Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the week of September 5, 2011

Five for Twenty (Or Less)

This week’s cheap theatre post features a mixed bag of shows that range from Shakespeare inspired to sketch comedy to  burlesque. There’s something here for everyone and with all the shows priced at $20 or less you can’t afford to miss out. 

ELEFANT (Cheshire Unicorn). This funder for the company’s upcoming productions features burlesque, music, a fashion show, an auction and more. Sep 10, doors 7 pm. $10. Annex Theatre, 736 Bathurst. cheshireunicorn.com.

IF LOOKS COULD KILL… THEY WILL (Glam Gam Productions). This funder for AIDS Action Now features a mystery queer burlesque show. Sep 9 at 8 pm. $15. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. glamgam.com.

PETER AND THE WOLF by Sergei Prokofiev (Theatre Rusticle). On the eve of Peter’s death, he and the Wolf recall their lives in this adult version of the children’s story. Previews Sep 3-5, Sat and Mon 7:30 pm. Opens Sep 6 and runs to Sep 11, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22, stu/srs $15, previews $5-$10, mat pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrerusticle.org.

THE SPECIALS IN 9/11/11 The Specials presents sketch comedy about a security-obsessed mayor and a talent agency. Opens Sep 9 and runs to Sep 11, Fri-Sun 8 pm. $20. Scotiabank Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. Brownpapertickets.com/event/193474.

THE QUEENS by Normand Chaurette (Glasswater Theatre). Six royal women scheme to gain power in this play inspired by Shakespeare’s Richard III. Opens Sep 8 and runs to Sep 18, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St. George. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.