Play Listings for the Week of March 31, 2014

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of March 31st, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wishes he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT…

**Arrabal Mirvish and BASE Entertainment present a dance-theatre show about the underground world of tango clubs in 1970s Argentina. Opens Feb 4 and runs to May 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $44-$84. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Around Dancemakers presents an exploration of the disconnect between symmetry, perfection, uncertainty and ambiguity. Previews Mar 26. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, preview pwyc. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. dancemakers.org.

Dark Matter (Circlesnake Productions). Captain Marlow must retrieve the brutal Kurtz from a distant space colony in this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Apr 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc ($10 reserved). The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. circlesnake.com.

Elegies: A Song Cycle (Acting Up Stage Company). This celebration of the life and music of William Finn with biographical and fictional elements. Previews Mar 21-23. Opens Mar 25 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30-$50. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-838-3006, actingupstage.com.

Final Frontier Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents improv inspired by the Star Trek universe. 8 pm. Opens Feb 12, Opens Mar 19, Opens Apr 2, Opens May 14. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Marry Me A Little by Stephen Sondheim (Tarragon Theatre). Sondheim songs surround a dialogue-free plot about the relationship between two lonely New Yorkers. Previews Feb 26-Mar 2. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Me Talking To Myself In The Future by Marie Brassard (Infrarouge/Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). In the future, a dying old woman drifts among the thoughts of someone in the present. Opens Mar 26 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$37, Sun pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

**Minotaur by Kevin Dyer (Young People’s Theatre/Polka Theatre/Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre). A cryptic text message from his soldier dad sends a boy on a quest in this fusion of Greek mythology and modern themes. Previews Mar 24-26. Opens Mar 27 and runs to Apr 13, see website for schedule. $15-$24. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

New Jerusalem by David Ives (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A Jewish philosopher’s radical ideas threaten his community’s safety in 17th-century Amsterdam. Previews Mar 15-19, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30-$60. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Of Mice and Morro and Jasp by Heather Marie Annis, Byron Laviolette and Amy Lee (On Stage on Demand). The clown sisters take on John Steinbeck’s Depression-era tale of migrant workers seeking their dreams. Apr 4 at 7 pm. Free (donations to the Murphy-Hull Project). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. picatic.com/OfMiceandMorrowandJasp.

Sixteen Scandals Second City presents its spring revue about our unhealthy fascination with political train wrecks, media fiascos and red-carpet meltdowns. Mar 6-May 28, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com

And the Rest…

8th Day by Shayne Monaghan (On Stage on Demand). Two friends react to a seemingly imminent zombie apocalypse. Apr 3 at 7 pm. Free (donations to Red Cross Emergency Response Unit). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. picatic.com/event13944676528975.

50 Shades! The Musical – The Original Parody (Marshall Cordell/Albert Samuels/Emily Dorezas). Women in a book club read the novel and share their interpretations in this original musical comedy. Previews Apr 1. Opens Apr 2 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$75. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com/1785.html.

Ballet In The Studio Ballet Jörgen presents new works in development. Apr 3-4, Thu 6:30 pm, Fri noon. $20, stu/srs $15. George Brown College, Bldg C, BJC Studio, 160 Kendal. 416-961-4725, balletjorgen.ca.

BattleStar Galactica: The Lost Episode Black Swan presents an improvised episode in the BSG universe. Apr 5 10 pm. $5. 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388, blackswancomedy.com.

**Belleville by Amy Herzog (Company Theatre/Canadian Stage). An unexpected event leads to stark revelations in the lives of young Americans living a seemingly perfect life in Paris. Previews Apr 6-9, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Apr 10 and runs to May 4, 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.

Big Girl Panties (Sandra Shamas). Shamas performs her work-in-progress solo show about women after age 55 and blooming later in life. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 5, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25, rush $20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Tallulah’s Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Breaking The Cycle Unity Charity presents 2 Vs 2 b-boy and b-girl break-dancing competitions, and Japan Vs Canada battle w/ Bboy Issei and Bgirl Ayane. Apr 4 at 5 pm. $12. Tattoo, 567 Queen W. 416-703-5488, facebook.com/events/531275060321528.

Bride of Simian Showcase Monkeyman Productions presents a showcase of comedic horror plays with a focus on female talent. Apr 4-6, 11-12, 8 pm (Apr 6 at 2 pm, Apr 12 at 11 pm). $10. Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas E. monkeymanproductions.com.

Catch 23 Comedy Bar presents a weekly improv pit fight. Fri 8 pm. $10. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

**Cock by Mike Bartlett (Studio 180 Theatre). A man breaks up with his boyfriend and falls for a woman in this comedic drama about identity. Previews Apr 4-5. Opens Apr 6 and runs to Apr 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, Wed 1:30 pm (no mat Apr 6). $25-$35, ltd Sun pwyc. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-872-1212, studio180theatre.com.

Conte D’Amour (Markus Ohrn/Institutet/Nya Rampen/Harbourfront World Stage). This video play crosses the border between desire and horror in an exploration of familial control. Opens Apr 1 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $39. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Dancemakers 40th Anniversary Fundraising Gala: Past, Present And Future Dancemakers presents an exhibit of archival materials, a performance of Around, post-show talks and more. Apr 3 at 6:30 pm. $75. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity. dancemakers.org.

Essential Opera Triple Bill (Essential Opera). The company presents three short operas by Elisha Denburg, Christopher Thornborrow and Monica Pearce. Apr 5 at 8 pm. $20. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton. essentialopera.com.

Expressions… Now Harbourfront NextSteps and dance Immersion present a variety of dance styles by Ohio company Azaguno and Toronto’s KasheDance. Apr 4-5, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 1 pm. $25-$30, stu/srs $18-$20. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceimmersion.ca.

Fleece & Flesh: 2 Adult Puppet Shows by Marty Stelnick and Angelique Miller/Frank Meschkuleit (On Stage on Demand). Rooster Kane’s Curio Emporium opens, followed by Meschkuleit’s My Big Fat German Puppet Show. Apr 5 at 7 pm. Free (donations to the Food Bank). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. picatic.com/FleshandFlash.

Frozen by Bryony Lavery (EN(LIVE)N Productions). Three lives intertwine in an exploration of the human capacity for forgiveness, remorse and change. Previews Apr 1-4, Fri and Tue 8 pm. Opens Apr 5 and runs to Apr 20, Fri-Mon 8 pm (except Apr 20 at 2 pm). $25, Mon/previews pwyc ($20 adv). The Box Studio, rm 103, 89 Niagara. frozen.brownpapertickets.com.

The Further Adventures Of Antoine Feval by Chris Gibbs (On Stage on Demand). Gibbs performs his solo show about a brilliant detective and his sidekick in 1897 London. Apr 1 at 7 pm. Free (donations to Sick Kids Hospital). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. picatic.com/AntoineFeval.

The Gigli Concert by Tom Murphy (Soulpepper). An unstable Irish millionaire hires an English self-help guru to teach him to sing like an opera star. Previews Mar 28-Apr 1. Opens Apr 2 and runs to May 16, see website for schedule. $29-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

he:she Peggy Baker Dance Projects presents contemporary works and live music with choreographies by Peggy Baker and Paul-André Fortier. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Apr 6, Wed-Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 4 pm. $28, stu/srs $23, Mar 29 pwyc at the door. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. brownpapertickets.com/event/515859.

Hercules by George Frideric Handel (Canadian Opera Company). The Greek myth based on Sophocles’ tragedy is brought into the modern day. Opens Apr 5 and runs to Apr 27, Apr 5 at 4:30 pm, Apr 11, 15, 19 and 24 at 7:30 pm, Apr 27 at 2:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Holler 4 Health Care! (Trinity St. Paul’s Church). Artists including Ted Dykstra, Mary Lou Fallis, Art Hindel, Shirley Douglas and Brent Carver appear in a show to protest the end of federal leadership in Canadian health care. Mar 31 at 8 pm. $12-$25 (eventbrite.ca). 427 Bloor W. facebook.com/events/563190377110432.

Holodeck Follies The Dandies present a monthly sci fi-inspired improv comedy variety show w/ stand-up by Zabrina Chevannes and sketch comedy by Rulers of the Universe. Apr 2 8 pm. $10. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. improvdandies.wordpress.com.

House At Poe Corner by Michael O’Brien and Eric Woolfe (Eldritch Theatre). Works of Edgar Allen Poe are re-imagined and enacted by a stuffed bear and his woodland companions in this work-in-progress sneak preview. Apr 4-5, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. brownpapertickets.com/event/591459.

Jill’s Living Room (Red Sandcastle Theatre). Jill Léger hosts a monthly musical theatre open-mic show. Jan 27 at 8 pm. Feb 24 at 8 pm. Mar 31 at 8 pm. $10. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

The Last Man On Earth by the Ensemble (Keystone Theatre). The devil and his minion plot to corrupt the last trace of innocence on earth in this silent-film style play. Previews Apr 2. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, keystonetheatre.net.

Maggie’s Getting Married by Norm Foster (Nags Players). A woman makes a startling discovery on the eve of her sister’s wedding. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 12, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $12-$20. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.

Mena’s Big Bawdy Burlesque Bash (Cherry Cola’s Rock N’ Rolla). Aviva the Mirage, Scarlett Sparks, Honey B Hind, Arabella Allure, Esther Deville and Mena Von Fleisch perform at this Sinful Sunday show. Apr 6, doors 9 pm. Free. 200 Bathurst. cherrycolas.com.

Muse by Veronica Appia (Little Black Afro Productions). An interactive play about human connection and interaction in which the audience is guided to each piece of visual art and monodrama. Opens Mar 31 and runs to Apr 5, Mon-Fri 7:30 & 9:30 pm, Sat 2:30 & 7:30 pm. $15, stu $10. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. littleblackafro.com.

My Narrator/The Death of Me by Norm Foster (Sparrowhawk Theatre Equity Collective). Two one-act plays by Foster explore the heart of love, life and death. Opens Apr 1 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $18-$20. Unit 102, 376 Dufferin. sparrowhawktheatre.com.

Nuts by Tom Topor (Scarborough Theatre Guild). An escort fights a psychiatrist’s ruling that she’s mentally unfit to stand trial for manslaughter. Opens Apr 3 and runs to Apr 19, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Apr 13 & 19 at 2 pm (no eve show Apr 19). $20, stu/srs $17. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

People City Bad Dog Repertory Players present unscripted shows that give an improvised glimpse into 1970s Toronto. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Apr 2, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Rent by Jonathan Larson (Lower Ossington Theatre). NYC artists struggle to make ends meet in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic in this musical. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Reveal Me Burlesque (Red Herring Burlesque). Virgin vixens and professional peelers put on a show. Jan 8, doors 8 pm. Feb 5, doors 8 pm. Mar 5, doors 8 pm. Apr 2, doors 8 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. aprofessionaldistraction.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. Mar 17-Jun 30, Mon 10 pm. Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.

Soliciting Temptation by Erin Shields (Tarragon Theatre). A meeting for sex in a hotel room turns into a discussion on morality, economics and desire. Previews Apr 1-8. Opens Apr 9 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, previews $21-$25, rush $13. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Stuff Happens by David Hare (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts). This political satire looks at camaraderie and turmoil between the world’s politicians en route to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Opens Apr 1 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $22. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, ticketmaster.ca.

Supperfesta by Natasha Boomer (On Stage on Demand). Secrets are revealed and relationships tested at a raucous family dinner party. Apr 2 at 7 pm. Free (donations to Adopt a Gran). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. picatic.com/Supperfesta.

Tap:Ex Revolutions (Tapestry). This production explores the fuses music and movement to push the boundaries of how opera is presented. Apr 4-5, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm. $35. Ernest Balmer Studio, 9 Trinity, suite 316. 416-537-6066 ext 222, tapestryopera.com.

Toronto Storytelling Festival (Storytelling Toronto). Urban celebration of traditional and contemporary storytelling featuring various styles and languages for all age groups. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Apr 6, see website for schedule and venues. $5-$25, some free events. torontostorytellingfestival.ca.

Tour De Danse Toronto Dance Theatre presents a fundraiser featuring 25 participants plus the dance company performing work by Christopher House. Apr 5 at 8 pm. $25. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. winchester.tdt.org.

The Trial Of Ken Gass by Bobby Del Rio (Hlibka Entertainment Inc). In a Kafkaesque series of interrogations, theatre star Ken Gass is put on trial for crimes he is not aware of. A different actor plays Gass each night. Opens Mar 22 and runs to Apr 3, Sun-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm. $15, Sun pwyc. Big Picture Cinema, 1035 Gerrard E. 416-466-3636, guestlistapp.com/events/233787.

**Trudeau And The FLQ: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1963-1970 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret/Soulpepper). This history play looks at the Quebec separatist movement and Trudeau’s pirouette to power. Previews Mar 27-Apr 2, see website for schedule. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Fri and Mon 1 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$55. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, videocab.com.

Uptown Abbey (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Trouble follows an English lord and his American wife in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Apr 5, Fri-Sat 8 pm, see website for full schedule. $40-$85. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

The Vicar Of Dibley by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer (Theatre Columbus). This funder for the company features a stage version of the BBC comedy series about a female vicar. Previews Apr 3. Opens Apr 4 and runs to Apr 5, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25, preview pwyc. St Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor E. 416-504-0019, theatrecolumbus.ca.

**Play listings based on NOW stage listings.