Caught our Eye Playlistings for the Week of February 6th

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 February 6th, 2011:

**  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.

$#*! My Mayor Says (Second City). presents current-events comedy about our city. Mon 8 pm. $12. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

A Chorus Line by James Kirkwood, Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban (Toronto Youth Theatre). Singers and dancers tell personal stories during a Broadway audition. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 26, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 3:30 pm. $25.50-$35, stu $19.50-$25.50. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. torontoyouththeatre.org.

Attempts On Her Life by Martin Crimp (Ryerson Theatre School). The intersection of art, authenticity and commerce is explored in this experimental multimedia piece. Previews Feb 8. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 17, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $18, stu/srs $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

**Billy Elliot The Musical by Lee Hall and Elton John (Mirvish). A boy leaves boxing for ballet while his family struggles with economic troubles in small-town England. Previews Feb 1-28. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Jul 10, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $36-$130. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Blue Man Group (NETworks Presentations/LLC/Blue Man Productions). The multimedia theatrical troupe presents a new creation. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 10, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm. $70-$100, child $44. Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts. 905-306-6000, livingartscentre.ca.

Bye Bye Liver: The Toronto Drinking Play (The Pub Theatre Company). This interactive show takes a satirical look at the drinking culture. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Apr 23, Sat 8 pm. $15. Hard Rock Cafe, 279 Yonge. 1-800-650-6449, byebyeliver.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. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$35, Sun pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, necessaryangel.com.

**Family Story by Aurora Stewart de Pena (Birdtown and Swanville). A young woman travels back in time in order to understand her family’s bad habits. Opens Feb 1 and runs to Feb 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15 (totix.ca). Double Double Land, 209 Augusta. birdtownandswanville.com.

**Forever Yours, Marie-Lou by Michel Tremblay (Théâtre français de Toronto). Two sisters confront their tragic family history, caused by a failure to communicate. Previews Feb 2-3. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 19, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Feb 12 & 19 at 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $33-$57, stu/srs $28-$57, Wed pwyc. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

**Highway 63: The Fort Mac Show by Architect Theatre (Theatre Passe Muraille). People come and go in the transient town of Fort MacMurray, Alberta, in this play about love, money, oil and politics. Previews Feb 3-5. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 26, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25-$30, previews $15, mat pwyc. Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

Ivona, Princess Of Burgundia by Witold Gombrowicz (George Brown Theatre School). To entertain himself, a bored prince proposes to an unattractive girl, causing panic in the kingdom. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 19, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $18, srs $12, stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666.

Kuumba Harbourfront Centre presents the Black History Month festival, including performances and workshops by Cirque Afro-Cuban, Irina Bravo, Magia Negra Candombe and others, plus the Beat the Street Dance Showdown. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 13, Sat-Sun from 1 pm (see website for details). Free (Beat the Street Showdown $10). 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo Show One presents the all-male drag ballet troupe. Feb 10-12 at 7:30 pm. $39-$89. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, showoneproductions.ca.

Lovesexmoney by Kat Sandler (Theatre Brouhaha). A woman sells her virginity online in this comedy-drama about intimacy in the information age. Previews Feb 3 at 2:30 pm. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 13, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$25, Wed pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, theatrebrouhaha.com.

Moulin Rouge – The Ballet Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents a ballet version of the story of an ambitious dancer who falls for a young artist. Feb 10-12, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $44-$138. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. 416-872-2262, rwb.org.

Nixon In China by John Adams (Canadian Opera Company). The modern opera sung in English looks at President Richard Nixon’s trip to China in 1972. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 26, Feb 5 at 4:30 pm, Feb 9, 11, 19, 22, 24 and 26 at 7:30 pm, Feb 13 at 2 pm. $62-$281. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

No Sweetheart Required (Whistler’s Grille). This alternative Valentine’s cabaret features comedy, dance, music and theatre by June Morrow, Dainty Smith and others. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 14, Wed-Mon 8 pm. $20, Wed $10. 995 Broadview. 416-653-5870.

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 May 29, Sat-Sun 1 pm. $29.50-$39.50. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-642-8973, vitaltheatre.ca.

**Saint Carmen Of The Main by Michel Tremblay (Canadian Stage Company/National Arts Centre English Theatre). A country singer pushing artistic boundaries threatens some in her nightclub community. Previews Feb 7-9. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Mar 5, Mon-Sat 8 pm, see website for mats. $22-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

She Did What?!!! (Famous People Players). The black light theatre company presents a musical based on a children’s book by Diane Dupuy. Opens Jan 8 and runs to Apr 29, Tue-Sat 11:30 am and 6 pm. $59.50, srs $52.50, child $39.95 (includes meal). 343 Evans. 416-532-1137, fpp.org.

Sorbet And The Single Girl/Carl, Suzanne And The Taximan by Jane A. Shields/Rosemary Doyle (And the Co-op). Two one-act plays are featured on this double bill. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 6, Jan 24, 28, 30 and Feb 3-6 at 7 pm. $14. Bread & Circus, 299 Augusta. 416-336-3399, breadandcircus.ca.

**Spring ’11 Mainstage Review (Second City). presents a new production poking fun at the ever-changing world we live in. Tue-Sat 8 pm (plus Sat 10:30 pm), Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**Sweetheart: The Mary Pickford Story by Dean Burry (Lunabridge Productions). This musical tells the story of the Canadian silent film legend. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 27, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd. 416-392-6910, toronto.ca/spadina.

The Big Bang by Jed Feuer and Boyd Graham (Civic Light Opera Company). Two theatre producers try to stage the history of civilization in this musical comedy. Opens Feb 9 and runs to Feb 26, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun (and Feb 26) at 2 pm. $25. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, civiclightoperacompany.com.

The Big League by James Durham (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). A boy’s love of playing hockey with his friends is threatened by his competitive father. Previews Jan 31-Feb 2. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 20, Sat-Sun 2 pm, opening night 7 pm (see website for more days and times). $10-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.

The Fantasticks by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (Soulpepper). The children of feuding neighbours fall in love in this musical. Previews Feb 8-12. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Mar 24, see website for days and times. $45-$60, stu $28; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

The Full Monty by Terrence McNally and David Yasbek (Scarborough Music Theatre). Unemployed steelworkers find a new and revealing way to make ends meet in this musical. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 19, Thu-Sat 8 pm (see website for mats and other times). $25, stu/srs $21, stu rush $10. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon (Edinburgh Festival Theatre/Mirvish). An orphan makes a magical discovery in this musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel. Previews Feb 8-12. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 20, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $40-$110. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Soaps (The National Theatre of the World). presents a weekly improvised soap opera w/ Jim Annan, Matt Baram, Lisa Brooke, Jan Caruana and others. Mon 9 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com.

Treasure Island – A Panto by Peter Towill and Clayton Beckett (Nags Players). Pirates, parrots and rogues take to the high seas in this comedy. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 12, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $10-$20, kids under 12 $3. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. 647-338-6247, nagsplayers.com.

Vincent River by Philip Ridley (Cart/Horse Theatre). The paths of a bereaved mother and a troubled youth intersect in the wake of a hate crime. Previews Feb 5-6. Opens Feb 8 and runs to Feb 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $10-$25. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, carthorsetheatre.com.

Wasted On The Young by David Yee (Humber School of Creative & Performing Arts). This drama looks at the stories of young people living in a multicultural city. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Humber Arts & Media Studio, Black Box Theatre, 300 Birmingham. 416-675-6622 ext 3080, humber.theatre@humber.ca.

West End Girls: Anti-Valentine Edition (Poor John’s Café). presents all-girl stand-up w/ Shelley Marshall, Rhiannon Archer, Diana Love, Zabrina Chevannes, Daniela Saioni and others. Feb 10 8 pm. Pwyc. 1610 Queen W. 647-435-2688.

Already Covered by MoT

**Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman (Birdland Theatre/Talk is Free Theatre). Historical figures who tried to assassinate American presidents meet in this dark musical. Previews Jan 6-7. Opens Jan 8 and runs to Feb 13, Wed-Mon 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm (no shows Jan 24-30). $35. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-504-7529, birdlandtheatre.com.

**Barrymore by William Luce (Barrymore Entertainment Limited). Christopher Plummer portrays legendary actor John Barrymore as he struggles with the role of Richard III and looks back on his life. Previews Jan 27-29. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Mar 9, Fri-Sat and Mon-Wed 8 pm (opening night 6:30 pm). $55-$120. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, barrymoretheplay.com.

**Eternal Hydra by Anton Piatigorsky (Crow’s Theatre). Controversy surrounds the discovery of a long-lost literary masterpiece. Previews Jan 22-26. Opens Jan 27 and runs to Feb 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (except Sun preview at 7 pm). $28-$40, stu/srs $23-$35, previews $15, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, crowstheatre.com.

Oleanna by David Mamet (Soulpepper). A power struggle ensues when a female student accuses a professor of sexual harassment. Previews Jan 29-Feb 2. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Mar 5, see website for days and times. $28-$60. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill (UC Follies). An arch criminal and a beggar battle for control of the streets in this black-comedy jazz cabaret. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Feb 12 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

The Magic Flute by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). The opera about growing up and seeking ideals is performed in German. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 25, Jan 29, Feb 1, 3, 8, 10, 16, 18, 23 and 25 at 7:30 pm, mats Feb 6 and 20 at 2 pm, Feb 12 at 4:30 pm. $62-$281. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

**Ruined by Lynn Nottage (Obsidian Theatre/Nightwood Theatre). Women struggle to survive and heal during the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previews Jan 16-19. Opens Jan 20 and runs to Feb 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 12:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (Sunday Tea Talks to benefit the Fistula Foundation at 1 pm, by donation). $15-$35. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, obsidian-theatre.com.

*Listings based on NOW stage listings*