Eye-catching Toronto live theatre for the week of October 31, 2010

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 October 24, 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.

Acis And Galatea by GF Handel (Opera Atelier). The pastoral opera based on Ovid’s tale is performed in English. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 7, Oct 30, Nov 2, 3, 5 and 6 at 7:30 pm, Nov 7 at 3 pm. $33-$146. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, operaatelier.com.

Beyond The Moors (Shaista Latif/Sarah Behl). A different improvised show based on the novels of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters is performed each week. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 27, Sat 8 pm. $15/show, 4-pack $50. Annex Theatre, 736 Bathurst. beyondthemoors.wordpress.com.

**Casa Maiz Arts Festival (Casa Maiz). The Hispanic arts community offers dance, music, theatre and more. Nov 5-6, see website for schedule. Free. Trinity St Paul’s Church, 427 Bloor W. 416-671-9130, festival2010.casamaiz.org.

**Danny And The Deep Blue Sea by John Patrick Shanley (Problem Solver Productions). Two lost souls meet in a bar in this look at love and loneliness. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm (except Oct 30 at 1 pm), Sun 2 pm. $20. Pia Bouman School, 6 Noble. 416-504-7529, dannyandthedeepbluesea.net.

Day Of The Dead (Consulate General of Mexico). This family-friendly cultural festival includes Mariachi music, exhibits, The Skulls of Posada’s dance/theatre creation, kids’ activities and more. Nov 6-7, see website for schedule. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Dracula – A Love Story by Sharyl Hudson (BTW). Follow actors through the castle’s historic halls in this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Nov 4-5 at 8 pm. $39.95. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. 416-923-1171, casaloma.org.

**Einstein’s Gift by Vern Thiessen (Medina Theatre Ensemble). The relationship between Fritz Haber and Albert Einstein is examined in this staged reading. Nov 2 at 7:30 pm. Free. Temple Sinai Congregation, 210 Wilson. 416-781-8076.

**First Bite (Les Coquettes). The burlesque troupe performs a Halloween-themed cabaret show. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Oct 31, Sun 7 and 9:30 pm. $15-$30. Revival, 783 College. lescoquettes.com.

Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet (Column 13 Actors Company). Real estate salesmen struggle to survive in their cutthroat industry. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 13, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $16. Unit 102 Theatre, 46 Noble. 416-536-0048, column13.org.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Socratic Theatre Collective). The classic tragedy is performed with reversed gender roles. Previews Oct 26. Opens Oct 27 and runs to Nov 6, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $10-$15, Tue pwyc. Hungarian Reformed Evangelical Church, 8 Robert. socratictheatre.com.

Harlettes Monster Mash VII (The Harlettes). The burlesque troupe and their guests present a ghoulish cabaret. Oct 31, doors 8 pm. $15-$20. Bread & Circus, 299 Augusta. harlettes.com.

Hidden In This Picture by Alan Sorkin (Soul Family Productions). Sorkin’s play is performed, plus live music, to support the Beatles Songbook CD and A Life A Year charity. Nov 1 at 7 pm. $18-$20. Duke Of Westminster, 77 Adelaide W. 416-368-2761.

Homeland by Setareh Delzendeh (Godot Art Productions). Theatre, dance, live music and film are used to explore the definition of home. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $10-$20. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, godotart.ca.

**Lenin’s Embalmers by Vern Thiessen (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). Two scientists chosen to immortalize Lenin gain influence in this absurdist dark comedy. Previews Oct 30-31. Opens Nov 2 and runs to Nov 20, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mats Wed and Sat 2 pm (see website for other days and times). $40.50-$64.50. MNJCC Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Les Fridolinades by Gratien Gélinas (Théâtre français de Toronto/Théâtre Catapulte). Sketches, songs and monologues are used to examine French-Canadian society. Some performances with English surtitles. Previews Oct 27-28. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun 2:30 pm (and Nov 6 at 3:30 pm). $33-$57, stu/srs $28-$57, Wed pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

**Matchbox Macbeth adapted by Matthew Walker (Litmus Theatre). Four actors perform and eerie and magical version of the classic in a backyard shed. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Oct 31, Thu-Sun 7 and 9 pm. Pwyc ($10 sugg). Secret Venue in Little Italy. matchboxmacbeth.blogspot.com.

**Monkey Sci-Fi Horror Theatre II (Monkeyman Productions). Two short plays by DJ Sylvis – Phoenix II: The Mongolar Maneuver and Dead Man’s Party – are performed. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 6, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm (no show Nov 4). $15. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. 416-737-1267, monkeymanproductions.com.

Moonshine by Jim Nolan (Toronto Irish Players). A village undertaker struggles to stage a Shakespeare play and fulfill his dreams. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.org.

**Paradise By The River by Vittorio Rossi (Shadowpath Theatre). This drama looks at the internment of Italian-Canadian men during WWII. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 7, Thu-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. City Playhouse Theatre, 1000 New Westminster. 905-882-7469, shadowpaththeatre.ca.

Pinkalicious, The Musical by Elizabeth Kann, Victoria Kann and John Gregor (Vital Theatre). A girl turns pink after eating too many cupcakes in this family musical. Opens Oct 9 and runs to Dec 26, Sat 11 am and 1 pm, Sun 1 pm. $29.50-$39.50. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-642-8973, vitaltheatre.ca.

Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare in Action). This adaptation for young audiences sets the story in a modern, culturally diverse city. Opens Oct 15 and runs to Nov 6, see website for schedule. $15, stu/srs $12. Central Commerce CI, 570 Shaw. 416-703-4881, shakespeareinaction.org.

**Spent by Michele Smith, Dean Gilmour, Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza (Theatre Smith-Gilmour/Why Not Theatre/TheatreRUN). This blend of clown and physical comedy takes an absurd look at the financial crisis. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $18-$28, stu/srs $15-$24, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin (Encore Entertainment). Overachievers vie for the championship in this musical comedy. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $28-$32.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-872-1111, encoreshows.com.

The Middle Place by Andrew Kushnir (Theatre Passe Muraille). Based on Project: Humanity interviews, the stories of homeless youth are brought to the stage. Previews Oct 21-23. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 13, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $30-$35, preview $15, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

The Rocky Horror Show Live! by Richard O’Brien (Lower Ossington Theatre). This funder for LOT features the classic rock musical. Oct 28-31, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 7 pm, plus late shows Fri-Sat 11 pm. $25, stu $20. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**The Woman In Black by Stephen Mallatratt (East Side Players). An estate lawyer tries to exorcise demons from an old case involving a mysterious widow in this ghost story. Opens Oct 28 and runs to Nov 13, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

The Year Of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (Tarragon Theatre). A woman deals with the sudden loss of her husband and child in this drama. Previews Nov 2-6. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $23-$44, Fri & Sun rush $10. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

**Unity (1918) by Kevin Kerr (Ryerson Theatre School). A small town in Saskatchewan is hit with the Spanish Flu after WWI. Previews Oct 20 at 8 pm. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 13, see website for schedule. $18, stu/srs $14. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

Wide Awake Hearts by Brendan Gall (Tarragon Theatre). A suspicious producer casts his wife and his best friend as lovers in his latest film. Previews Nov 2-9. Opens Nov 10 and runs to Dec 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $23-$44, Fri & Sun rush $10. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

ALREADY SEEN BY MOT:

**A Raisin In The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (Soulpepper). This drama looks at a black family living in 1950s Chicago. Opens Oct 20 and runs to Nov 13, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, see website for additional performances. $40-$76, stu $32, rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**Billy Twinkle: Requiem For A Golden Boy by Ronnie Burkett (Factory Theatre). A puppeteer evaluates his life and rekindles his passion after losing his job. Previews Sep 24-26. Opens Sep 28 and runs to Oct 31, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$48, previews $15-$25, Sun pwyc. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi (Canadian Opera Company). The tragic opera is performed in Italian. Opens Oct 2 and runs to Nov 5, Oct 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 27, 30, Nov 2 and 5 at 7:30 pm, mats Oct 2 at 4:30 pm, Oct 24 at 2 pm. $62-$281. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Death In Venice by Benjamin Britten (Canadian Opera Company). The opera based on Thomas Mann’s novel is performed in English. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 6, Oct 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and Nov 3 at 7:30 pm, mats Oct 31 at 2 pm and Nov 6 at 4:30 pm. $62-$281. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller (Soulpepper). Having lost his job in his twilight years, a man confronts his failure to achieve the American Dream. Previews Oct 16-20. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 20, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm (see website for other times). $31.20-$75.33. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**Madhouse Variatons by Eric Woolfe (Eldritch Theatre). Horrific scenes from a mental asylum are re-enacted using puppets. Previews Oct 23-24. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Nov 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm (plus Oct 30 at 10:30 pm), mats Oct 31, Nov 6-7 at 2 pm. $20-$25, previews $15, Sun pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, eldritchtheatre.ca.

**Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott (Mirvish). Three friends take a battered bus across the Australian outback, looking for love and friendship. Previews Oct 12-24. Opens Oct 26 and runs to Jan 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $20-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Revelations by Jason Morneau and Damien Gulde (Agawa Sapphire Productions). Four strangers visiting a therapist become the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 2, Sun-Tue 8 pm (except Oct 17 and 31 at 3 pm). $10-$12. Bad Dog Theatre, 138 Danforth. unclemaoandtheredstarreview@yahoo.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 Jan 2, 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.

**The Girls Who Saw Everything by Sean Dixon (Ryerson Theatre School). A book club explores life and death, love, identity and belonging through an ancient epic. Previews Oct 13 at 8 pm. Opens Oct 14 and runs to Nov 12, see website for schedule. $18, stu/srs $14. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.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 Oct 26-28. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Dec 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$30. Cameron House, 408 Queen W. 416-703-1725, videocab.com. (Jordan Bimm)

**The List by Jennifer Tremblay (Nightwood Theatre/Canadian Stage). A busy woman neglects a friend’s request and inadvertently causes her death. Previews Oct 11-13. Opens Oct 14 and runs to Nov 6, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22-$49, limited Mon pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, nightwoodtheatre.net.

Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman (Mirvish). The hit musical revealing the backstory of the witches of Oz returns. Opens Oct 20 and runs to Nov 28, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $35-$129. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*

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