Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of August 28th, 2017
The weather might be (slowly) cooling down, but Toronto’s stages are heating up. New to the stage this week is a spicy cabaret, buskers, and opera! Our editor Samantha is here with her select picks in red. Check them out below the cut:
Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:
Shakespeare in High Park: King Lear. (Canadian Stage/York U Theatre Dept). The classic tragedy is staged outdoors. Previews from Jun 29, opens Jul 13 and runs to Sep 2. Pwyc, $25 reserved seating. In the Amphitheatre, High Park. Show Info.
And everything else:
Red Hot Cabaret. Hot & Spicy Food Festival presents a night of salty stories and saucy music Sharron Matthews and Shawn Hitchins. Sep 2 at 9 pm. $25, adv $20. At Harbourfront Centre. Show Info.
Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy. Local and international clowns, comedians, escape artists, acrobats, aerial artists, sword swallowers, musicians, magicians, fire jugglers and other street performers fill the park with amazing sights and sounds at this annual spectacle that raises funds for Epilepsy Toronto. Sep 1-4, admission by donation. At Woodbine Park. Show Info.
Bandits in the Valley. Tapestry Opera presents a site-specific multimedia opera by playwright Julie Tepperman and composer Benton Roark. Set in 1860s Toronto, it tells the story of a local bandit group, aided by a troupe of travelling Gilbert & Sullivan players, who attempt to steal a mysterious object from a wealthy citizen’s home in the Don Valley. Opens Sep 2 and runs to Sep 30, Sat-Sun various times, see website (no show Sep 17). Free (ticket required). At Todmorden Mills. Show Info.
Lady Gaga: #Artbirth by Athena Reich and Jack Trinco (Sara Schwartz Geller Productions). AthenaReich plays the pop icon, who’s decided to give birth in front of fans as a performance art piece in pop/comedy show. Opens Aug 24 and runs to Sep 3, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $35-$45. At Berkeley Street Theatre. Show Info.
Pippi: The Strongest Girl in the World. by Astrid Lindgren (Fourth Gorgon Theatre). In this adaptation, Pippi is surprised by her pirate crew who show up to take everyone on a musical sailing adventure. Opens Aug 23 and runs to Sep 4, Tue-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat, Sun (and Sep 4) at 1:30 pm. $25. At Pirate Life Toronto. Show Info.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare in the Ruff). The romantic comedy is performed outdoors. Previews from Aug 15, opens Aug 18 and runs to Sep 3, Tue-Sun 8 pm. Pwyc. At Withrow Park. Show Info.
Territorial Tales. Shakespeare In High Park presents three short plays based on themes of displacement, migration and the recapturing of spirit, penned by selected participants of Canadian Stage’s 2017 youth engagement program. Performed before the SIHP feature play (King Lear or Twelfth Night). Opens Aug 3 and runs to Sep 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm. Free/pwyc. At the Amphitheatre in High Park. See website for more info on the show & cast. Show Info.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical book by Douglas McGrath (Paul Blake/Sony/ATV Music). The story of King’s rise to stardom as a composer and singer-songwriter, marriage and divorce to writing partner Gerry Goffin and friendships with other musical artists. Opens Jun 27 and runs to Sep 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 2 pm (no show Jul 1). $50-$149. At Ed Mirvish Theatre. Show Info.
Pirate Life Children’s Theatre. Kids can dress in costume, get face paint tattoos and help discover the mystery of the treasure map in this interactive theatrical show/boat cruise. Opens May 6 and runs to Oct 8, Sat-Sun until Jun 25, daily Jun 26-Sep 4, weekends to Oct 9. Various times from 10:30 am-5 pm. $25. At Island Rogue. Show Info.
Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings.