Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of November 12th, 2012

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of November 12th, 2012: ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wish he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already covered by MoT:

**ALLIGATOR PIE (Soulpepper). Adapted from the children’s poems of Dennis Lee, this family-friendly production celebrates imagination and invention. Previews Oct 26-Nov 5. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 25. $23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

ENDGAME by Samuel Beckett (Soulpepper). A blind man who is unable to stand gives orders to his servant, who is unable to sit, in this absurdist tragicomedy. Previews Oct 26-30. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Nov 17. $51-$68, stu $32, rush $5-$22.Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

HATCHED by Claire Burns (Triangle Co-Op). A teen’s identity crisis deepens when he learns he was conceived from a donor egg. Previews Nov 1. Opens Nov 2 and runs to Nov 17. $25, stu $18 (totix.ca). Toronto Free Gallery, 1277 Bloor W. hatchedtheplay.wordpress.com.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein (Mirvish). A gay man and his drag queen partner prepare to meet the conservative parents of their son’s fiancée. Previews Oct 10-11. Opens Oct 12 and runs to Nov 18. $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

**MISS CALEDONIA by Melody A Johnson (Lunkamud/Tarragon Theatre). A 1950s farm girl dreams of being an actress in the big city in this musical solo show. Previews Oct 13-23. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 22. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). The classic tragedy about lovers from conflicting families is retold. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 24. $25, stu/srs $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES by Andrew Bovell (The Company Theatre/Canadian Stage Company). Four marriages are plunged into a morass of sex, lies and neglect after a woman goes missing. Previews Oct 29-31. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 24. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

THE ANGER IN ERNEST AND ERNESTINE by Robert Morgan, Martha Ross and Leah Cherniak (Barzotti Woodworking/Pivotal(arts)). Repressed anger rears its head as a couple strive to maintain the veneer of a perfectly ordered world. Previews Nov 6-7. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 24. $20-$25, preview $10. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. theanger25.eventbrite.com.

TWELVE ANGRY JURORS by Sherman Segal (Stage Centre Productions). Jurors clash over facts and their prejudices in this adaptation of the teleplay by Reginald Rose. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 17. $27.50, stu/srs $22. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch W. 416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.

WAR HORSE based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford (National Theatre of Great Britain/Mirvish). An English boy sets out to find his horse after it’s sold to the cavalry and shipped off to France during WWI. Previews Feb 10-27. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Jan 6. $35-$130, rush $29. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

WE’VE TOTALLY (PROBABLY) GOT THIS! Second City presents its fall 2012 revue featuring new sketches, songs and improv about stress and juggling priorities. Wed-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm (plus Fri-Sat 10 pm). $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

And the rest…

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND The National Ballet of Canada presents Christopher Wheeldon’s interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s story. Opens Nov 10 and runs to Nov 25. $25-$239. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

ANTIMAN (Riel Paley). Paley plays four characters in his solo dark comedy. Nov 15-17. $15. Cahoots Theatre Company, 388 Queen E. rielpaley.com.

AN EVENING OF SIT DOWN WITH ROBIN WILLIAMS & DAVID STEINBERG Donald K. Donald and the Toronto Star present Academy Award-winning actor and comic Williams chatting with actor/director/author Steinberg. Nov 13 8 pm. $69.59-$129.50.Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, ticketmaster.ca.

A HETAERAE EVENT (Theatre Hetaerae/Bring the Buzz). A collective of women present an intellectual striptease on monogamy and infidelity. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 24. Pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

CINDERELLA (A RATICAL RETELLING) by Mike Kenny and Jason Jestadt (Young People’s Theatre). Five rats retell the classic fairy tale in this musical story for ages 4 and up. Previews Nov 12-14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Dec 30. $15-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

EIGENGRAU by Penelope Skinner (Red One Theatre Collective). Two pairs of roommates deal with love, feminism and trying to connect in this dark comedy. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 24. $20. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. redonetheatre.com.

FAIREST ISLE (Toronto Masque Theatre). This tribute to Henry Purcell features pieces drawn from The Fairy Queen, King Arthur and other semi-operas. Nov 16-17 at 8 pm. $40, srs $35, under 30 $20. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com.

FARE GAME: LIFE IN TORONTO’S TAXIS by Ruth Madoc-Jones, Marjorie Chan and Alex Williams (Theatre Passe Muraille). This docudrama multimedia play looks at the lives of taxi drivers and the struggles they face. Previews Nov 16-17. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 8. $30-$35, previews/under 30 $15. Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

**GRAVITY OF CENTER DanceWorks, RUBBERBANDance Group and Harbourfront NextSteps present choreography by Victor Quijada exploring the dichotomy between abundance and scarcity and how people react in dire situations. Nov 16-17 at 8 pm. $19.50-$34. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceworks.ca.

IN ADAGIO by Jess Salgueiro (art & lies productions). An opera diva and a Portuguese fado singer have an artistic duel while trapped in a theatre due to a bomb threat in 60s Paris. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 17. $18, stu/srs $15. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. artandliesproductions.com.

IN VINO VERITAS by Teige Reid (Pubcrawl Theatre). Reid performs a monologue show about the twists of fate that haunt the denizens of a small pub. Oct 19 at 7 pm. Nov 16 at 7 pm. Dec 14 at 7 pm. Jan 18 at 7 pm. Feb 15 at 7 pm. Mar 22 at 7 pm. Apr 19 at 7 pm. May 17 at 7 pm. $20. Fox & Fiddle, 27 Wellesley E. pubcrawltheatre.com.

IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto presents a comedy, music and dance benefit w/ Ron James, Louise Pitre, Glass Tiger, Lindi Ortega, host Russell Peters and others. Opens Nov 17 7:30 pm. $50-$300. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. itsalwayssomething.ca.

JEKYLL AND HYDE by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse (Mirvish/Nederlander Presentations, Inc). This musical is based on the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 18. $29-$150. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (UC Follies Theatre Company). A flower shop clerk raises a plant that feeds on human blood in this musical. Nov 15-17. $30, stu/srs $15. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

MAMBO ITALIANO (Alexander Showcase Theatre) the gay son of a traditional Italian-Canadian family decides to “come out” to his old world parents with hilarious results Nov 15-25. $20-$25. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St., 416-324-1259, alexandershowcasetheatre.com

MY NAME IS ASHER LEV by Aaron Posner (TEATRON Theatre). A young painter is torn between his Hassidic upbringing and his need to fulfill his artistic dreams. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 18. Previews Nov 7 at 1 pm. $31-$48, stu/srs $26-$30.Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, teatrontheatre.com.

NONNA’S PARTY by Ashley Burton (Gladstone Hotel). Burton brings stories of her feisty Sicilian family to life in this solo comedy. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Dec 19. $35-$55 (ticketweb.ca). 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com.

OLEANNA by David Mamet (Jaybird Productions). A student seeks extra help from her professor and then accuses him of sexual harassment. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 24. $18, stu/srs $16. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, jaybirdproductions.ca.

PEGGY’S SONG by Jim Garrard (Montybaby Productions). A woman’s life changes following a plane crash. Nov 8-12. $15, stu/srs $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY by Eduardo de Filippo (George Brown College Theatre School). Tempers flare at an Italian family dinner in this comedy. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 17. $18, srs $12, stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666.

SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY (Mills Entertainment/Just for Laughs). This musical parody of Fifty Shades Of Grey explores the escapist fun and absurdity of the popular risqué novel. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 18. $48.25-$58.25.Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, ticketking.com.

SWITCH OFF (Touch My Stereotype) Watch as Ladystache, British Teeth and The Templeton Philharmonic swap their barest material. Vote for the best performance in each round, and stay for the excitable food challenge. Nov. 14, 9:30PM. $10 Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West) touchmystereotype.com

**THE ARSONISTS by Max Frisch (Canadian Stage). A man lets two strangers into his home and turns a blind eye to the obvious in this dark comedy about the human ability to ignore acts of evil. Previews Nov 11-14. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Dec 9. $24-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Mon 8 pm. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

THE DEATH OF ME/MY NARRATOR by Norm Foster (Nags Players). This double bill features two quirky comedies by the Canadian playwright. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 17. $18-$20, stu/srs $15, Thu $12. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. 647-338-6247, nagsplayers.com.

THE DROWNING GIRLS by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic (Alumnae Theatre). Three women murdered by the same husband tell their stories. Opens Nov 16 and runs to Dec 1. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. Studio, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

THE FINE ART OF MURDER (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). This dinner-theatre whodunit features a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Dec 29. $66-$71. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

THE LESSON by Eugene Ionesco (Modern Times Stage Company). Language drives the action and becomes an instrument of tyranny in this absurdist one-act play. Previews Nov 10-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 1. $25-$35, Sun pwyc-$25.Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, moderntimesstage.com.

THE LITTLE PLAY THAT COULD by Jenny Alexander (Winchester/Sum of Us Collective). A Catholic/Hindu scholar and his alcoholic cousin discuss the creative process and finding one’s voice in this dark comedy. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 24. $10.Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. winchesterkitchen.com.

THE LITTLE YEARS by John Mighton (Tarragon Theatre). Growing up in the 50s, a young woman’s interest in science is dismissed by her family. Previews Nov 7-13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Dec 16. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, previews $21-$24, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie (Trinity College Dramatic Society). A police detective seeks a murderer among seven strangers stranded in a guest house. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 17. $10, stu $5. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

THE SECOND CITY’S IMPROV ALL-STARS Second City presents a fast-paced, completely improvised weekly show. Opens Sep 4 and runs to Dec 18. $20, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.