Cheap Theatre for the Week of July 15th

Ah, Cheap Theatre. It’s so easy to forget that it exists outside of the Fringe, with its wide variety of super cheap shows. But I’m here to tell you that it does exist! And there are a lot of really interesting shows playing in Toronto right now, for $25 or less. Each of the shows explores an original idea – whether it’s the difficulties of taking care of an ailing parent, singing assassins, or dancing on apartment balconies, you won’t regret seeing some Cheap Theatre this week.

Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman (StageWorks Toronto). Historical figures who tried to assassinate American presidents meet in this dark musical. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Jul 27, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and July 26) 2 pm. $25. George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire. 416-803-5287, stageworkstoronto.com.

One Flew Over The Cubicle by Janice Israeloff (Red Sandcastle Theatre). A woman looks for meaningful work while caring for her father with Alzheimer’s in this solo show. Jul 18-20, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $15, mat pwyc. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com.

Porch View Dances Kaeja d’Dance presents dance by residents on their own porches guided by pro choreographers Peter Chin, Lauren Cook, Allen Kaeja and Louis Laberge-Côté. Opens Jul 16 and runs to Jul 20, Wed-Sat 7 pm, Sun 4 pm. Pwyc. Starts at London & Euclid streets, ends in Vermont Square Park (843 Palmerston). kaeja.org.

Soulpepper Cabaret Series (Soulpepper). The company presents the Song/Book Series, cabaret performers and more in this weekly series. Opens Jun 7 and runs to Jul 26, Sat 8:30 pm. $20, stu $15. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Wolf Sounds Peanut Butter People. This dance-theatre creation features five actors with Down syndrome dealing with desire, isolation and attempts at conformity. Opens Jul 18 and runs to Jul 27, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$25, stu $15-$20. The Box Studio, 89 Niagara. brownpapertickets.com/event/706413.