Plays that Caught Our Eye This Week

Sorry for the delay in getting this one published guys.  Long weekend overtook Mooney on Theatre…

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 23, 2010:

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

**AGAMEMNON in translation by Ted Hughes (Theatre Cipher). The effects of constant war are explored in this adaptation of Aeschylus’s Greek tragedy. Opens May 22 and runs to Jun 5, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $10-$20. Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Church, 823 Manning. www.theatrecipher.eventbrite.com 

AURASH adapted by Soheil Parsa and Brian Quirt (Modern Times Stage Company). The play based on a Persian myth by Bahram Beyza’ie looks at the consequences of nationalism and war. Previews May 14. Opens May 15 and runs to May 29, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12-$28. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, www.moderntimesstage.com.

CATS by Andrew Lloyd Weber (CATS-Eye/Mirvish). Felines frolic at the Jellicle Ball in this popular musical. Opens May 25 and runs to May 30, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $30-$84. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, www.mirvish.com.

CRACK’D (Catherine Montgomery). Montgomery performs her solo show about a raw journey into dealing with loss. Opens May 26 and runs to May 29, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $12. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529.

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, www.soulpepper.ca.

**FRINGE FAMILY REUNION (Toronto Fringe Festival). This funder for the 2010 festival features cabaret performances by Fringe artists, live auction, after party and more. May 27 at 7:30 pm (dinner 6:30 pm). $39 ($99 with dinner). The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. 416-966-1062, www.fringetoronto.com.

FUNNY GIRL by Jule Styne, Bob Merrill and Isobel Lennart (Civic Light Opera Company). This musical is based on the life of vaudeville and film star Fanny Brice. Opens May 26 and runs to Jun 12, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Jun 12) 2 pm. $25. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, www.civiclightoperacompany.com.

HAPPY DAYS by Sameul Beckett (Theatre Columbus). Beckett’s absurdist play 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, www.passemuraille.on.ca.

IDOMENEO by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). A king’s promise to the God of the Sea has tragic consequences. Opens May 9 and runs to May 29, May 9 at 2 pm, May 12, 15, 18, 21, 25 and 27 at 7:30 pm, May 29 at 4:30 pm. $62-$292. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, www.coc.ca.

MAMMA’S BOY/LARGER THAN LIFE: THE MUSICAL by Randie Parliament/SG Lee and Vanessa LeBourdais. Two Canadian productions run in repertory. Previews May 21. Opens May 22 and runs to Jun 12, see website for schedule. $15-$37.50. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, www.ghostlightprojects.com.

**STITCH by Urbanvessel (Theatre Centre). Three women and their sewing machines seek creative expression in this a cappella opera. Opens May 26 and runs to May 30, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm (plus gala Sat 7 pm, $100). $20. 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, www.theatrecentre.org. 

WHO AM I THIS TIME?/LONE STAR by Kurt Vonnegut Jr/James McLure (PrettyFeet Productions). This double bill features two one-act comedies. Previews May 19. Opens May 20 and runs to May 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827.

 

Shows still playing that were already reviewed by MoT:

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. $15-$35. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, www.factorytheatre.ca.

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, www.canstage.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, www.soulpepper.ca

**LA SAGOUINE by Antonine Maillet (Pleiades Theatre). Viola Léger stars in this solo show about the observations of an Acadian washerwoman. Previews May 14-17. Opens May 18 and runs to Jun 5, in English to May 29, in French May 31 to Jun 5 – see website for schedule. $12-$37. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, www.pleiadestheatre.org.

**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 Jun 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$30. Cameron House, 408 Queen W. 416-703-1725, www.videocab.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, www.soulpepper.ca.

**WHERE’S MY MONEY? by John Patrick Shanley (Alley Co-op). Six thirtysomethings look at relationships and infidelity in this comedy. Opens May 13 and runs to May 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Pia Bouman Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. 416-504-7529, www.alleyco-op.org.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*