Eye-catching Toronto live theatre for the week of May 2, 2010

by George Perry

Shows that Caught Our Eye This Week

Here are all of the shows we wish we could get out and see this week!  Take your pick from our list of great theatre escapes for the week of May 2, 2010:

**  Shows marked with the double asterisks are the ones that make Megan, our editor, wish she could clone herself so she could check them all out.

**A Jew Grows In Brooklyn by Jake Ehrenreich (Mirvish). Ehrenreich performs his musical solo show about being the son of Holocaust survivors and trying to fit in. Opens Apr 28 and runs to May 16, Wed-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$60. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

A Year In The Death Of Eddie Jester by T Gregory Argall (Eleventh House/Samuel French, Inc). The spirit of a comatose comic jokes about his bedside visitors and the state of his life. Opens Apr 30 and runs to May 8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, May 5 at 7 pm, mats Sat 2 pm. $35, stu/srs $25. Grace Community Church, 6670 Campobello. eleventhhouse.org.

Almost, Maine by John Cariani (Little Tiny Things Productions). The residents of a small town look to find and sustain love on a cold night. Previews Apr 28-29. Opens Apr 30 and runs to May 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $21. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827.

Beckett Live… And Then Some (Theatre Columbus). Beckett’s absurdist play Happy Days is performed, followed by screenings from the Beckett On Film series (May 19-22) and a performance of the radio play All That Fall (May 27-28). Previews May 7-11. Opens May 12 and runs to May 29, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $17.50, previews $12.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

**Death And The Maiden by Ariel Dorfman (Osculum Productions). A stranger’s arrival arouses horrifying memories for a woman in a post-dictatorship country. Previews May 6. Opens May 7 and runs to May 21, Mon-Fri (and May 22) 8 pm, mats May 9 and 15 at 2 pm. $40-$50, Mon pwyc. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

**Faith Healer by Brian Friel (Soulpepper). Three characters tell different versions of the same story in this Irish drama. Previews Apr 29-May 3. Opens May 4 and runs to Jun 4, see website for schedule. $37-$70, stu $29; rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**Featuring Loretta by George F Walker (Factory Theatre). Desperate characters compete for a young widow’s attention in this comedy about adult relationships. Previews May 1-5. Opens May 6 and runs to Jun 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except May 2 preview at 7 pm). $15-$35. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**Fragments De Mensonges Inutiles by Michel Tremblay (Théâtre français de Toronto). Two teens from different eras mingle in parallel worlds and learn about love. Previews Apr 28-29. Opens Apr 30 and runs to May 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun 2:30 pm, May 8 and 15 at 3:30 pm. $32-$56, stu/srs $27-$40, Wed pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Canadian Stage/Catalyst Theatre). This adaptation of the gothic novel uses poetic verse, music and movement to tell the classic tale. Previews Apr 29-May 5. Opens May 6 and runs to May 29, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20-$92, limited rush and Mon pwyc. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

Giselle Harbourfront World Stage and Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre present a reinterpretation of the classic ballet by choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan. Opens May 4 and runs to May 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $40. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet (Soulpepper). A group of real estate salesmen struggle to make it in their cutthroat industry. Opens Apr 22 and runs to Jun 5, see website for schedule. $37-$70, stu $29; rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**Hana’s Suitcase by Emil Sher (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). An old suitcase from Auschwitz leads a teacher and her students on a historical journey. Previews Apr 18-20. Opens Apr 21 and runs to May 21, call or see website for schedule. $10-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.

Heart Strings by Reynold Nathaniel (Mole Productions). Two men fight over a rare gift. Opens Apr 27 and runs to May 25, Tue 8 pm. Pwyc-$32. Maple Leaf House, 2749 Lake Shore W. 416-668-5329.

If We Were Birds by Erin Shields (Groundwater Productions). A man’s lust for his wife’s sister leads to horrific consequences in this adaptation of Ovid’s myth. Previews Apr 14-20. Opens Apr 21 and runs to May 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $33-$39, srs $28, stu $21, previews $20, rush $10. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Mamma Mia! by Catherine Johnson, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (Mirvish). A wedding brings together new and old lovers in this musical based on ABBA songs. Opens Apr 28 and runs to Jun 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2pm (see website for additional shows). $26-$120. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti (Canadian Opera Company). This Italian opera looks at the rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Opens May 1 and runs to May 30, May 4, 10, 13, 22 26 and 28 at 7:30 pm, mats May 1 at 4:30 pm, May 30 at 2 pm. $62-$292. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Museum Dances CanAsian Dance Festival and the ICC at the ROM present dance inspired by artifacts as part of Asian Heritage Month, with dance by Natasha Bakht, Moving Dragon Dance Company and Soojung Kwon. May 7-9, Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. canasiandancefestival.com.

**Potluck Festival (fu-GEN). The Asian-Canadian theatre company presents a theatre conference and staged readings of new works by Camellia Koo, David Yee, Byron Abalos and others. Opens May 3 and runs to May 9, see website for schedule. $10, all-access pass $40. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. fu-gen.org.

Pu-Erh by Norman Yeung (k’Now Theatre). A Chinese-Canadian family deals with language and cross-cultural issues. Previews May 6. Opens May 7 and runs to May 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $25, stu/srs/previews $15, Sat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca.

Rock Of Ages by Chris D’Arienzo (Mirvish). This arena-rock love story takes place LA’s Sunset Strip and features hits from the 80s. Previews Apr 20-May 9. Opens May 11 and runs to Jun 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $28-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare (Classical Theatre Project). The actors portray a roving group of Elizabethan players in this production. May 8 at 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-915-6750, classicaltheatreproject.ca.

**Strip Spelling Bee (Honeysuckle). This theatrical game show features naked contestants. May 6, sign up at 8:30 pm, show 9 pm. $10 to watch (free for participants). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. stripspellingbee.blogspot.com.

**Sunday On The Rocks by Theresa Rebeck (Robinson Street Co-op 2). Four roommates drink and talk about sex, religion, abortion and feeling lost in this comedy. Opens May 6 and runs to May 23, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 6 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $10-$15. Bread & Circus, 299 Augusta. 416-336-3399, breadandcircus.ca.

Sweet Charity by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields (Scarborough Music Theatre). A dancer seeks true love in 60s New York City. Opens May 6 and runs to May 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (May 22 at 2 pm; no eve show). $24, stu/srs $20 (Thu & Sun only), stu rush $10. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin (Fallen Rock Productions). The Tony Award-winning musical is presented to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Opens May 5 and runs to May 9, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed-Thu 12:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$45. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-978-8849, fallenrock.ca.

The Dream by Brian Kennington (Bear Productions). This contemporary musical spin on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features the music of Three Dog Night. Previews Apr 21-22. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 8, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Wed and Sat 1:30 pm. $25, stu/srs/mats $20. Walmer Centre Theatre, 188 Lowther. 647-702-6488, bearproductions.org.

**The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner (Canadian Opera Company). A cursed sailor looks for love to save him in this German opera. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 20, Apr 24, 28, May 11, 14, 17 and 20 at 7:30 pm, May 2 at 2 pm, May 8 at 4:30 pm. $62-$292. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

**The Great War: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1914-1918 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret). This satire looks at conquest and the absurdity of war. Previews May 1-2 at 1 pm. Opens May 6 and runs to May 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$30. Cameron House, 408 Queen W. 416-703-1725, videocab.com.

The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown (Angelwalk Theatre). Different views on a relationship are revealed in regular and reverse chronology in this musical. Previews May 7. Opens May 8 and runs to May 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm (no mat May 8). $25-$40. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-872-1111, angelwalk.ca.

The Market by Bobby Del Rio (Billionaires Before 30 Co-op). Four young traders crash the stock market on purpose and cash in. Opens May 6 and runs to May 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, stu $15, Sun pwyc. Ideal Minds, suite 300, 207 Adelaide E. themarketplay@gmail.com.

The Pirates Of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan (Toronto Operetta Theatre). The popular operetta set on a pirate ship gets a staging. Previews Apr 27. Opens Apr 28 and runs to May 2, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $39-$78. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, torontooperetta.com.

The Soul Of Gershwin by Joseph Vass (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). This theatrical concert looks at Gershwin’s New York City and Jewish-American music of the era. Previews May 1. Opens May 2 and runs to May 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $43-$78. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, hgjewishtheatre.com.

**The Tale Of A Town – Queen West (Fixt Point). This theatrical promenade starts at TPM and goes to SCAR MFC (609 Queen W), and looks at the history of the area using music and stories. May 1-3 at 7:30 pm. May 6-16, Thu-Sun 7:30 pm. $10-$15. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, thetaleofatown.com.

Waiting For The Parade by John Murrell (Soulpepper). This drama looks at the lives and loves of five Canadian women during WWII. Previews May 1-4. Opens May 5 and runs to May 29, see website for schedule. $37-$70, stu $29; rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Wingéd by David Tomlinson (Whetstone Productions). Monologues about three mythical beings are performed amidst paintings, photos and sculptures. Opens Apr 29 and runs to May 8, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $20, stu/srs $18, Sun pwyc. DeLeon White, 1139 College. whetstoneproductions.com.

Shows Reviewed by MoT:

**  Shows marked with the double asterisks are the ones that make Megan, our editor, wish she could clone herself so she could see them all.

**This Is What Happens Next by Daniel MacIvor and Daniel Brooks (Canadian Stage/Necessary Angel). MacIvor performs his solo show about addiction, divorce and life in the modern world. Previews Apr 12-14. Opens Apr 15 and runs to May 8, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

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