Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of December 2, 2019
How did it get to be December already?!? It feels like just last week we were sitting enjoying the last of the outdoor theatre season. Fall has just flown by! There are a number of great shows closing this week, so if there is something you’ve been thinking of seeing it’s time to get out see it before it’s too late. Check them out in our Already Reviewed by MoT list below.
Or, if you’re itching to see something new, take a peak at what has caught our eye from among the diverse shows opening this week. At the start of the December holiday season, our editor Lin is checking her ‘reds’ list to let you know what shows she thinks are must see’s the week.
Already Reviewed by MoT:
The Adventures of Pinocchio (Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E) by Brian Hill and Neil Bartram (YPT). This new musical follows the much-loved marionette on his mischievous quest to become a real human being. Ages 5 & up. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Jan 5, see website for schedule. $10-$54.
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Between Breaths (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst) by Robert Chafe (Factory/Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland). Inspired by the true story of John Lien and his work of saving whales trapped in fishing nets. Previews Nov 20, opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$50.
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Between Riverside and Crazy (Coal Mine Theatre, 1454 Danforth) by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Coal Mine Theatre). A man tries to hang on to one of Manhattan’s last rent-stabilized apartments in this drama about the effects of social prejudice. Previews Nov 24, opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $47.50-$55.50, previews/rush $25.
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Cats (Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W) by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Mirvish). Talented felines frolic at the Jellicle Ball in this classic musical. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm – see website for additional performances. $39-$175.
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Citadel Dance Mix 2019 (The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament). Citadel + Compagnie present a seasonal triple bill featuring choreographers Nova Bhattacharya, Syreeta Hector and Christianne Ullmark. Nov 27-Dec 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25.
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Copy That (Tarragon, 30 Bridgman). Renowned playwright Jason Sherman’s caustic look at the entertainment industry, Copy That takes us behind the scenes of network television. Four writers struggle to get their new cop show approved for production. When the team’s only Black writer is roughed up by an actual cop, the fallout threatens to not only kill the show, but expose the systemic racism at the heart of popular entertainment itself. Previews Nov 6-12 ($30, stu/arts workers $23). Open Nov 13 and runs to Dec. 8. See website for showtimes. $57/sr $55/stu&arts workers $29.
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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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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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STARS: Together (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw). Crow’s Theatre presents a musical by Stars, Chris Abraham and Zack Russell that is part rock-doc, part tragicomic fantasy created by indie-rock band Stars. Previews from Nov 26, opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Dec 4). $30-$55.
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They’re Listening (The Collective Space, 221 Sterling). Echo Productions presents an original Canadian work that takes place in an alternate, post-apocalyptic universe some time after “The Collapse”. With civilization fractured, two factions emerge to squabble over the scraps, both under the dominance of “Upstairs”. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec. 6. See website for schedule. $25.
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Unconventional Holiday Revue (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City presents a heaping serving of seasonal satire that’s the perfect alternative to those same old holiday shows. Nov 18-Jan 5, evening and matinee shows, see website for schedule. $24-$39.
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And Everything Else:
Anastasia (Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria) by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Opera Atelier). Romantic musical, inspired by the films, about the twilight of the Russian empire and a young woman’s quest to discover the mystery of her past. Opens Dec 3 and runs to Jan 12, see website for schedule. $39-$175.
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Bend It Like Bekham: The Musical (Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E). Starvox Entertainment, Bend It Films, Kintop Pictures and TO Live present the musical based on the hit film. In West London, a teen girl from a South Asian Sikh family desperately wants to play soccer, against the wishes of her traditional immigrant parents. Book by Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges, with lyrics by Charles Hart and music by Howard Goodall. Previews from Dec 7, opens Dec 17 and runs to Jan 5, see website for times. $50-$300.
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Carmen #YesAllWomen (Heliconian Hall, 3 Hazelton) by Alaina Viau and Monica Pearce (Loose Tea Music Theatre). John, a war vet with PTSD, becomes obsessed with Carmen, a strong-willed female bartender, in this musical drama about patriarchal society and the normalization of harassment that women face everyday. Dec 3-5, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm. $35; stu/arts workers $25 (at the door only).
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A Christmas Carol (Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W). The Three Ships Collective & Soup Can Theatre present an adaptation of the holiday classic with original text by Justin Haigh. This original and immersive theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story includes brand new scenes, characters, dialogue and songs. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun 5 & 7 pm. $25-$35, preview $20.
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A Christmas Carol (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House) by Charles Dickens (Soulpepper). Michael Shamata’s adaptation of the classic holiday ghost story gets a staging. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 24, see website for schedule. $35-$95.
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A Christmas Story (Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington). Based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, A Christmas Story chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Nov 8-Dec 29. See website for showtimes. $60.
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Every Day She Rose (Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander) by Andrea Scott and Nick Green (Nightwood Theatre). The personal becomes political for two best friends when racial and queer politics collide at the 2016 Toronto Pride parade. Previews from Nov 23, opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $35, stu/srs/arts workers/previews $25. Rush tickets Tue-Thu $20, Sun PWYC.
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Figaro’s Wedding (Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity). Against the Grain Theatre’s classic adaptation of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro modernized, translated into English and re-staged as one of Toronto’s millennial weddings in the historic Enoch Turner Schoolhouse with the audience attending as wedding guests. Dec 3-20. See website for showtimes. $35-$95.
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HaHa for the Holidays (Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W). Family-friendly variety show with songs, silly stand-up and maybe just a little holiday mischief. Hosted by Hisham Kelati, featuring various performers. Nov 16-Dec 7, Saturday 3 pm. $12.
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I Take Your Hand in Mine (Tarragon Theatre Workspace, 30 Bridgman) by Carol Rocamora (The Chekhov Collective/Theatrus). This play is based on love letters of playwright Anton Chekhov and his wife, actor Olga Knipper. Dec 5-6 at 8 pm. $12.
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Impulse 2019 (Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester). The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents IMPULSE 2019, an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works, showcasing dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program. Choreography by Kate Alton, Marc Boivin, Pulga Muchochoma, Darryl Tracy, and Apolonia Velasquez. Nov 28-Dec 7, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $17-$22.
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Lez is More (Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W). L-Word Reboot edition of the queer stand-up show w/ Charissa Abishiktha, Kelly Sanchuck, Bethany Daniels, headliner Adrienne Fish & host Jas Pants. First Tuesday of each month. Dec 3 at 8 pm. $10 online, $15 door.
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Lil’ Red Robin Hood (Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge) by Matt Murray (Ross Petty Productions). Family-friendly holiday musical set in Sherway Gardens Forest featuring pop tunes, ad libs and audience participation. Previews from Nov 29, opens Dec 6 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $27-$99.
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A Million Billion Pieces (Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E) by David James Brock & Gareth Williams (YPT). Two teens are isolated by a rare disease that could prove deadly if they make contact. Ages 13 & up. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Dec 13, see website for schedule. $19-$24.
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The Nonna Monologues (Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence W). DopoLavoro Teatrale presents a production by Daniele Bartolini. Performers tell stories of their Italian grandmas, family recipes and compete for the honour of being voted as the winner of ” the Nonna Challenge” at the end of the show. Previews from Dec 4, opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$40. Partial proceeds support Villa Charities Foundation.
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34th Nutcracker (Humberside Collegiate Institute, 280 Quebec). The Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement presents the holiday classic show. Dec 6-8, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1:30 pm. $20-$50. In Lismer Hall.
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Peter Pan (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). Soulpepper and Bad Hats Theatre present a musical reimagining of JM Barrie’s classic tale, suitable for ages 3 and up. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 24, see website for schedule. $25-$45.
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Planet Munsch (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). George Brown Theatre presents an all-ages show based on the stories of Robert Munsch. The show is suitable for children 3 years of age and up. Public performances Nov 30 and Dec 7, 10:30 am & 1 pm (school bookings Nov 27-Dec 6). Adults $25, srs $20, stu $10.
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Radioactive Spyder (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw). Spyder Theatre Company and Crow’s Theatre present a children’s musical by Deborah Adelman, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne. Animals from around the world guide a spider with superpowers on a journey of self-discovery. Dec 7-8 at 11 am, 2 and 4:30 pm. $10-$20.
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Sibs (Theater Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson) by Diane Flacks and Richard Greenblatt. Sibs chases a pair of siblings through their turbulent history. Preview Dec 5, opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 15. See website for showtimes. $25; preview & stu/arts workers $20.
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Silk: An Evening of Burlesque in The Market (187 Collective, 187 Augusta). A night of old-school glamour, strong fierce feminine energy and creative expression. Performances by Ginger Glaze, Johleen, Kareena Pussy Couture, Mocha Love, Nana Vanna D and Ola Minou. Dec 6 at 9:30 pm (doors 8:30 pm). $15 or PWYC.
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Soldier On (Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley) by Jonathan Lewis (The Soldiers’ Arts Academy). A company of ex-soldiers become a company of actors and deal with trauma and belonging. Previews from Nov 26, opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $35-$90.
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Tales of a City by the Sea (Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) by Samah Sabawi (Canadian Friends of Sabeel). This play explores love, life, humour, death, grief and friendship in the besieged Gaza strip. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15-$30. In the MainSpace.
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Uber & Klonk: I Be Like (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor W). The award winning comedy duo of Carley Thorne and Meredith Mullen present their first full-length sketch show of edgy and absurd sketches all about the anxieties of being in your twenties. Always irreverent and toeing the line, the one thing Uber & Klonk can guarantee is that you’ll never be bored watching them. Dec 5 at 8pm. $10.
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What the Elf?! (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City presents a musical extravaganza about the holiday season for kids, parents, grandparents, siblings and reindeer of all ages. Includes brand new scenes for 2019, improv and original songs by Jay McCarrol. Nov 30-Jan 3, matinee performances at 2 and 4:30 pm, see website for schedule details. $18, child $14.
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Les Zinspiré.e.s: Infinitely Awake (Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley). Théâtre français de Toronto presents a young artists’ showcase. Dec 4 & 7, Wed 8 pm, Sat 3:30 pm. $20-$30.
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Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.