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 August 29, 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.
A Gilgul Fun A Nign (Metamorphosis Of A Melody) by Rafael Goldwaser (Ashkenaz Festival). This solo show is based on a story by IL Peretz about the evolution of a tune by a legendary klezmer fiddler. Sep 1 at 7 pm. $15. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-979-9901, ashkenazfestival.com.
Doc by Sharon Pollock (Soulpepper). A woman returns home to mend her relationship with her parents. Previews Aug 19-25. Opens Aug 26 and runs to Sep 18, Mon-Sat 8 pm (see website for mats). $32-$76. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
**Drama & Desire: Artists And Theatre (Art Gallery of Ontario). CanStage Dream in High Park actors and Atelier Ballet dancers perform alongside an exhibit of Stratford Festival props, stage machines and interactive content. Opens Jun 19 and runs to Sep 26, performances on select Saturdays and Sundays. Free w/ admission. 317 Dundas W. ago.net.
The Fallen: A Tale Of Jack The Ripper by David Zabriskie, Jack Whyte and Tory Doctor (White Chapel). This musical tells the story of the infamous London criminal. Aug 30 at 7:30 pm. $20. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222.
Frank London’s A Night in the Old Marketplace (Part of the Ashkenaz fest at Harbourfront) September 6, 2010 Grammy award-winning klezmer giant Frank London mixes Jewish, jazz, and world beats in his unique adaptation of a phantasmagorical Yiddish play, written in 1907 by I.L. Peretz.
**The Kugel Valley Klezmer Band (Part of the Ashkenaz fest at Harbourfront) September 5, 2010 Shira, the 10-year-old daughter of a small-town Canadian klezmer band’s clarintetist, longs to play the fiddle in her father’s group. When Isaac the fiddler comes down with a cold, Shira fills in for him at a Hanukkah party and wows the revelers. Presentation combines reading of the story, projection of illustrations from the book and live klezmer musicians with interactive dance components. For ages 3-12.
** Something Wicked Awesome This Way Comes (Second City). presents previews of its latest sketch comedy revue featuring social satire, parodies and songs. Opens Aug 31. Tue-Sat 8 pm (plus Sat 10:30 pm), Sun 4 pm. $24. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Shows still playing that were already reviewed by Mooney on Theatre:
**How Now Mrs. Brown Cow! by Brendan O’Carroll (Mirvish). A feisty Irishwoman prepares for Christmas with her dysfunctional family. Previews Aug 17-18. Opens Aug 19 and runs to Sep 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25-$75. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.
**Love, Loss, And What I Wore by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron (Michael Rubinoff/Daryl Roth). Mary Walsh, Margot Kidder, Sharron Matthews, Andrea Martin and others perform stories about women. Previews Jul 16-20. Opens Jul 21 and runs to Oct 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed and Sat 2 pm. $35-$65. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, lovelossonstage.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 Oct 31, 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. NN (GS)
**Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare (Canadian Stage Dream in High Park). This year’s outdoor production features the classic tale of ill-fated lovers. Previews Jun 25-27. Opens Jun 29 and runs to Sep 5, Tue-Sun 8 pm. Pwyc ($20 sugg); under 14 free. High Park Amphitheatre, Bloor W and Parkside. 416-367-1652, canstage.com.
**South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein (Dancap/Lincoln Center Theater). Love blooms on an island paradise during WWII in this musical. Previews Aug 12-14. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Sep 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $28-$200. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-644-3665, dancaptickets.com.
**What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton (Soulpepper). Sexual indiscretions meet bureaucratic incompetence in this satiric play. Previews Aug 19-24. Opens Aug 25 and runs to Sep 18, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm (see website for mats). $32-$76. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
*Listings based on NOW stage listings*