Playlistings for the Week of August 31, 2015

Shows That Caught Our Eyes in Toronto the Week of August 31st, 2015

There are plenty of great theatre options to choose from this week. We’ve highlighted those we’d most like to see in red text. Check it out below the cut!

Babelle et Barbarie   Collectif BUS 1.2.3. presents a multimedia and multilingual theatre performance. Live video, live music, humour and visual poetry are used in the search for meaning in a cacophony of media. Sep 2-5, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10.  Winchester Street Theatre  80 Winchester, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1B2  Show Info

** Big Plans. by Jeremy Taylor (Theatre Brouhaha/Storefront Arts Initiative). Two men meet on the internet and look to turn fantasy into gruesome reality in this dark comedy based on the story of the Rotenburg Cannibal. Opens Sep 3 and runs to Sep 20, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$25, Sep 9 pwyc.  The Storefront Theatre 955 Bloor W,  Show Info

The Bicycle Opera Project: Shadow Box  Bicycle-commuting singers present eight contemporary opera scenes with one vision: exploring our mind’s relationship to memory. Sep 5 at 8 pm. $17.  Also Sep 4 at Curbside Cycle (412 Bloor W); and Sep 6 at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview). See website for details and to buy tickets.  Music Gallery 197 John  Show Info

Empire.  Spiegelworld presents burlesque artists, live musicians, foot jugglers, contortionists, daredevil roller skaters and others create a 21st-century circus/cabaret spectacle. Previews from Sep 1, opens Sep 8 and runs to Sep 27, Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat 8 pm; Thu-Sat 10 pm (except Sep 3 at 8 pm); Sun 7 pm. $45-$129.  Spiegeltent at Harbourfront 318 Queens Quay W, at Rees  Show Info

Full House the Musical! A Tanner Family Parody! by Bob and Tobly McSmith (Starvox Entertainment). Wholesome dad Danny Tanner discovers his dark side in this unauthorized musical parody of the late 80s/early 90s sitcom. Previews from Aug 18, opens Aug 26 and runs to Sep 6, Tue-Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 4 & 8 pm. $30-$100  At
Randolph Theatre 736 Bathurst Street (1 block south of Honest Ed’s)

** The Last Five Years  by Jason Robert Brown (Vanier College Productions). All-female version of the musical about two New Yorkers in their 20s who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. Opens Aug 28 and runs to Sep 6, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, stu $12.  At Fred Thury Studio Theatre, 258 Vanier College.  Tickets can be purchased online until 4 hours prior to curtain on the day of the performance, or at the door (cash only) subject to availability starting one hour prior to the start of the performance.  To reach the theatre, take the stairs or elevator on the east side of Vanier College to the second floor.  Show Info

Happy Place  by Pamela Mala Sinha (Soulpepper Theatre). This play looks at seven women living amidst each other in extraordinary of circumstances. Previews from Sep 4, opens Sep 10 and runs to Oct 17, see website for schedule. $29.50-$94. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane  Show Info

** Holodeck Follies. The Dandies present their improvised Star Trek adventure based on audience suggestion. With variety acts Ron Sparks, Elizabeth Rose Morriss and Rocket Scientists. 8 pm. $10. The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth, Show Info

The Second City Fall 2015 Mainstage Revue. Previews of Second City’s latest sketch comedy revue. Preview performances begin July 14.  Tickets starting at $25. Performances every Tuesday to Sunday. Official Opening in August (date tbd). Tue-Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 7:30 pm. $25, stu $16-$18.  Show Info

** Superhero! A Bam! Zap! Pow! Murder Mystery Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre presents an interactive dinner-theatre whodunit set at a superhero convention. Runs to Oct 31, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm (dinner from 6:30 pm), see website for mats. $37-$87. Show Info

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

Vampire Campfire A silly gang of ghouls spend summer at a remedial camp for monsters in this all-ages interactive music and sketch show. To Sep 3, Wed-Thu 1 pm. $14, family 4-pack $45.  Show Info

** Varekai (Cirque du Soleil). A young man parachutes down into the shadows of a magical forest at the summit of a volcano in this show featuring acrobatics, music, dance and design. Opens Sep 2 and runs to Sep 6, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 5 pm, mats Fri-Sat 4 pm, Sun 1:30 pm. $50-$120. Air Canada Centre 40 Bay  Show Info

 

Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage listings.