Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 18th, 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.
**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. $22-$35. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
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 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. $23-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.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.
**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.
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, mat Nov 16 and 30 at 2 pm. $22-$25, stu/srs/preview $19. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatregargantua.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.
Winners and Losers by Marcus Youssef and James Long (Crow’s Theatre/Canadian Stage/Theatre Replacement/Neworld Theatre). Youssef and Long perform a staged conversation 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.
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.
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.
Baby Redboots’ Revenge by Philip Dimitri Galas (Red Sandcastle Theatre). An aging former child vaudeville star seeks a return to fame in this solo show. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.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 Dec 1, 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.
Comedy In Canada: Who’s Laughing Now? (The Company Theatre). This funder for the company features Colin Mochrie, Jayne Eastwood, Jonny Harris and host Seamus O’Reagan. Nov 18 at 6:30 pm. $150. Brookfield Place, Aird & Berlis, suite 1800, 181 Bay. 416-568-2466, companytheatre.ca.
Disco Pigs by Enda Walsh (A Lasting Dose Productions). Sexual awakening and jealousy threaten the lifelong relationship of two misfit teens who’ve been living in their own world. Previews Nov 20 at 7 pm. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 1, Thu-Sun 7 and 9 pm. $20. Oz Studios, 134 Ossington. 416-576-3178, brownpapertickets.com.
The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky (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.
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.
Game of Thrones Burlesque II: A Storm Of Sequins (Scarlett LaFlamme). This burlesque revue features Betty Quirk, Boy Joystick, Pearl Incognita, Poisonne and others. Nov 23 at 10 pm. $20-$25. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor W. gotburlesque2.eventbrite.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.
**God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza (Mirvish/Studio 180 Theatre). Civility turns to hostility when two couples meet to resolve their kids’ playground dispute in this comedy. Previews Nov 23-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $55-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.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.
Hi-Fi Dancemakers presents dance inspired by Stravinsky’s The Rite Of Spring, created and performed by Robert Abubo, Benjamin Kamino, Xenia Benivolski, Ellen Furey and others. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. dancemakers.org.
Les Improbables Supermarket presents a biweekly show with competitive improv comedy en français. Oct 8 7 pm, Oct 22 7 pm, Nov 5 7 pm, Nov 19 7 pm, Dec 3 7 pm. $5. 268 Augusta. 416-840-0501, ligueimprotoronto@gmail.com.
Innovation The National Ballet of Canada presents works by James Kudelka, José Navas, Robert Binet and Guillaume Côté. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Nov 28, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$244. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.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.
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.
Lexicon Performance Salon (Diaspora Dialogues). Poems created during the Nuit Blanche interactive installation will be read at this cabaret. Nov 20 at 6 pm. Free. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. diasporadialogues.com.
The Little Mermaid: Ontario’s O-Fish-Al Family Musical by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The mermaid seeks true love and happiness in this holiday pantomime musical. Previews Nov 22-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-599-9090, rosspetty.com.
Mature Young Adults by Wesley J Colford (Aim for the Tangent Theatre). Ex-lovers reunite in the park in this play about love in the Facebook generation. Previews Nov 19. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm. $15, preview pwyc. Videofag, 187 Augusta. aimforthetangent.com.
**Needles And Opium by Robert Lepage (Canadian Stage/Ex Machina). A series of vignettes explore the relationship between displacement, drug addiction and creativity. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $24-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.
Othello by William Shakespeare (Go Play Producing). This gender-swapped version of the classic tragedy looks at what would happen if women held all the power. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 24, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15, stu $10. Zuke Studio, 1581 Dupont. goplayproducing@gmail.com.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein discuss the art of physics and the physics of art in a 1904 Paris bar. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15, stu $10. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.
Pieces of Me (A New Musical) by Deon Denton (Promise Productions). A seemingly perfect marriage starts to crack in this musical tale of sex, lies and betrayal. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $32.50, srs $27.50, mat $20 adv or pwyc at the door. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, promiseproductions.ca.
Play Reading Week (Tarragon Theatre). Works in progress by Diane Flacks, Anna Chatterton, Kate Cayley, Maria Milisavljevic and others get staged readings. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm. Free. Near Studio, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
A Que Beleza Party Dance Migration presents performances in samba, Afro, Latin fusion and more alongside live music by Samba Squad. Nov 22 at 9 pm. $20-$25. Opera House, 735 Queen E. quebelezaparty.eventbrite.ca.
Re(ACT) Conteur Dance presents contemporary dance depicting life as a full circle. Proceeds benefit Three To Be. Nov 22-24, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm. $50-$110. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, conteurdance.com.
The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien (Lower Ossington Theatre). A newly engaged couple find a freaky castle in the classic rock musical. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Nov 23, Thu-Sun 8 pm. $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare BASH’d). The company presents their stripped down, immersive adaptation of the classic tragedy. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 4 pm. $15-$20. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas W. shakespearebashd.com.
Ryerson Dances Ryerson Theatre School presents works by Louis Laberge-Côté, Marie Josée Chartier, Vicki St Denys, Apolonia Velasquez and Ofilio Portillo, performed by students. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $18, stu $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.
Shine Cabaret (Crowning Monkey). Dance, clown, poetry, music and more with Evalyn Parry, Grace Kaya, Holly Treddenick and others. Nov 22-23, Fri-Sat 8:10 pm. $15-$20. DANZoN Studio, 2480 Dundas W, suite 104. eventbrite.ca/event/8925017969.
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.
Speak, Love blackandblue dance projects present a duet by choreographer Sasha Ivanochko and Brendan Wyatt about the intricacies of a lovers’ conversation. Nov 21-23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm. $20, stu/srs $17.50. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. brownpapertickets.com/event/456890.
Spookey Ruben’s Dizzy Playground Live! Hi-Hat Recordings presents a stage version of the TV show w/ Spookey’s live band, sketch comedy, short film and impromptu hijinks. Oct 22 9 pm, Nov 19 9 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. spookeyruben.net.
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.
UnCovered: Sting & The Police (Acting Up Stage Company). The company performs a cabaret tribute show with original musical arrangements. Nov 18 at 8 pm. $42-$82. Royal Conservatory of Music, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208, rcmusic.ca.
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. $21-$53, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
Weesageechak Begins To Dance Festival – 26 (Native Earth Performing Arts). New works by indigenous artists include plays by Bea Pizano, Tara Beagan, PJ Prudat, the Thundering Voices showcase and more. Nov 21-23, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $15. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. nativeearth.ca.
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.
You Said Love by Noah Davis (Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). A gathering of two couples blurs the lines between friendship, love and lust. Previews Nov 19. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20, preview $15. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.
Les Zinspires 2.0 (Théâtre français de Toronto). Five shows written by high school students and reworked and performed by professionals will be presented in French with English surtitles. Nov 20-22, Fri and Wed 7 pm. $25, youth $18, limited pwyc Wed. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.
**Listings based on NOW stage listings.