Playlistings in Toronto for the week of August 21st

Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of August 21st, 2017

Happy solar eclipse day, Toronto! For your theatre viewing pleasure this week, Toronto’s stages have Shakespeare, a dishonest Wizard, Pirates, GAGA, and much more! Check them out below the cut:

Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:

Shakespeare in High Park: King Lear(Canadian Stage/York U Theatre Dept). The classic tragedy is staged outdoors. Previews from Jun 29, opens Jul 13 and runs to Sep 2. Pwyc, $25 reserved seating. In the Amphitheatre, High Park. Show Info.

And everything else:

Lady Gaga: #Artbirth by Athena Reich and Jack Trinco (Sara Schwartz Geller Productions). AthenaReich plays the pop icon, who’s decided to give birth in front of fans as a performance art piece in pop/comedy show. Opens Aug 24 and runs to Sep 3, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $35-$45. At Berkeley Street Theatre. Show Info.

Shut Up, No One Cares. Anne and Paula present & host a live storytelling show combined with multimedia (video, photos, illustrations, etc). Aug 24 at 7:30 pm. $10, available on eventbrite.ca. At The Gladstone Hotel. Show Info.

Pippi: The Strongest Girl in the World. by Astrid Lindgren (Fourth Gorgon Theatre). In this adaptation, Pippi is surprised by her pirate crew who show up to take everyone on a musical sailing adventure. Opens Aug 23 and runs to Sep 4, Tue-Sun 7 pm, mat Sat, Sun (and Sep 4) at 1:30 pm. $25. At Pirate Life Toronto. Show Info.

Two Gentlewomen of Verona. Presented by Dauntless City Theatre. BFFs Proteus and Valentine find themselves interested in the same man in this adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare, performed outdoors in the park. Opens Aug 4 and runs to Aug 27, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 pm. Pwyc. At Berczy Park. Show Info.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare in the Ruff). The romantic comedy is performed outdoors. Previews from Aug 15, opens Aug 18 and runs to Sep 3, Tue-Sun 8 pm. Pwyc. At Withrow Park. Show Info.

Territorial Tales. Shakespeare In High Park presents three short plays based on themes of displacement, migration and the recapturing of spirit, penned by selected participants of Canadian Stage’s 2017 youth engagement program. Performed before the SIHP feature play (King Lear or Twelfth Night). Opens Aug 3 and runs to Sep 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm. Free/pwyc. At the Amphitheatre in High Park. See website for more info on the show & cast. Show Info.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical book by Douglas McGrath (Paul Blake/Sony/ATV Music). The story of King’s rise to stardom as a composer and singer-songwriter, marriage and divorce to writing partner Gerry Goffin and friendships with other musical artists. Opens Jun 27 and runs to Sep 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 2 pm (no show Jul 1). $50-$149. At Ed Mirvish Theatre. Show Info.

The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, Harold Arlen and EY Harburg (LOT). A girl and her dog travel over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home in this musical based on the classic film. Opens Jun 16 and runs to Aug 27, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun noon and 4 pm. $50-$70. At The Lower Ossington Theatre.  Show Info.

Pirate Life Children’s Theatre. Kids can dress in costume, get face paint tattoos and help discover the mystery of the treasure map in this interactive theatrical show/boat cruise. Opens May 6 and runs to Oct 8, Sat-Sun until Jun 25, daily Jun 26-Sep 4, weekends to Oct 9. Various times from 10:30 am-5 pm. $25. At Island Rogue. Show Info.

Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings