Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of October 3, 2011

Five for Twenty (or less)

This week’s cheap theatre theme is MoT certified – based on theatre shows that we have already reviewed, and thoroughly enjoyed.  There’s some amazing shows in the mix for just about $20, including a remount of a Patron’s Pick Fringe show that we absolutely loved. There’s no risk involved here; read a review, pick a show and go watch some great Toronto theatre! 

A Fool’s Life by Dan Watson (Ahuri Theatre/Why Not Theatre). Movement, drumming, shadow puppetry and projections are used in this multilingual piece inspired by the life and short stories of Akutagawa Ryunosuke. Previews Sep 29. Opens Sep 30 and runs to Oct 8, Mon-Sat 8 pm. $20, preview/Mon pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, ahuritheatre.com.

Bigger Than Jesus by Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks (WYRD/Necessary Angel). Live performance, sound and projections are used in this comedy about the mysteries of life and viewpoints on Christianity. Opens Sep 29 and runs to Oct 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$55.Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca

His Greatness by Daniel MacIvor (Independent Artists Repertory Theatre). This play is based on two days in 1980 when Tennessee Williams was in Vancouver for the opening of one of his plays. Previews Sep 20-21. Opens Sep 22 and runs to Oct 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat 2 pm, Sun 3 pm. $40-$60, preview $20, limited pwyc Sun. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca 

Sex, Religion & Other Hang-Ups by James Gangl (Gangland Productions). Gangl performs his solo comedy from the Fringe about dealing with sexuality and strict beliefs. Previews Oct 4-5. Opens Oct 6 and runs to Oct 22, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 and 9 pm. $15-$25. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, sexhangup.com.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical by David Nehls and Betsly Kelso (Hart House Theatre). Colourful characters from mobile homes, trailers and caravans deal with daily travails in this musical comedy. Opens Sep 23 and runs to Oct 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 8 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.