Shows That Caught Our Eye in Toronto the Week of January 8th, 2018

As 2018 continues on, so does the Next Stage Festival. In addition Toronto is welcoming some musicals and Shakespeare to our stages! Here to choose his most anticipated shows (in red) is our Managing Editor Wayne. Check them out below the cut:

Already reviewed by Mooney on theatre:

Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. Mirvish presents the musical based on the classic children’s book. Music and lyrics by Charlie Fink, adapted by David Greig. The classic fable about greed, pollution and protecting the earth comes to life in a musical for ages 5 and up. Previews from Dec 9, opens Dec 17 and runs to Jan 21, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm (and Dec 14 & 28). $59-$165. At The Royal Alexandra Theatre. Show Info.

And everything else:

Mustard by Kat Sandler (Tarragon Theatre). A teen deals with her drinking mother and an imaginary friend who lives under her bed in this darkly comic fairy tale. Previews from Jan 3, opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm, Wed 1:30 pm. $22-$60, rush $20. At Tarragon Theatre. Show Info.

Calpurnia. Nightwood Theatre and Sulong Theatre present a provocative look at class, race and family dynamics by Audrey Dwyer. A screenwriter seeks to redress To Kill A Mockingbird through the perspective of Calpurnia, the Finch family maid. Previews from Jan 14, opens Jan 17 and runs to Feb 4, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$35, Sun pwyc. At Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Show Info.

Or Not To Be by Andrew Batten (RST). Theatre artists struggle with the question: what is the role of a lifetime? Opens Jan 11 and runs to Jan 28, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (except Jan 13). $15-$20. Ticket links: https://beachdanforth.snapd.com/events/view/1108027 (first 7 shows) https://beachdanforth.snapd.com/events/view/1108041 (last 7 shows). At Red Sandcastle Theatre. Show Info.

My Funny Valentine by Dave Deveau (Zee Zee Theatre). A 15-year-old is murdered after asking another boy to be his Valentine in this play that examines the ripple effect of hatred in a community. Previews on Jan 10, opens on Jan 11 and runs to Jan 21. $20-$30, Sun pwyc at the door. At Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Show Info.

Lear by William Shakespeare (Groundling Theatre). The tragic tale of an aging monarch’s loosening grip on the reigns of power and the slow, lonely descent into madness that follows. Starring Seana McKenna in the title role. Previews from Jan 9, opens Jan 12 and runs to Jan 28, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $46-$69. At Harbourfront Centre. Show Info.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Tarragon). The classic tragedy is re-examined through the lens of rock ‘n’ roll. Previews from Jan 2, opens Jan 10 and runs to Feb 11, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm (see website for Saturday and Wednesday matinees). $20-$60. At Tarragon Theatre. Show info.

The Late Henry Moss by Sam Shepard (Unit 102 Actors Co). Two brothers trying to figure out how their father died unpack themes of family, alcoholism, generational violence and the biased nature of memory. Opens Jan 4 and runs to Jan 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 6 pm. $20-$25, Tue pwyc. At The Assembly Theatre. Show Info.

The Next Stage Theatre Festival. The Toronto Fringe presents a showcase of Canadian indie theatre artists and companies from past Fringe festivals. Featuring theatre, sketch comedy, dance works and more. This year’s shows: Birthday Balloon by Steve Cochrane; Good Morning Viet Mom by Franco Nguyen; The Harold Experience by the Assembly; Jonno by Alix Sobler, Leila Live! by Leila; Moonlight After Midnight by Martin Dockery; Rumspringa Break by Matt Murray, Akiva Romer-Segal and Colleen Dauncey; The Surprise by Christel Bartelse; SwordPlay by Sex T-Rex. Jan 3-14, see website for schedule. $10-$15, passes $48-$90. At Factory Theatre. Show Info.

The Wedding Party by Kristen Thomson (Crow’s Theatre/Talk Is Free Theatre). Comedy about two families, a wedding, mistaken identities and love. Previews from Jan 2, opens Jan 5 and runs to Jan 20, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed & Sat 2 pm. $20-$50. At The Streetcar Crowsnest. Show Info.

The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, Harold Arlen and EY Harburg (LOT). A Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home in this musical based on the classic film. Opens Dec 8 and runs to Feb 18, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun noon and 4 pm. $55-$75. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.

Annie: The Musical by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin, Thomas Meehan (LOT). A plucky orphan finds a home in this family musical. Opens Dec 8 and runs to Jan 14, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 3:30 pm, Sun noon and 4 pm. $50-$70. At The Lower Ossington Theatre. Show Info.

Listings based primarily on NOW! Stage Listings.