Play Listings for the Week of March 17, 2014

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of March 17th, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wishes he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out.

Already Covered by MoT…

6 Essential Questions by Priscila Uppal (Factory Theatre). A woman reconnects with the mother who abandoned her 20 years before. Previews Mar 1-5, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens Mar 6 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $27-$42, mat pwyc. Mainspace, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**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 May 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $44-$84. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Blackbird by Adam Rapp (Pinchback Productions). Two heroin addicts try to crawl out of the gutter on Christmas Eve in late-90s NYC. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 23, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Mar 16 at 1 pm. $10-$15. Hub 14, 14 Markham. blackbird.brownpapertickets.com.

The Carousel by Jennifer Tremblay (Nightwood Theatre). Driving along Quebec’s north shore, a woman enters a maze of memories as she travels to be with her dying mother. Previews Mar 11-12. Opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, Downstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, nightwoodtheatre.net.

Dark Matter (Circlesnake Productions). Captain Marlow must retrieve the brutal Kurtz from a distant space colony in this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Apr 6, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc ($10 reserved). The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. circlesnake.com.

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.

**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. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

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, rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.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.

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, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 & 10 pm. $25-$29. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

**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.

And the Rest…

Bedslam (U of T Sexual Education Centre). This sexuality-themed open mic features music, poetry, comedy and stories. Mar 19 from 7:30 to 11 pm. Free. Hart House, Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle. tinyurl.com/bedslam2014.

Belle Gunness: The Black Widow Of LaPorte by Justin Cummings and Peter Grant Mackechnie (UC Follies Theatre Company). Based on a true story, this play looks at a woman who may have killed up to 40 people in 19th-century America. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 22 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Benedictus by Motti Lerner (Volcano Theatre/Koffler Centre of the Arts). Lerner’s political thriller gets a staged reading as part of the Spotlight On Israeli Culture festival. Mar 20 at 7:30 pm. Free. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. spotlightonisraeliculture.com.

Big Girl Panties (Sandra Shamas). Shamas performs her work-in-progress solo show about women after age 55 and blooming later in life. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Mar 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Tallulah’s Cabaret, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Book Club Bad Dog Theatre Company presents a monthly improvised show based on the workings of a readers’ club. Jan 19 8 pm, Feb 16 8 pm, Mar 23 8 pm, Apr 20 8 pm, May 18 8 pm. $10, stu $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

**A Brimful Of Asha by Ravi Jain (Why Not Theatre/Soulpepper). An Indo-Canadian man learns that his Indian vacation is a wife-seeking scheme by his parents. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat and Wed 2 pm. $25-$55. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Catch 23 Comedy Bar presents a weekly improv pit fight. Fri 8 pm (no shows Mar 7 & 14 due to Sketchfest). $10. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Circle Of Bricks: Rhythms Of Kathak Dance Rina Singha and Harbourfront NextSteps present the intricate technique and expressive joy of the kathak style of Indian classical dance. Mar 20-22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm. $25-$30. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Copy by Ryan Robinson (Two Chips Theatre Group). Five underpaid workers on the night shift discuss unfairness and unfulfilled dreams. Opens Mar 18 and runs to Mar 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $15. Sterling Studio Theatre, 163 Sterling, unit 5. twochipstheatre.com.

The Coulson Women’s Institute, 1927-2004 (Anne Walker). Walker’s documentary musical uses songs, stories, photos and historical artifacts to trace the changing way of life in a rural Ontario village. Mar 21 at 8 pm. Pwyc (RSVP required). Children’s Peace Theatre, 305 Dawes. 416-690-4862, lucybowers@sympatico.ca.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller (Theatre & Performance Studies, UTSC). A small town is thrown into chaos with accusations of witchcraft in 1692 Massachusetts. Opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 22, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm. $10, stu/srs $8. U of T Scarborough Campus, Leigha Lee Brown Theatre, 1265 Military Trail. 416-208-2931, tc-utsc.eventbrite.com.

Desperate Church Wives by Diane Johnstone (Under the Blood Productions). Church ladies are upset when a minister’s wife is busted for prostitution in this solo comedy. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Mar 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, totix.ca.

Dib & Dob And The Journey Home by David S Craig and Robert Morgan (Carousel Players). This family show features the comic adventures of two brothers lost in the woods. Mar 22 at 11 am and 2 pm. $15. Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, 101 King. 905-682-8326 ext 26, carouselplayers.com.

**Elegies: A Song Cycle (Acting Up Stage Company). This celebration of the life and music of William Finn with biographical and fictional elements. Previews Mar 21-23. Opens Mar 25 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $30-$50. Daniels Spectrum, Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas E. 1-800-838-3006, actingupstage.com.

Elephant Empire Comedy Bar presents the sketch troupe w/ Hannah Spear, Andrew Gardner, Matt Lemche and Peter Stevens, 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.

Ephemeral (Theatre Orenda/Devised Theatre Festival). This play explores the influence and power of time on the human psyche. Mar 20-22, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $12, stu $10. York University Accolade East Bldg, room 207, 4700 Keele. facebook.com/DevisedTheatreFestival.

Eunoia Fujiwara Dance Inventions and Harbourfront World Stage present a work by Denise Fujiwara inspired by the poetry of Christian Bök. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $39. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Flowchart Amelia Ehrhardt presents a series of interdisciplinary performances by artists with a minimal yet intense approach to their subjects. Mar 20 at 8 pm. $10. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. ameliaehrhardt.com.

Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows (First Act Productions). A wager leads to romance in this musical comedy. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $25. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. firstactproductions.ca.

Into The Woods by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Characters from fairy tales reunite in a musical about wishes and consequences. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Latitude Only Human Dance Collective presents a dance showcase based on the theme of location. Mar 20-22, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $12-$15. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

The LongForm Improv ShowcaseComedy Bar presents Shots & High Fives, Pressure Cooker, Burns & Gallo and host Bob Banks. Opens Mar 22 10:30 pm. $8. 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.

Lord Of The Flies by William Golding (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts). Stranded on an island, school boys descend into violent chaos in this adaptation of Golding’s novel. Opens Mar 18 and runs to Mar 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $22. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. 1-855-985-2787, ticketmaster.ca.

Magic @ The Cage (Abracadabaret). Magicians, mind readers and mystery entertainers perform weekly magic and comedy. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Jun 29, Sun and Tue 7 pm. $15-$20. The Cage 292, Crimson Lounge, 292 College. 416-995-1736, abracadabaret.com/cage.

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.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival (The Open Door East End Arts Collective). Aubrey Davis tells tales to tickle and tease in the festival’s closing show. Mar 23 at 3 pm. Pwyc/$5 sugg. St David’s Anglican Church, 49 Donlands. 416-466-3142, mosaicstorytelling.ca.

**New Ideas Festival (Alumnae Theatre). The annual showcase of new writing, works-in-progress and experimental theatre and staged readings. Opens Mar 12 and runs to Mar 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm, Sat readings at noon. $15, Sat readings pwyc, festival pass $40. Studio, 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

New Jerusalem by David Ives (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). A Jewish philosopher’s radical ideas threaten his community’s safety in 17th-century Amsterdam. Previews Mar 15-19, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 13, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30-$60. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Old Love by Norm Foster (Sirius Theatrical Company). Repressed emotions surface for a woman and her late husband’s employee at the husband’s funeral. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Mar 30, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. Mimico Presbyterian Church, 119 Mimico. siriustheatrical.com.

**Onegin The National Ballet of Canada presents John Cranko’s adaptation of Pushkin’s poem. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 23, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Thu and Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$244. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

People City Bad Dog Repertory Players present unscripted shows that give an improvised glimpse into 1970s Toronto. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Apr 2, Wed Wednesdays 9:30 pm. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Precious Metals York Dance Ensemble presents choreographies by Julia Sasso, Marie France Forcier & Holly Small and Emmanuelle Le Phan & Elon Hogland. Mar 20-22, Thu-Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. York University Accolade East Bldg, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888, dance.finearts.yorku.ca.

Put On Your Fancy Pants! An Evening of Musical Mayhem and Vaudevillian Shenanigans (Keystone Theatre). This funder for the company features performances by Mark Cassius, Lisa Horner, Jeff Madden and others. Mar 23 at 7:30 pm. $40, stu/srs $28. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood. keystonetheatre.net.

Road by Jim Cartwright (Theatre @ York). In 1980s England, the unemployed residents of a small town use sex, religion, nostalgia, suicide and drink to escape their bleak reality. Previews Mar 23-24. Opens Mar 25 and runs to Mar 29, daily at 7:30 pm, mats Wed and Fri at 1 pm. $17, stu/srs $12, preview $5. York University, Joseph G Green Studio, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888, theatre.finearts.yorku.ca.

Sea Sick by Alanna Mitchell (Theatre Centre Carbon 14: Climate is Culture Performance Series). Mitchell’s solo performance looks at the secrets of the ocean. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 23, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $25-$30. The Great Hall, Black Box Theatre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, theatrecentre.org.

Soulpepper Cabaret Series (Soulpepper Theatre). Mike Ross performs an intimate cabaret concert. Mar 22 at 8:30 pm. $15-$18, stu $10. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

A Spectacle Of Play (Hercinia Arts Collective). This compilation of new and remounted works feature circus art forms including aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, clown, puppetry and more. Opens Mar 21 and runs to Mar 28, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 9 pm. $20-$25. The Bat Cave, 1173 Dundas E. herciniarts.com.

Stiffelio by Giuseppe Verdi (VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert). A Protestant minister deals with his wife’s infidelity in this Italian opera. Mar 23 at 2:30 pm. $40-$52. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

Strict Tease 2 (Love Letters Cabaret). Elements of vaudeville, dance and burlesque are used to tell stories, explore decadence and primal instincts. Mar 20 at 8 pm. $25-$30. Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas W. 416-588-0307, lula.ca.

The Trial Of Ken Gass by Bobby Del Rio (Hlibka Entertainment Inc). In a Kafkaesque series of interrogations, theatre star Ken Gass is put on trial for crimes he is not aware of. A different actor plays Gass each night. Opens Mar 22 and runs to Apr 3, Sun-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm. $15, Sun pwyc. Big Picture Cinema, 1035 Gerrard E. 416-466-3636, guestlistapp.com/events/233787.

Under The Skin by Betty Lambert (Unit 102 Actor’s Company). Destructive tendencies are revealed as three characters deal with the disappearance of a young girl. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Mar 29, Mon-Sat 8 pm. $20. Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin. unit102theatre.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.

Wheel Of Improv Natasha Boomer presents the weekly non-competitive competitive games game-show. Tue 9:30 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.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.