Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of May 7, 2012

Five For Twenty (or Less)

This week’s cheap theatre post has an exciting variety of shows to choose from. For $20 or less, you can watch a play about appearances, teen mental health, a tent city, Steve Jobs, and even cross-disciplinary works. See the full post for more details on our five picks.

The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance (The Bench Theatre Initiative). Appearance versus reality and the limits of charity are explored in this drama about the life of John Merrick. Opens Apr 20 and runs to May 12. $12-$15. Sanctuary, 25 Charles E. thebenchtheatre.com.

Beyond The Cuckoo’s Nest by Edward Roy (Young People’s Theatre). This drama for ages 13-18 follows three youths who meet at a drop-in group for teens with mental health issues. Previews May 7-8. Opens May 9 and runs to May 17. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Festival Of Ideas And Creation (Canadian Stage). This development festival features readings and workshop performances of cross-disciplinary works by Anusree Roy, Justin Rutledge, Jordan Tannahill, Gein Wong, Debashis Sinha, Barbara Nichol and others. Opens May 9 and runs to May 13. Most events free. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com/festival.

Intent City: A Work-In-Progress Interactive Play by Gein Wong (Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts). The audience is invited to a tent city that springs up when the city’s mayor stops communicating with people. May 11 at 7:30 pm. $12. Theatre Direct Christie Studio, 601 Christie. mayworks.ca.

The Agony And Ecstasy Of Steve Jobs by Mike Daisey (Outside the March/Theatre Passe Muraille). Daisey’s exposé about the human cost of our love of technological gadgets is presented in a found space. Opens May 5 and runs to May 13. $25, stu $20 (artsboxoffice.ca). Secret Location, revealed with ticket purchase. outsidethemarch.ca.