Play Listings for the Week of May 5th

There’s a lot of great theatre going on in Toronto for the week of May 5th, 2014. ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Mike, our Editor, wish there were more hours in a day so he could check all of them out.

 

Play Listings for the Week of May 5, 2014

Already Covered by MoT…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Previews Apr 30. Opens May 1 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.

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.

**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.

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. $29-$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.

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.

**Trudeau And The FLQ: The History Of The Village Of The Small Huts1963-1970 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.

Vitals by Rosamund Small (Outside the March/Theatre Passe Muraille). A Toronto paramedic deals with life, death and bureaucracy in this show based on interviews with EMS workers. Previews Apr 29-30. Opens May 1 and runs to May 25, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25-$30. Starts at Roncesvalles & Garden Aves, 149 Roncesvalles. 416-504-7529, outsidethemarch.ca.

 

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.

**Bingo! by Daniel MacIvor (Factory Theatre). Drinking games and fear of life in their 40s drive the actions of five friends at their high school reunion. Previews May 3-7, Sat and Tue-Wed 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Opens May 8 and runs to Jun 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $30-$45, previews $23, Sun pwyc. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

**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.

Contractions by Mike Bartlett (Red One Theatre Collective). A ruthless office manager grills an employee about a policy breach in this dark comedy. Opens May 8 and runs to May 25, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. redonetheatre.com.

Crip Your World: An Intergalactic Queer/POC Sick and Disabled Extravaganza (Mayworks). Multidisciplinary performances by disabled, sick, deaf, crazy queer and 2POC artists including Masti Khor, Rosina Kazi and Askari Gonzalez. May 9 from 7 to 9 pm. $10 or pwyc. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. mayworks.ca.

Don Quichotte by Jules Massenet (Canadian Opera Company). This romantic French take on Spain’s greatest literary hero features Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role. Opens May 9 and runs to May 24, May 9, 14, 17, 20 and 22 at 7:30 pm, May 11 at 2 pm, May 24 at 4:30 pm. $12-$332. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca.

From Rags To Bitches (Red Sandcastle Theatre). In this comical jaunt starring the Fabulous Russella, a boy tries to become fabulous. Opens May 7 and runs to May 8, Wed-Thu 8 pm. $15-$20. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

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.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell (Lower Ossington Theatre). 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, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

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.

**Mies Julie by Yael Farber (Baxter Theatre Centre/Harbourfront World Stage). A white woman and a black man wage love and war in post-Apartheid South Africa in this version of Strindberg’s play about class and gender in conflict. Opens May 6 and runs to May 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $49. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.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.

**Of Shapes Transformed By Love by Kyle Capstick (Aim for the Tangent Theatre/Newborn Theatre). A night of myths and magic outdoors looks at a world ruled by the wilderness of the heart. Previews May 7. Opens May 8 and runs to May 17, Wed-Sat 9 pm. $20, stu/srs $15, preview pwyc. Majlis Multidisciplinary Art Garden, 163 Walnut. shapes.brownpapertickets.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, see website for schedule. $17-$22. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, youngpeoplestheatre.ca.

Pinkalicious by Elizabeth Kann, Victoria Kann and John Gregor (Vital Theatre). A girl turns pink after eating too many cupcakes in this family musical. Opens Mar 30 and runs to May 25, Sun 1 pm. $29.50-$39.50. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, pinkaliciousthemusical.com/toronto.

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 South African village 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. $29-$74, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

rock.paper.sistahz festival (b current). This arts festival features theatre, comedy, spoken word, visual art and more by d’bi young, trey anthony, Catherine Hernandez and others. Opens May 11 and runs to May 18, see website for schedule. $tba. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E. bcurrent.ca.

RUFF by Peggy Shaw (Tangled Art + Disability). Writer/actor Shaw, who suffered a stroke in 2011, performs her show about issues of aging and infirmity. May 9-10, Fri-Sat 8 pm. $25, stu/PWD $20. Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall, 585 Dundas E. 416-392-1038, tangledarts.org.

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.

Snow Bride by David James Brock (Romantic Animal Theatre Posse). Alone on the night before her wedding, a cocaine addict reflects on her past and hopes for a new life. Opens May 8 and runs to May 18, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun May 18 at 2 pm. $20, stu $15, mat pwyc. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. brownpapertickets.com/event/621926.

Stars Of David based on a book by Abigail Pogrebin (Harold Green Jewish Theatre/Angelwalk Theatre). The book about Jewish identity based on interviews with Gloria Steinem, Leonard Nimoy, Fran Drescher and others is adapted to a musical production. Previews May 10-13, Sat and Tue 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. Opens May 14 and runs to Jun 1, Tue-Thu and Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Thu 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$65. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 416-733-0545, hgjewishtheatre.com.

**Play listings based on NOW stage listings.