Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of August 26, 2019.
We’re almost at the end of summer, and the last week of a lot of great outdoor theatre is rolling around! With the long weekend there is also a lot of interesting new theatre events to fill our last summer hurrah. This week our exceptional editor Samantha is here to highlight the theatre events that she would love to see in red! Take a look at our theatre listings below to see what has caught our eye this week.
Already Reviewed by MoT:
Art. (Soulpepper Theatre Young Centre for the Performing Arts – Distillery District). Friendships are tested when a man’s friends react to his purchase of an expensive painting. Preview shows Aug 9-14, opens Aug 15 and runs to Sep 1, see website for times. $38-$98.
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Come From Away. (Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St). By Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Mirvish). Newfoundlanders open their homes to stranded passengers following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Feb 5-Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Matinees Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$169, Limited rush $25 (premium tickets also available).
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The Ends of the Earth. (Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley) Two men, each of whom is convinced that the other is following him, end up in a run-down hotel run by a strange couple in this story about how fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Preview Aug 22, opens Aug 23 and runs to Sep 1, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $25.
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Measure for Measure (Canadian Stage). (High Park Ampitheatre (1873 Bloor St W) July 4 -September 1. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Tickets are PWYC (suggested $20) at the gate or you can reserve a spot online for $30 (for adults). Admission for children 14 and under is free.
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Much Ado About Nothing (Canadian Stage). (High Park Ampitheatre (1873 Bloor St W). July 4 – September 1. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 8:00 pm. Tickets are PWYC (suggested $20) at the gate or you can reserve a spot online for $30 (for adults). Admission for children 14 and under is free.
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Walking on Bombshells. (Second City, 51 Mercer St.) Second City’s 82nd MainStage Revue features Allana Reoch, PHATT Al, Chris Wilson, Sharjil Rasool, Stacey McGunnigle and Nadine Djoury. From toxic masculinity to turtle murder, this show turns our universal internal monologues into reflections that probably shouldn’t even be legal to say out loud. Runs to Sep 8: Tue-Thu 8 pm; Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 10 pm (and 7:30 pm, starting Jul 27); Sun 7:30 pm. See website for more days and times, exceptions and to buy tickets. $27 & up
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The Winter’s Tale (Withrow Park, 725 Logan St.) The Winter’s Tale (produced by Shakespeare in the Ruff) explores the relationship between repentance and forgiveness in a way that echoes loudly in our modern times. Bring a picnic, meet a neighbour and experience a summer’s night between the trees and beneath the stars. Aug 14 – Sep 2: Tue-Sun 7:30 pm, special Labour Day show Mon Sep 2. PWYC: $20 suggested donation (cash only).
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And Everything Else:
Betrayal. (Young Center for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). by Harold Pinter. (Soulpepper Theatre). An adulterous affair is unpacked in reverse chronology to examine many different kinds of betrayal. Previews Aug 28- Sep 3, Opens Sep 4 – Sep 15, see website for times. $38-$98.
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The Carnival of Wonders – Summer Edition. (Super Wonder Gallery, 584 College). Toronto Magic Company presents a variety show featuring magic, jugglers, games, prizes and a range of performers. Aug 30-31 at 8 pm. $30.
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COME THRU KWEENS (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor W.) Come Thru Kweens is a solo (ish) show from the brain of Ajahnis Charley that is as close to a Beyoncé concert as a sketch show can get. This troupe makes the exploration of marginalized voices more spectacular than a Kanye West performance with a show that’s 50% sketch, 50% concert and 100% fire emoji. Directed by Kirsten Rasmussen. Featuring Lindsay Mckeen and Mark Heeney with special guests Tiyawnda McGregor, Wellesley Robertson and X. Thursday August 29th | 9:30PM $12 Online | $15 General (Door) | $10 Students/Arts Workers (Door)
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Hookup. (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor W.) Bad Dog Theatre presents a weekly Saturday evening improvised romantic comedy based on the lives of two random audience members. Aug 31 9:30 pm. $12-$20.
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Jillian Jiggs. (Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood.) Jillian and her pals dress up and go on adventures in this family show based on the books by Phoebe Gilman. For ages 4 and up. July 6-Sep 2, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22.60.
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Monday Night Lights (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor W.) Genre-parody experts Sex T-Rex team up with an all-star cast to bring you the serialized, unscripted sports melodrama you have always dreamed of but never thought possible. Monday Night Lights takes you to a quiet Amer’can town, equal in its unconditional love of Sports and God. A town that is covered in glory thanks to a dashing star quarterback. But what happens when a tragic accident/drug overdose/family strife/unexpected jaguar attack leaves the QB unable to play in the big game on Monday? That’s for you to decide, because at Monday Night Lights: If you come, we will build it. Featuring: Conor Bradbury, Julian Frid, Ken Hall, Kaitlin Morrow, Ann Pornel, Sharjil Rasool and Chris Wilson.
Monday Night Lights 8pm • the last Monday of every month $10 online or at the door.
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Peter Pan The Musical. (Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst) One of the greatest family adventures to ever play on a theatrical stage, JM Barrie’s much-loved tale takes flight! Featuring a modern soundtrack, this timeless story of the boy who could fly is a theatrical treat for young and old alike, as Peter Pan transports Wendy and the Darlings on an adventure they will never forget! For ages 4 and up. Aug 23 – Sep 22. Fri & Sat 7:30PM, Sat & Sun 3:30PM. $59.99-$69.99.
Show Info
Pirate Life 2019. (Pirate Life Toronto, 333 Lake Shore Blvd E.) Children’s interactive adventure theatre show aboard a 50-foot pirate ship that sails along the harbour. Kids get pirate names, dress in costumes & face paint, fire water cannons and search for sunken treasure. May 4 – Oct 13, see website for schedule. $27.
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Templeton Manor (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor W.) Welcome to Templeton Manor. We’ve been expecting you. (G)hosts Gwynne Phillips and Briana Templeton (The Templeton Philharmonic) reveal terrifying tales from the house’s haunted halls. Each room is a different act, and each show has a different secret guest. Monthly comedy variety show. Templeton Manor | Wednesday August 28 | 8pm $10 General | $5 for Students/Arts Workers
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Urban Tango 2. (Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley). Argento Productions presents a showcase featuring live musicians and dancers. Payadora Tango Ensemble accompanied live by Nene Argento. Aug 31 at 7:30 pm (doors 6 pm). $30-$45
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Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.