Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of May 6th, 2019.
MoT is here with fabulous suggestions for the theatre-goer in you! Spring has finally arrived, and so has Toronto’s busiest theatre season. Our Managing Editor, Wayne has highlighted his top choices in red. Take a look at our list below and we guarantee you’ll find your next theatrical obsession!
Already Reviewed by MoT:
Next To Normal. CAA Theatre. Musical Stage Company presents the musical drama by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. This rock musical looks at a family dealing with grief, drugs, medical ethics and mental illness. Opens Apr 26 and runs to May 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (see website for additional shows and to buy tickets). $60-$110.
Antigone. Young People’s Theatre. Antigone 方 by Jeff Ho (YPT). Adaptation of the Greek myth inspired by Hong Kong’s 2014 student umbrella protest and the 1989 uprising in Tiananmen Square. Previews from Apr 29, opens May 2 and runs to May 16, see website for times. $10-$39.
Recommended for Grades 7-12 / ages 12 and up.
Too Good To Be True. VideoCabaret Theatre & Studio. by Cliff Cardinal (VideoCabaret). A mom and her teenage kids hold a last supper as police close in on them. Previews from Apr 24, opens Apr 27 and runs to May 19, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm. $20-$40.
887. Bluma Appel Theatre. by Robert Lepage (Ex Machina). This production explores the collection and recall of memories in the digital age, and how theatre is still relevant today. Opens May 3 and runs to May 12, Tue-Thu & Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $51-$126.
And Everything Else:
Wring the Roses. Theatre Centre. madonnanera and Why Not Theatre present a play by Amanda Cordner and David di Giovanni as part of the RISER Project. This play follows a group of women whose bonds of friendship wilt over the course of a stagette. Previews from May 6, opens May 7 and runs to May 14, Mon-Sat 9 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $12-$60 pay what you can afford.
Eraser. Theatre Centre. Eraser Theatre and Why Not Theatre present a show as part of the RISER Project. Eraser, an immersive physical theatre experience, delves into the memories and fantasies of a classroom of students as they figure out who they want to be. Previews from May 7, opens May 8 and runs to May 14, Mon-Sat, see website for times. $12-$60 pay what you can afford.
Josiah Henson: From Slave to Saviour. Red Sandcastle Theatre. One One Seven Productions presents a solo show performed by Cassel Miles. The inspiring story of Josiah Henson, whose autobiography became the model for the groundbreaking novel that started the American Civil War: Uncle Tom’s Cabin. May 7-12, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20.
Return to Grace. Princess of Wales Theatre. Mirvish presents Steve Michaels performing a musical tribute to Elvis Presley alongside more than 30 singers, dancers and musicians onstage. Opens May 7 and runs to May 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30-$130.
Welcome To My Underworld. Young Centre for the Performing Arts. (Soulpepper/Rare Theatre Company). Short works written and performed by new Canadian dramatists, including Bilal Baig, Maddie Bautista, Grace Campbell, Samson Brown, Ellen Ringler and others. Previews May 8, opens May 9 and runs to May 25, see website for schedule. $25-$40.
Spin. Jane Mallett Theatre. Evalyn Parry presents a musical and theatrical journey about women, cycling and liberation. May 8 at 7:30 pm. $25-$50.
And So It Goes. Pia Bouman School for Ballet. Kyanite Theatre presents the play by George F. Walker. A Toronto couple, their schizophrenic daughter Karen, and their therapist (Kurt Vonnegut as a mental apparition) try to cope as Karen’s condition and its repercussions unravel their lives. Previews May 8, opens May 9 and runs to May 26, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat (and May 26) 2 pm. $20-$25, preview $15.
Inner Elder. Aki Studio. Native Earth Performing Arts and Nightwood Theatre present a play written and performed by Michelle Thrush. Inner Elder takes audiences on a journey of transformation through laughter and real-life memories of Cree artist Thrush as she explores her own inner elder. Using a delicate blend of Bouffon and Indigenous clowning, this performance offers a heightened experience in the theatre and an extraordinary vision of our world. Opens May 8 and runs to May 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30, stu/srs/arts workers $25. Approximately 55 minutes | No Intermission. Tickets available online
The Catapult Festival. Centre for Spiritual Living. Convergence Theatre presents a festival of one woman shows: Soul Prints improvised by Tracey Hoyt; Person Of Interest written & performed by Melody A. Johnson; and Roxy written & performed by Ali Joy Richardson. May 9-12, Thu & Sat 7 & 8:30 pm, Fri 7 & 9:30 pm, Sun 3, 4:30 & 7 pm. $20 single tickets / $35 double bill / $50 triple bill.
Tchaikovsky. PRO et CONTRA. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Show One Productions and TO Live present an original show performed by Russia’s contemporary ballet company, Eifman Ballet. Ballet auteur Boris Eifman honours his musical muse with a powerful exploration of the nature of genius and the price of fame. This heart-rending choreographic love letter to the immortal music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is an emotionally gripping exposition of the artists life. May 9-11, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $55-$155.
WeeFestival. The Assembly Hall. Theatre Direct presents a celebration of arts for early childhood, featuring eight plays and performances crafted for kids. May 11-20, see website for schedule. $12-$15. At the Assembly Hall, the Redwood (1300 Gerrard East) & Studio 21@TfT (21 College).
Royal Ontario Ball. Old Mill Toronto. Live music by the Bob Cary Orchestra, pro/am & amateur dancer showcases, Twist Dance Championship, dinner and social dancing at this event pays homage to the 1950s era of dancing. Day session starts at 9 am, evening session starts at 7 pm. $145.
The Knitting Pilgrim. Aga Khan Museum. Artists Kirk Dunn presents a multidisciplinary theatrical experience, featuring storytelling, image projection and Stitched Glass – a hand-knit textile installation that explores the commonalities within Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This solo play traces Dunn’s spiritual journey over the fifteen years it took him to make Stitched Glass. May 11-12, Sat 3 & 8 pm, Sun 6 pm. $25, stu/srs $18.75.
Listings Primarily Based on NOW! Stage Listings