Cheap Theatre for the Week of September 16th, 2014

September is well under way, and work is probably getting a little crazy for all of us. Thinking of rebelling against the system and living off-grid in the forest somewhere? The protagonists of the shows in this week’s Cheap Theatre don’t exactly do that, but they do butt heads with the powers-that-be in their societies, with varying results. And hey – you’re sticking it to the man (a little bit) by paying so little for so much theatre!

American Buffalo by David Mamet (Unit 102 Actor’s Company). Three small-time hustlers try to achieve the American Dream through a poorly planned coin heist. Opens Sep 21 and runs to Oct 4, Sep 22-27 and 30, and Oct 1-4, all shows 8 pm. $20-$25, pwyc Sep 24 and 30 (unit102tix@gmail.com). Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin.unit102theatre.com.

An Enemy Of The People by Henrik Ibsen (Tarragon Theatre). A doctor clashes with officials who want to cover up a public health risk to protect the economy. Previews Sep 16-23. Opens Sep 24 and runs to Oct 26, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$53. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Freda And Jem’s Best Of The Week by Lois Fine (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). This play about a lesbian couple and their kids looks at how queer culture approaches family-making and -breaking. Previews Sep 13-17. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Oct 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Pwyc-$37. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555,buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Retreat by Kat Sandler (Theatre Brouhaha). Four interns fight to the death to turn their unpaid positions into real jobs in this satire. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Sep 28, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $20-$25. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. secureaseat.com.

Woyzeck by Georg Büchner (UC Follies). A poor soldier is driven to insanity and violence by exploitation and societal stress. Previews Sep 17 at 7:30 pm. Opens Sep 18 and runs to Sep 27, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm (no show Sep 20). $15, stu $10, preview $7. University College, Quadrangle, 15 King’s College Circle. 416-978-8849,ucfolliestheatre.ca.

 

Listings based on NOW! Stage listings.