Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of May 20th, 2013

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of May 20th, 2013. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wish he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT

BEA by Mick Gordon (Actors Repertory Company). A young woman with a debilitating illness struggles to find her voice and make a difficult decision. Previews May 7. Opens May 8 and runs to May 26. $25-$30, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, arcstage.com.

Dialogues des Carmélites by Francis Poulenc (Canadian Opera Company). Carmelite nuns are caught up in the terror of the French Revolution. Opens May 8 and runs to May 25. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Hold Mommy’s Cigarette (Shelley Marshall). Marshall performs her solo dark comedy about life, mental illness and survival. Opens May 23 and runs to Jun 2. $20-$25, Sun pwyc. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-821-1754, holdmommyscigarette.com.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts (Angelwalk Theatre/KooGle Theatre Company). This musical comedy looks at dating, mating and romance. Previews May 14-15. Opens May 16 and runs to Jun 2. $25-$45. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, angelwalk.ca.

**Kim’s Convenience by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). Choi’s play about a Korean family in Regent Park struggling with the past returns to the stage. Previews May 20-23. Opens May 24 and runs to Jun 19. $51-$68, stu $32, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Little Flower Of East Orange by Stephen Adly Gurgis (Column 13 Actors Company). A hospitalized woman with no memory is confronted by her long-absent son in this family drama. Previews May 13 at 8 pm. Opens May 15 and runs to May 25. $15. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. 416-536-0048, column13.org.

Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti (Canadian Opera Company). An old feud and political ambition lead a man to sabotage his sister’s relationship in this Italian tragic opera. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 24. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Rent by Jonathan Larson (Lower Ossington Theatre). Artists of NYC’s Lower East Side struggle to make ends meet in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic in this musical. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Jun 2. $49-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Salome by Richard Strauss (Canadian Opera Company). King Herod’s stepdaughter dances in exchange for the head of John the Baptist in this German opera based on the biblical tale. Opens Apr 21 and runs to May 22. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Stopheart by Amy Lee Lavoie (Factory Theatre). A young man copes with growing up ‘different’ in a small town in northern Ontario in this dark comedy. Previews May 4-8. Opens May 9 and runs to May 26. $32-$42, preview $22. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

The Barber Of Seville (Soulpepper). A barber helps a nobleman woo his true love in this adaptation of the play by Beaumarchais and the opera by Rossini. Previews May 9-14. Opens May 15 and runs to Jun 8. $51-$68, stu $32, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

The Charge Of The Expormidable Moose by Claude Gauvreau (One Little Goat). A poet is envied, mocked and ultimately sacrificed by his housemates. Opens May 10 and runs to May 26. $25-$28, stu $20-$23, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, onelittlegoat.org.

The Dreamer Examines His Pillow by John Patrick Shanley (Column 13 Actors Company). A woman deals with her alcoholic father and an ex-boyfriend who seduced her sister. Previews May 12 at 2 pm. Opens May 14 and runs to May 25. $15. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. 416-536-0048, column13.org.

The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter (Wordsmyth Theatre). Two men are holed up in a basement with a job to do in this surreal play that asks how do you escape when there is no exit. Previews May 15 at 8 pm. Opens May 16 and runs to Jun 2. $15-$25. Odyssey Studio, 636 Pape. wordsmyth.ca.

The Meme-Ing Of Life Second City presents its spring mainstage revue about the wins and epic fails of living on and off the digital highway. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Jun 30. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Wizard Of Oz adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Really Useful Group/Mirvish/Troika Entertainment/Warner Bros/Bill Kenwright). A twister sends Dorothy over the rainbow in this musical based on the film. Previews Dec 20-Jan 12. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Aug 18. $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

And the Rest…

¡Theatresports! Spring Tournament Bad Dog Theatre presents the 30th year of the improv comedy competition. Opens Mar 9 and runs to May 25. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 647-898-5324, baddogtheatre.com.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels by Jeffrey Lane and David Yazbeck (CATS Mainstage Company). Two con men try to outwit each other in this comedy based on the 1988 film. May 23-26. $15-$30. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, catsmainstage.com.

El Camino Or The Field Of Stars by Stewart Legere (The Accidental Mechanics Group/Videofag). Stewart performs his solo show about love loss and the struggles of a queer couple dealing with internalized homophobia. Opens May 23 and runs to Jun 2. $15. Videofag, 187 Augusta. elcaminostars.eventbrite.ca.

Fu-Gen 10th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser (fu-GEN Theatre Company). Pre-show reception, special presentation of David Yee’s play Carried Away On The Crest Of A Wave, a silent auction and post-show party. May 21 at 6 pm. $75. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, fu-gen.org.

GenderFucked: A Fundraiser For ‘Spoon’ (Straight Camp). This drag cabaret raises funds for an upcoming Fringe show and features Keith Cole, Heroine Marks, Nina Arsenault and others. May 25 at 10 pm. $10 sugg. Glad Day Bookshop, 589 Yonge. facebook.com/events/365698976873850.

Kamp (Camp) (Hotel Modern/Harbourfront World Stage). Finger-sized puppets represent prisoners and executioners in a scale-model Auschwitz in this performance. May 23-26. $15-$30. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Mame by Jerry Herman, Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin (Civic Light Opera Company). A wealthy bohemian deals with the Depression and the arrival of her young nephew. Opens May 22 and runs to Jun 1. $28. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch W. 416-755-1717, musictheatretoronto.com.

Marina Antoinette (RiaToss Productions). This fusion of live music, performance art, dance and fashion is based on the tragic rise and fall of French queen Marie Antoinette. May 24 at 10 pm. $15-$20. Virgin Mobile Mod Club, 722 College. marinaantoinette.eventbrite.com.

Meet Me Under The Bleachers (Platinum Production). This live music and burlesque show recalls the pep rallies and secret make-out sessions of high school. May 24 at 8pm. $12-$15. 3030 Dundas West, 3030 Dundas W. brownpapertickets.com/event/381914.

Nudie Blues Redux (The Firecrackers). The burlesque troupe and guests perform a revue. May 25 at 9:30 pm. $15. Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen E. facebook.com/events/516299065088502.

Of A Monstrous Child: A Gaga Musical by Alistair Newton (Ecce Homo Theatre). This crash course in the history of queer performance looks at celebrities whose work has been appropriated by Lady Gaga. Previews May 14-15. Opens May 16 and runs to May 26. Pwyc-$37. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Once Upon A Murder (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Preparations for a royal wedding are interrupted by a murder in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Jan 25 and runs to May 31. $40-$71. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

One Hundred Years by Dean Burry (St. Christopher House). Two people’s lives intersect with one of the oldest community organizations in Toronto in this musical. May 25 at 3 and 7 pm. $25-$30, stu/srs $10-$15, mat pwyc. Workman Theatre, 651 Dufferin. 416-532-4828, facebook.com/StChristopherHouse.

Over The River And Through The Woods by Joe DiPietro (East Side Players). A young man is offered a dream job far away from his close-knit Italian famiily. Opens May 23 and runs to Jun 8. $22, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

rock.paper.sistahz: A Festival Dating Experience… (bcurrent). This arts festival features theatre, film, comedy, spoken word, visual art and more by Camille Turner, ahdri zhina mandiela, Catherine Hernandez and others. Opens May 25 and runs to May 31. Pwyc-$15, passes $10-$45. Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie. 416-533-1500, bcurrent.ca.

Rodin Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Show One Productions presents the Eifman Ballet of St Petersburg performing a new ballet inspired by the life and art of sculptor Auguste Rodin. May 23-25. $55-$145. 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, sonycentre.ca.

Sister Mary’s A Dyke?! by Flerida Peña (Cahoots Theatre Company). A teen learns the truth about her all-girl Catholic boarding school in this coming-of-age story. Previews May 25-26. Opens May 28 and runs to Jun 16. $15-$25, Sun pwyc. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-204-0855, cahoots.ca.

SoulOTheatre Festival (SoulOTheatre). This festival of one-person shows features performances by Chris Gibbs, Precious Chong, Daniel Stolfi and others, plus panels and workshops. May 23-26. $15-$20, opening night $50; panels & workshops $10; festival pass $90. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-465-5609, soulo.ca.

The Bone House by Marty Chan (Red One Theatre Collective). A lecture about serial killers turns into a mystery of its own in this immersive play about fear and the imagination. Opens May 17 and runs to Jun 1. $20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

**The Book Of Mormon by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Mirvish). Two naive missionaries go to a volatile region in Uganda in this religious satire musical. Previews Apr 30-May 1. Opens May 2 and runs to Jun 9. Sold out: see website for info on ticket lottery. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Christopher Plummer Fellowship Award Of Excellence (The Shakespeare Globe Centre of Canada). The theatre award will be presented by Plummer at this gala event. May 23 at 6:30 pm. $275. Reference Library, Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 789 Yonge. shakespeareglobecanada.ca.

The Esplanadians (Jamii/CORPUS). A conversation about the making of the Esplanade in the 70s is followed by performances by CORPUS as part of an arts-based community-engagement project. May 23 at 7 pm (Rain date: May 26). $50. Berkeley Castle Courtyard, 250 the Esplanade. jamiiesplanade.org.

The Mark Lewis Magic Show (Lower Ossington Theatre). Lewis performs a magic show for children. Opens May 4 and runs to May 26. $29. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (Lower Ossington Theatre). A police detective seeks a murderer among seven strangers stranded in a guest house. Opens Apr 25 and runs to Jun 2. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Sonnet Show: A Night Of 14 (Humber River Shakespeare Company). Five original 14-minute plays based on a 14-line sonnet are performed. May 24 at 7 pm. $30. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas W. 416-209-2026, humberrivershakespeare.ca.

The War Of 1812: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1812-1815 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret). This history play looks at the war and its effects on a First Nations confederation that fought in defence of Canada. Previews Apr 9-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to Jun 1. $20-$50. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Toronto International Circus Festival (Zero Gravity Circus/HarbourKIDS). This all-ages weekend features aerial acrobatics, stunts, comedy, music and clowns, plus workshops and interactive kids’ programs. May 18-20. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, tocircusfestival.com.

Uth Daze Mini Youth Arts Festival (The reConnexion Collective). Multi-arts performances by Lishai Peel, Jeff Mann, Sara Farb, Soothemysisters Productions and others. May 25-26. Free, mainstage shows pwyc. Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie. uthdaze.wordpress.com.

Vector[s] Harbourfront NextSteps and Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre present six contemporary choreographies by Colin Connor, Alexander Whitley, Sylvie Bouchard and others. May 24-25. $22.50-$38. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

What We Are Saying Harbourfront World Stage and Ame Henderson/Public Recordings presents language and movement to look at what we say about the future. Opens May 22 and runs to May 25. $15-$25. The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*