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 28th, 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.
Already Covered by MoT…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (Soulpepper). Lovers and actors meet and mingle in an enchanted forest. Previews Feb 17-22. Opens Feb 23 and runs to Apr 15, see website for schedule. $45-$60, stu $28; rush $5-$22. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.
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. $55-$120. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, barrymoretheplay.com.
**L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres performs Tom Waits (Theatre Centre) Armed with nearly 100 objects as invented instruments, L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres perform – in madcap scenes of unbridled energy – a powerful tribute to the world of Tom Waits. March 2 – 5, 2011, Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30pm. The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto. Tickets, $25; Box office: 416 538 0988. www.theatrecentre.org /www.ticketweb.ca
Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini (Toronto Opera Repertoire). Hearts and cultures collide in this Italian opera. Opens Feb 16 and runs to Mar 5, see website for schedule. $25, stu/srs $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, toronto-opera.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.
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.
South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein (Dancap/Lincoln Center Theater). Love blooms on an island paradise during WWII in this musical. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Apr 10, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1 pm. $35-$190. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-644-3665, dancaptickets.com.
**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 Middle Place by Andrew Kushnir (Canadian Stage). Based on Project: Humanity interviews, the stories of homeless youth are brought to the stage. Previews Feb 14-16. Opens Feb 17 and runs to Mar 12, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.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.
**Wit’s End III: Love Life (Sandra Shamas). Shamas performs the third instalment of her solo show about her life in rural Ontario. Previews Feb 16-18. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 13, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$65. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, ticketmaster.ca
…and the rest
A Hamburger In A Pita by Nina Shenhav (TEATRON Theatre). Tensions arise when two secular Jewish families from different cultures become neighbours in this comedy. Previews Mar 2 at 1 pm. Opens Mar 2 and runs to Mar 13, Tue-Thu and Sun 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $31-$48, stu/srs $19-$30. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-781-5527, teatrontheatre.com.
Alice In Wonderland based on the novel by Lewis Carroll (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). Puppetry and masks are used in this adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Previews Mar 1. Opens Mar 2 and runs to Mar 19, see website for schedule. $10-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.
Are You Okay (Peggy Baker Dance Projects/Necessary Angel). Dancer Peggy Baker and playwright Michael Healey perform a dance/theatre piece about art and aging. Previews Mar 1-3. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, previews $15; Mar 6 pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, peggybakerdance.com.
**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.
**Brothel #9 by Anusree Roy (Factory Theatre). A young woman strives to take control of her life after she is sold to a Calcutta brothel. Previews Feb 26-Mar 2. Opens Mar 3 and runs to Mar 27, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm (7 pm during previews). $25-$40, previews $15, Sun pwyc. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.
Double Door by Elizabeth McFadden (Scarborough Theatre Guild). A tyrannical heiress torments her relatives and her brother’s fiancée. Opens Mar 3 and runs to Mar 19, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mats Mar 13 and 19 at 2 pm. $17, stu/srs $14, stu rush $10. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.
**FemCab 2011 (Nightwood Theatre). This multi-arts performance cabaret in honour of International Women’s Day features Judith Thompson, Lara Bozabalian, Julia Aplin, Sandra Battaglini and others. Mar 1 at 8 pm. $30. Harbourfront Centre, Brigantine Room, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-944-1740 ext 5, nightwoodtheatre.net.
**Hello Mudda Hello Fadda Here I Am At Oh God a Bear!!! (Hard Luck Bar). presents comedy and campfire stories w/ Parker and Seville, Tim Gilbert, Nick Flanagan, Andrew Chapman and 2 Man No Show. Mar 1 9 pm. $5. 812 Dundas W. hardluckbar.com.
La Voix Humaine by Jean Cocteau (Harbourfront World Stage/Toneelgroep Amsterdam). This solo show about a desperate phone call between ex-lovers is performed in Dutch with English surtitles. Opens Mar 2 and runs to Mar 5, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15-$45. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
‘Mix’ Valence Movement (dance theatre) presents modern dance inspired by personal experiences, plus live music and art. Mar 3-5 at 8:30 pm. $15. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 647-281-8609, valence-valin.com.
More Fine Girls by Jennifer Brewin, Leah Cherniak, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Alisa Palmer and Martha Ross (Theatre Columbus). Three sisters reunite over a family crisis ten years after a party drove them apart. Previews Feb 22-Mar 1. Opens Mar 2 and runs to Apr 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm (no mats during previews). $23-$46, rush $10. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
Noor (Light) Arabesque Dance Company and Harbourfront NextSteps present poetry, music and dance that shows the influence of Arab art in medieval Andalusia. Mar 3-6, Thu-Sun 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$45. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Rough Justice by Terence Frisby (East Side Players). A man charged with killing his infant son defends himself in this courtroom drama. Opens Feb 17 and runs to Mar 5, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.
Swan Lake Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s fairy-tale ballet. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Mar 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $60-$225. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. 416-872-2262, sonycentre.ca.
The Boys In The Band by Mart Crowley (Ghost Light Projects). Secrets and anxieties are exposed as a group of gay buddies drink and play games at a party. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Mar 6, Thu-Sun and Tue 7 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$30. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Tallulah’s Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, ghostlightprojects.com.
The Diary Of Anne Frank adapted by Wendy Kesselman (Shakespeare in Action). The story of a Jewish girl and her family hiding from the Nazis is adapted for the stage. Previews Feb 23-28. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Mar 13, see website for schedule. $15, stu/srs $12. Central Commerce CI, 570 Shaw. 416-703-4881, shakespeareinaction.org.
The Hunt For Red Willie by Ken Bourke (Toronto Irish Players). Locals seek a killer after a landowner is murdered in a remote part of Ireland. Opens Feb 17 and runs to Mar 5, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, opening night reception $50. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.org.
The Long Red Road by Brett C Leonard (Column 13 Actors Company). Two brothers reunite years after a tragic accident led them to different paths. Opens Mar 2 and runs to Mar 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $18. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, column13.org.
**This Party’s A Riot (Second City). presents a new production poking fun at the ever-changing world we live in. In previews, opens Mar 8. Tue-Sat 8 pm (plus Sat late show 10:30 pm), Sun 7 pm. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Unstuck by Evan Tsitsias (Foundry Theatre Company). A male couple’s anniversary celebration turns into a discussion on love, sex and monogamy in this play reading. Feb 28 at 7 pm. Pwyc. The Detour Bar, 193.5 Baldwin. firstdrafttoronto@gmail.com.
**Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang (Hart House Theatre). Mistaken racial identities collide with family, media and politics in this comedy. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 12 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.
*Listings based on NOW stage listings*