Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of April 15th, 2013. ** 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

**A Brimful Of Asha by Asha and Ravi Jain (Tarragon Theatre/Why Not Theatre). An Indo-Canadian man discovers that his Indian vacation is actually a wife-seeking scheme by his parents. Opens Apr 10 and runs to Apr 28. $27-$53, rush $13, Apr 13 mat pwyc. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.  

Big In Germany by Rob Salerno (Ten Foot Pole Theatre). A Canadian rock band finds fame in Germany, but struggle at home in this satire of the Canadian entertainment industry. Previews Apr 9. Opens Apr 11 and runs to Apr 21. $20-$25, stu $15, preview $10, mat pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, tenfootpole.ca.

Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason (Young People’s Theatre). On a planet run by children, a newcomer upsets the balance by granting the kids’ biggest wish, at a price. Previews Apr 8-10. Opens Apr 11 and runs to May 2. $10-$20. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story by Alan Janes (Lower Ossington Theatre). This musical celebrates the life of the 50s rock pioneer. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Apr 21. $49-$60. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler (Soulpepper). This adaptation sets the vignettes about 10 interconnected sexual liaisons in Toronto and examines our obsession with sex and sexuality. Opens Mar 26 and runs to May 4. $51-$68, stu $32 (rush $22, stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

**RACE by David Mamet (Canadian Stage). A wealthy white man accused of raping a black woman hires a defense team consisting of one black and one white lawyer. Previews Apr 7-10. Opens Apr 11 and runs to May 5. $24-$99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

Rent by Jonathan Larson (Lower Ossington Theatre). Artists of NYC’s Lower East Side struggle to make ends meet in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic in this musical. Opens Mar 28 and runs to Jun 2. $49-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind (George Brown Theatre School). A group of 19th-century German teens explore their budding sexuality and deal with the consequences. Opens Apr 9 and runs to Apr 20. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

The Killdeer by James Reaney (Alumnae Theatre). This macabre satire tells the tale of an Ontario town’s tangled web of murder and mystery. Opens Apr 12 and runs to Apr 27. $20, Wed 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

The Meme-Ing Of Life Second City presents its spring mainstage revue about the wins and epic fails of living on and off the digital highway. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Jun 30. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

The Wizard Of Oz adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Really Useful Group/Mirvish/Troika Entertainment/Warner Bros/Bill Kenwright). A twister sends Dorothy over the rainbow in this musical based on the film. Previews Dec 20-Jan 12. Opens Jan 13 and runs to Jun 2. $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

True West by Sam Shepard (Soulpepper). Two recently reconciled brothers fight over art, freedom, family and human nature. Opens Mar 25 and runs to May 4. $51-$68, stu $32 (rush $22, stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks, Irving Berlin and Thomas Meehan (Alexander Showcase Theatre). The doctor’s grandson inherits the family castle and repeats the old experiments in this musical comedy based on the 1974 film. Opens Apr 11 and runs to Apr 21. $32, stu/srs $27. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-324-1259, alexandershowcasetheatre.com.

And the rest…

¡Theatresports! Spring Tournament Bad Dog Theatre presents the 30th year of the improv comedy competition. Opens Mar 9 and runs to May 25. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 647-898-5324, baddogtheatre.com.

Albertine en cinq temps (Albertine In Five Times) by Michel Tremblay (Théâtre français de Toronto). A woman interacts with stages of herself in 10-year increments. Performed in French with English surtitles for some shows. Previews Apr 17-18. Opens Apr 19 and runs to Apr 28. $33-$57, stu/srs from $28; some pwyc/rush available (Apr 25 gala $125). Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Arabesque Spring Gala Arabesque Dance Company presents Yasmina Ramzy and more than 200 student and company belly dancers. Apr 20 at 8 pm. $15-$20. Estonian House, 958 Broadview. 416-920-5593, arabesquedance.ca.

Brazilian Beat: Canada Dance Congress Brazil Dance World presents workshops, competitions and performances by Interfusion Danse, Thiciane Fortes, GOdanz Zouk Tribe and others. Opens Apr 17 and runs to Apr 21. $15-$20, passes available. Casa Do Alentejo Community Centre, 1130 Dupont. brazilianbeatcongress.com.

Brussels/Toronto Project Toronto Dance Theatre, Action Scénique and ZOO/Thomas Hauert present two new works by Brussels choreographers Thomas Hauert and Etienne Guilloteau. Opens Apr 18 and runs to Apr 27. $26-$50, stu/srs $20, mat pwyc. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-967-1365, tdt.org.

**Carried Away On The Crest Of A Wave by David Yee (Tarragon Theatre). A Thai escort, a Catholic priest in India and a Utah housewife are connected by the 2004 tsunami. Previews Apr 16-23. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 26. $48-$53, srs $38-$43, stu $27, previews $21-$24, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Demonology At Cirque D’Or (The Midnight Society). The audience is invited to interact with actors, solve a mystery and engage in circus-themed games, performances and activities. Apr 18 at 10 pm. Free. The Central, 603 Markham. themidnightsocietyto.tumblr.com.

Effeuilletage – Script Tease In French (Productions Nemesis/Les Improbables). Short theatrical texts by local French playwrights are performed by improvisers. Apr 19 at 7 pm. $15. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. productionsnemesis.org.

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.

Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti (Canadian Opera Company). An old feud and political ambition lead a man to sabotage his sister’s relationship in this Italian tragic opera. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 24. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Once Upon A Murder (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Preparations for a royal wedding are interrupted by a murder in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Jan 25 and runs to May 31. $40-$71. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

One Act Festival (Sterling Studio Theatre). Works by local playwrights Carolyn Bennett and Adam Hunter Collier, plus plays by Tennessee Williams, Anton Chekhov and others. Opens Apr 16 and runs to May 15. $10-$20, festival pass $45. 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Our Last Picture HATCH and Compagnie Je suis Julio present a choreographic experiment by Andréa de Keijzer that examines the moments before and after a photograph, a performance and an event. Apr 20 at 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $12.Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Playboy Of The Western World by John Millington Synge (George Brown Theatre School). Irish villagers are initially charmed by a young man’s tale of murder, but turn on him as details emerge. Opens Apr 10 and runs to Apr 20. $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Rite Redux York U Depts of Dance and Music present choreographies by Holly Small, Carol Anderson and others, inspired by Nijinsky’s Le Sacre du printemps. Apr 18-20. $25, stu/srs $12.50. York University Accolade East Bldg, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888, dance.finearts.yorku.ca.

**Salome by Richard Strauss (Canadian Opera Company). King Herod’s stepdaughter dances in exchange for the head of John the Baptist in this German opera based on the biblical tale. Opens Apr 21 and runs to May 22. $12-$325. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca. 

Series 3 – From The Fryin’ Pan Dance Matters presents energetic new works by Daina Ashbee, Jane Alison McKinney, Triana Project and Riley Sims. Apr 20-21. $12-$15, Sun limited pwyc available. Pia Bouman School, Studio Theatre, 6 Noble. dancematters.ca.

She She Pop & Their Fathers: Testament (She She Pop/Harbourfront World Stage). Performers and their fathers talk about how power, money, memory and love are passed along across generations. In German with English subtitles. Opens Apr 17 and runs to Apr 20. $15-$50. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Slate One Screenplay Festival (We Make Movies Canada). Staged readings of semifinalist scripts with three winners to be chosen by audience votes. Opens Apr 16 and runs to Apr 23. Free. Scotland Yard Pub, 56 the Esplanade. wemakemoviescanada.com/slate_one.

Stomp by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas (Mirvish). Performers use non-traditional objects to create rhythmic music in this dance-theatre piece. Opens Apr 16 and runs to Apr 21. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. mirvish.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 Blancmange: A Reading Series (Strange Journey). Staged reading of Freedom Chevalier’s play Blue Plate Special, about a traumatized police officer. Apr 21 at 3 pm. $5. Black Swan, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. strange-journey.com.

The Couples Game (Red One Theatre Collective). Bob Burnheart hosts this throwback to the 70s hit quiz show. Apr 19 at 9 and 11 pm. $5. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

The Simian Showcase (Monkeyman Productions). Short plays by Adam Esquenazi Douglas, Michael Trottier, Chloë Whitehorn and DJ Sylvis deal with themes of geek, fandom and popular culture. Opens Apr 12 and runs to Apr 20. $10. Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas E. monkeymanproductions.com.

The War Of 1812: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1812-1815 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret). This history play looks at the war and its effects on a First Nations confederation that fought in defence of Canada. Previews Apr 9-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18. $30-$50, preview/stu mats $20. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Theresa Caputo Live (Just for Laughs/Mills Entertainment). The star of TV’s Long Island Medium gives interactive psychic readings and shares stories about her life. Apr 17 at 7:30 pm. $39.75-$95. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, sonycentre.ca.

This Is Not Debatable Comedy Bar presents Steve Patterson of CBC Radio’s The Debaters in a live show featuring personal tales and satirical songs. Opens Apr 20 8 pm. $20. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, stevepatterson.ca.

Throne of Games Season 2 Bad Dog Theatre presents serialized, unscripted shows inspired by the HBO series, w/ Paul Bates, Evany Rosen, Sarah Hillier and Bruce Hunter. Apr 3-May 8. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Toronto Comedy Brawl: Gauntlet Qualifying Rounds Empire Comedy Live presents amateur comedians competing for $1,000. Eight comics per night. Opens Apr 18 and runs to Apr 23. $5. Crown & Tiger, 414 College. empirecomedylive.com.

Toronto Monologue Slam. A night of unpredictable narratives with actors performing incredible solo manifestos. April 14 at 6pm. $5 advance, $10 at door. Drake Hotel Underground, 1150 Queen W. toslam.com.

Vilanelle/S DanceWorks, Compagnie Flak and Harbourfront NextSteps present a double bill choreographed by José Navas featuring a piece that likens the dancers to instruments made by Stradivarius. Apr 19-20. $19.50-$34. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceworks.ca.

Write Club Toronto brings together eight writers to battle it out on stage in the name of charity. Featuring Sandra Shamas, Robert Dayton and more. April 16 at 8 pm. $10. The Garrison, 1197 Dundas W. writeclubtoronto.com.