Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of October 28, 2019

Happy Hallowe’en!  Blessed Samhain!  Feliz Dia de Muertos!  I hope you all enjoy the many spooky events going on this week. If you’re as worried about this week’s impending sugar coma as I am, maybe checking out some theatre will curb your cravings for those many mini wrapped treats.  After all, you can’t open them in the dark silence of a performance!

Not only are there many great shows whose runs continue this week, but there is something for everyone in the new theatre, opera, sketch comedy and stand-up taking the stage.  And  – no surprise because it’s the week to celebrate all things eerie – there are some fantastic pieces showcasing all things supernatural and unearthly this week. I – Leanne – am on the job this week of letting you know in red what shows have made my personal ‘Theatre to See’ list this week.

Already Reviewed by MoT:

Alegria (Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Rd W). Cirque du Soleil reinterprets its 1994 show with new acrobatics, visual design and musical arrangements. Led by an intangible wind of change, the show tells the story of an emerging movement that strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Opens Sep 12 and runs to Dec 1, see website for schedule. $59-$290.
Show Info

Almighty Voice and His Wife (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House)by Daniel David Moses (Soulpepper Theatre). Drama based on a true story about a Cree man on the run from the RCMP in 1800s Canada. Previews begin Oct 11. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 10, see website for times. $38-$98.
Show Info

La Cantatrice chauve (The Bald Soprano) (Berkeley St. Theatre, 26 Berkeley) by Eugène Ionesco. (Théâtre français de Toronto). Absurd comedy about the banalities that consume their daily life of the bourgeoisie. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 3, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$49, Wed-Thu PWYC.
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Ghost Quartet (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw) by Dave Malloy (Crow’s Theatre/Eclipse Theatre Company). Interwoven narratives spanning 7 centuries run through this haunted song cycle about love, death and whiskey. Opens Oct 5 and runs to Nov 10 (EXTENDED!), Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $27-$47.
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Girl From the North Country (Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W) by Conor McPherson (Mirvish). This musical using the songs of Bob Dylan looks in on a tense community in 1934 Minnesota. Previews from Sep 28, opens Oct 6 and runs to Nov 24, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$175.
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If I Could #Throwback Time (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City’s 83rd sketch comedy revue basks in the neon glow of nostalgia, mining comedy gold from ancient treasures like old school video games, Power Rangers and Canada’s long, complicated history of sweeping social injustices. Previews from Sep 10.Opens Oct 10 and runs to Jan 9th: Tue-Thu 8 pm; Fri 7:30 pm; Sat 7:30 & 10 pm. See website for more days and times, exceptions and to buy tickets. $28 & up.
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The Jungle (Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman)by Anthony MacMahon and Thomas McKechnie (Tarragon). Two hard-working immigrants find love between shifts in Toronto. Previews from Oct 1, opens Oct 9 and runs to Nov 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $22-$70. ExtraSpace.
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Pass Over (Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander) by Antoinette Nwandu (Obsidian Theatre). Two young men hanging out on the corner have their dreams derailed by a stranger with his own agenda. Previews from Oct 22, opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $35-$40, stu/srs/arts workers $25, previews $15-$20. Some rush PWYC tickets available, see website for details.
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Piaf/Dietrich: A Legendary Affair (CAA Theatre 651 Yonge St). Mirvish presents a musical drama that explores the fascinating friendship between show business legends. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $39-$129.
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She Kills Monsters (Sweet Action Theatre, 180 Shaw #105) by Qui Nguyen (Daisy Productions). Two sisters set forth on a badass adventure through a world of demons, dragons and D20s. Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $25.
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Trout Stanley (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst) by Claudia Dey (Factory). Orphaned twins who’ve isolated themselves from the world meet a mysterious runaway on their 30th birthday. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$50.
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And Everything Else:

The Beverly Street Seance (starts at Sin & Redemption, 136 McCaul; moves to George Brown House, 186 Beverly). Mentalist Jaymes White presents a recreation of an authentic Victorian séance at one of the city’s most haunted locations. This soul-shaking psychological experience is not intended for the weak or faint of heart. Restricted to ages 18+.  Sep 13-Nov 30, see website for days and times. $59.99.
Show Info

But That’s Another Story (Free Times Cafe, 320 College). The monthly showcase continues with stories “By Women, About Women and For Women”… and men. Hosted and co-produced by Christel Bartelse, the evening features Jean Bubba, Nat Charles, Alex Dallas, Debbie Fein-Goldbach and Tracey Erin Smith. Nov 3 at 7 pm. $10
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The Cult of Dalkhilu (Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson). A reclusive horror writer, trapped in her tiny apartment by intense agoraphobia, struggles to finish the final novel in her feverishly popular series. The pressure increases as her dangerous and demented fan base discover her real identity and begin visiting her with violent and gruesome offerings. The line between fact and fiction is blurred when she learns that the demonic cult from her novels has become a reality and they are worshipping her as their prophet. Weary and weathered, a lone Detective must face the demons of his own haunted past in order to uncover the source of the madness before it consumes them all.  Opens Oct 24 and runs to Nov 2, 7:30 pm. Sat 2:00pm. $25, Tues PWYC.
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Dead Parents Society (Buddies in Bad Times, 10 Alexander). Dark sketch comedy revue by Shohana Sharmin about losing a parent at a young age, staring Sharmin, Carolyne Das, King Chiu, Anne McMaster and Jacqueline Twomey. Directed by Kirsten Rasmussen. Nov 1-2 at 8 pm. $20 advance, $25 at the door.
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Drink of Choice (Factory Theatre Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst). You play the Customer. The drink you choose will decide the Bartender’s story. A create-your-own-adventure semi autobiographical piece, Drink of Choice examines sexual identity, especially the often overlooked and misunderstood conceptions of being asexual. Opens Oct 23 and runs to Nov 3. Check website for times. $25.
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The Ethnic Rainbow: A QPOC Comedian Showcase ( Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W). Comedy show featuring exclusively queer comedians of colour, with Non Gratas, Daphney Jo, Bethany Daniels, Jade Niles Craig & headliner Meg MacKay.  Nov 2 at 10 pm. $10 online, $15 at the door.
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The Ghost Light Anthology: Cataclysm (Majlis Art Garden, 163 Walnut). A tragic event forces six former camp counsellors to return to the camp that both forged and destroyed their bond. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Oct 31, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $13. Cash only at the door, or purchase advance tickets online.
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The Good Thief (Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth) by Conor McPherson (Fly on the Wall Theatre). A small-time thug becomes a fugitive after a routine job goes awry. Opens Oct 19 and runs to Oct 29, Tue 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $20.
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In The Abyss (The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament). Citadel + Compagnie present a dance-theatre piece choreographed by Aria Evans / Political Movement, about the inescapable connections between the galaxies beyond us and our earth bound lives. Oct 30-Nov 2, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $25.
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Let’s Run Away (Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley). The World Premiere of Daniel MacIvor and Daniel Brooks’ newest collaboration. Chronicling the life of Peter who finds his estranged mother’s memoir after her death, the eccentric Peter reads aloud the story of his life as told sometimes incorrectly by his mother. Let’s Run Away is a touching story of love and abandonment, and MacIvor is glorious in this captivating solo performance. Preview Oct. 31. Opens Nov. 1 and runs to Nov. 17. $49-$79. See website for show times.
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Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria) Opera Atelier presents the story of an incorrigible young playboy blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day in this outrageous comedy opera. Performed in Italian with English surtitles. Opens Oct 31 and runs to Nov 9: Oct 31, Nov 2 and 8 at 7:30 pm; Nov 3 at 3 pm; Nov 9 at 4:30 pm. $39-$194.
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A Night at The Bronze – A Buffy Tribute Night (Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander). Cardboard Sword Collective presents a live read-through and sing-through of one of Joss Whedon’s most beloved episodes of Buffy: Once More With Feeling. Followed by a dance party. 7 & 9 pm. $25, dance party only $15 (10:30 pm).
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Nobody’s Talking to Me (Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley). Toronto Irish Players present a play by Tommy Marren. This comedy takes place in rural Ireland 1968, on the eve of the 40th wedding anniversary of Maggie and Mattie Conway – who haven’t spoke a single word to each other in 10 years. Previews Oct 17, opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 2, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $27, stu/srs $25, preview $15.
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst).  Based on the Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. Opens Oct 4 and runs to Nov 3. See website for show dates and times. $49-$79.
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The Rocky Horror Show (Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington) by Richard O’Brien (LOT). A newly engaged couple land in the home of a mad scientist in this schlocky cult classic. Opens Sep 27 and runs to Nov 10, Thu-Sat, see website for times. $40.
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Templeton Manor Halloween Special (Bad Dog Comedy, 875 Bloor W). The Templeton Philharmonic present stand-up comedy by Chris Locke, dance by Sarah Murphy-Dyson, special appearance by comedian/actor Chris Sandiford, a costume contest and more.  Oct. 30 at 9:30 pm. $10.
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Weird Two Presents: The Weird Itch Project (The Social Capital, 154 Danforth). Spooky sketch comedy show with Weird Town Comedy and guest Jennifer Ashleigh Lloyd. 2nd floor. Oct. 30 9:30 pm. $5 ($4 w/ costume).
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Wiesenthal (Nazi Hunter) (Meridian Arts Center, 5040 Yonge) by Tom Dugan (Teatron Theatre). Dugan portrays the famous Holocaust survivor who brought hundreds of Nazi war criminals to justice in this solo show. Opens Nov 3 and runs to Nov 10, Tue-Thu & Sat 7:30 pm (and Nov 10), mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $38-$48
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The Wild Guys (Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery Rd).  A Canadian comedy about four very different middle-aged men who end up on weekend getaway together in the bush. Their reasons for being there may differ, but as the weekend progresses, walls get broken down and communication begins to flow, we discover that their needs aren’t so different after all. Opens Oct 25 and runs to Nov 3. Thurs-Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm. $25, stu $17.
Show Info

Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.