience explore the world of Virginia Woolf. Previews Nov 13-14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 24, Wed-Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. aroomofonesown.ca.
The Sacrifice Zone by Suzie Miller (Theatre Gargantua/The Uncertainty Principle). Issues of individual, corporate and environmental responsibility arise as two people deal with loss and the consequences of their pursuit of justice. Previews Nov 13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $25. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatregargantua.ca.
The Session (Things Falling Apart) tells the story of a young woman as she is forced to undergo a psychiatric assessment, during which she reluctantly relives her life’s journey. Nov. 13-17, $15. The Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East at Logan. 416-845-9411 thingsfallingapartevents.wordpress..com
Singular Sensation: A Music Theatre Open Mic (Jennifer Walls). Sing showtunes with a live band and see previews of upcoming works at this weekly show. Mon 10 pm Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.
Still Here Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie and Adelheid present Heidi Strauss performing her choreography about a woman trapped in a constructed room, in a world of shifting rules. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 17, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu $20, Wed gala $50, Sun pwyc. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. adelheid.ca.
The Stronger Variations (Theatre @ York). This version of August Strindberg’s play about a meeting between a wife and a mistress examines the nature of betrayal, desire and loyalty. Previews Nov 10-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 16, daily at 7:30 pm, mat Wed and Fri at 1 pm. $17, stu/srs $12, preview $5. York University, Joseph G Green Studio Theatre, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.
Swan Lake The National Ballet of Canada presents James Kudelka’s choreography of the Tchaikovsky ballet. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Nov 17, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun (and Nov 14 and 16) at 2 pm. $25-$244. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.
Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare (Jaybird Productions). An all-female cast performs the classic comedy. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 30, Thu-Sat 8 pm (except Nov 30 at 2 pm), Sun 2 pm. $20-$22, stu/srs $13-$15. 1803 Danforth. jaybirdproductions.ca.
Theatresports Fall Tournament Bad Dog Theatre presents the improv competition. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Dec 14, Sat Saturdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
Tony Ho’s Peak Falls Bad Dog Theatre presents dark improvised mini-series about a small town with a demonic secret. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 13, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
A Tribute To Menaka Thakkar Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Nrtyakala – Academy of Indian Dance present an evening of celebration, tribute and performance. Nov 16 at 7:30 pm (reception from 6 pm). $40-$65. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
The Valley by Joan MacLeod (Tarragon Theatre). A freshman drops out and returns home after a traumatic arrest in this drama about mental illness, parenting and law enforcement. Previews Nov 6-12. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm (except Nov 9). $21-$53, rush $13, Nov 6 pwyc. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
When Brothers Speak (Up from the Roots). This spoken word concert features Dwayne Morgan, Ian Keteku, Prufrock and others. Nov 16 at 8 pm. $37-$57. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.
Winners And Losers by Marcus Youssef and James Long (Crow’s Theatre/Canadian Stage/Theatre Replacement/Neworld Theatre). Youssef and Long perform a staged converstaion and play a game that looks at the ruthless logic of capitalism and its impact on relationships. Previews Nov 10-13, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.
The Woman In Black by Stephen Mallatratt (Lower Ossington Theatre). An estate lawyer tries to exorcise demons from a case involving a mysterious widow in this ghost story. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Dec 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Nov 3-13). $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
**Listings based on NOW stage listings.