Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 25th, 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…
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.
**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.
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.
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 Jan 5, 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 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.
**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.
**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.
**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.
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 $25, mat pwyc ($20 adv). Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, promiseproductions.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 30 at 2 pm. $22-$25, stu/srs $19, Nov 30 mat pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatregargantua.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.
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.
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. $39-$49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
And the Rest…
1001 Bites (Nobody’s Business Theatre). This funder for the company features storytelling, food and more. Nov 25 at 7:30 pm. $85. Playa Cabana Hacienda, 111 Dupont. 416-929-3911, 1001bites.eventbrite.ca.
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.
Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition Gala (Canadian Opera Company). The COC’s fundraising gala features a showcase of emerging vocal talent, reception and dinner. Nov 26 at 5:30 pm. $100. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coccentrestage.ca. (Click HERE to read our preview.)
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.
Cinderella by Kate Hawley and Greg Coffin (Ryerson Theatre School). The classic fairy tale is performed in the tradition of British pantomime. Nov 28-30, Thu-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15. 44 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.
Cool Yule (Famous People Players). The black-light dinner theatre company presents a multifaith celebration of the holidays. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Jan 4, call/see website for times. $40-$62. 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea by John Patrick Shanley (BARO Theatre). Two of society’s rejects meet in a bar in this look at love and loneliness. Previews Nov 27-29. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20, stu $15. Brockton Collective, 442A Dufferin. brownpapertickets.com/event/482669.
Fear and Desire (And The Whole Damn Thing) (HH Theatre). Keith Cole hosts a night of plays by Hope Thompson and David Roche/David Bateman and a performance set by Jenna Harris, JP Larocque and Jessica Moss. Nov 28-Dec 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, hhtheatre.com.
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 Girl in the Picture Tries to Hang Up The Phone by Hume Baugh (Optic Heart Theatre). Baugh performs his solo show about being raised by his successful yet alcoholic mother. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm (no show Nov 29), Sun 2:30 pm. $20, mat pwyc. Videofag, 187 Augusta. thegirlinthepicture.eventbrite.ca.
**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. $19-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
The Infinite Continuum Artistic Edge Dance Company presents an interactive dance experience about finding our authentic selves. Nov 30-Dec 1, Sat 8 and 11 pm, Sun 8 pm. $25. 20 Drummond. 416-253-5050, infinitecontinuum.eventbrite.ca.
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.
Jabber by Marcus Youssef (Geordie Productions). This drama for ages 12 and up examines cultural stereotypes as experienced by a teenage Muslim girl. Previews Nov 26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 7, see website for schedule. $17-$22. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.
Jill’s Living Room (Jill Léger). Léger hosts a monthly musical theatre open-mic show. Oct 28 at 8 pm. Nov 25 at 8 pm. $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.
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 28 at 6:15 pm. Free. S Walter Stewart Library, 170 Memorial Park. 416-396-3849, 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.
Magic at the Winchester (Abracadabaret). James Alan hosts a weekly live magic show with guests. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Dec 29, Sun 7 pm. $15. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. abracadabaret.com.
Movement for MukiBaum Centennial College CCPR students present performances by local dance troupes to benefit the organization that helps people with disabilities. Nov 25 at 7 pm. $20, stu $10. MukiBaum Treatment Centres, 40 Samor. movementformukibaum.eventbrite.ca.
Munsched! (George Brown Theatre School). This family-friendly show is based on popular Robert Munsch stories. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 7, Sat 1 pm. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666.
Mystic India Rose Theatre presents a fusion of dance, theatre, costumes and music that celebrate Indian culture. Nov 29 at 8 pm. $40-$75. 1 Theatre Lane. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.
Old Age Ain’t for Sissies by Rex Deverell (Mixed Company Theatre). A couple deal with the pitfalls and frustrations that older adults face in their retirement years. Previews Nov 26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$25. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, mixedcompanytheatre.com.
**Once by Enda Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Mirvish). An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Previews Nov 26-27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no shows Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1. See website for more dates). $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
A Platinum Holiday Special (A Platinum Production). This holiday-themed burlesque revue features Dangrrr Doll, Sassy Ray and others. Nov 29 at 9:30 pm. $12-$15. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas W. platinumholiday.bpt.me.
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.
Provocateur Bad Dog Theatre presents an improvised espionage comedy thriller w/ Kirsten Rasmussen, Roger Bainbridge, Carmine Lucarelli and others. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 18, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht (the red light district). A Bronx gangster discovers corruption in Depression-era Chicago in this satire on the rise of Hitler. Previews Nov 21. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Dec 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 30 and Dec 7 at 2 pm. $25, stu $20. The Great Hall, Black Box Theatre, 1087 Queen W. theredlightdistrict.ca.
Retro Radio Hour Holiday Special (Bygone Theatre). This evening features oldies music, old radio plays and a raffle. Nov 30 at 8 pm. $5. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. bygonetheatre.com.
The Second City Holiday Spectacular (Miracles Not Included) Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. Opens Nov 18 and runs to Dec 30, Mon Mon 8 pm. From Dec 3: Tue-Fri 1:30 pm, Thu 10 pm (see website for detailed schedule). $22. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.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.
Soulful Messiah Ballet Creole and Harbourfront NextSteps present a holiday production danced to Quincy Jones’s R&B rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Nov 29-Dec 1, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $20-$45. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
The Spoke: The Market (Outside the March Theatre Company). Natasha Greenblatt, Bruce Beaton, Moses Kofi, Aly Coy and others perform at the monthly storytelling event. Nov 25 at 8 pm. Pwyc. Videofag, 187 Augusta. outsidethemarch.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.
Un (One) by Mani Soleymanlou (Théâtre français de Toronto/Orange Noyée). The playwright performs his solo show about growing up in Canada as the son of Iranian immigrants. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 1, Wed-Sat, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$48, Wed pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.
Warriors by Michel Garneau (Stuck in the Mud Theatre). Two ad men are hired to create a slogan for the army in this satire about the business of war. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 9:30 pm, Sun 3:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. eventbrite.com/event/8994945123.
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.
**Listings based on NOW stage listings.