Toronto Playlistings for the Week of December 30, 2019

Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of December 30, 2019

For me it has been that weird holiday week.  You know the one where you don’t really remember what day of the week it is, and PJs are the outfit of the day… after day… after day?  And it has been glorious fun, with the kids playing with all of their new toys.  Except the Lego spread all over the carpet.  One missed piece at clean-up can ruin your night (ouch!!)

But it’s also time to put on pants and get back to a regular sleep schedule so I can function at work next week (okay… after New Year).  And the best way to get motivated to go out is to make some plans to go to the theatre.  It’s my week to let you know what has caught my eye, so take a look at my picks in ‘red’.  Spoiler alert – it’s pretty family-friendly!  It’s a great week to take kids to get some theatre experience!

Mooney on Theatre wishes you all a very Happy New Year!  See you next decade!

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.
Show Info

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.
Show Info

But That’s Another Story (Free Times Cafe, 320 College). Monthly storytelling show co-hosted by producers Christel Barteles and Briane Nasimok. Featuring Karen Blair, Pat Bissett, Jesse Bond, Collette Micks, Matthew McLaren, with a special tale from Free Times Café owner Judy Perly. Jan 5 at 7 pm. $10.
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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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Come From Away (Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge) by Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Mirvish). Newfoundlanders open their homes to stranded passengers following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Continuing at the Elgin after an 11-month run at the Royal Alex:  Dec 13, 2019 to Mar 1, 2020, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (see website for holiday performance schedule and other schedule exceptions). $39-$169, limited rush $25 (premium tickets also available).
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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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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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The Second City’s Improv Showdown @ Hotel X (Hotel X, 111 Princes’ Blvd). The Second City cast brings a holiday-themed, family-friendly version of the improv competition to Hotel X Toronto. Dec 13-Jan 5, see website for schedule. $15-$35.
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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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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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And Everything Else:

Bedroom Antics (John Candy Box Theatre, 99 Blue Jays Way).  Bedroom Antics is a fun and lighthearted stand-up show about dating, relationships, the bedroom, and everything in between. Jan 4 at 9:30 pm. $15.
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Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits (Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe).  The Opera Canada Symphony & Chorus perform popular selections from Carmen, Tosca, Rigoletto and more. Dec 31 at 7 pm. $55-$145.
Show Info

Cats in Boots (Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E) by Jane Shields and Rosemary Doyle (Panto Players). This family-friendly holiday pantomime is a mashup of Puss In Boots and the musical Cats. Open Dec 26 and runs to Jan 5, Dec 26-30 and Jan 2-4 at 7 pm, mat Dec 28-29, Dec 31, Jan 3-5 at 3 pm. $17-$29.
Show Info

Cinderella Panto (Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst). TYT Theatre presents a family-friendly musical experience adapted from the classic fairy tale. Opens Dec 14 and runs to Jan 5, see website for schedule. $30.
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The Gypsy Baron (Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E). Toronto Operetta Theatre presents a three-act comic operetta by Johann Strauss II. Opens Dec 28 and runs to Jan 5, Dec 28, 31 and Jan 3 at 8 pm, Dec 29 and Jan 5 at 3 pm. $55-$95.
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Hookup (Bad Dog Company Theatre, 875 Bloor W). Bad Dog Theatre presents improvised romantic comedy based on the lives of two random audience members. Jan 4 at 9:30 pm, upstairs. $20, stu/arts workers $15.
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The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays (Meridian Hall, 1 Front E). MagicSpace and The Works Entertainment present a blockbuster showcase of magic, mentalism and illusions. Jan 1-5, see website for times. $29-$169.
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Ma’am, You’re Making a Scene (The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth).  An all-female identifying jam show. Jan 2 at 8 pm. PWYC.
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The Nutcracker (Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen W). The National Ballet of Canada presents its annual holiday tradition, with choreography by James Kudelka. Dec 12-Jan 4, see website for schedule. $45 & up.
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Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman) by Hannah Moscovitch (Tarragon). The archetypal “student-teacher romance” gets turned on its head and re-envisioned for the post-#MeToo era. Previews from Dec 31, opens Jan 8 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm & some Weds 1:30 pm, see website for more info and tickets. $22-$70. MainSpace.
Show Info

Slut Parade: A Sex Positive Comedy Show! (Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W). Stand-up comedians share their best and worst stories of the sex and dating world. No slut shaming allowed! Hosted by Allie Pearse. Jan 2 at 8 pm. $15 advance, $20 door.
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Theatresports & The Early Show (Bad Dog Company Theatre, 875 Boor W). – Can be seen as a double bill, or individually.
The Early Show: Bad Dog Featured Players perform a brand new, unscripted comedy show every week. Starring: Carley Thorne, Freddie Rivas, Bita Joudaki, Kate Fenton, Rob Lewin, Patrick Murray, Cihang Ma, Rob Lewin, Rosh Abdullah, Tyra Banda, Dana Puddicombe, Amanda Cogan, Geoff Cork & Randl Morales. Saturdays at 7 pm, Jan 4-May 23. $5 (free w/ Theatresports ticket).
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Theatresports: Bad Dog’s flagship show/improv competition mixes the thrill of improv with the energy of a sporting event. Saturdays at 8 pm, Jan 4-May 23. $15, stu/arts workers $10.
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Your Hood’s A Joke: New Years Eve (CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge) Toronto Comedy All Stars presents the NYE edition of the territorial roast battle-style comedy show with host Danish Anwar. Featuring: Scarborough vs Etobicoke, Brampton vs Mississauga, East Toronto vs West Toronto, Ontario vs Nova Scotia, Italy vs Eritrea and India vs China.  Dec 31, 2019 8:00 PM  $25-$35.  (MoT review of in-year version of show)
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Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.