Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of October 21, 2019
It finally feels like it’s the nose-tingling fall season, and my kids are SUPER EXCITED for Hallowe’en. Both of those things mean that we are definitely knee-deep in the crunchy leaf-pile of Toronto Fall Theatre season. Check out what has caught our eye from the new and fresh works that have fallen this week. Or, go see one of the several shows that previously caught our eye that have had their runs extended. Either way, put on a warm sweater and head out to rake up some amazing theatre this week. It’s Megan’s turn this week to turn a few of our listings red to highlight what has caught her attention in theatre this week.
Already Reviewed by MoT:
Alegria (Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Rd W). Cirque du Soleil reinterprets its 1994 show with new acrobatics, visual design and musical arrangements. Led by an intangible wind of change, the show tells the story of an emerging movement that strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Opens Sep 12 and runs to Dec 1, see website for schedule. $59-$290.
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Almighty Voice and His Wife (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House)by Daniel David Moses (Soulpepper Theatre). Drama based on a true story about a Cree man on the run from the RCMP in 1800s Canada. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 10, see website for times. $38-$98.
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The Election (Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) by Natasha Greenblatt & Yolanda Bonnell (Theatre Passe Muraille / Common Boots Theatre / Nightwood Theatre). Provocative and hilarious investigation of how Canadians engage in democracy. Previews begin Oct 9. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Oct 27, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $17-$38. Pwyc previews, matinees and Tuesday evenings.
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The Flick (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw) by Annie Baker (Outside the March/Crow’s Theatre). Three ushers in an indie movie theatre navigate life as they attend to the last 35mm film projector in town. Previews from Oct 6, opens Oct 10 and runs to Oct 27, see website for schedule. $30-$55.
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Ghost Quartet (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw) by Dave Malloy (Crow’s Theatre/Eclipse Theatre Company). Interwoven narratives spanning 7 centuries run through this haunted song cycle about love, death and whiskey. Opens Oct 5 and runs to Nov 10 (EXTENDED!), Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$47.
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Girl From the North Country (Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W) by Conor McPherson (Mirvish). This musical using the songs of Bob Dylan looks in on a tense community in 1934 Minnesota. Previews from Sep 28, opens Oct 6 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$175.
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Hilot Means Healer (Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W) by Jo SiMalaya Alcampo (Cahoots Theatre/b current). Set during WWII, this play explores the social and political consequences of war and occupation in the Philippines. Drawn from traditional Philippine folklore, legends and Indigenous spirituality, it tells a story of unexpected bonds formed during cataclysmic change. Previews from Oct 5, opens Oct 9 and runs to Oct 27, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, preview $15.
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Horseface (Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E) by Alex Dallas (Red Sandcastle Theatre). Dallas performs her solo show about a woman, a manspreader and the #MeToo movement. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Oct 27, Oct 16, 17, 19 and Oct 23-26 at 8 pm, matinees Oct 19 and 27 at 3 pm. $18-$20.
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If I Could #Throwback Time (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City’s 83rd sketch comedy revue basks in the neon glow of nostalgia, mining comedy gold from ancient treasures like old school video games, Power Rangers and Canada’s long, complicated history of sweeping social injustices. Previews from Sep 10. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Jan 9th: Tue-Thu 8 pm; Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 7:30 & 10 pm. See website for more days and times, exceptions and to buy tickets. $28 & up.
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The Jungle (Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman)by Anthony MacMahon and Thomas McKechnie (Tarragon). Two hard-working immigrants find love between shifts in Toronto. Previews from Oct 1, opens Oct 9 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $22-$70. ExtraSpace.
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Minorities (Baillie Theatre, 26 Berkeley). Choreographer Yang Zhen gives a voice to the social condition of a new generation of ethnic minorities in China. Minorities examines the constant conflict between social prejudice and artists’ need to express themselves and relate their identities to the world they live in. Dance, theatre, documentary material from Zhen’s extensive travel experiences, and the performers’ memories, form the basis of this interdisciplinary and immersive work of theatre. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 27, see website for show dates and times. $49-$79.
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The Particulars (Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W). Punctuate! Theatre presents a play written and directed by Matthew MacKenzie. Performed as a fusion of dance and theatre, it’s a darkly funny and subtly powerful story of one insomniac’s struggle to maintain a daily routine in the face of a home invasion. Previews Oct 16, opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 26 at 1:30 pm. $30, stu/srs/arts workers $20; Oct 22 PWYC.
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Piaf/Dietrich: A Legendary Affair (CAA Theatre 651 Yonge St). Mirvish presents a musical drama that explores the fascinating friendship between show business legends. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$129.
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Rusalka (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W) by Antonín Dvořák (Canadian Opera Company). A water sprite risks everything for love in this mermaid-myth opera. Performed in Italian with Czech surtitles. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Oct 26, see website for schedule. $35-$350 (specially priced $22 tickets are available after September 3 for people under the age of 30).
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Turandot (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W) by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A man plays a deadly game to win the princess’ hand. Performed in Italian with English surtitles. Opens Sep 28 and runs to Oct 27, see website for schedule. $35-$350 (specially priced $22 tickets are available after September 3 for people under the age of 30).
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Yaga (Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave). by Kat Sandler (Tarragon). Genre-bending dark comedy thriller that brings a murder investigation face-to-face with the Baba Yaga witch fable. Previews from Sep 17, opens Sep 25 and runs to Oct 27 (EXTENDED!), Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $22-$70. MainSpace.
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And Everything Else:
Asian Comedy All-Stars (Rivoli 334 Queen W) Asian Comedy All-Stars is a recurring comedy show, with this iteration featuring: Brendan D’Souza, Jialu Wang, Rajat Bhateja, Philippe Koo, Heather Macdonald, Thomas Yeung, headliner Ernie Vicente and host Rush Kazi. 8 pm. $20, adv $15.
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The Beverly Street Seance (starts at Sin & Redemption, 136 McCaul; moves to George Brown House, 186 Beverly). Mentalist Jaymes White presents a recreation of an authentic Victorian séance at one of the city’s most haunted locations. This soul-shaking psychological experience is not intended for the weak or faint of heart. Restricted to ages 18+. Sep 13-Nov 30, see website for days and times. $59.99.
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La Cantatrice chauve (The Bald Soprano) (Berkeley St. Theatre, 26 Berkeley) by Eugène Ionesco. (Théâtre français de Toronto). Absurd comedy about the banalities that consume their daily life of the bourgeoisie. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 3, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$49, Wed-Thu PWYC.
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The Cult of Dalkhilu (Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson). A reclusive horror writer, trapped in her tiny apartment by intense agoraphobia, struggles to finish the final novel in her feverishly popular series. The pressure increases as her dangerous and demented fan base discover her real identity and begin visiting her with violent and gruesome offerings. The line between fact and fiction is blurred when she learns that the demonic cult from her novels has become a reality and they are worshipping her as their prophet. Weary and weathered, a lone Detective must face the demons of his own haunted past in order to uncover the source of the madness before it consumes them all. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 2, 7:30 pm. Sat 2:00pm. $25, Tues PWYC.
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Dock Mother God Society (Grand Canyon, 2 Osler) by Bryce Hodgson (Blood Pact Theatre). Set in BC during the worst wildfire season in Canadian history, this play explores modern western community and its relationship to death, family, generosity, resentment, forgiveness and our connection to the land. Previews begin Oct. Opens Oct 10 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $15-$25.
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Double Bangers (The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen W). Monthly sketch comedy double bill, this month featuring Uber and Klonk (Carley Thorne & Meredith Mullen) and avant-garde video sketch stars Public Works (Alex Kolanko, Callum Wratten & Connor Low). Oct 21 8 pm. $15-$20.
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Drink of Choice (Factory Theatre Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst). You play the Customer. The drink you choose will decide the Bartender’s story. A create-your-own-adventure semi autobiographical piece, Drink of Choice examines sexual identity, especially the often overlooked and misunderstood conceptions of being asexual. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 3. Check website for times. $25.
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The Ghost Light Anthology: Cataclysm (Majlis Art Garden, 163 Walnut). A tragic event forces six former camp counsellors to return to the camp that both forged and destroyed their bond. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 31, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $13. Cash only at the door, or purchase advance tickets online.
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The Good Thief (Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth) by Conor McPherson (Fly on the Wall Theatre). A small-time thug becomes a fugitive after a routine job goes awry. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Oct 29, Tue 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $20.
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La Boheme (The Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick). Against the Grain Theatre celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary season with the production that started it all, and uproots opera from the opera house. A modern adaptation and English translation of the Puccini classic shifts the tale of struggling artists to the present-day, and unfolds entirely inside a historic dive bar in the heart of Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. Open Oct 11 runs to Oct 25, Tues-Sun 8 pm. $40.
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The Mush Hole (Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E) by Santee Smith (YPT/Kaha:wi Dance Theatre). This dance-theatre production explores the devastating intergenerational impact of Canada’s residential school system. Recommended for ages 11 & up. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Oct 25, see website for schedule. $10-$39.
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Nobody’s Talking to Me (Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley). Toronto Irish Players present a play by Tommy Marren. This comedy takes place in rural Ireland 1968, on the eve of the 40th wedding anniversary of Maggie and Mattie Conway – who haven’t spoke a single word to each other in 10 years. Previews Oct 17, opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $27, stu/srs $25, preview $15.
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A Party to Murder (Gerrard Art Space, 1475 Gerrard E). Mortar & Pestle Productions presents a play by Marcia Kash & Doug Hughes. Things are not as they seem for six people who’ve come to play a murder mystery game at a rustic island cottage on Halloween. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 26, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 19 at 2 pm. $20.
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Pass Over (Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander) by Antoinette Nwandu (Obsidian Theatre). Two young men hanging out on the corner have their dreams derailed by a stranger with his own agenda. Previews from Oct 22, opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $35-$40, stu/srs/arts workers $25, previews $15-$20. Some rush PWYC tickets available, see website for details.
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst). Based on the Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. Opens Oct 4 and runs to Nov 3. See website for show dates and times. $49-$79.
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RICE – Asian Comedy Showcase (Rivoli, 332 Queen Street West). Cassie Cao (Just for Laughs, CTV’s The Social) stars in RICE – Asian Comedy Showcase at the historic Rivoli. Hosted by Vong Show (MTV, Logo Network, Comedy Cares). Special guest performances from an all-star lineup of Canada’s finest Asian comedians including Jennifer Hsiung, Franco Nguyen, Carolina DG and Anto Chan. Thursday, October 24 at 8 PM
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The Rocky Horror Show (Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington) by Richard O’Brien (LOT). A newly engaged couple land in the home of a mad scientist in this schlocky cult classic. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Nov 10, Thu-Sat, see website for times. $40.
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She Kills Monsters (Sweet Action Theatre, Artscape Youngeplace 180 Shaw #105) by Qui Nguyen (Daisy Productions). Two sisters set forth on a badass adventure through a world of demons, dragons and D20s. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25.
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SPUN (Greenwin Theatre at The Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St). Spun is the story of best friends, Safa and Aisha, both from working-class British Pakistani families in Newham, London. We meet them as they finish university and, for the first time, are forging different paths. Safa is going off to work at a large organization in central London and Aisha is staying in Newham to become a teacher, but both with the promise that they will meet every Thursday. As they each redefine who they are, cracks in their friendship start to appear and the debates happening in the outside world seeps into their day-to-day conversations. ONE NIGHT ONLY: Oct 21 at 7:30pm. $42 – $52.
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Til Death Do Us Part (The Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen W). Small but Mighty Productions present a play by Melly Magrath (original book) and the company. For one day and one night in Vegas, a quirky group of friends travel to the Chapel of Blue Suede Shoes for Ross and Norah’s wedding. Things begin to go awry when an alarm is heard and the Chapel goes into lock down. Oct 24-27, Thu-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30.
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Trout Stanley (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst) by Claudia Dey (Factory). Orphaned twins who’ve isolated themselves from the world meet a mysterious runaway on their 30th birthday. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$50.
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Urinetown: The Musical (Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina). Toronto Musical Concerts presents a staged reading of the musical comedy by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis. In a Gotham-like city, a 20-year drought causes a terrible water shortage, leading to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company. Oct 25 & 26 at 7:30 pm. $30, stu/srs/arts workers $25.
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The Wild Guys (Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery Rd). A Canadian comedy about four very different middle-aged men who end up on weekend getaway together in the bush. Their reasons for being there may differ, but as the weekend progresses, walls get broken down and communication begins to flow, we discover that their needs aren’t so different after all. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 3. Thurs-Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm. $25, stu $17.
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Your Hood’s A Joke (Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond W, Toronto) Roast battle comedy show hosted by Danish Anwar. Featuring: Brampton vs Mississauga, BC vs Saskatchewan, Philippines vs Italy & North America vs South America. Fri Oct 25, 10:30 pm. $15.
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Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.