Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of August 27th, 2013

Five-for-Twenty (Or Less)

Summer is leaving and I’m going to miss it. To say goodbye I’m giving this week’s cheap theatre the theme: All The Things I Want To Go See. This final week of the golden season should be nothing but a celebration of all things good, and I’m going to contribute by selecting some theatre I think might be.

Richard III by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare in the Ruff). A ruthless Duke marries and murders his way to the English throne in this outdoor show. Bring a blanket or chair. Previews Aug 13-14. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Sep 1, Wed-Sun 7 pm (plus Aug 26). Pwyc. Withrow Park, 725 Logan. shakespeareintheruff.com.

Anton In Show Business by Jane Martin (Danka Scepanovic/Rhizoma Productions/GO Play Producing). Eight female actors pursue their dream of performing a Chekhov play in Texas. Previews Aug 26. Opens Aug 27 and runs to Sep 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, stu $15, mat $10, preview pwyc. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. sterlingstudiotheatre.com.

Hot & Spicy Food Festival Harbourfront Centre presents food, music and more, including dance by FlamenKathak, P.O.S.E. Dance Company and other plus dance workshops. Aug 30-Sep 2, see website for schedule. Free. 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Liar Liar Pants On Fire The Flying Beaver Pubaret presents a tall tales competition w/ host Paul Bellini. Aug 7 7:30 pm, Aug 28 7:30 pm. Free. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, pubaret.com.

The Merchant Of Venice by William Shakespeare (Ale House Theatre). A merchant and a lender enter into a grisly contract in the classic drama about intolerance and vengeance. Opens Aug 28 and runs to Aug 31, Wed-Sat 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15 adv; or pwyc at the door. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, facebook.com/AleHouseTheatreCompany.