Play Listings for the Week of March 3, 2014

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of March 3rd, 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…

Arrabal Mirvish and BASE Entertainment present a dance-theatre show about the underground world of tango clubs in 1970s Argentina. Opens Feb 4 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.

Art by Yasmina Reza (Column 13 Actors Company). The purchase of an expensive modernist painting tests the limits of friendship. Previews Feb 26. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20, Feb 26-27 pwyc. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. 416-414-6745, secureaseat.com/art.

A Beautiful View by Daniel MacIvor (Volcano Theatre/BeMe Theatre). This play looks at the turbulent friendship between two women and the use of labels in relationships. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $25, stu/srs $20, Mar 4 pwyc. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, volcano.ca.

**Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) by Ann-Marie MacDonald (Hart House Theatre). A professor goes on a surreal journey to prove her theory about two Shakespeare plays. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 8 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.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.

Nude with Violin by Noel Coward (East Side Players). Secrets emerge at an artist’s funeral in this comedy. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22, stu $15. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

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 Two Worlds of Charlie F. by Owen Sheers (Mirvish). This darkly comic play presents a soldier’s view of service, injury and recovery. Previews Feb 25. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $19-$79. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

And the Rest…

**6 Essential Questions by Priscila Uppal (Factory Theatre). A woman reconnects with the mother who abandoned her 30 years before. Previews Mar 1-5, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $23-$45, mat pwyc. Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

All the Best People Are… (afterimage Collective/Devised Theatre Festival). This student production explores how happiness is the result of taking time. Mar 6-8, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12, stu $10. York University Accolade East Bldg, room 207, 4700 Keele. facebook.com/DevisedTheatreFestival.

Big Maggie by John B Keane (Toronto Irish Players). A newly widowed woman sets out to fulfill her dreams in 1960s rural Ireland. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18; opening night $40. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.com.

Choreographic Works Ryerson Theatre School presents new works choreographed and performed by students. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 15, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $18, stu/srs $14. Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

**D&D Live Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. 8 pm. Opens Feb 5, Opens Mar 5, Opens Apr 2, Opens May 7. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Elephant Empire Comedy Bar presents the sketch troupe w/ Hannah Spear, Matt Lemche and others, performing fast-paced sketch and a one-act play. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Mar 26, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $8. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

The Four Seasons DanceWorks and Harbourfront NextSteps present dance by Kevin O’Day and Robert Glumbek about two middle-aged men pondering the cycle of life. Mar 6-8, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $18.75-$37.25. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Handle With Care by Jason Odell Williams (TEATRON Theatre). A woman confronts a courier company clerk about a missing package in this romantic comedy. Previews Feb 20 (1 pm). Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 9, Tue-Thu 8 pm (and Feb 23), Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $26-$48, preview $19. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. teatrontheatre.com.

Holodeck Follies The Dandies present a sci fi-inspired improv comedy variety show w/ music by Chelsea Manders, stand-up by Kris Siddiqi, and sketch by Bitches Leave. Mar 5 8 pm. $10. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. improvdandies.wordpress.com.

In Spirit by Tara Beagan (Native Earth Performing Arts/Panamerican Routes Festival). A native community struggles with a young girl’s disappearance and the society that failed her. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 16, Festival dates: Mar 4 at 11 am, Mar 7-8 at 7:30 pm, Mar 9 at 2:30 pm. Mar 11-16:, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. nativeearth.ca/inspirit.

Letters to Saint Rita by Michael Ripley (Theatre Rattlebag). This play examines the evolution of a romantic relationship over a period of 20 years. Opens Feb 25 and runs to Mar 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

A Life Beyond Doubt by Carol Libman (Tomorrow’s Eve Theatre). Characters from age 14 to 70 interact in this play that explores themes of life, loss and the power of memory. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 15, Wed-Mon 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $15-$25. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. 1-800-838-3006 ext 1, tomorrowseve.bpt.me.

**Lungs by Duncan Macmillan (Tarragon Theatre). A man and a woman discuss the ethics of having a child in today’s world. Previews Feb 25-Mar 2. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $13, Feb 25 pwyc. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor (The Village Players). Three Cape Breton sisters are reunited by a family crisis. Opens Feb 28 and runs to Mar 22, see website for schedule. $20, stu/srs $16. Bloor West Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702, villageplayers.net.

Marry Me a Little by Stephen Sondheim (Tarragon Theatre). Sondheim songs surround a dialogue-free plot about the relationship between two lonely New Yorkers. Previews Feb 26-Mar 2. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Apr 6, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, previews $21-$25, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Masque: History of an Interdisciplinary Art Form (Toronto Masque Theatre). Learn about the history of masque and how it’s being reinvented for the 21st century. Mar 3 at 7:30 pm. $20 sugg donation (seating limited; RSVP required). TMT Studio, 21 Shaftesbury. 416-410-4561, torontomasquetheatre.com.

**The Miller and His Wife (Puppetmongers). This puppet-play adaptation of two folk stories looks at power, bullying and trickery. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 15, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, from Mar 10-15: Mon-Sat 2 pm. $20. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, puppetmongers.com.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (Victoria College Drama Society). A couple plan their wedding while their friends trade insults in the classic romantic comedy. Mar 6-8, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Panamerican Routes/Rutas Panamericanas (Aluna Theatre). This festival of performing arts for human rights features works by Canadian and Latin American artists, including Mapa Teatro, Grupo Cultural Yuyachkani, Aluna Theatre, Native Earth and others. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 9, see website for schedule. $15-$25. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. alunatheatre.ca.

Reveal Me Burlesque (Red Herring Burlesque). Virgin vixens and professional peelers put on a show. Jan 8, doors 8 pm. Feb 5, doors 8 pm. Mar 5, doors 8 pm. $10. Rivoli, 332 Queen W. aprofessionaldistraction.com.

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (The Chekhov Collective). Unrequited love, dreams, family feuds and devotion to art are part of this drama set in 1893 Russia. Previews Mar 6. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $tba. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canadianstage.com.

Silent Voices Dancetheatre David Earle presents dances to honour women and their struggles for equality, featuring Kate Alton, Bill Coleman, Danielle Baskerville, Bee Pallomina and others. Mar 8-9, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35, stu/srs $25. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. dtde.ca.

Sixteen Scandals Second City presents its spring revue about our unhealthy fascination with political train wrecks, media fiascos and red-carpet meltdowns. Mar 6-May 28, in previews, opens Mar 10, then runs Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Slings & Arrows: T.O. Sketchfest Panel Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents a public panel discussion by the TV show’s creators w/ Susan Coyne, Mark McKinney, Bob Martin and moderator Don McKellar. Mar 9 4 pm. Free. Lower Ossington Theatre, Studio, 100A Ossington. torontosketchfest.com.

Soldiers of Song: A Tribute to the Dumbells by Jason Wilson (Town of York Historical Society). Music and storytelling bring to life the WWI-era Canadian soldiers-turned-singers. Mar 6 at 7:30 pm. $25. St Lawrence Hall, 157 King E. cabinmedia.ca/tickets/tickets/22.

Sunday Night Live The Sketchersons present a weekly sketch and live music show. Sun 9 pm (no shows Mar 9 & 16 due to Sketchfest). $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.

Swan Lake The National Ballet of Canada presents James Kudelka’s choreography of the Tchaikovsky ballet. Opens Mar 8 and runs to Mar 16, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Mar 15). $25-$184. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

The Tale of a T-Shirt by Lisa Marie DiLiberto (FIXT POINT). Puppetry and live music are used to tell a tale about globalization and the true origins of our clothing. Mar 7-8 at 4 and 7 pm. $12, stu $10. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood. 416-526-9332, thetaleofatshirt.eventbrite.ca.

**T.O. Sketchfest features a full slate of panels, interviews, discussions, workshops, industry events, and dozens of performances by local and international groups at venues across the city. See website for dates, times and details. torontosketchfest.com.

Trafalgar 24 (Driftwood Theatre). The 24-hour play-creation festival culminates in the performance of six original works. Mar 7, doors 6:30 pm. $50. Trafalgar Castle, 401 Reynolds. 416-703-2773, driftwoodtheatre.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 Meets The F Word (360 Productions). Jennifer Phillips combines excerpts from Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues with excerpts from her play, The F Word, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 16, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $16-$26 (totix.ca). Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, facebook.com/TheFWordProduction.

The Wanderers by Kawa Ada (Cahoots Theatre Company). The war back home continues to fracture life for an Afghan-Canadian family. Opens Mar 1 and runs to Mar 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$37, Sun pwyc. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, cahoots.ca.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Presentation House Theatre). A boy embarks on imaginary travels with animals in this adaptation of the iconic children’s book. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 30, see website for schedule. $15-$29. Young People’s Theatre, Studio, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan (Scarborough Players). A man fights to clear his son’s name after the boy is expelled from naval college. Opens Mar 7 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

Play listings based on NOW stage listings.