Playlistings in Toronto for the Week of June 22, 2015

Shows That Caught Our Eye This Week

This week in Toronto theatre brings you a mix of one-person performances, tales based on various historical events, movement, Queer Pride programming, and the LuminaTO festival. I’ve highlighted the shows that our editor Mike would love to see this week in red text. Perhaps they’ll also strike your fancy, or you may find something else that’ll tickle your interest.

Already Reviewed by Mooney on Theatre:

 

Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn (Soulpepper). Three beleaguered couples’ lives are thrown into chaos by a fourth whose marriage is on the rocks in this comedy. May 1 to Jun 27, see website for schedule. $29.50-$94. http://soulpepper.ca/ 

The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds. adapted by Anton Piatigorsky (Soulpepper). Otherworldly forces affect a bride in an Eastern European village in this adaptation of the play by S. Ansky. Previews from May 14, opens May 21 and runs to Jun 27, see website for schedule. $29.50-$94. View Show Info

How to Kill a Comedian. Second City presents its Spring 2015 Mainstage revue.  Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm, plus Sat 10 pm. $25-$45, stu $16-$18. http://secondcity.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 June 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $29-$130. http://mirvish.com/

** Trudeau and Lévesque. by Michael Hollingsworth (VideoCabaret/Soulpepper). The Prime Minister and the father of Quebec separatism bang heads in this history play. Previews from Apr 27, opens May 2 and runs to Jun 27, see website for schedule. $26-$56.  View Show Info

 

 And the Rest…

 

Apocalypsis. Toronto conductor David Fallis brings Schafer’s signature soundscapes to life, leading a team close to 20 conductors and their ensembles on stage to rejoice in humanity’s potential for rebirth in a celebration of life and hope, with solo performances from multi-disciplinary artist Nina Arsenault, Tony Award-winner Brent Carver, dancer Denise Fujiwara, Polaris Prize-winner Tanya Tagaq, rising New Zealand opera star Kawiti Waetford, and the voice of renowned performance artist Laurie Anderson. – Jun 26 at 8 pm $66-159  Show Info

Bitch Salad: Pride Queer Pride 2015 presents female and queer comedy w/ Carla Collins, Ted Morris, Emma Hunter, Heidi Brander, Ashley Moffat, the Cheeto Girls and host Andrew Johnston. Jun 26 at 8 pm. $25. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander St. Show Info

First Day Back. by Rob Salerno (Ten Foot Pole Theatre). High school students meet to talk about their classmate’s suicide and find a way to end the systemic bullying and abuse he suffered. Previews Jun 9-10, opens Jun 11 and runs to Jun 27, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $10-$25.  Visit Event Website

Good News Toronto: Pride-AM-by-North-Jazz-Fest. Korri Birch presents a live-news-parody show featuring improv, comedy and music by Chelsea Larkin, Zacharie Weingarten, Matt Shury, Shirley Whalen and others. Jun 26 at 8 pm. $5. Comedy Bar 945 Bloor W, Toronto, Ontario http://facebook.com/GoodNewsTorontoTheShow

Kinky Boots. by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper (Mirvish). A man inherits a shoe company and teams up with a drag queen in this musical based on the 2005 film. Previews from Jun 16, opens Jun 28 and runs to Sep 27, see website for schedule and prices.  Show Info

Lot and His God by Howard Barker (Desiderata Theatre Co). Set in a grimy cafe just hours before the annihilation of Sodom, an angel compels Lot and his wife to flee the city. Opens Jun 12 and runs to Jun 28, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $15-$25. http://facebook.com/desideratatheatrecompany

Musement Toronto Dance Project presents a showcase featuring emerging dance professionals. Jun 24-26, Wed-Fri 8 pm. $25. Winchester Street Theatre 80 Winchester, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1B2 Show Info

Malpaso Dance Company Luminato Festival presents the Cuban contemporary dance company sharing a slice of Havana through movement and music. Jun 24-26, Wed-Fri 8 pm. $29-$85.50. Fleck Dance Theatre 207 Queens Quay W, Toronto, Ontario http://luminatofestival.com/

Release the Stars:  The Ballad of Randy and Evi Quaid  by Amanda Barker and Daniel Krolik.  The hit of the 2012 Toronto Fringe and the 2014 NextStage festivals that brought the iconic Quaids out of hiding; is an exploration of pop culture, grief, and how they intertwine.  June 23 & 24, 8pm.  Storefront Theatre, 955 Bloor Street West.  Tickets $16.50.http://releasethestars.brownpapertickets.com/

** Starf#ckery (Queer Pride 2015). David Benjamin Tomlinson performs his solo show about rampaging divas, obsessed fans, red carpet disasters and other tales of life on the film festival circuit. Jun 25 at 8 pm in the Cabaret. $15-$20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/

Under the Big Top; Famous People Players presents a black light theatre show for all ages about the magic of the circus. Opens Jun 26 and runs to Oct 28, Tue-Sat, call/see website for times. Show Info

 

Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage listings.