Play Listings for the Week of December 2, 2013

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of December 2nd, 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…

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 (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.

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.

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 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.

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-$27.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.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.

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.

**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.

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.

**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.

**Parfumerie by Miklós László (Soulpepper). Shop clerks who don’t get along at work exchange anonymous love letters as pen pals. Previews Nov 27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 28, see website for schedule. $32-$68. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

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.

**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 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.

And the Rest…

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rebecca Feldman, William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts). Adolescents participate in a pressure-filled contest in this musical comedy. Opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $22. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, ticketmaster.ca.

Arabesque Winter Gala Arabesque Dance Company presents Yasmina Ramzy and more than 200 student and company belly dancers. Dec 7 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Estonian House, 958 Broadview. 416-920-5593, arabesquedance.ca.

Arkemy Gadfly Dance presents dance storytelling with choreography by Ofilio Sinbadinho and Apolonia Velasquez. Dec 5-7, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $35-$45. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. arkemy.eventbrite.com.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Humber River Shakespeare Co). Five actors perform the timeless tale of greed, ghosts, salvation and hope. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 21, see website for details. $20, child $10. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas W. 416-209-2026, humberrivershakespeare.ca.

The Christmas Story (Church of the Holy Trinity). Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present a nativity pageant. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 22, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 4:30 pm (Dec 14, 21 and 22 also at 7:30 pm). $20, child $5 (suggested donation). 10 Trinity Square. 416-598-8979, thechristmasstory.ca.

The Company We Keep (Theatre 20). The company presents a holiday-themed cabaret. Dec 8 at 7 pm. $20. The Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria. theatre20.com.

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.

The Gift Danza Corpus presents a holiday family dance show. Dec 7-8, Sat 8 pm, Sun 5 pm. Pwyc ($20 sugg donation). Unity Church, 173 Eglinton W. unitytoronto.ca.

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.

Lexicon Performance Salon (Diaspora Dialogues). Poems created during the Nuit Blanche interactive installation will be read at this cabaret. Dec 5 at 6 pm. Free. The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park. diasporadialogues.com.

Little Shop Of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Lower Ossington Theatre). A flower shop clerk raises a plant that feeds on human blood in this musical. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Jan 12, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Dec 22-Jan 2). $59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Lizzie Violet’s Cabaret Noir (Lizzie Violet). This night of indie artistry and cabaret features poetry, spoken word, burlesque and other vaudeville-style acts. Dec 8 at 7 pm. Pwyc. The Central, 603 Markham. facebook.com/events/538411499570793.

Lunacy Cabaret – Grotesque Helladays (Zero Gravity Circus). This vaudeville-style cabaret features clown, circus, comedy, burlesque, music and more. Dec 7 at 9 pm. $20-$25. Centre of Gravity, 1300 Gerrard E. lunacycabaret.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.

New Art Night (Living Room Theatre). Short plays and excerpts of longer works will be presented. Dec 5-7, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. Pwyc. My Living Room, 296 Brunswick. facebook.com/livingroomtheatreto.

Next Stage 2013 George Brown Dance presents a showcase by graduates. Dec 6-7, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $23. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. ticketmaster.ca.

Paradise Lost Janak Khendry Dance Company and Harbourfront NextSteps presents an adaptation of John Milton’s classic performed in Western contemporary and classical Indian styles. Dec 6-8, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $28-$36. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Poinsettia The Bad Dog Repertory Players present unscripted comedy about unexpected connections w/ Jess Bryson, Kyle Dooley and others. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 18, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

RAPunzel (Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre). A girl wants to perform but doesn’t fit in with peers because of her long hair in this version of the fairy tale. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Dec 8, Fri and Wed 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am and 2 pm. $15, child $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, cowovermoon.ca.

Repetitive Strain Injury by Rob van Meenen (Company Kid Logic). This play follows a couple as they hastily plan their wedding, then checks in on them a year later. Previews Dec 6. Opens Dec 7 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$25, mat pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Reveal Me Burlesque (Red Herring Burlesque). Virgin vixens and professional peelers put on a show. Dec 4, doors 8 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. aprofessionaldistraction.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.

Suddenly Mommy! by Anne Marie Scheffler with Rosie Shuster (Anne Marie Scheffler). Scheffler performs her solo comedy about motherhood. Opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $15-$20. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca.

The Tin Drum adapted by Chris Hanratty and Shira Leuchter (UnSpun Theatre). The Günter Grass novel about a boy who refuses to grow up is adapted for the stage. Previews Dec 4. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 14, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$25. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-204-0855, unspuntheatre.com.

Two International Tragedies by Harvey Markowitz (Avenal Productions). Two one-hour plays tell the stories of women and men in crises. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Dec 7, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. Pwyc. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-948-0506.

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. Previews Nov 27. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. eventbrite.com/event/8994945123.

Weather The Weather by Haley McGee (Theatre Columbus). A young girl must outwit trolls and gnomes in this outdoor production for all ages. Previews Dec 6-10. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 29, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Dec 21 and 23 at 5 pm (no shows Dec 17 and 24-26). $12.50-$32, previews pwyc at the door. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview. 416-504-7529, theatrecolumbus.ca.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.