Play Listings for the Week of November 17th, 2014

It’s started snowing. I don’t care what the technical start date of winter is, I’m officially declaring the fact that winter has come to Toronto. And I’m choosing to hide from it in our city’s many theatres – here’s a list of what’s playing in town this week if you’d like to do the same. Anything highlighted in red with two asterisks is highly recommended by our Editor, Mike.

Already Covered By MoT…

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 Nov 6 and runs to Dec 14, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. Studio, 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

**The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley (Tarragon Theatre). An artist must prove that he forged a Vermeer painting he tried to sell in WWII-era Holland. Previews Oct 21-28. Opens Oct 29 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $21-$53, rush $15. Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

BURYING TONI by Catherine Frid (Alumnae Theatre Fireworks Festival). Emma Jung grapples with her history, real and imagined, after 50 years of marriage to psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, runs in rep w/ You Have To Earn It; see website for schedule. $15, Sun mat pwyc, festival pass $25. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley. http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/

BUYER & CELLAR by Jonathan Tolins (Mirvish). An underemployed Los Angeles actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand’s basement in this solo comedy. Previews Nov 12. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Nov 12). $25-$79. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. www.mirvish.com

Circle Jerk by Justin Haigh, Scott Dermody, Brandon Crone and Wesley J Colford (Soup Can Theatre/safeword/Aim for the Tangent Theatre). Four playwrights present new works in which bits of dialogue submitted by the public were used as the opening and closing lines of their new creations. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Thu Nov 6 at 8 pm, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Nov 8-9 at 2 pm. $15-$24. lemonTree Studio, 196 Spadina (lower unit). soupcantheatre.com.

Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Eva Duarte rises from poverty to become the Argentine president’s wife in this musical. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $50-$60. 100A Ossington. 416-915-6747, lowerossingtontheatre.com.

GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY by Stephen King (AEG Live). Tale of fraternal love, lust, jealousy and revenge with music by John Mellencamp. Nov. 11, 7:30pm. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria. http://masseyhall.com/

**Hold Mommy’s Cigarette – Shelley Marshall performs her solo dark comedy about life, mental illness and survival. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $20. The Full Bawdy Loft 290 Carlaw, #202. http://holdmommyscigarette.com/

The Motherfu*ker With The Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Bob Kills Theatre). A stranger’s hat threatens a long-time romance in this play featuring intertwined themes of love and addiction. Previews Nov 9. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$30. The Coal Mine Theatre, 798 Danforth. brownpapertickets.com/event/863612.

NSFW by Luck Kirkwood (Studio 180). This satire looks at power games and privacy in the cut-throat modern media workplace. Previews Nov 7-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $15-$39. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W. 416-538-0988, studio180theatre.com.

Rebel Without A Cosmos The Second City presents its fall mainstage revue. Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 & 10 pm, Sun 7:30 pm. $25-$29, stu $16-$18. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.

Sextet by Morris Panych (Tarragon Theatre). Stranded in a motel by weather, six musicians struggle to come to terms with their failing careers, failing marriages and unfulfilled desires. Previews Nov 5-11. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $23-$55, rush $15. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Take Me Back To Jefferson by Michele Smith and Dean Gilmour (Factory Theatre/Theatre Smith-Gilmour). The Bundren family reveals their foibles and follies in this darkly comic adaptation of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Previews Nov 5. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35-$45, preview $23. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca.

The Tempest by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). Love and revenge collide on a magical island in this classic play. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 22 at 2 pm. $28, srs $17, stu $10-$15. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

What I Learned From A Decade Of Fear by Beatriz Pizano, Lyon Smith and Trevor Schwellnus (Aluna Theatre). A ritual to atone for repression, war and paranoia becomes a eulogy for the human costs of collective safety through the use of security technology. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $12-$20. 1 Wiltshire, unit 124. alunatheatre.ca.

YOU HAVE TO EARN IT by Ramona Baillie and Maria Popoff (Alumnae Theatre Fireworks Festival). A philandering boss, a scheming new employee and a wacky mail room clerk are part of this homage to screwball comedies of the 30s and 40s. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, runs in rep w/ Burying Toni; see website for schedule. $15, Sun mat pwyc, festival pass $25. Alumnae Theatre 70 Berkeley. http://www.alumnaetheatre.com/

 

 

And the rest…

84 Charing Cross Road – adapted by James Roose-Evans (Stage Centre Productions). This play is based on 20 years of correspondence between American writer Helene Hanff and a U.K. bookseller. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 23 and 29 at 2 pm. Fairview Library 35 Fairview Mall $27.50, stu/srs $22. http://www.stagecentreproductions.com/

Arcadia by Tom Stoppard (Mirvish/Shaw Festival). The past and present collide when scholars living in an English country house learn about the people who lived there in 1809. Previews Nov 4-8. Opens Nov 9 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $25-$99. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

The Book Of Mormon by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Mirvish). Two naive missionaries go to a volatile region in Uganda in this religious satire musical. Previews Sep 16. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat 2 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $49-$130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Cinderella: The Gags to Riches Family Musical – by Reid Janisse (Ross Petty Productions). The he classic tale is adapted into a wacky holiday pantomime musical. Previews Nov 21-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, 2015, see website for schedule. $27-$85. Elgin Theatre 189 Yonge. http://www.rosspetty.com/

 

Conspiracy – by Loring Mandel (Heretofore Productions). This mixed-cast staged reading dramatizes the events of the 1942 Wannsee Conference, in which high-ranking Nazis discussed the “Final Solution” phase of the Holocaust. Nov 20-21 at 7 pm. Free. Grace Church on-the-Hill 300 Lonsdale. http://www.facebook.com/HeretoforeProductions

 

Coexisdance Series #67 – Dance improvisers perform with AIM Toronto musicians. 8 pm. $10. Array Space 155 Walnut. http://coexisdance.wordpress.com/

 

CYRANO DE BERGERAC by Edmond Rostand (Amicus Productions). An eloquent but large-nosed man tells his handsome friend what to say to woo a young woman. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 22, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 16 and 22 at 2 pm. $22, stu/srs $20. Papermill Theatre 67 Pottery. http://www.amicusproductions.ca/

 

The De Chardin Project by Adam Seybold (Theatre Passe Muraille). An exiled Jesuit priest crosses continents in search of knowledge and truth. Previews Nov 20-23. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Dec 14, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. Theatre Passe Muraille 16 Ryerson. $17-$38, mat pwyc at the door. http://passemuraille.on.ca/

 

Fishskin Trousers by Elizabeth Kuti (Cart/Horse Theatre). Three tales from three eras in the fishing village of Orford in Suffolk are woven together in this storytelling play. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Sun pwyc.

The Four Horsemen Project by Kate Alton and Ross Manson (Volcano Theatre/Crooked Figure Dances/Global Mechanic). The poetry of Rafael Barreto-Rivera, bpNichel, Paul Dutton and Steve McCaffery is adapted into a dance-theatre production. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 22, Mon-Sat 8 pm. $25-$49. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Holidazed & Confused – The Second City presents sketches, songs and improvisations to celebrate and satirize the holiday season. $22. Nov 17-Jan 1, various days and times, see website. secondcity.com

HUMAN FURNITURE by Claire Burns (Red One Theatre Collective/Triangle Pi Productions). A kinky tryst is threatened by an unexpected guest and a nosy neighbour. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $25. The Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor W. http://www.secureaseat.com/.

INANNA: THE GODESS’ ASCENT FROM THE UNDERWORLD Ancient Rumblings presents dance/music spectacle fusing traditional belly dance with original rock music. Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm. $30. Virgin Mobile Mod Club 722 College ticketfly.com

It’s Always Something – Comedy and music benefit w/ Colin Mochrie, Gregg Rogell, Steven Page, Fernando Varela host Russell Peters and others. 7:30 pm. $50-$250 (benefits Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto). Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 1 Front E. http://gildasclubtoronto.org/

Lunacy Cabaret: 100th Show – (Zero Gravity Circus). This vaudeville-style cabaret features clown, circus, comedy, music and more. Nov 22 at 9 pm. $20-$25. The Circus Academy East 1300 Gerrard E. http://lunacycabaret.com/

Macbeth – by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare BASH’d). The company presents its text-based, bare-bones approach to the Bard’s classic tragedy. Opens Nov 18 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton. $17. http://shakespearebashd.com/

Metropolitan Operas – By Joe Pintauro (Witchboy Theatre). Short plays featuring prostitutes and priests, chauffeurs and film stars, set in the gritty 80s of New York City. Nov 19-29, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin

witchboytheatre.com

 

Moment by Deirdre Kinahan (ARC). A family member returns home 15 years after a sudden act of violence ripped the clan apart. Previews Nov 4-5. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 22, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Thu and Sun 2 pm (no mat Nov 6). $20, previews $17. Sidemart Theatrical Grocery, 1362 Queen E. brownpapertickets.com/event/899552.

 

Nijinsky – (The National Ballet of Canada). Choreography by John Neumeier exploring the life and work of Russian dancer/choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. Opens Nov 22 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm (and Nov 27 and 29). $26-$249. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen W. http://www.national.ballet.ca

 

 

Paulo and Daphne – by Ned Dickens (Theatreworks Productions). This contemporary take on Ovid’s story of Apollo and Daphne is about breaking the ties that bind, atonement and transformation. Previews Nov 19. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20-$25, stu $12.50, Tue pwyc. Pia Bouman School for Ballet 6 Noble. http://theatreworksproductions.com/

 

Play Reading Week – Tarragon Theatre presents plays-in-development by Fabrizio Filippo, Anna Chatterton, Marie-Beath Badian, Rachel Blair, Evan Webber, Kat Sandler and others get staged readings. Nov 18-22 and Nov 26-29 at 8 pm. Free. In the Near Studio. 30 Bridgman. http://tarragontheatre.com/

 

**Rope – by Patrick Hamilton (Bygone Theatre/City of Toronto). Two young men murder a classmate just for the thrill in this 1929 play based on true events. Gibson House 5172 Yonge. http://bygonetheatre.com/

 

Sketch Com-aggedon – Troupes compete over 5 nights for a spot in the 2015 Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. To Nov 22, Tue-Fri 8 and 9:30 pm, Sat final 8 pm. $10-$15. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. West. torontosketchfest.com

Spin – by Evalyn Parry (Buddies in Bad Times/OutSpoke Productions). Music, narration and projections are used to portray the bicycle as an instrument of social change. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$37, Sun pwyc at the door. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/

 

Talking Heads – by Alan Bennett (Precisely Peter Productions). The Outside Dog, Playing Sandwiches and A Lady Of Letters are performed from Bennett’s collection of BBC monologues. Opens Nov 7 and runs to Nov 23, Wed-Sat 8 pm (no show Nov 15), Sun 4 pm. $25. Campbell House Museum 160 Queen W. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/885024

 

Toussaint: Traditions of the Dark Months – (Danceweavers). Storytelling and music from the Celtic tradition of Breton folklore with Bruce Carmody and Anne Lederman. Nov 21 at 7:30 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. Montgomery’s Inn 4709 Dundas W. http://danceweavers.ca/toussaint.html

 

Volver A Flamentango – Compañia Maria Serrano presents a new flamenco and tango show. 8 pm. $49.50-$79.50. John Bassett Theatre 255 Front W. http://www.mariaserrano.com/

 

 

WEESAGEECHAK BEGINS TO DANCE FESTIVAL – 27 (Native Earth Performing Arts). New works by indigenous artists include plays by Jani Lauzon, Daniel David Moses, Lilia Leon, dance by Santee Smith and more. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 22, see website for schedule. $10-$20, pass $50. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E. http://www.nativeearth.ca/

 

Wind Down Dance ^3 – Kaeja d’Dance presents new works on the go and old works taking new risks in a casual studio setting. Nov 21 from 4 to 6 pm. $10. On the second floor. Dovercourt House 805 Dovercourt. http://kaeja.org/

 

Wireless Connection – (Point of View Dance Project). Contemporary fusion dance explores our obsession with technology and the decay and rediscovery of real human connection. Nov 21-23, Fri-Sun 8 pm. $25. Dancemakers Centre for Creation 9 Trinity. http://www.povdanceproject.com/

 

Play listings based on NOW! Stage Listings