Five For Twenty (or Less)
For this week’s cheap theatre picks we decided to go with a complete mixed bag of musical shows. Their themes are very different from each other, so even if romantic musicals aren’t for you, you’re sure to find something in here that’s a fun night out. There’s an opera, a drama, an enchanted cabaret, a Victorian-Gothic puppet show to get you in the mood for Halloween and even an improvised musical comedy. We had to cheat and put in a sixth bonus listing at the end, which is definitely over $20, but seems like a great deal! So take a break from the mundane and go and watch a show, maybe even three.
CABARET ENCHANTÉ (Les Coquettes). The burlesque troupe presents a carnival theme with a twisted take on fairy tales. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Oct 30, sun 7 and 9:30 pm. $15-$30.Revival, 783 College. Lescoquettes.com.
DOC WUTHERGLOOM’S HAUNTED MEDICINE SHOW by Eric Woolfe (Eldritch Theatre). A travelling exorcist and his ghoulish puppets perform a Victorian-gothic show. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Nov 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$35. Secret venue, location revealed with purchase. Eldritchtheatre.ca.
NAME IN VAIN (DECALOGUE TWO) by André Alexis (Tarragon Theatre). A monk breaks his vow of silence and the second commandment, sending the brotherhood into upheaval. Previews Oct 4-18. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Oct 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun (and Oct 22, 29) at 2:30 pm. $15-$22. ExtraExtra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.
RIGOLETTO by Giuseppe Verdi (Canadian Opera Company). A jester avenges his seduced daughter with tragic consequences in this Italian opera. Opens Sep 29 and runs to Oct 22, Oct 5, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20 and 22 at 7:30 pm, Oct 2 and 16 at 2 pm, Oct 8 at 4:30 pm. $12-$318. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen w. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.
SMASH HIT Opening Night Theatre presents a weekly improvised musical. Sat 8 pm. Pwyc. Augusta House, 152 Augusta. openingnighttheatre.com.*
**OFF BATHURST THEATRE DISTRICT MARATHON (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts). This day of theatre features Those Who Can’t Do… at 2 pm (Theatre Passe Muraille), Hardsell at 4 pm (Factory Theatre), dinner at 6 pm, and In The Other Room Or The Vibrator Play at 8 pm (Tarragon Theatre). Oct 22. $95 (includes 3 shows, dinner and transportation). 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.