Mooney on Theatre » Toronto Theatre – What’s On

Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of February 7, 2012

Sonia Borkar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:20 +0000

Five For Twenty (or Less)

This week on the cheap theatre list we have a modern day adaptation Hamlet, an alternative Valentine’s comedic cabaret, a drama-dance piece and two festivals; the Winter Arts Festival and the Rhubarb Festival at Buddies in Bad Times in Toronto and they are all under $20.

HAMLET LIVE (Hamlet Live Team). Shakespeare’s tragedy is adapted to a dystopian post-apocalyptic future in this production that can be viewed live onstage or via computer live stream. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 11. $5-$40. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. hamletlive.com.

NO SWEETHEART REQUIRED (Cabbagetown Theatre Company). This alternative Valentine’s cabaret features comedy, dance, music and theatre by Kim Sprenger, Brent Barkley and others. Feb 9-14. $20, Thu & Mon $10. Whistler’s Grille, 995 Broadview. 416-653-5870.

RHUBARB FESTIVAL (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The new works festival features plays, dance, performance art and more by Damien Atkins, Adam Lazarus, Natasha Mytnowych, the Independent Aunties, Cara Gee and others. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 19. $20 evening pass, Sun pwyc. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

THE GREAT MOUNTAIN by Tracey Power (Red Sky Performance). Drama, dance and movement are used to tell the story of a girl who discovers the power of nature and the importance of courage. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 19. $15-$20. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK THERE?! WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL (Back Burner Productions). Playwrights, musicians, comics, dancers, poets and others showcase their work, featuring Socratic Theatre Collective, Evelyne Russell, random acts of dance and others. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 18. $5-$10 sliding scale. Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen E. facebook.com/events/245691598839371.

Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of February 6, 2012

Sonia Borkar — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:26 +0000

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of February 6, 2012: ** 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

A BRIMFUL OF ASHA by Asha and Ravi Jain (Why Not Theatre). An Indo-Canadian man discovers that his Indian vacation is actually a wife-seeking scheme by his parents. Previews Jan 24-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18. $18-$22, stu/previews $15-$19. Tarragon Theatre, ExtraExtra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

ALL IN THE TIMING by David Ives (Down n’ Out Productions). This collection of six one-act plays emphasizes theatrical invention, word play and humour. Opens Jan 28 and runs to Feb 12. $55 (includes dinner), mat pwyc (show only). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227 ext 2.

**CAROLINE, OR CHANGE by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori (Acting Up Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). A black maid and the son of her Jewish employer struggle with extraordinary life changes in this musical. Previews Jan 21-22. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Feb 12. $32-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

CRUEL AND TENDER by Martin Crimp (Canadian Stage). A general fighting a war in Africa sends a local woman back home to his pampered wife in this modern update of Sophocles’ Trachiniae. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18. $22-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

DRACULA – A LOVE STORY by Sharyl Hudson (Brant Theatre Workshops). Follow actors through the castle’s historic halls in this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 11. $34-$66. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 647-725-1822, casaloma.org.

**KIM’S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A Korean family in Toronto struggles with a bitter past and reconciliation. Previews Jan 12-18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 11. $51-$68, stu $32, rush $22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

LOVE FROM AFAR by Kaija Saariaho (Canadian Opera Company). A 12th-century French troubadour has a long-distance love affair with a woman in Tripoli through a pilgrim who takes their messages back and forth. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 22. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

**PENNY PLAIN by Ronnie Burkett (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). A reclusive old woman’s sanctuary is disrupted by a chaotic outside world. Previews Jan 20-22. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 26. $38-$55, previews $30. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**THE BLUE DRAGON by Robert Lepage (Mirvish). The life of a Canadian expat living in Shanghai is turned upside down by two women in this multilingual dance-theatre piece. Previews Jan 10. Opens Jan 11 and runs to Feb 19. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.com.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON by Roland Schimmelpfennig (Tarragon Theatre). A restaurant’s kitchen staff help an illegal immigrant search for his lost sister. Previews Jan 10-17. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 19. $20-$51. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

THE WHO’S TOMMY by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff (UC Follies). A traumatized boy discovers his talent for pinball in this rock musical. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 11. $25, stu/srs $15. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

**TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A passionate woman is caught in a web of corruption, lust and betrayal in this Italian opera. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 25. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

VISITING MR. GREEN by Jeff Baron (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A court orders a young executive to visit an elderly widower after he nearly runs him down in his car. Previews Jan 28-30. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 18. $39.50-$69.50. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.

And the rest…

A NEW HOPE by Shelley Hamilton and Stan Christie (Shelley Hamilton Productions). Hamilton performs her solo play about the first African-Canadian communities in Canada in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Arts Fund. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 26. $25. ING Direct Café, 221 Yonge. 416-826-6855.

AT THE WRECKING BALL V Ambitious Enterprises presents short works by Kate Holden & Joshua Van Tassel, Julia Male & Zazu Myers, Jacob Niedzwiecki and others. Feb 9-12. $15, stu/srs $12. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-988-8462, thewreckingball.wordpress.com.

BE MEIN VALENTINE! (Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque). The troupe performs a show in the tradition of Weimar Republic Berlin with Boylesque T.O. and others. Feb 10. $25-$30.Gladstone Hotel, Ballroom, 1214 Queen W. bemeinvalentine2012.eventbrite.com.

BETWEEN A WORD AND A THOUGHT: SONGS BY ZACHARY FLORENCE (Acting Up Stage Dark Night Cabaret Series). The works of Zachary Florence are performed by Thom Allison, Eric Craig, Sara Farb, Gabi Epstein and Susan Henley. Feb 6 at 8 pm. $20. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

DANCES OF OFFERING Pegasus Studios presents dance by Janice Pomer, Nicola Pantin, Lisa Weiler and others to benefit the Paediatric Ambulatory Clinic at Toronto East General Hospital. Feb 12 at 5 pm. $35, child $25. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. dancesofoffering.myevent.com.

DIVISADERO: A PERFORMANCE based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje (Necessary Angel/the Film Farm). A family is forever changed by a violent event in this musical adaptation about memory, identity and love. Previews Feb 8. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 26. $25-$35, preview $10, Sun pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, necessaryangel.com.

FUNKYLAND (Famous People Players). The blacklight theatre company presents a twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Apr 28. $62, srs $56, child $40 (includes meal). 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

GOLDILOX & THE BEARS by Sue T Plyte and Dave B Harris (Nags Players). This English-style pantomime tale is loosely based on the children’s story. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 11. $10-$20. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. 647-338-6247, nagsplayers.com.

HUGHIE by Eugene O’Neill (The Alley Theatre Workshop). A night clerk at a NYC hotel hears a small-time hustler’s tale of woe in this one-act play. Previews Feb 7. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Mar 3. $25, stu/srs $20. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988.

ILOVE – A ROMANTIC DOT COMEDY Second City presents a comedic play about relationships in the age of social networking. Mon 8 pm. $12. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

IN THE HEIGHTS by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes (Dancap Productions). Theatre, music and dance are used to tell the stories of residents of a hip Latino neighbourhood in NYC. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 19. $51-$165. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-644-3665, dancaptickets.com.

JAMRA Harbourfront Centre, Arabesque and Small World Music present a contemporary production inspired by the dances of the nomadic peoples of Egypt, Turkey, North Africa, Iran and Lebanon. Feb 9-12. $35-$45, srs $30-$40, stu $15. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, arabesquedance.ca.

KICKSTART: 6 CHOREOGRAPHERS PUSHING BOUNDARIES Canasian Dance Festival presents new works by Emily Cheung, Susan Lee, Hiroshi Miyamoto, Tomomi Morimoto, Meena Murugesan and William Yong. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 11. $22, stu/srs $18. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-504-7529, canasiandancefestival.com.

LATIN LOVE VALENTINE CELEBRATION (Aluna Theatre). This funder for an upcoming project features music, dancing, finger food and more. Feb 10 at 7:30 pm. $35-$40. Lambadina, 875 Bloor W. 416-536-2148, alunatheatre.ca.

LOVE LETTERS Vanessa Young and PSE present choreography by Pastel Supernova about heartache, lust, bisexuality and more. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 9. $25-$60. Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas W. loveletters.pastelsupernova.com.

MAN 2 MAN by Kwame Stephens (Hart House). A confident man in his 20s meets a man in his 40s who is coming to terms with his sexuality. Feb 7 at 7:30 pm. Free. Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. harthouse.ca/student-engagement/man-2-man.

MARATHON ’33 by June Havoc (Ryerson Theatre School). Fading celebrities and the jobless looks for cash prizes at marathon dance competitions in the 1930s. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 15. $18, stu/srs $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

POTTED POTTER by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner (Starvox Entertainment/Potted Productions). Clarkson and Turner use costumes, props and music to perform all seven Harry Potter books in 70 minutes. Previews Feb 11-12. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 4. $29.95-$99.95. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 1-800-461-3333, mirvish.com.

PVT. WARS by John McLure (Red One Theatre Collective/Hinson’s Radio Co-op). Three Vietnam vets at an army hospital discuss their physical and emotional wounds. Previews Feb 8-9. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 19. $20. Studio 561, 561 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

SALVATION (Les Coquettes). The cabaret theatre company presents burlesque, music and more about the agony and ecstasy of romance. Feb 12 at 7 and 10 pm. $15-$35. Revival, 783 College. lescoquettes.com.

SANCTUARY SONG by Abigail Richardson-Schulte and Marjorie Chan (Theatre Direct). This opera for young people looks at the journey of an Asian elephant from captivity to freedom. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 20. $10-$20 (ZooCheck benefit $50-$100 at zoocheck.com).Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie. 416-537-4191, theatredirect.ca.

SPRING ’12 MAINSTAGE REVUE Second City presents previews of the upcoming revue, featuring a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Tue-Sat 8 pm (plus Fri-Sat 10:30 pm), Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

SUMMERTIME IN FEBRUARY (The Theatre Elusive). Sage Tyrtle, Marilla Wex, Alex Nursall and other performers tell stories in this benefit for LGBT Youth Line Ontario. Feb 11 at 8 pm. $tba. 1078 Dovercourt. thetheatreelusive.com.

THE DOUBLE by Fyodor Dostoevsky (TheatreRUN). A man tries desperately to fit in with a grotesque society in this multidisciplinary adaptation. Previews Feb 2. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 19. $20-$28, preview/Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971,theatrerun.wordpress.com.

THE GOD OF HELL by Sam Shepard (Unit 102 Actors Company). A small-town couple’s peaceful life is undone by a friend in trouble and a patriotic stranger in this post-9/11 tragic farce. Feb 1-11. $12-$15 (email unit102tix@gmail.com for adv tickets). Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.com.

THE MAN OF MODE by George Etherege (George Brown College Theatre School). This Restoration drama satirizes the behaviour of the libertines, courtiers and wits of 17th-century London. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 18. $18, srs $12, stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666.

THE RAG BAG CABARET (Rachelle Elie). This evening of comedy, burlesque, music, dance and circus arts features Sandra Shamas, Les Coquettes, Elie and others and will raise funds for vocational training for women in Kenya. Feb 9 at 8 pm. $20. Drake Hotel, Underground, 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042, crowningmonkey@yahoo.ca.

THE SOAPS The National Theatre of the World presents a weekly improvised soap opera. Thu 8 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.

THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE by Charles Busch (Amicus Productions). A depressed woman is roused by the arrival of a childhood friend, who then becomes an unwanted permanent houseguest. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 11. $20, stu/srs $18. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-860-6176.

**WAR HORSE based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford (National Theatre of Great Britain/Mirvish). An English boy sets out to find his horse after it’s sold to the cavalry and shipped off to France during WWI. Previews Feb 10-27. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Jun 30. $35-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

YOU WON’T BE HERE (TOMORROW) by James Fanizza (Theatre In Spite Of). Workshop performance of a drama about two estranged sisters who reunite after one of them quits rehab. Feb 10-12. $20. Odyssey Studio, 636 Pape. info@theatreinspiteof.com.

ZERO HOUR by Jim Brochu (Lia and Danna Matthow). This solo show looks at the art, humour, temper and wit of Jewish artist Zero Mostel. Previews Feb 8. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Mar 11. $59-$69.50. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, zerohourshow.com.

ZONE by Marcel Dubé (Théâtre français de Toronto/Théâtre la Catapulte). A group of young criminals mix love, dreams and violence in 50s Montreal. Previews Feb 1-2. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 12. $33-$57, srs $28-$57. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

Interview: Q and A with Dina Martina

Sam Mooney — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:58:38 +0000

Dina Martina is coming to the Flying Beaver Pubaret in Toronto

Because I haven’t seen Dina perform I’ve been reading about her in order to prepare for this. I’m struck by the contrast of the statements I found while doing my research. On the one hand, people clearly adore her. They call her a living legend. On the other hand, they follow the statement of adoration up with the statement that she has no talent.

An article by David Schmader, published in The Stranger, is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. He says:

DINA MARTINA is a living legend. Singer, dancer, raconteur, she is the quintessential post-postmodern celebrity, a one-woman Circus of the Stars. To those who have experienced the magic of Dina, she is a reason to live. To those who have not, she is nearly impossible to explain. … The primary fact that one must understand about Dina Martina — beyond her stature as a superstar entertainer without peer — is that she is in possession of not one shred of discernible talent or grace.

That brought two questions to my mind, first, ‘How does it make her feel?’ and second, ‘What can this performance possibly look like to have both statements made by the same reviewer?’

SM – So, how do you react to these kinds of statements? How do they make you feel? Do they effect the work you do?

DM – I usually go into anaphylactic shock and sink into a month of deep, deep depression. Fortunately, though, it doesn’t effect my work because electroshock therapy is making a big comeback.

SM – For those of us who haven’t seen you perform, what can we expect from your show “Sitting Ovations”?

DM – A fantastic sequence of haphazardly associative imagery, as seen in dreams or fever. My mother used to call it an immensely entertaining tragedy, and actually, when I was little her nickname for me was “Little Tragedy”.

SM – What inspired you to begin performing?

DM – It was always in my blood, I guess. When I was four, my mother entered me into the Little Miss Las Vegas Pageant, and during the talent competition, I sang a lovely piece by Johann Strauss. I won, and started doing a lot of commercials. Mostly baby shampoo and cereal commercials…I was the Johnson’s Thumbtacks Girl, which you probably remember. Then I got into modeling when I was a teenager, mostly print work, for the Braille edition of Vogue.

SM – What inspired this piece specifically?

DM – The two years when I was a Navy Seal.

SM – This is your first solo performance in Toronto. Do you think Toronto audiences are ready for you?

DM – Actually, I did solo performances up here at We’re Funny That Way in 2006 and 2009, and although those audiences were largely homosexual – not sure what was up with that – they seemed fairly ready, so I feel confident that normal people would be ready as well.

SM – Thanks Dina.

Well Toronto, are we ready for Dina Martina? I know I am.

Details

- Dina Martina will be appearing live at The Flying Beaver Pubaret (488 Parliament Street, Toronto)
- Performances are on February 9, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 pm
- Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door
- Tickets are available online, and at The Flying Beaver. Reservations recommended, call 647-347-6567

Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of January 30, 2012

Tiffany Budhyanto — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:26 +0000

Five For Twenty (or Less)

This week’s cheap theatre post lists five live theatre shows in Toronto that are only $20 or lower per ticket. Our picks include productions by Why Not Theatre, FroMast Productions, U of T’s Centre for Drama, Stages, and Acting Up Stage Dark Night Cabaret Series. Have a fun night out!

A Brimful Of Asha by Asha and Ravi Jain (Why Not Theatre). An Indo-Canadian man discovers that his Indian vacation is actually a wife-seeking scheme by his parents. Previews Jan 24-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18. $18-$22, stu/previews $15-$19. Tarragon Theatre, ExtraExtra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

A Really Bad Play by Daniel Stolfi (FroMast Productions). A cast of understudies, a bad script and poor production derail a theatre show in this comedy. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 4. $15-$20. Pia Bouman School, 6 Noble. areallybadplay.eventbrite.com.

Festival Of Original Theatre (U of T Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies). The conference and festival features panels and workshops plus performances of Beatriz Pizano’s La Maleta, Helen Vosters’ Performing Peace and others. Feb 2-5. Free. Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College. foot2012.wordpress.com.

Henri Fabergé’s Heligoland Follies (Stages). This monthly six-part performance series features music, comedy, film and narrative theatre about an 1820s community trying to reach a utopian ideal. Oct 6 at 9 pm. Nov 3 at 9 pm. Dec 1 at 10 pm (doors 9 pm). Jan 12 at 9 pm. Feb 2 at 9 pm. Mar 1 at 9 pm. Pwyc. Hart House, Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. harthouse.utoronto.ca/arts/stages/henri.

Tales From A Suitcase by Laura Caswell (Acting Up Stage Dark Night Cabaret Series). Caswell weaves together musical theatre standards and pop favourites to tell a personal story. Jan 30 at 8 pm. $20. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of January 30, 2012

Tiffany Budhyanto — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:50 +0000

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of January 30th, 2012: ** 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

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and works through the transition to adulthood in this musical puppet show. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 4. $45-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**Caroline, Or Change by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori (Acting Up Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). A black maid and the son of her Jewish employer struggle with extraordinary life changes in this musical. Previews Jan 21-22. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Feb 12. $32-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

Cruel And Tender by Martin Crimp (Canadian Stage). A general fighting a war in Africa sends a local woman back home to his pampered wife in this modern update of Sophocles’ Trachiniae. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18. $22-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

Dreams Really Do Come True! (And Other Lies) Second City presents its latest sketch revue about the things we tell ourselves to get through life. Jan 19-Feb 1. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**Kim’s Convenience by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A Korean family in Toronto struggles with a bitter past and reconciliation. Previews Jan 12-18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 11. $51-$68, stu $32, rush $22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy by Steve Solomon (Philip Roger Roy/Dana Matthow/Bud Martin). Solomon performs his solo show about growing up in a wacky, bi-ethnic family. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Feb 5. $51.50-$56. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, italianjewish.ca.

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre (art & lies productions). Three deceased people await their punishment in this existential drama. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 4. $24.95, stu/srs $19.95. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artandliesproductions.com.

**Penny Plain by Ronnie Burkett (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). A reclusive old woman’s sanctuary is disrupted by a chaotic outside world. Previews Jan 20-22. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 26. $38-$55, previews $30. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**The Blue Dragon by Robert Lepage (Mirvish). The life of a Canadian expat living in Shanghai is turned upside down by two women in this multilingual dance-theatre piece. Previews Jan 10. Opens Jan 11 and runs to Feb 19. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.com.

The Golden Dragon by Roland Schimmelpfennig (Tarragon Theatre). A restaurant’s kitchen staff help an illegal immigrant search for his lost sister. Previews Jan 10-17. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 19. $20-$51. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Trojan Women by Euripides, translated by Gwendolyn MacEwen (Alumnae Theatre). The women of Troy seek their voice amidst the destruction of war in this exploration of feminist ideals. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 4. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

**Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A passionate woman is caught in a web of corruption, lust and betrayal in this Italian opera. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 25. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

And the Rest

All In The Timing by David Ives (Down n’ Out Productions). A collection of short one-act plays featuring wordplay and modern comedy at the Historic Campbell House. Opens Jan 28 and runs to Feb 12. $55 (includes dinner), mat pwyc (show only). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227 ext 2.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Sony Centre for the Performing Arts presents two different programs by the NYC company with works by Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Paul Taylor, Joyce Trisler and Rennie Harris. Feb 2-4. $28-$88. 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, sonycentre.ca.

Closer by Patrick Marber (Mnemonic Theatre Productions). Two couples engage in a game of partner swapping and self destruction. Opens Feb 1 and runs to Feb 4. $20-$25. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. mnemonictheatre.com.

Dracula – A Love Story by Sharyl Hudson (Brant Theatre Workshops). Follow actors through the castle’s historic halls in this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 11. $34-$66. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 647-725-1822, casaloma.org.

Funkyland (Famous People Players). The blacklight theatre company presents a twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Apr 28. $62, srs $56, child $40 (includes meal). 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

Hamlet Live (Hamlet Live Team). Shakespeare’s tragedy is adapted to a dystopian post-apocalyptic future in this production that can be viewed live onstage or via computer live stream. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 11. $5-$40. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst.

Kuumba Harbourfront Centre presents the Black History Month festival, including Lua Shayenne’s Afro-Roots Dance workshop and performance, plus film, music, comedy and more. Feb 3-5. Free (Honey Jam $10). 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com/kuumba.

Les Rythmes De La Foret Collective of Black Artists and Harbourfront NextSteps present dances and rhythms from the sub-Saharan region accompanied by traditional drums and chants. Feb 3-5. $22-$30, stu/srs $18-$25. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

**Love From Afar by Kaija Saariaho (Canadian Opera Company). A 12th-century French troubadour has a long-distance love affair with a woman in Tripoli through a pilgrim who takes their messages back and forth. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 22. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Masques Of Love (Toronto Masque Theatre). Stories of romance and heartbreak are told through torch songs, blues standards, Renaissance lute songs and more in this cabaret. Feb 3-4 at 8 pm. $35, srs $30, under 30 $15. Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com.

Syncopation: Life In The Key Of Black Archie Alleyne presents a benefit for the Archie Alleyne Scholarship Fund with live jazz, dance by Shawn Byfield, a photo exhibit and more. Feb 5 at 3 pm. $40-$50. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-924-6211, aasf.ca.

The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky (TheatreRUN). A man tries desperately to fit in with a grotesque society in this multidisciplinary adaptation. Previews Feb 2. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 19. $20-$28, preview/Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatrerun.wordpress.com.

The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theatre Project (Encore Entertainment). Residents of a small town react to the beating death of a gay man in this drama based on actual events. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 5. $28-$29.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, encoreshows.com.

The Sealed Angel by Rodion Shchedrin (Soundstreams). This opera features the Elmer Iseler Singers, ProArte Danza dancers and more. Feb 2-3 at 8 pm. $47-$73. Royal Conservatory of Music, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208, rcmusic.ca.

The Who’s Tommy by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff (UC Follies). A traumatized boy discovers his talent for pinball in this rock musical. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 11. $25, stu/srs $15. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A court orders a young executive to visit an elderly widower after he nearly runs him down in his car. Previews Jan 28-30. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 18. $39.50-$69.50. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Zone by Marcel Dubé (Théâtre français de Toronto/Théâtre la Catapulte). A group of young criminals mix love, dreams and violence in 50s Montreal. Previews Feb 1-2. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 12. $33-$57, srs $28-$57. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of January 23, 2012

Sonia Borkar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:20 +0000

Five For Twenty (or Less)

This week’s cheap theatre has a multi-cultural flavour to it. There’s a show that deals with an illegal immigrant’s search for his sister, the other looks at an Indo-Canadian’s vacation back home, there’s a couple of Greek mythology inspired shows and lastly a double bill dance show. There’s definitely enough variety here for you to pick something and experience some super cheap, live theatre this week. Get out there and catch a show!

GOD: A PLAY by Woody Allen (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Audience members become part of the story in this play within a play using devices from ancient Greek theatre. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Jan 28. $10, stu $5. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. uofttix.ca.

THE TROJAN WOMEN by Euripides, translated by Gwendolyn MacEwen (Alumnae Theatre). The women of Troy seek their voice amidst the destruction of war in this exploration of feminist ideals. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 4. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

TOMATO SOUP Typecast Dance Company and DanceWorks CoWorks present a double bill featuring new works by Pamela Rasbach and Missy Morris. Jan 26-28. $18. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. typecastdance.com.

Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of January 23, 2012

Sonia Borkar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:19 +0000

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of January 23, 2012: ** 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

AVENUE Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and works through the transition to adulthood in this musical puppet show. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 4. $45-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

CABARET by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Hart House Theatre). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Jan 28. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE! (AND OTHER LIES) Second City presents its latest sketch revue about the things we tell ourselves to get through life. Wed-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 10:30 pm, Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**KIM’S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A Korean family in Toronto struggles with a bitter past and reconciliation. Previews Jan 12-18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 11. $51-$68, stu $32. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY by Steve Solomon (Philip Roger Roy/Dana Matthow/Bud Martin). Solomon performs his solo show about growing up in a wacky, bi-ethnic family. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Feb 5. $51.50-$56. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, http://www.italianjewish.com.

**OTHER PEOPLE by Christopher Shinn (Mutual Friends Co-op/Mercedes Grundy). Three ambitious young adults struggle with sex, desire and their art over Christmas in the East Village in NYC. Previews Jan 18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Jan 28. $20, stu/srs $15. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Tank House Theatre, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, otherpeopletoronto.com.

**RED SNOW by Diana Tso (Red Snow Collective). This story of love and struggling to reconcile the past with the present is inspired by stories of survivors of the Rape of Nanking. Previews Jan 12-13. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Jan 28. $30, stu $15, Sat mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, redsnowcollective.ca.

**THE PENELOPIAD by Margaret Atwood (Nightwood Theatre). This response to Homer’s Odyssey comes from the perspective of Odysseus’s wife and is told through classical tragedy, Victorian melodrama, burlesque and song. Previews Jan 10-11. Opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 29. $22-$46. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, nightwoodtheatre.net.

And the rest…

A TASTE OF 20 (Theatre 20). The company presents a sneak peek at its debut season, plus cocktails, a silent auction and more. Jan 23 at 7 pm. $120. The National Club, 303 Bay. http://www.theatre20.com.

ALL IN THE TIMING by David Ives (Down n’ Out Productions). A series of vignettes satirize the family life of bourgeois America. Opens Jan 28 and runs to Feb 12. $55 (includes dinner), mat pwyc (show only). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227 ext 2. campbellhousemuseum.ca

BABAR (Little Red Theatre). This play for ages three and up looks at the the adventures of an elephant king and his family. Jan 28 at 3:30 pm. $7. Emmanuel Howard Park United Church, 214 Wright. 416-533-8848. littleredtheatre.on.ca

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori (Acting Up Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). A black maid and the son of her Jewish employer struggle with extraordinary life changes in this musical. Previews Jan 21-22. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Feb 12. $32-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

**CRUEL AND TENDER by Martin Crimp (Canadian Stage). A general fighting a war in Africa sends a local woman back home to his pampered wife in this modern update of Sophocles’ Trachiniae. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18. $22-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

GIRLESQUE 7 (Great Canadian Burlesque). This burlesque showcase features Miss Indigo Blue, April March, Tiffany Carter and others. Jan 27. $35-$40, VIP $65. Revival, 783 College. greatcanadianburlesque.com.

HARD TIMES COMEDY LOUNGE Impulsive Entertainment and Bite TV present a comedy mashup w/ Zabrina Chevannes, Ron Josol, host Garrett Jamieson and others. Jan 25 9 pm. $5. Hard Luck Bar, 772a Dundas W. impulsiveent.com.

KAAL – TIME Harbourfront NextSteps and Janak Khendry Dance Company present South Asian bharatanatyam, kathak and odissi disciplines alongside western dances to tell the cosmic and modern story of time. Jan 26-28. $31.50-$38.50. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, jkdanceco.org.

NO EXIT by Jean-Paul Sartre (art & lies productions). Three deceased people await their punishment in this existential drama. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 4. $24.95, stu/srs $19.95.Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artandliesproductions.com.

PENNY PLAIN by Ronnie Burkett (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). A reclusive old woman’s sanctuary is disrupted by a chaotic outside world. Previews Jan 20-22. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 26. $38-$55, previews $30. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

THE BLACK-JEW DIALOGUES by Larry Jay Tish and Ron Jones (Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office/Black Students Assoc/Munk School of Global Affairs/Hillel of Greater Toronto). Tish and Jones use storytelling and comedic sketches to look at the history and absurdity of prejudice, followed by audience Q&A. Jan 25 at 7:30 pm. Free. Hart House, Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849. harthouse.utoronto.ca

THE BRITISH PUB SHOW (Studio 60 Theatre). This musical show features sing-along songs and dance. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Jan 28. $20. 60 Six Point. 416-354-2479, studio60theatreboxoffice.com.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT by Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theatre Project (Encore Entertainment). Residents of a small town react to the beating death of a gay man in this drama based on actual events. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 5. $28-$29.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, encoreshows.com.

THE SOAPS The National Theatre of the World presents a weekly improvised soap opera. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.

THE SOUND AND FEEL OF IT Peggy Baker Dance Projects presents live musicians alongside dancers performing contemporary works by Baker. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Jan 29. $28, stu/srs $22. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-222-6608, peggybakerdance.com.

THIS IS WAR by Hannah Moscovitch (Tarragon Theatre). Canadian soldiers and their captain deal with various threats in a volatile region of Afghanistan in this WorkSpace presentation. Jan 20-21. Jan 26-28. Free. Near Studio, 30 Bridgman. tarragontheatre.com.

TOM JONES: A FOUNDLING by David Rogers (Rosedale Heights School of the Arts). Jones beds maidens and fights off villains in this adaptation of Henry Fielding’s comedy. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Jan 27. $10. 711 Bloor E. 416-393-1580.

TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A passionate woman is caught in a web of corruption, lust and betrayal in this Italian opera. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 25. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

TWOBYFOUR Dancemakers presents a festival of duets, with works by George Stamos, Peter Bingham, Andrea Spaziani and Martin Nachbar. Jan 17-23. Jan 26-28 at 8 pm. $25, stu/srs $20; passes $54-$60. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 55 Mill, bldg 58, studio 313. 416-367-1800, dancemakers.org.

YOUR BROTHER, REMEMBER? by Zachary and Gator Oberzan (Zachary Oberzan/brutproduktion). Home videos, Hollywood film footage and live performance are used to track the journey of two siblings as they grow apart. Jan 26-28. $22, stu/srs $15. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, http://theatrecentre.org/.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of January 16, 2012

Tiffany Budhyanto — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Five For Twenty (or Less)

There’s some great cheap live theatre this week for under $20 a ticket. Our picks include a famous musical, a satirical comedy, a play about Christmas in New York, an opera based on mayor Rob Ford, and a play by Euripedes. Now there are no excuses to stay home on a Friday night. Check it out!

Cabaret by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Hart House Theatre). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Jan 28, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 28 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

Four Dogs And A Bone by John Patrick Shanley (Lyric Artist Alliance Co-op/AK Productions). Two female actors, a producer and a screenwriter vie for control of an art-house film in this satirical comedy. Previews Jan 9 at 8 pm. Opens Jan 10 and runs to Jan 21, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20, preview $10. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. fourdogsandabone.com.

Other People by Christopher Shinn (Mutual Friends Co-op/Mercedes Grundy). Three ambitious young adults struggle with sex, desire and their art over Christmas in the East Village in NYC. Previews Jan 18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Jan 28, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Tank House Theatre, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, otherpeopletoronto.com.

Rob Ford, The Opera by Michael Patrick Albano and student composers (U of T Faculty of Music). This surrealist fantasy is loosely based on the personality of the city’s mayor. Jan 22 at 2:30 pm. Free. Edward Johnson Building, MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park. 416-978-5776.

The Trojan Women by Euripides, translated by Gwendolyn MacEwen (Alumnae Theatre). The women of Troy seek their voice amidst the destruction of war in this exploration of feminist ideals. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of January 16, 2012

Tiffany Budhyanto — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:26:40 +0000

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of January 16, 2012: ** 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

Dreams Really Do Come True! (And Other Lies) Second City presents its latest sketch revue about the things we tell ourselves to get through life. Wed-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 10:30 pm, Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com

**Kim’s Convenience by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A Korean family in Toronto struggles with a bitter past and reconciliation. Previews Jan 12-18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 11, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy by Steve Solomon (Philip Roger Roy/Dana Matthow/Bud Martin). Solomon performs his solo show about growing up in a wacky, bi-ethnic family. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Feb 26, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $51.50-$56. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, italianjewish.ca.

**The Blue Dragon by Robert Lepage (Mirvish). The life of a Canadian expat living in Shanghai is turned upside down by two women in this multilingual dance-theatre piece. Previews Jan 10. Opens Jan 11 and runs to Feb 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.com.

**The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (Nightwood Theatre). This response to Homer’s Odyssey comes from the perspective of Odysseus’s wife and is told through classical tragedy, Victorian melodrama, burlesque and song. Previews Jan 10-11. Opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $22-$46. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, nightwoodtheatre.net.

The Play’s The Thing by Ferenc Molnar, adapted by PG Wodehouse (Stage Centre Productions). A playwright schemes to save a relationship and his operetta in this romantic comedy. Opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 21, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Jan 21) at 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557,stagecentreproductions.com.

And the rest…

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and works through the transition to adulthood in this musical puppet show. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $45-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747,lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**Caroline, Or Change by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori (Acting Up Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). A black maid and the son of her Jewish employer struggle with extraordinary life changes in this musical. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Jan 22, Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Jan 25 and runs to Feb 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mats Sat 2 pm, Feb 12 at 3 pm. $32-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

**Cruel And Tender by Martin Crimp (Canadian Stage). A general fighting a war in Africa sends a local woman back home to his pampered wife in this modern update of Sophocles’ Trachiniae. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Feb 18, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

DanceWeekend 2012 Dance Ontario and Harbourfront NextSteps present various genres perfomed by hundreds of dancers and troupes, including YMI Dancing, JHHA, Sashar Zarif Dance, Keiko Kitano, Gadfly Dance, COBA, BoucharDanse, City Dance Corps and others. Jan 20-22, Fri 7 to 10 pm, Sat-Sun 1 to 6:30 pm. $10 minimum donation. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. danceontario.ca.

Disco Fever (Famous People Players). The blacklight theatre company presents a dance party musical show. Opens Dec 31 and runs to Jan 21, Tue-Sat noon and 6:45 pm. $62, srs $56, child $40 (incl meal). 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

Dracula – A Love Story by Sharyl Hudson (Brant Theatre Workshops). Follow actors through the castle’s historic halls in this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 11, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $34-$66. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 647-725-1822, casaloma.org.

My Heart Is A Spoon Maxine Heppner & Across Oceans/DanceWorks Co-Works Series present a dance-media performanc-in-process exploring the emotional and physical range of rage alongside Japanese manga visuals. Jan 19-22, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu $20. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, acrossoceans.org.

**Other People by Christopher Shinn (Mutual Friends Co-op/Mercedes Grundy). Three ambitious young adults struggle with sex, desire and their art over Christmas in the East Village in NYC. Previews Jan 18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Jan 28, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Tank House Theatre, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666,otherpeopletoronto.com.

Penny Plain by Ronnie Burkett (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). A reclusive old woman’s sanctuary is disrupted by a chaotic outside world. Previews Jan 20-22, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $38-$55, previews $30. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Red Snow by Diana Tso (Red Snow Collective). This story of love and struggling to reconcile the past with the present is inspired by stories of survivors of the Rape of Nanking. Previews Jan 12-13. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Jan 28, Jan 19-21 and 23-28 at 7:30 pm, mats Jan 21, 25 and 28 at 2 pm (see website for other times). $30, stu $15, Sat mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, redsnowcollective.ca.

The Boy, The Shark And The Sea (Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company). This family-friendly puppet show about our interactions with the natural environment is part of LunarFest 2012. Jan 21-22, Sat-Sun 2 and 5 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

**The Golden Dragon by Roland Schimmelpfennig (Tarragon Theatre). A restaurant’s kitchen staff help an illegal immigrant search for his lost sister. Previews Jan 10-17. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun 2:30 pm (and Jan 21, 28, Feb 4). $20-$51. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Sound And Feel Of It Peggy Baker Dance Projects presents live musicians alongside dancers performing contemporary works by Baker. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Jan 29, Wed-Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 4 pm. $28, stu/srs $22. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-222-6608, peggybakerdance.com.

The Trojan Women by Euripides, translated by Gwendolyn MacEwen (Alumnae Theatre). The women of Troy seek their voice amidst the destruction of war in this exploration of feminist ideals. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (Canadian Opera Company). A passionate woman is caught in a web of corruption, lust and betrayal in this Italian opera. Opens Jan 21 and runs to Feb 25, Jan 21 at 4:30 pm, Jan 25, 31, Feb 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 21, 23 and 25 at 7:30 pm, Jan 29 and Feb 5 at 2 pm. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

TwoByFour Dancemakers presents a festival of duets, with works by George Stamos, Peter Bingham, Andrea Spaziani and Martin Nachbar. Jan 17-23, Tue-Thu, Sat-Mon 8 pm (and Jan 26-28 at 8 pm). Jan 26-28 at 8 pm. $25, stu/srs $20; passes $54-$60. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 55 Mill, bldg 58, studio 313. 416-367-1800, dancemakers.org.

When Sisters Speak (Up from the Roots). This female spoken word showcase features Keisha Monique, Dasha Kelly, Truth Is…, Queen Sheba and others. Jan 21 at 8 pm. $35-$45. St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of January 9, 2012

Sonia Borkar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of January 9, 2012: ** 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

**AMERICAN IDIOT by Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tré Cool and Michael Mayer (Dancap Productions). Three boyhood friends search for meaning in a post-9/11 world in this musical based on Green Day’s 2004 album. Previews Dec 28. Opens Dec 29 and runs to Jan 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm, plus Dec 29-30 at 2 pm and Jan 8 at 7 pm. $62-$180.Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-644-3665, dancaptickets.com.

DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE! (AND OTHER LIES) Second City presents its latest sketch revue about the things we tell ourselves to get through life. Wed-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 10:30 pm, Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**LIVING WITH HENRY by Christopher Wilson (Beyond Boundaries/Next Stage Theatre Festival). This musical drama explores the fear, complications and realities of living with HIV/AIDS today. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

LOVE IS A POVERTY YOU CAN SELL by Justin Haigh (Soup Can Theatre/Next Stage Theatre Festival). This 1920s Berlin cabaret features a theatrical tribute to the music of Kurt Weill. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $10, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Upstairs Bar, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

LOVESEXMONEY by Kat Sandler (Theatre Brouhaha/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A woman sells her virginity online in this comedy-drama about intimacy in the information age. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

LOVING THE STRANGER OR HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN INVERT by Alistair Newton (Ecce Homo Theatre/Next Stage Theatre Festival). This play looks at sexuality, spectacle and satire from the cabarets of 1920s Berlin to the horrors of the Third Reich. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

**MODERN LOVE by Jessica Moss, Eric Double, Julia Nish-Lapidus and Kyle Purcell (Theatre Caravel/Next Stage Theatre Festival). This solo show looks at the ways we connect and disconnect from each other. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

MORRO AND JASP: GO BAKE YOURSELF by Heather Marie Annis, Byron Laviolette and Amy Lee (Up your Nose and In your Toes (U.N.I.T.) Productions/Next Stage Theatre Festival). The Fringe-fest famous clown sisters go on a culinary adventure in this new show. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $10, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Upstairs Bar, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY by Steve Solomon (Philip Roger Roy/Dana Matthow/Bud Martin). Solomon performs his solo show about growing up in a wacky, bi-ethnic family. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Feb 26, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $51.50-$56. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, italianjewish.ca.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS by Jason Robert Brown (Clearwater Theatre). Different views on a relationship are revealed in regular and reverse chronology in this musical. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 14, daily at 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, clearwatertheatre.com.

THE TIKI BIKINI BEACH PARADISE PARTY A-GO-GO by Allison Beula (Allison Beula Productions/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A live band accompanies this comedic play about beach party films of the 60s. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

THE WASHING MACHINE by Radha S Menon (Red Betty Theatre/Next Stage Theatre Festival). A bereaved mother and wife tries to wash away the past with fancy renovations at her ancestral plantation home in India. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

TOMASSO’S PARTY by Jules Lewis (Rooftop Creations/Next Stage Theatre Festival). Preparing for a party exposes a couple’s tempestuous and comic relationship. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

UNCALLED FOR PRESENTS: HYPNOGOGIC LOGIC (Uncalled For/Next Stage Theatre Festival). The improv/sketch troupe presents a trip through the world of dreams. Opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 15, see website for schedule. $12-$15, passes $48-$88. Factory Theatre, Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-966-1062, fringetoronto.com.

And the rest

A TINY PIECE OF LAND by Joni Browne-Walders and Mel Weiser (TEATRON Theatre). A recently widowed American makes a tumultuous trip to Israel to visit his estranged brother. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 15, Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mats Sun 2 pm (and Jan 4 preview at 1 pm). $31-$48, stu/srs $26-$30, preview $19. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, teatrontheatre.com.

**CABARET by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Hart House Theatre). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Jan 28, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Jan 28 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

CHINESE TRADITIONS: THEN AND NOW The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presents classical and contemporary dance by the Little Pear Garden Collective. Jan 10 at noon. Free. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. coc.ca.

DISCO FEVER (Famous People Players). The blacklight theatre company presents a dance party musical show. Opens Dec 31 and runs to Jan 21, Tue-Sat noon and 6:45 pm. $62, srs $56, child $40 (includes meal); New Year’s Eve Gala $70-$125. 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

FOUR DOGS AND A BONE by John Patrick Shanley (Lyric Artist Alliance Co-op/AK Productions). Two female actors, a producer and a screenwriter vie for control of an art-house film in this satirical comedy. Previews Jan 9 at 8 pm. Opens Jan 10 and runs to Jan 21, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20, preview $10. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. fourdogsandabone.com.

HENRI FABERGÉ’S HELIGOLAND FOLLIES (Stages). This monthly six-part performance series features music, comedy, film and narrative theatre about an 1820s community trying to reach a utopian ideal. Oct 6 at 9 pm. Nov 3 at 9 pm. Dec 1 at 10 pm (doors 9 pm). Jan 12 at 9 pm. Feb 2 at 9 pm. Mar 1 at 9 pm. Pwyc. Hart House, Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. harthouse.utoronto.ca/arts/stages/henri.

IT’S A WONDERFUL STRIFE Second City Conservatory 6 Class presents a sketch comedy show to benefit the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada w/ Katie Beahen, Jeff Clark, Yitzi Gal, Deborah Ring and others. Dec 18 3 pm, Jan 12 11 pm. Pwyc. Second City, 51 Mercer. itsawonderfulstrife.com.

**KIM’S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A Korean family in Toronto struggles with a bitter past and reconciliation. Previews Jan 12-18. Opens Jan 19 and runs to Feb 11, see website for schedule. $51-$68, stu $32. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

RED SNOW by Diana Tso (Red Snow Collective). This story of love and struggling to reconcile the past with the present is inspired by stories of survivors of the Rape of Nanking. Previews Jan 12-13. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Jan 28, Jan 19-21 and 23-28 at 7:30 pm, mats Jan 21, 25 and 28 at 2 pm (see website for other times). $30, stu $15, Sat mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, redsnowcollective.ca.

**THE BLUE DRAGON by Robert Lepage (Mirvish). The life of a Canadian expat living in Shanghai is turned upside down by two women in this multilingual dance-theatre piece. Previews Jan 10. Opens Jan 11 and runs to Feb 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.com.

**THE GOLDEN DRAGON by Roland Schimmelpfennig (Tarragon Theatre). A restaurant’s kitchen staff help an illegal immigrant search for his lost sister. Previews Jan 10-17. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun 2:30 pm (and Jan 21, 28, Feb 4). $20-$51. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

**THE PENELOPIAD by Margaret Atwood (Nightwood Theatre). This response to Homer’s Odyssey comes from the perspective of Odysseus’s wife and is told through classical tragedy, Victorian melodrama, burlesque and song. Previews Jan 10-11. Opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $22-$46. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, nightwoodtheatre.net.

THE PLAY’S THE THING by Ferenc Molnar, adapted by PG Wodehouse (Stage Centre Productions). A playwright schemes to save a relationship and his operetta in this romantic comedy. Opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 21, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Jan 21) at 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*