Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of December 9th, 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.
Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and transitions to adulthood in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Dec 12 and runs to Feb 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Dec 23-Jan 2 and Feb 1-13). $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.
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.
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 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.
**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.
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.
**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.
**Venus In Fur by David Ives (Canadian Stage). A young actress determined to land the lead plays a cat-and-mouse game with the play’s director. Bloc party and opening night Dec 13-29, Tue-Sun 1 pm and 7 pm, $29-$59. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.
And the Rest…
ATG’s Messiah (Against the Grain Theatre). The company works with dancer/choreographer Jennifer Nichols to reimagine Handel’s classic oratorio. Dec 14-15, Sat-Sun 8 pm. $40 and up. Opera House, 735 Queen E. againstthegraintheatre.com.
Baby it’s Cold Outside (Peanut Butter People/Convection Productions). This burlesque revue features Mz Kitty Demure, Esther De Ville, Knox Harter and others. Dec 9 at 9:30 pm. $10. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. 416-323-0051, winchesterkitchen.com.
Christmas at Choke-Poke Toys Impulse Festival and Soulpepper present a 55-hour improvised soap opera marathon w/ Colin Mochrie, Linda Kash and guest troupes. Opens Dec 13 and runs to Dec 15, from Fri 3 pm to Sun 10 pm. Pwyc donation to Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca/impulse.
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.
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.
December One Acts (Sterling Studio Theatre Collective). Two weeks of double bills feature John Patrick Shanley’s Sailor’s Song and The Red Coat (Dec 3-8), and Michael Eisner’s Red Bill and Edward Allen Baker’s Dolores (Dec 11-15). Opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (no show Dec 10). $20. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.
Elizabeth – Darcy: An Adaptation Of Pride And Prejudice by Hallie Burt and Kate Werneburg (Burt and Werneburg). Two women play all the parts and go through the venue’s historic rooms in this remount of the Fringe play based on the Jane Austen novel. Opens Dec 14 and runs to Dec 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Dec 27); no shows Dec 25-26. $20. Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. totix.ca.
Hadi & Samad 3rd Encounter (Arya Entertainment). Iranian film artist Parviz Sayyad and poet Hadi Khorsandi perform a comedic play. Dec 15 at 7 pm. $35-$65 (ticketmaster.ca). Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. tocentre.com/mainstage/hadiandsamad.
**Impulse Festival (Soulpepper/The National Theatre of the World). Improvisational troupes from around the world perform and present workshops. Dec 12-15, see website for schedule. $20, stu $15, workshops extra. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. soulpepper.ca.
Joy of Dance Holiday Showcase Joy of Dance presents students of all ages performing ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, tap and more. Dec 15 at 4 pm. $20. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. joyofdance.ca.
K-Dance Revolution Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada presents dynamic rhythms and dance ranging from traditional folk dance to contemporary and martial arts-inspired movement. Dec 14 at 7:30 pm. $25-$30. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. tocentre.com/studio/kdssc.
Leahy Family Christmas Rose Theatre presents step dancing, fiddle playing and Celtic tunes and carols. Dec 13 at 8 pm. $54-$64. 1 Theatre Lane. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.
Lips and Lashes (The Canadian Cancer Society). This cabaret-style drag show raises funds for Screening Saves Lives. Dec 11 at 7:30 pm. $65-$99. Royal Ontario Museum, Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre, 100 Queen’s Park. cancer.ca/lipsandlashes.
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.
Mockery Night in the Junction: The Final ShowShoxs presents stand-up, improv and more for the show’s last hurrah. Opens Dec 13 8:30 pm. $5. 2827 Dundas W. mockerynight@gmail.com.
The Naughty Nutcracker (Love Letters Cabaret/Go Play Producing). This musical cabaret looks at the toys that are too naughty for Santa’s bag. Dec 10 at 10:30 pm. $25-$45. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
The Nutcracker Cadence Dance Studio presents the holiday ballet. Dec 13-14, Fri 7 pm, Sat 2 pm. $tba. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-260-1829, cadencedancestudio.ca.
The Nutcracker The National Ballet of Canada presents the traditional holiday ballet. Opens Dec 14 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $25 and up. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.
Oliver! by Lionel Bart (The Civic Light-Opera Co). This musical is based on Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 22, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $28. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, musictheatretoronto.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.
Project L – The World That You Created DanceWorks CoWorks and Human Body Expression present Hanna Kiel’s full-length work about how the past shapes our experience. Dec 12-14, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25, stu $20. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. danceworks.ca.
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 10 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Fri 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am and 2 pm. $15, child $10. Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie. cowovermoon.ca.
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 Jan 1, Mon 8 pm, Tue-Wed 1:30 pm, Thu 1:30 & 10 pm, Fri 1:30 & 4 pm. $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.
Special Constables (Circlesnake Productions). This improvised action-comedy features the TTC Transit Police taking on a Metropass counterfeiting ring. Opens Dec 5 and runs to Dec 21, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. circlesnake.com.
Supperfesta! by Natasha Boomer (Take Your Mark Productions). Secrets are revealed and relationships tested at a raucous family dinner party. Opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15-$20. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. takeyourmarkproductions.bpt.me.
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.
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.
A Very Chris-terical Christmas Cabaret (Chris Tsujiuchi). Anthony Rinaldi, Stacey Maroske, Tsujiuchi and others keep the yuletide gay in this seasonal cabaret. Dec 14-15, Sat-Sun 8 pm. $15-$20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.
**A Very Gluttonous Christmas. Join us for a night of festive, high-fructose frolicking as the Haus of Bot presents their third salacious variety show featuring Darryl Orr, Lianne Mauladin, Sandra Battaglini, Wilma Fingardoo, and host Nile Seguin. Dec 14 10 pm, $20, The LOT Comedy Club, 100 Ossington. All proceeds will go to The Jo-Anna Downey Fund. facebook.com/events/677178735648455
Viva Cabaret (Yury Ruzhyev). Theatre, cirque, dance, music and more are used to pay tribute to Cher, Liza, Gaga and other divas. Dec 15 at 6 pm. $16-$20. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. rushow.ru/cabaret.
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.
Wind Down Dance presents new works and old works taking new risks in a casual setting with Rob Abubo, Michael Caldwell, Tanya Crowder, Karen Kaeja, Allen Kaeja, Darryl Tracy and others. Dec 13 from 4 to 6 pm. $10 sugg. Dovercourt House, 2nd floor, 805 Dovercourt. 416-516-6030.
Wintersong – Dances For A Sacred Season Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre and Harbourfront NextSteps present dance inspired by winter solstice traditions, including works by Santee Smith, Carol Anderson, Kevin Wynn, Deborah Lundmark and others. Dec 13-14, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22.50-$38. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.