It seems like there are a lot of cool one-night events happening this week – take a gander, and see if any of them (or any of the longer-run shows) tickles your fancy! Anything highlighted in red with two asterisks before it comes with a recommendation from our Founding Editor, Megan.
Already Covered By MoT…
A Christmas Carol – by Charles Dickens (Soulpepper). Michael Shamata’s adaptation of the classic holiday ghost story gets a staging. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 27, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
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.
Blackbird – by David Harrower (FilmBooth Productions). A man and woman meet again, 15 years after their relationship ended. Previews Dec 2, opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 11, Tue-Sun 8 pm. $20-$25. In Gold Studio 107. Artscape Youngplace 180 Shaw. blackbird.alovestory@gmail.com
**James and the Giant Peach – by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Timothy Allen McDonald (Young People’s Theatre). An orphan finds adventures in a magical fruit in this musical based on the Roald Dahl book. Previews Nov 24-26. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $25-$45. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front E. http://youngpeoplestheatre.ca/
**Kim’s Convenience – by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). The popular play about a Korean family in Regent Park struggling with their past returns to the stage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 28, see website for schedule. $29-$89, rush $5-$23. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane. http://www.soulpepper.ca/
**Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Sterling Studio Theatre). Shakespeare meets Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut in this adaptation of the tragedy. Opens Dec 6 and runs to Dec 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $15-$20. The Theatre Machine 376 Dufferin. http://www.sterlingstudiotheatre.com/
The Pageant – Bad Dog Theatre presents improvised “sitcom” episodes about a family’s quest to discover the true meaning of the holidays. $12, stu $10. Previews Nov 28, opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 20, Fri 8 pm, Sat 9:30 pm, mat Dec 13 & 20 at 2:30 pm. Bad Dog Comedy Theatre 875 Bloor W. http://baddogtheatre.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.
This One – by Denise Mader (First Root). In this autobiographical play, Mader comes to terms with her mother’s death through the baking of pecan pies. Previews Dec 3. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Dec 14, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun mat 2 pm. $25, stu $20. Fraser Studios 76 Stafford. http://thisone.brownpapertickets.com/
And the rest…
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.
Beggar’s Canyon: Star Wars on Christmas – Geeky sketch comedy from Beggar’s Canyon (Peter Hill, Ian MacIntyre) with performances by the Rocket Scientists and Mark Little. 10 pm. $8. facebook.com/beggarscanyoncomedy.
The Brown Bull of Cuailnge – by Neil Wechsler (The Room). Separated from their company and lost for an indefinite period, four Irish soldiers search for home. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, Tue pwyc. Sidemart Theatrical Grocery 1362 Queen E. http://thebrownbull.com/
Christmas @ Corktown – Corktown’s 10th annual holiday comedy show w/ Steve Dylan, Evelyn Reese, Alex Nussbaum, Dylan Mandlsohn, host Brian Coughlin and others. 9 pm. Pwyc (donations to Daily Bread Food Bank). Betty’s 240 King E. http://corktowncomedy.com/
The Christmas Rag Bad Cabaret on Roncy (Crowning Monkey). This evening features comedy, burlesque, and poetry with Dolly Berlin, Martha O’Neill, host Rachelle Elie and others. 8 pm. $20-$25. The Village Healing Centre 240 Roncesvalles. http://crowningmonkey.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/
Crisis on St. Creskins by Henri Fabergé and the cast (Henry Fabergé’s Feint of Hart). Two Edwardian-era boys’ schools nurse a rivalry while trying to stage a holiday pageant. Dec 13-15, Sat-Mon 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat (preview) 2 pm and Sun 2 pm. $15-$20. Campbell House Museum 160 Queen W. http://campbellhousemuseum.ca/
Death In A Black Suit – by Maureen Jennings (Scarborough Theatre Guild). Actors rehearsing for a Murdoch mystery play must solve a murder while stranded at a cottage. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 13, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Dec 7 and 13 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $17. http://theatrescarborough.com/GUILD_Death.html
The De Chardin Project by Adam Seybold (Theatre PasseMuraille). 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 PasseMuraille 16 Ryerson. $17-$38, mat pwyc at the door. http://passemuraille.on.ca/
**The Dog and the Angel by Martha Ross (Theatre Columbus). This outdoor show follows the Christmas shenanigans of an oddball family and their ailing dog. Previews Dec 11-13, opens Dec 15 and runs to Dec 31, daily at 7:30 pm (no shows Dec 21 and Dec 24-26). $32, srs $22, youth under 25 $12. Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview. http://theatrecolumbus.ca/
Don’t Die of Constipation – Aastha Lal stars in a comedy show about letting go. To Dec 13, Fri 7 pm, Sat 9 pm. $10-$15. The Flying Beaver Pubaret 488 Parliament. http://pubaret.com/
Infinity – (Koffler Centre of the Arts/Volcano Theatre). Staged reading of new play by Hannah Moscovitch about the theory of time. 7 pm. Free. Koffler Gallery Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. http://kofflerarts.org/
Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Lower Ossington Theatre). Judas makes a choice between Jesus and the Roman rulers in this musical. Opens Dec 4 and runs to Jan 24, 2015, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 4 pm, Sat 2 pm (no shows Dec 25-26). $50-$60. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://www.superstarmusical.ca/
The Judy Garland Christmas Show (That Never Was) by David Church, Jim Webber and Joe Patrick (The Civic Light-Opera Co). Musical play in the style of a 50s holiday special that is part spoof, part tribute show. Opens Dec 3 and runs to Dec 14, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Dec 13) at 2 pm. $28. http://musictheatretoronto.com/
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
The Naughty Listers – Christmas is in peril when Santa decides to do away with the naughty list in this family show featuring puppets and live-action adventure and songs. To Jan 1, Sat-Tue 2 pm (and Dec 26, 31 and Jan 1). $14, family 4-pack $45. Second City 51 Mercer. http://secondcity.com/
Nineteen ~ Dancing in Solitude – CHOREOlab Toronto presents solo projects created in dance, film and photography by 19 emerging artists united in solitude. Dec 9 at 8 pm (doors 7 pm). $10-$15. Round Venue 152A Augusta. http://facebook.com/choreolabtoronto
Pinkalicious The Musical by Elizabeth Kann, Victoria Kann and John Gregor (Vital Theatre). A girl turns pink after eating too many cupcakes in this family musical. Nov 30 to Jan 25, Sundays at 1 pm. $30. Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington. http://lowerossingtontheatre.com/.
Platinum Holiday Special (A Platinum Production). Drag kings The Yes Men, Dolly Berlin, Axel Blows and others star in a holiday-themed burlesque and cabaret show. 9:30 pm (doors 8:30 pm). $15-$20. Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen W. http://aplatinumholiday.bpt.me/
Siavash: The Price of Hope (Shahrokh Yadegari). Storytelling, music and images based on Persian poetry are used to explore the trials of Prince Siavash from the Shah-Nameh (Book of Kings). Dec 5-6 at 8 pm. $50-$75. Aga Khan Museum 77 Wynford. http://agakhanmuseum.org/
Snow Queen (Open Air Productions) – Drag performers Bunni Lapin, Jada Hudson and others put on a musical stage show. Dec 12 at 8 pm. $25-$45 (proceeds to the 519 Church Community Centre). Winter Garden Theatre 189 Yonge. http://snowqueen2014.ca/
Uncle John – by Joel Ivany (Against the Grain Theatre). A couple’s impending wedding is getting complicated by family drama in this modern interpretation of Don Giovanni. Opens Dec 11 and runs to Dec 19, Dec 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 at 7:30 pm. $40. The Great Hall 1087 Queen W. http://www.againstthegraintheatre.com/
A Very Chris-terical Christmas Cabaret (Chris Tsujiuchi). Anthony Rinaldi, Hilary Wilson, Chris Pruden, Mackenzie Longpre, Tsujiuchi and others keep the yuletide gay in this seasonal cabaret. Dec 13-14 at 8 pm. $20-$25. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/
Virgin. by Alyson Renaldo (Tache De Naissance). Renaldo performs her solo play about a woman exploring her relationship to God, sex, morality and personal fulfillment. Dec 12-14, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $38. In the Aki Studio Theatre. Daniels Spectrum 585 Dundas E. http://nativeearth.ca/virgin
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee (Red One Theatre Collective). A drunk couple verbally abuse each other and their guests at a party. Opens Dec 10 and runs to Dec 21, Tue-Sat 7 pm, mat Sun 1 pm. $15-$25. The Storefront Theatre 955 Bloor W. http://www.secureaseat.com/
Wintersong – Dances for a Sacred Season – Harbourfront NextSteps and Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre present dance inspired by winter solstice traditions with works by Belinda McGuire, Kevin Wynn, Ofilio Sinbadhinho, Carol Anderson and Colin O’Connor. Dec 12-13, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm. $22.50-$38. Fleck Dance Theatre 207 Queens Quay W. http://ccdt.org/
**Wrecking Ball #17: Occupy (The Wrecking Ball/Native Earth Performing Arts). Theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word performances exploring the theme of occupation. Dec 8 at 8 pm. Pwyc (proceeds to the Actors’ Fund of Canada). In the Aki Studio Theatre. Daniels Spectrum 585 Dundas E. http://thewreckingball.ca/
Play Listings based on NOW! Stage Listings