Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of February 10th, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Mike, our Editor, wishes he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT…

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and transitions to adulthood in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Dec 12 and runs to Feb 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm (no shows Feb 1-13). $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**Cabaret by Christopher Isherwood, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Lower Ossington Theatre). An American writer falls for a nightclub singer in Nazi-era Berlin. Opens Jan 23 and runs to Feb 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Così Fan Tutte by WA Mozart (Canadian Opera Company). Two soldiers wager on the fidelity of their fiancées in this comic opera. Opens Jan 18 and runs to Feb 21, see website for schedule. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

The Dreamer Examines His Pillow by John Patrick Shanley (JR Theatre Company). A woman deals with her alcoholic father and an ex-boyfriend who seduced her sister. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. dreamer.brownpapertickets.com.

Firebrand by Alex Dault (Single Thread Theatre Company). This site-specific production looks at the final years of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20. Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. singlethread.ca.

Flesh And Other Fragments Of Love by Evelyne de la Chenelière (Tarragon Theatre). The discovery of a drowned body off the Irish coast leads a vacationing couple to examine their marriage. Previews Jan 7-14. Opens Jan 15 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun (and some Sat) 2:30 pm. $48-$53, stu/srs $27-$45, previews $21-$25, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Free Outgoing by Anupama Chandrasekhar (Nightwood Theatre). A teen sex video goes viral in this play about the battle between technology and traditional values in India. Previews Jan 28-29. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$45. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, nightwoodtheatre.net.

**Genesis & Other Stories by Rosamund Small (Aim for the Tangent Theatre). The story of Adam and Eve is reset in 1965 America and features slapstick, religious satire and backstage antics. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 and 9 pm. $10-$15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, totix.ca.

Heartbeat Of Home Mirvish presents Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban performers in a music and dance show. Previews Jan 21-25. Opens Jan 26 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $35-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Heel Vs Screwjob by Step Taylor (Code White Theatre). Two comical yet haunting one-act pieces are about infatuation, addiction, impulsiveness, regret and more. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 7 and 9:30 pm. $15, stu $10, Wed pwyc. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. codewhitetheatre@gmail.com.

**Idiot’s Delight by Robert E Sherwood (Soulpepper). Countesses, arms dealers, lovers, revolutionaries and others spend a fateful weekend in a Swiss hotel on the eve of WWII. Previews Jan 23-29. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Mar 1, see website for schedule. $23-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Unit 102 Actors Co). This play examines the judicial system and asks whether redemption is possible. Previews Jan 29. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm (and Feb 11), mat Sun Feb 9 at 2 pm. $20, mat pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.com.

**The Last Seven Steps Of Batholomew S. by Daniele Bartolini (Bata Shoe Museum). A mysterious voyager brings change to the places he visits and individuals he encounters. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Feb 28, Fri 7 pm. $50. 327 Bloor W. 416-979-7799, batashoemuseum.ca.

A Masked Ball (Un ballo in maschera) by Giuseppe Verdi (Canadian Opera Company). Verdi’s tale of forbidden passion is set in the American south of the 1960s. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Feb 22, see website for schedule. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

**Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (Lyric Hammersmith/Vestuport/Mirvish). A family’s life is turned upside down when their son transforms into a giant insect. Previews Jan 28-Feb 1. Opens Feb 2 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

**The Norman Conquests by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). Remount of the fall show. In this trilogy about a philandering husband, each play is viewed from a different part of the home. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Mar 8, plays run in rep, see website for schedule. $37-$74. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Tribes by Nina Raine (Theatrefront/Canadian Stage/Theatre Aquarius). A deaf man raised as part of the hearing world meets a young woman who’s gradually losing her hearing. Previews Feb 2-5, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$49. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

The Ugly One by Marius von Mayenburg (Theatre Smash/Tarragon Theatre). A man enjoys his new beauty until his plastic surgeon offers his face to others in this black comedy. Previews Jan 8-12. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Feb 16, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $48-$53, stu/srs $27-$45, previews $21-$25, rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

And the Rest…

Alice In Wonderland: A Tale With No Porpoise by Katie Leamen (No Porpoise Productions). Six actors take on 25 characters in this absurd twist on the tale. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 16, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 9 Trinity, studio 313. noporpoiseproductions.com.

Aneemah’s Spot by Motion (Motionlive). A funeral brings two childhood friends together to mourn, share stories and try to move on. Feb 14-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 pm. $15-$25. 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture & the Arts, 918 Bathurst. aneemahsspot.com.

Arrabal by Gustavo Santaolalla and John Weidman (Mirvish/BASE Entertainment). A young woman enters the underground world of tango clubs in volatile 1970s Argentina in this dance-theatre show. Previews Feb 4-12. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Apr 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $44-$84. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Be Mein Valentine! (Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque/Boylesque TO). Celebrate the decadence of the Weimar Republic Berlin with a sexy cabaret and after party. Feb 13-14, Thu 8 pm, Fri 9 pm. $25-$40. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. bemeinvalentine2014.eventbrite.com.

Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht (Humber College Theatre). A servant girl sacrifices everything to protect an abandoned child in this epic theatre work. Opens Feb 14 and runs to Feb 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Feb 22). $15, stu/srs $10. Humber Arts & Media Studio, 300 Birmingham. 416-675-6622 ext 3080, humber.theatre@humber.ca.

Cerulean Blue by Drew Hayden Taylor (Ryerson Theatre School). A blues band encounters various misfortunes in this comedy. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $tba. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

Cosi Fan Tutte/Carmen by Mozart/Bizet (Toronto City Opera). The popular operas are performed in repertory. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Mar 2, Fri-Sat and Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $28, srs $20, stu $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

The Country Wife by William Wycherley (George Brown Theatre School). A politician is caught between private shame and public scandal in this social comedy. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm (and Feb 12). $18, srs $12 stu $7. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

**The Daisy Theatre (Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes). This cabaret of improvisation, music and more is inspired by the underground puppet shows of Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and Le Chat Noir in Paris. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 23, Tue-Sat 9:30 pm, Sun 8 pm. $30. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Final Frontier Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents improv inspired by the Star Trek universe. 8 pm. Opens Feb 12, Opens Mar 19, Opens Apr 9, Opens May 14. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Forgiveness (Modern Times Stage Co./Dreamwalker Dance Productions/Bora Bora Dance & Visual Theatre/Don*Gnu/Laboratoriet). This dance-theatre production looks at one of life’s most elusive themes. Previews Feb 15-18. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Feb 22-23 at 2 pm. Pwyc-$35. The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. moderntimesstage.wordpress.com.

Intimate Illusions – An Evening Of Magic (Dan Trommater). Magician Dan Trommater creates a unique Valentine’s Day experience. Feb 14-15 at 7 and 9 pm. $40-$50. IndustREALarts Room, 688 Richmond W. dantrommater.com.

An Israeli Love Story by Pnina Gary (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A young woman and an idealistic Kibbutz pioneer fall in love in the summer of 1942 in pre-state Israel. Feb 13-16, Thu and Sat 8 pm, mat Thu 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $tba. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, hgjewishtheatre.com.

The Life Is Sweet Project by Ashley Gibson (Angelwalk Theatre). Gibson performs her solo musical cabaret in honour of her mother to raise awareness for mental illness. Feb 10 at 8 pm. $30 (proceeds to CAMH). Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. angelwalk.ca.

Little Women by Jason Howland, Mindi Dickstein and Alan Knee (Scarborough Music Theatre). Four sisters grow up in Civil War-era America in this musical based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Feb 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (Feb 22: 2 pm, no eve show). $27, stu/srs $22. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

n00b by Christopher Duthie (Young People’s Theatre/Vertigo Theatre). A boy obsessed with online gaming defies his parents and becomes isolated from reality. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 20, see website for schedule. $15-$24. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

**Nostos: Encounters With The Open Program (Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, U of T). Performances of three plays in collaboration with the Open Program of the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards. Opens Feb 10 and runs to Feb 23, see website for schedule. $15-$25. Glen Morris Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. nostosencounters.wordpress.com.

**Rhubarb Festival (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The 35th editions of the new works festival features plays, dance, performance art and more. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 23, see website for schedule. $10-$20, many events free/pwyc. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com/rhubarb.

**Same Same But Different by Anita Majumdar (Theatre Passe Muraille/Alberta Theatre Projects). Two intersecting stories about a Bollywood starlet and her mother look at Indian cinema and clashing cultures. Previews Feb 14-17, Fri-Sat and Mon 7:30 pm. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Mar 8, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $15-$32.50, mat pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

The Scandelles: It’s Not a Comeback It’s a Return (The Scandelles). This burlesque revue features Sasha Van Bon Bon, Kitty Neptune, Fluffy Souffle, Fay Slift, Coco Framboise and others. Feb 14 at 10 pm. $18-$20. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor W. ticketfly.com.

**Shrew by William Shakespeare (Red One Theatre Collective). The classic comedy is presented with puppetry, slapstick and vaudeville charm. Opens Feb 15 and runs to Mar 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, mat pwyc. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

Simon Gauthier: Le vagabond céleste (Alliance Française). The tale of Pierrot the vagabond is told by Gauthier in French. Feb 12 at 7:30 pm. $10, stu/srs $5. 24 Spadina Rd. alliance-francaise.ca.

Some Enchanted Evening (The Civic Light-Opera Co). The company performs a revue of Rodgers & Hammerstein songs from South Pacific, The King & I, The Sound Of Music and other hit shows. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 23, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $28. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, musictheatretoronto.com.

Spring 2014 Mainstage RevueSecond City presents previews of its upcoming collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 28, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Alborn (Down n’ Out Productions). A man reunites with his former professor, who is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 12, daily at 6 pm (no shows Feb 7-8), mat Sun 2 pm. $65 (Winterlicious dinner show), Sun pwyc (show only). Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, campbellhousemuseum.ca.

Underground Alphabet Railroad by James Valitchka and Elle Reyes (Child and Teen Drama Program & Production Company). Kids from different countries befriend the children of slaves in their town in this play about the right to education. Opens Feb 3 and runs to Feb 10, see website for times. $16, child $8. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. bit.ly/1i7DE7R.

Untitled Feminist Show (Young Jean Lee’s Theater Company/Harbourfront World Stage). Six performers define themselves for themselves without gender signifiers in this play without words or clothes (full nudity). Opens Feb 12 and runs to Feb 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $39. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Uptown Abbey (Mysteriously Yours… Dinner Theatre). Trouble follows an English lord and his American wife in this interactive dinner-theatre mystery. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Apr 5, Fri-Sat 8 pm, see website for full schedule. $40-$85. 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler (Samson.Adam Theatre). This benefit production of the monologue play raises funds for the V-Day Campaign and a local women’s shelter. Feb 14 at 8 pm. $10. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. adam.samson.theatre@gmail.com.

**Listings based on NOW stage listings.