Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of April 22nd, 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. 

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.

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.

**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.

**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.

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.

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.

**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. 

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.

9 Loons HATCH and Eventual Ashes present a dance-theatre piece about humans reoccupying abandoned condos following a real estate market collapse. Apr 27 at 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $12. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

A Few Brittle Leaves by Sky Gilbert (The Cabaret Company). A pair of spinster sisters deal with the notion of aging gracefully in this gender-bending dramatic comedy. Previews Apr 24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 5. $20-$30. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.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.

Allistonian Brockvillian Dionysian by Mark Cassidy (Threshold Theatre). Cassidy’s autobiographical piece about growing up in small-town Ontario gets a reading. Apr 25 at 8 pm. Free. Q Space, 382 College. thresholdtheatre.ca.

An Enemy Of The People by Henrik Ibsen (Royal Porcupine Productions). Staged reading of Ibsen’s play about a doctor who learns of a public health risk clashing with officials who seek to protect the town’s economy. Apr 22 at 7:30 pm. Pwyc. Tarragon Theatre, Rehearsal Hall, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827.

Being Sir John A by Matthew James Donovan (Salon Theatre). This interactive solo show features songs and stories from Canada’s first prime minister. Opens Apr 23 and runs to Apr 28. $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, macdonaldshow.ca.

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.

Cabaret, Comedy And Coffee Talk (The Flying Beaver Pubaret). This cabaret variety/chat show features dance artist Chase Lo, sketch troupe She Said What, Regina the Gentlelady and host Ryan G Hinds. Apr 26 at 10:45 pm. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. pubaret.com.

**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.

Chanson D’Eve Michael Caldwell presents an evening of dance, music and art in support of YWCA Toronto featuring Laurence Lemieux, Claudia Moore, Heidi Strauss and others. Apr 23 at 8 pm. $100. The Citadel, 304 Parliament. chansondeve.eventbrite.ca.

Comic Vision 2013 The Foundation Fighting Blindness presents a comedy fundraiser gala w/ Jen Grant, Graham Clark and Scott Faulconbridge. Apr 25 6:30 pm. $225. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview. comicvision.ca.

Dancing In Diversity Canadian Dance Assembly and CPAMO present a performance and talk with artists from Sampradaya Dance Creations, Nova Dance and others as part of National Dance Week. Apr 24 at 7 pm. Free. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. cda-acd.ca.

Dib & Dob And The Journey Home by David S Craig & Robert Morgan (Roseneath Theatre). Performance showcase fundraiser of the play for ages 4 and up, plus silent and live auctions, a kids’ craft table and more. Apr 28 from 2 to 6 pm (performance at 3 pm). $40, kids $10. Workman Arts, 651 Dufferin. 416-686-5199 ext 221, natalie@roseneath.ca.

Egg Zeppelin: The Improvised Bacon, Music & Comedy Show Bad Dog Theatre presents Kris Siddiqi and Marcel St Pierre cooking up unscripted comedy, live music and actual bacon w/ Derek Forgie, Taylor Erwin and musical guest Collette Savard. Apr 25 8 pm. $12, stu $10. Baltic Avenue, 875 Bloor W. eggzeppelin.com.

Enter Laughing by Joseph Stein (Encore Entertainment). A geeky Jewish kid in the Bronx dreams of being an actor in this play based on a book by Carl Reiner. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 5. $28-$29.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, encoreshows.com.

**Falsettos by James Lapine and William Finn (Acting Up Stage Company/Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A man leaves his wife and son for another man and tries to forge a non-traditional family in 1979 NYC. Previews Apr 23-24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 12. $39-$55, preview $35. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-838-3006, actingupstage.com. 

Holodeck Follies The Dandies present a Star Trek-inspired improv comedy variety show w/ Two Weird Ladies, Weaker Vessels and others. Apr 24 9:30 pm. $5-$7. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. fb.com/torontodandies.

Joy And Angst: A Cabaret Of Stuff We Made When We Were Younger (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). Keith Cole, Stephanie Nixon, Vivek Shraya, Chy Spain and others present videos, short plays, songs and more created when they were under 17. Apr 26 at 8 pm. Pwyc. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555.

Madame Montgomery’s Cavalcade Of Cabaret (Red One Theatre Collective). This benefit for Sistering Women’s Shelter features music, comedy and more. Apr 26 at 8 pm. $5. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

National Dance Week 2013 The Canadian Dance Assembly presents performances, workshops and other activities to promote the art of dance for all backgrounds and skill levels. Opens Apr 22 and runs to Apr 29. ilovedancecanada.org.

Night Of The Living Dead Live by Trevor Martin, Dale Boyer and Christopher Bond (Nictophobia Films). George A Romero’s 1968 zombie film is performed in black and white in this interactive stage adaptation. Previews Apr 23-25. Opens Apr 26 and runs to May 19. $29.50-$59.50, preview $20. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, nightofthelivingdeadlive.com.

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.

Pierrot Moonstruck! An Evolution Of Character Through Song, Piano Music, Poetry And Mime (Mooredale Concerts). Musicians and actors create a multi-arts Commedia dell’Arte world of fantasy. Apr 28. $20-$30, youth version $13.Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. mooredaleconcerts.com.

Portales Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company and Harbourfront NextSteps present flamenco music and dance by Esmeralda Enrique, El Junco, Juan Ogalla and Manuel Betanzos. Opens Apr 25 and runs to Apr 28. $21.50-$43. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, danceworks.ca.

**Rihannaboi95 by Jordan Tannahill (Suburban Beast). A teen turns to YouTube to deal with issues of bullying and queer identity in this live performance delivered to spectators’ computers. Opens Apr 23 and runs to Apr 28. Free. Online Livestream. ustream.tv/channel/rihannaboi95. 

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.

Shakesbeers Showdown (Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective). Local Shakespeare companies compete in a battle of wits in this benefit for the Shakespeare-in-Hospitals program. Apr 25. $10. Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester. spurofthemomentshakespeare.weebly.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.

Still Standing You CAMPO and Harbourfront World Stage present Pieter Ampe and Guilherme Garrido in a physical performance that looks at touch, tenderness, violence and struggle between the bodies of men. Opens Apr 23 and runs to Apr 27. $15-$35. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

StreamFest: Canadian Comedy Live & Interactive You and Media Comedy presents Slap Happy, British Teeth and Rhiannon Archer. Live onstage and simulcast. Apr 28 7 pm. $12. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, streamfest.ca.

Suddenly Mommy! by Anne Marie Scheffler (Red Sandcastle Theatre). Scheffler performs her solo comedy about motherhood. Apr 25-27. $20. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

TFT Fundraising Gala & Show (Théâtre français de Toronto). A performance of Michel Tremblay’s Albertine In Five Times is followed by a cocktail reception. Apr 25 at 6 pm. $125. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

The Green Door Cabaret Series (Lower Ossington Theatre). Performances by cabaret/musical theatre artists including Scott Walker, Gabi Epstein and others (see website for schedule details). Opens Apr 26 and runs to Jun 9. $20-$30. 100A Ossington. lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (Lower Ossington Theatre). A police detective seeks a murderer among seven strangers stranded in a guest house. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 19. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Pajama Game by George Abbott, Richard Bissell, Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (Onstage Productions). Sparks fly between a factory manager and a union leader in this romantic musical comedy. Apr 25-28. $26, srs $24, stu $22. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-556-9552, onstageproductions.org.

The Shakespeare Slam (Stratford Festival). Essayist Adam Gopnik and musicians Torquil Campbell and Rufus Wainwright debate classical vs pop culture and perform songs inspired by the Bard. Apr 23 at 8 pm. $30-$45, stu $20. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208, stratfordfestival.ca.

The Sklar Brothers Empire Comedy Live presents the identical twin comics in a live recording of their podcast w/ the Sheepdogs and TSN’s Jay Onrait. Apr 25 7, 9 & 10:30 pm. $20. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. empirecomedylive.com.

The Theory Of Relativity by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (Sheridan College Canadian Music Theatre Project). The new musical about the interconnectedness of our own personal orbits gets a staged reading. Apr 22 at 3 and 8 pm. Pwyc. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. theatre.sheridancollege.ca.

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.

The Wheel presents a pagan beltane masquerade to celebrate spring, with Isoprox Dance Collective, Piper Hayes and others. Apr 27 at 7 pm. $10-$15. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina. thewheel.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.

Unsung Episode, HBO Edition Special Features Musical Improv presents a musical improvised TV sequel w/ Nick Babatsikos and host Liz Jukovsky. Apr 27 8 pm. $5. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. facebook.com/events/486205064767910.

Visitations (The Mission Business). A girl discovers an ancient supernatural artifact in this interactive adventure. Opens Apr 21 and runs to May 7. $40-$80. Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen W. drakevisitations.com.

Vital Signs Fundraiser (Bran Ram). This funder for Darryl Tracy’s upcoming dance production features performances and videos by Tracy & Heidi Strauss, Drasko Bogdanovic and others. Apr 23 at 7:30 pm. $18, stu $12. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. vital_signs@outlook.com.