Play Listings for the Week of April 28, 2014

Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of April 28th, 2014. ** 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.

 

Play Listings for the Week of April 28, 2014

 

Already Covered by MoT…

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

Beatrice & Virgil by Yann Martel (Factory Theatre/Canada’s National Arts Centre). A novelist meets a taxidermist who wants to write a play in this drama about horrific truths unearthed through art. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (Sun preview at 7 pm) plus May 3 & 10 at 2 pm. $30-$45, preview $23, ltd pwyc Sun. Factory Theatre, Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

Belleville by Amy Herzog (Company Theatre/Canadian Stage). An unexpected event leads to stark revelations in the lives of young Americans living a seemingly perfect life in Paris. Previews Apr 6-9, Sun 2 pm, Tue-Wed 8 pm. Opens Apr 10 and runs to May 4, 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.

Bingo: The Musical by Michael Heitzman, Ilene Reid and David Holcenberg (Encore Entertainment). Love blossoms and friends reunite amidst the fierce competition at a bingo hall. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm (and May 4), mat Sun Apr 27 at 2 pm. $30-$32.50. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 1-855-985-2787, encoreshows.com.

Business As Usual by Viktor Lukawski, Adam Paolozza and Nicolas Di Gaetano (ZOU Theatre Company/Independent Creators Cooperative). Success and excess take a once-successful corporation off the rails and into chaos. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Ralph + Lina and Death Married My Daughter). $23, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Death Married My Daughter by Danya Buonastella, Dean Gilmour, Nina Gilmour and Michele Smith (Play it Again Productions/Independent Creators Cooperative). A bouffon-inspired satire puts Man on trial when Ophelia and Desdemona are resurrected. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Ralph + Lina and Business As Usual). $23, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Drunk Enough To Say I Love You by Caryl Churchill (Circlesnake Productions/The Playwright Project 2014). Two men are locked in a tense affair in this allegorical play about the seduction of Britain by the U.S. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

The Gigli Concert by Tom Murphy (Soulpepper). An unstable Irish millionaire hires an English self-help guru to teach him to sing like an opera star. Previews Mar 28-Apr 1. Opens Apr 2 and runs to May 16, see website for schedule. $29-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

A God In Need Of Help by Sean Dixon (Tarragon Theatre). In 1606, four Catholics carrying a holy painting across the Alps are attacked by Protestant zealots and attribute their escape to divine intervention. Previews Apr 16-22. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 25, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, 8 pm, Apr 26 pwyc, Fri-Sat rush $13. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Hercules by George Frideric Handel (Canadian Opera Company). The Greek myth based on Sophocles’ tragedy is brought into the modern day. Opens Apr 5 and runs to Apr 30, Apr 5 at 4:30 pm, Apr 11, 15, 19, 24 and 30 at 7:30 pm, Apr 27 at 2:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

The Last Confession by Roger Crane (Mirvish). This thriller explores the mystery shrouding the sudden death of Pope John Paul I in 1978. Previews Apr 19-26. Opens Apr 27 and runs to Jun 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm (no mat Apr 19). $35-$119. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Memo by Václav Havel (Thought for Food). An employee goes on an absurd quest to decipher a message in a newly invented workplace language. Previews Apr 23-24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 10, Thu-Sun 7:30 pm. $25, preview $12.50. Unit 102, 376 Dufferin. thought4food.ca.

A Number by Caryl Churchill (Cart/Horse Theatre/The Playwright Project 2014). This physiological thriller looks at the relationship between fathers and sons. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

**Of Human Bondage by Vern Thiessen (Soulpepper). W Somerset Maugham’s novel is adapted for the stage in a tale of loss, lust, obsession and the pursuit of beauty. Previews Apr 15-23. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 17, see website for schedule. $23-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Ralph + Lina by Michele Smith, Dan Watson and Christina Serra (Ahuri Theatre/Independent Creators Cooperative). Two Italian lovers struggle to stay together in the face of WWII, forced immigration and old age. Previews Apr 12-16. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sun see website for times (Runs in rep with Death Married My Daughter and Business As Usual). $23, stu $18, 3-show pass $55. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, 3shows.ca.

Roberto Devereux by Gaetano Donizetti (Canadian Opera Company). Jealousy and intrigue run through Queen Elizabeth’s court when her love interest falls for the Duchess of Nottingham. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 18, Apr 25, 29, May 3 and 15 at 7:30 pm, May 10 at 4:30 pm, May 18 at 2:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

Soliciting Temptation by Erin Shields (Tarragon Theatre). A meeting for sex in a hotel room turns into a discussion on morality, economics and desire. Previews Apr 1-8. Opens Apr 9 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$53, rush $13. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

**Trudeau And The FLQ: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts, 1963-1970 by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret/Soulpepper). This history play looks at the Quebec separatist movement and Trudeau’s pirouette to power. Previews Mar 27-Apr 2. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Fri and Mon 1 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$55. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, videocab.com.

Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill (Neoteny Theatre/The Playwright Project 2014). This dark comedy looks at how witch hunts affect communities and target old, poor and unconventional women. Opens Apr 23 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

 

And the Rest…

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty (Lower Ossington Theatre). A college grad moves to NYC and copes with grown-up problems in this adult musical puppet play. Opens Apr 10 and runs to Jun 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh (Precisely Peter Productions). The hostess from hell humiliates and dominates her guests at a dinner party in this satire on social climbers in 70s suburban England. Opens Apr 22 and runs to May 11, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $29.50, srs $25. Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca.

And 5, 6, 7, 8… A Musical Theatre Dance Party (Acting Up Stage Company/Theatre 20/Angelwalk Theatre). The three companies present guest DJs, dance-along/sing-along video, door prizes and more. Apr 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. Free (please RSVP to ari@actingupstage.com). Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen W. 416-531-5042.

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward (The Village Players). The spirit of his first wife pesters a man and his new spouse in this comedy. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 17, see website for schedule. $20, stu/srs $16. Bloor West Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702, villageplayers.net.

Cold Comfort by Owen McCafferty (Fly on the Wall Theatre). A man returns to Belfast after 15 years to resolve issues with his dead father. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun rush $13. Tarragon Theatre, Near Studio, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, flyonthewalltheatre.ca.

The Cousin From Nowhere by Eduard Künneke (Toronto Operetta Theatre). The idealism of young love drives this Jazz Age chamber operetta featuring tenor Christopher Mayell, soprano Lucia Cesaroni and others. May 1-4, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $72-$95. St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

Easter by August Strindberg (Naught, a Theatre Company). The changing of the seasons unsettles a family consumed with pride and shame. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 3, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $18, stu $12. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. naughttheatre.wordpress.com.

Faster Than Night by Digital BlackBox (Harbourfront Centre HATCH). A social media billionaire goes on a time-travel mission to cheat death in this fusion of live theatre, 3D animation and audience interaction. May 3 at 2 and 8 pm. $12-$15.Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com/hatch/legacy.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum by Burt Shevelove, Larry Gelbart and Stephen Sondheim (Scarborough Music Theatre). A sly Roman slave plots to win his freedom in this musical comedy. Opens May 1 and runs to May 17, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (May 17 at 2 pm, no eve show). $27, stu/srs $22. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-267-9292, theatrescarborough.com.

Hackerlove by Sky Gilbert (The Cabaret Company). This theatrical fantasy imagines a queer love affair between two characters in the midst of the 2010 WikiLeaks scandal. Previews Apr 30. Opens May 1 and runs to May 11, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $19-$30, Sun pwyc at the door. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell (Lower Ossington Theatre). In this musical comedy, an East German transgender musician moves to America to start a rock band and find love. Opens Apr 17 and runs to May 10, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8 and 11 pm. $49. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, tickets.ticketwise.ca/event/3818391.

Les Précieuses Ridicules by Molière (Théâtre français de Toronto). The French satirist takes aim at the extravagant ladies of the French bourgeoisie. Previews Apr 23-24. Opens Apr 25 and runs to May 10, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2:30 pm, May 3 & 10 at 3:30 pm. $28-$57 Wed pwyc, ltd Sat rush $20; May 8 gala $125. Berkeley Street Theatre, Upstairs, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

The Lion King by Elton John, Tim Rice and Roger Allers (Mirvish). The musical based on the Disney film returns. Opens Apr 30 and runs to Jun 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, mat Sun 1 pm, Sat (and select Wed) 1:30 pm. $35-$155. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

A Month In The Country by Ivan Turgenev (Amicus Productions). A bored wife’s roving eye leads to trouble in this romantic comedy. Opens May 1 and runs to May 10, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and May 10) at 2 pm. $22, srs $20, stu $18.Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-860-6176, amicusproductions.ca.

**The Mystery Of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes (Alexander Showcase Theatre). The audience decides the ending of Charles Dickens’ unfinished final book in this musical murder mystery. Opens May 2 and runs to May 11, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $32, stu/srs $27. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-324-1259, alexandershowcasetheatre.com.

Paper Song by Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull (Young People’s Theatre/Concrete Theatre). This play for ages 5 and up blends a Japanese folk tale about a crane with the story of a young mouse and her grandfather. Previews Apr 29. Opens Apr 30 and runs to May 11. $17-$22. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222. youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Persee by Jean-Baptiste Lully (Opera Atelier). Perseus battles Medusa to rescue princess Andromeda in this retelling of the classical myth. Opens Apr 26 and runs to May 3, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $38-$166. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 1-855-622-2787, operaatelier.com.

Rent by Jonathan Larson (Lower Ossington Theatre). NYC artists struggle to make ends meet in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic in this musical. Opens Apr 3 and runs to May 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 4 pm. $49-$59. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

The Road To Mecca by Athol Fugard (Soulpepper). A widow turns her property into an eccentric art installation in a conservative village South Africa in this drama about intolerance and the need for self-expression. Previews Apr 30-May 3. Opens May 5 and runs to May 28, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed & Sat 2 pm. $23-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Singular Sensation: A Music Theatre Open Mic (Jennifer Walls). Sing showtunes with a live band and see previews of upcoming works at this weekly show. Mar 17-Jun 30, Mon 10 pm. Free. Statler’s, 487 Church. 416-922-0487.

The Sound Of Music by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (Lower Ossington Theatre). An aspiring nun leaves the order to govern the children of an Austrian officer in this musical. Opens Apr 10 and runs to May 3, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 3:30 pm. $39-$69. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**Sultans Of The Street by Anusree Roy (Young People’s Theatre). Four children from different social classes are trapped in a world of begging on the streets of Kolkata, India. Previews Apr 28-30. Opens May 1 and runs to May 15, see website for schedule. $15-$24. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Third Eye Looming by Ed Roy and Workman Artists (Lisa Brown/Tangled Art + Disability). A man tries to piece together his life after the onset of mental illness in this multidisciplinary piece. May 2-3, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $25, stu/PWD $20. Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall, 585 Dundas E. 416-392-1038, tangledarts.org.

Three More Sleepless Nights by Caryl Churchill (Bad Joe/The Playwright Project 2014). This play looks at human relationships through the eyes of two ill-fated couples. Opens Apr 24 and runs to May 4, see website for schedule. $10-$15, Project passes $15-$45. The Downstage, 798 Danforth. playwrightproject.com.

True Stories Told Live (The Garrison). Rob Norman, Erin Rogers, Jenni Walls, Brian Spitz and Ted Morris tell personal stories in 10 minutes or less. Apr 29 at 7:30 pm. Free. 1197 Dundas W. truestoriestoronto.com.

**Vitals by Rosamund Small (Outside the March). A Toronto paramedic deals with life, death and bureaucracy in this show based on interviews with EMS workers. Opens Apr 29 and runs to May 18, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, Apr 30 at 1:30 pm. $25-$30. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, outsidethemarch.ca.

The Walls Are Alive With The Sound Of Mad People (Friendly Spike Theatre Band/Jane’s Walk). The company presents a theatrical walking tour about the CAMH patient-built wall. May 4 at noon. Free. SW Corner, Queen West at Shaw Street. janeswalk.org.

We Will Rock You by Ben Elton and Queen (Mirvish). Teens rebel against a futuristic world where live music is banned. Opens Apr 29 and runs to May 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $32-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.