Toronto Play Listings for the Week of March 23, 2015

Shows that Caught our Eye this Week

It’s another week of great theatre here in Toronto with plenty to check out if you’re looking for something different to spice up your evening or weekend. I’ve indicated the shows I’d love to check out by marking them red and staring them with double asterisks. So have a look, see if there’s something that also catches your eye and go see some theatre!

Already covered by MoT…

Beneath the Banyan Tree by Emil Sher (Theatre Direct). A young Indian girl copes with moving to Canada in this fusion of theatre, music and dance. Opens Mar 4 and runs to Mar 28, see website for schedule. $7-$25. http://brownpapertickets.com/event/879977

** Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca (Modern Times Stage Company/Aluna Theatre). A young woman runs away with the son of her family’s enemy. Previews Mar 11-12, opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed and Sun 2 pm. $18-$25, stu/preview $15, Sun pwyc. http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/

Bull by Mike Bartlett (The Coal Mine Theatre). Two employees poke fun at a third as the trio wait to find out who will be axed in this dark comedy. Previews Mar 15, opens Mar 17 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Sun 7:30 pm. $25, preview $20. http://brownpapertickets.com/

Cake and Dirt by Daniel MacIvor (Tarragon Theatre). This play takes a darkly comic look at life in Toronto through a fractured family of privilege. Previews from Mar 3, opens Mar 11 and runs to Apr 12, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and some Sat). $29-$55, previews $23-$27. http://tarragontheatre.com/

The Daisy Theatre Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes presents a cabaret of improvisation that parodies theatrical genres from opera, music hall, Las Vegas, French cabaret and vaudeville through an adult puppet theatre show. Opens March 18 and runs to April 5, Tue-Thu and Sun 8 pm, Fri-Sat 9:30 pm. $30. Studio Theatre. http://factorytheatre.ca/

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Starvox Entertainment presents an homage to the John Cleese TV series featuring the audience as guests at the wacky inn in a partially improvised show. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Apr 19, Tue-Thu 7 pm, Fri-Sat 6 and 8 pm, Sun 6 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. $60-$100. In the O’Keefe Lounge. http://sonycentre.ca/

The Heart of Robin Hood by David Farr (Mirvish). Robin and his crew steal from the rich and keep it for themselves until Marion steps up for the poor in this version of the tale. Previews Dec 23-Jan 6, 2015. Opens Jan 14 and runs to Mar 29, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $35-$130. Royal Alexandra Theatre 260 King W. http://mirvish.com/

How to Kill a Comedian Second City presents its Spring 2015 Mainstage revue. In previews, opens Mar 9, Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, plus Sat 10 pm. $25-$45, stu $16-$18. http://secondcity.com/

** The Hungry by Luis Fernandes (Unit 102 Actors Company). A band of vampire hunters struggle to update their outmoded methods in this part comedy, part genre horror satire. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $20, Tue pwyc. http://unit102theatrecompany.com/

New Ideas Festival (Alumnae Theatre). The annual showcase of new writing, works-in-progress and experimental theatre. Opens Mar 11 and runs to Mar 29, see website for schedule. $15, pass $40. http://alumnaetheatre.com/

** Once by Enda Walsh, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (Mirvish). An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Previews Feb 10-21, opens Feb 22 and runs to May 31, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $29-$130. Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria. http://mirvish.com/

** Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang (Mirvish). Three siblings named after dysfunctional characters from Chekhov plays try to escape their melancholic curse in this comedy. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (see website for other dates). $19-$99. http://mirvish.com/

A Woman is a Secret by John Patrick Shanley and Matthew Barber (Rip Jaw Productions/the Storefront Theatre). Stories are told through a cabaret-like structure of plays and old-fashioned love songs. Previews Mar 19, opens Mar 20 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $20 adv. http://theatrecentre.org/

And the Rest…

11th International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize he National Ballet of Canada presents presents young dancers from international companies. Mar 24 at 7:30 pm. $26-$250. http://national.ballet.ca/

** Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland The National Ballet of Canada presents Christopher Wheeldon’s interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s story. Opens Mar 14 and runs to Mar 29, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $26-$250. http://national.ballet.ca/

Disabled Theater (Jérôme Bel/Theater HORA/Harbourfront World Stage). This confrontational performance depicts the encounter between French choreographer Bel and the artists of a Swiss theatre company that promotes the work of people with intellectual disabilities. Mar 25-28, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $35-$45. http://harbourfrontcentre.com/

** The Eagle with Two Heads by Jean Cocteau (Fish2Frÿ Productions). An anarchist poet falls in love with the Queen of his obsession. Opens Mar 25 and runs to Mar 29, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, stu/srs $15. http://fish2fryproductions.com/

The Gospel According to Mark (Soulpepper). Veteran actor Kenneth Welsh gives a verbatim performance of the Bible chapter. Previews from Mar 18, opens Mar 22 and runs to Mar 29, see website for schedule. $20-$30. http://soulpepper.ca/

Hairspray by Mark O’Donnell, Thomas Meehan, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Lower Ossington Theatre). A quirky 60s teen becomes popular and looks to change the world in this musical. Opens Mar 21 and runs to Apr 12, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 3:30 pm. $tba. http://ticketwise.ca/

** Infinity by Hannah Moscovitch (Tarragon Theatre/Volcano Theatre). A young mathematician explores the seeming impossibility of love. Previews from Mar 25, opens Apr 1 and runs to May 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (and some Sat). $29-$55, previews $23-$27. In the Extraspace. http://tarragontheatre.com/

Kaeja D’dance 25th Anniversary Celebration Harbourfront NextSteps presents premieres by both Karen and Allen Kaeja that play with notions of fate, coincidence and choice. Opens Mar 24 and runs to Mar 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $22.50-$40. http://kaeja.org/

** Louise by Gustave Charpentier (VOICEBOX: Opera In Concert). Seduced by the City of Light, Louise and Julien break the bonds of convention and embrace the future. Featuring soprano Leslie Ann Bradley in the title role. Mar 29 at 2:30 pm. $40-$52.http://operainconcert.com/

Memorable Munsch (Solar Stage Children’s Theatre). This family-friendly show is based on the stories of Robert Munsch. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 29, Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm (see website for other shows). $16. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre 4950 Yonge. http://solarstage.on.ca/

** Nature of the Beast by Brandon Crone (The Lone Wolf Collective). An unexpected visit from a nephew interrupts a man plans with a guest who is tied up in the basement in this dark comedy. Opens Mar 26 and runs to Apr 11, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 29, Apr 2, 4 and 11 at 2 pm. $25. http://safeword.ca/

Pack of Lies by Hugh Whitemore (Stage Centre Productions). This drama looks at the turmoil faced by ordinary people when asked by the authorities to spy on their friends. Opens Mar 19 and runs to Mar 28, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Mar 22 and 28 at 2 pm. $27.50, stu/srs $22. http://www.stagecentreproductions.com/

THE PANEL SHOW – OFFICIAL CBC PILOT RECORDING
CBC Radio Presents THE PANEL SHOW – a new comedy game show pilot with Mark Little, Ron Sparks, Evany Rosen & Ned Petrie. WHEN: Monday, March 23rd @ 7:30 PM WHERE: The Bad Dog Theatre – 875 Bloor St W COST: $10 at the Door *OR $5 IN ADVANCE FOR MOONEY ON THEATRE READERS* PROMO FOR MOONEY ON THEATRE: Buy ticket at <baddogtheatre.com/the-panel-show> and use Promo Code PANEL. Discount not available for walk-up. 

Sirocco Harbourfront NextSteps and Ritmo Flamenco Dance and Music Ensemble present dance about the obscure Arabic roots of flamenco. Mar 27-29, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$35. In the Studio Theatre. http://harbourfrontcentre.com/

Spoon River adapted by Mike Ross and Albert Schultz (Soulpepper). A forgotten town comes back to life in this show inspired by Edgar Lee Masters’s 1915 poetry collection. Previews Mar 7-10, opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 28, see website for schedule.  $29.50-$89. http://soulpepper.ca/

** Subway Stations of the Cross by Ins Choi (Soulpepper). A homeless vagabond delivers a message from God in Choi’s performance of songs and spoken words. Previews from Mar 18, opens Mar 22 and runs to Apr 4, see website for schedule. $20-$58. http://soulpepper.ca/

** Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters Adapted by Stephen Briggs (Socratic Theatre Collective). Shakespearean tropes are inverted for comic effect in this adaptation of the novel from the Discworld fantasy series. Opens Mar 20 and runs to Mar 29, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $15. http://socratictheatre.com/

Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies (The TSS Collective). A journalist couple are in sync when on dangerous assignments, but struggle in a domestic environment. Previews Mar 12, opens Mar 13 and runs to Mar 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm (Mar 27 at 7:30 pm), mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$38. http://artsboxoffice.ca/

Toronto Monologue Slam Actors deliver intimate and electrifying performances for a panel of judges. Mar 29, doors 6 pm. $10-$15.http://toslam.com/

Tranny: A Musical Comedy (Mandy Goodhandy). The trans stand-up comedian performs her solo show. Mar 26-28 at 8 pm. $10-$20. In the Cabaret.http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/

** The Unplugging by Yvette Nolan (Native Earth Performing Arts/Factory Theatre). In a post-apocalyptic world, two Aboriginal women are cast out of their village and forced to wander the desolate landscape. Previews from Mar 14, pens Mar 19 and runs to Apr 5, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $23-$45. http://nativeearth.ca/

Listings based on Now! Stage listings.