Toronto Playlistings for the Week of November 25, 2019

Shows that Caught Our Eye in Toronto for the Week of November 25, 2019

I think that we’re all getting caught up in the pre-holiday season whirlwind!  The weeks are just starting to fly by and fill up with so many things to see and do.  Before getting too enveloped in the snowstorm of December events, this is a great week to catch some live theatre.  What better way to find a calm in the storm before the start of holiday madness than to find a comfy seat in a dark theatre and breath in the creative air?

The number of live performances this week is incredible, and it can just be so hard to choose what to see – so this week Samantha is going to help you out by telling you what shows are tickling her fancy. Check out her ‘red‘ flags to see what has hit her theatre ticket wish list!

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

Between Breaths (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst) by Robert Chafe (Factory/Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland). Inspired by the true story of John Lien and his work of saving whales trapped in fishing nets. Previews Nov 20, opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25-$50.
Show Info

Buffoon (Tarragon Extraspace, 30 Bridgman) by Anosh Irani (Tarragon). Solo tragicomedy about a clown finding love at the circus. Previews from Nov 12, opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $22-$70.
Show Info

Copy That (Tarragon, 30 Bridgman). Renowned playwright Jason Sherman’s caustic look at the entertainment industry, Copy That takes us behind the scenes of network television. Four writers struggle to get their new cop show approved for production. When the team’s only Black writer is roughed up by an actual cop, the fallout threatens to not only kill the show, but expose the systemic racism at the heart of popular entertainment itself. Previews Nov 6-12 ($30, stu/arts workers $23). Open Nov 13 and runs to Dec. 8. See website for showtimes. $57/sr $55/stu&arts workers $29.
Show Info

Here Are The Fragments (Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen W) by Suvendrini Lena (ECT Collective/Theatre Centre). Immersive theatre experience inspired by the psychiatric writing of Frantz Fanon that reflects on the relationships between identity, history, racism and mental health. Previews from Nov 19, opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $22-$30, preview $17.
Show Info

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.
Show Info

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.
Show Info

Portia’s Julius Caesar (Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle) by Kaitlyn Riordan (Hart House Theatre). Feminist adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic reframed to explore the agency of women in Ancient Rome. Opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 30 at 2 pm. $28, srs $20, stu $15.
Show Info

Unconventional Holiday Revue (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City presents a heaping serving of seasonal satire that’s the perfect alternative to those same old holiday shows. Nov 18-Jan 5, evening and matinee shows, see website for schedule. $24-$39.
Show Info

The Wager (Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) by Michael Spence (Theatre Gargantua). This new play looks at our current era of climate denial, anti-vaxxing campaigns and “alternative facts.” The Wager’s exploration was inspired by the real-life story of a 19th-century scientist who accepted a wager to prove that the earth isn’t flat. While he irrefutably won the bet, the flat-earthers refused to see the evidence for what it was and proceeded to ruin the scientist’s life with harassment, lawsuits and death threats.  Previews Nov 14, opens Nov 15 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm. $22-$35. In the MainSpace.
And Everything Else:

The Adventures of Pinocchio (Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E) by Brian Hill and Neil Bartram (YPT). This new musical follows the much-loved marionette on his mischievous quest to become a real human being. Ages 5 & up. Opens Nov 11 and runs to Jan 5, see website for schedule. $10-$54.
Show Info

Between Riverside and Crazy (Coal Mine Theatre, 1454 Danforth) by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Coal Mine Theatre). A man tries to hang on to one of Manhattan’s last rent-stabilized apartments in this drama about the effects of social prejudice. Previews Nov 24, opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $47.50-$55.50, previews/rush $25.
Show Info

Cats (Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W) by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Mirvish). Talented felines frolic at the Jellicle Ball in this classic musical. Opens Nov 27 and runs to Jan 5, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Wed, Sat-Sun 1:30 pm – see website for additional performances. $39-$175.
Show Info

A Christmas Carol (Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen W). The Three Ships Collective & Soup Can Theatre present an adaptation of the holiday classic with original text by Justin Haigh. This original and immersive theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story includes brand new scenes, characters, dialogue and songs. Opens Nov 30 and runs to Dec 22, Tue-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun 5 & 7 pm. $25-$35, preview $20.
Show Info

A Christmas Story (Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington). Based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, A Christmas Story chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Nov 8-Dec 29. See website for showtimes. $60.
Show Info

‘Chunky Salsa’ Comedy Album Release Party (Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas W).  Comedien Martha Chaves is releasing her first comedy album, and is headlining the release show.  Hosted by Kyle Brownrigg an featuring Kate Davis, Brandon Ash Mohammed, Anna Gustafson, and Tom Hearn.  The album is produced by Allison Dore’s Howl and Roar and it will be released on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, Napster, Pandora, Anghami, Medianet, iHeartRadio, KKBox, and Saavan. Tues Nov 26 8:30pm. $25 advance, $30 at the door.
Show Info

Citadel Dance Mix 2019 (The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament). Citadel + Compagnie present a seasonal triple bill featuring choreographers Nova Bhattacharya, Syreeta Hector and Christianne Ullmark. Nov 27-Dec 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $20-$25.
Show Info
Etudes / Piano Concerto #1 / Petite Mort (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W). The National Ballet of Canada presents choreographies by Harald Lander, Alexei Ratmansky and Jiří Kylián. Nov 27-Dec 1, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. Tickets start at $41 and vary by performance date. Standing Room locations start at $12 and are available in person on the day of the performance.

Show Info

Every Day She Rose (Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander) by Andrea Scott and Nick Green (Nightwood Theatre). The personal becomes political for two best friends when racial and queer politics collide at the 2016 Toronto Pride parade. Previews from Nov 23, opens Nov 26 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $35, stu/srs/arts workers/previews $25. Rush tickets Tue-Thu $20, Sun PWYC.
Show Info

Dammit Jim, I’m a Comedienne, Not a Doctor! (The Social Capital, 154 Danforth). Sketch show by Polly Esther about obsessively delving into the entire Star Trek universe. Tues Nov 26 at 9:30 pm. $20.
Show Info

HaHa for the Holidays (Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W). Family-friendly variety show with songs, silly stand-up and maybe just a little holiday mischief. Hosted by Hisham Kelati, featuring various performers. Nov 16-Dec 7, Saturday 3 pm. $12.
Show Info

Impulse 2019 (Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester). The School of Toronto Dance Theatre presents IMPULSE 2019, an ambitious main-stage performance of ensemble works, showcasing dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program. Choreography by Kate Alton, Marc Boivin, Pulga Muchochoma, Darryl Tracy, and Apolonia Velasquez. Nov 28-Dec 7, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $17-$22.
Show Info

Katya Kabanova (Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E). VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert presents the three-act opera by Leoš Janáček, bsed on The Thunderstorm by Russian playwright Ostrovsky. Dec 1 at 2:30 pm. $20-$50.
Show Info

Lil’ Red Robin Hood (Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge) by Matt Murray (Ross Petty Productions). Family-friendly holiday musical set in Sherway Gardens Forest featuring pop tunes, ad libs and audience participation. Previews from Nov 29, opens Dec 6 and runs to Jan 4, see website for schedule. $27-$99.
Show Info

A Million Billion Pieces (Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front E) by David James Brock & Gareth Williams (YPT). Two teens are isolated by a rare disease that could prove deadly if they make contact. Ages 13 & up. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Dec 13, see website for schedule. $19-$24.
Show Info

Planet Munsch (Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House). George Brown Theatre presents an all-ages show based on the stories of Robert Munsch. The show is suitable for children 3 years of age and up. Public performances Nov 30 and Dec 7, 10:30 am & 1 pm (school bookings Nov 27-Dec 6). Adults $25, srs $20, stu $10.
Show Info

Poly Queer Love Ballad (Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) by Anais West and Sara Vickruc (TPM). Two women meet at an open mic and try to reconcile their mutual attraction with their opposing perspectives on love. Previews Nov 26, opens Nov 27 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $17-$33.
Show Info

Soldier On (Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley) by Jonathan Lewis (The Soldiers’ Arts Academy). A company of ex-soldiers become a company of actors and deal with trauma and belonging. Previews from Nov 26, opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec 8, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm. $35-$90.
Show Info

STARS: Together (Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw). Crow’s Theatre presents a musical by Stars, Chris Abraham and Zack Russell that is part rock-doc, part tragicomic fantasy created by indie-rock band Stars. Previews from Nov 26, opens Nov 29 and runs to Dec 15, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm (and Dec 4). $30-$55.
Show Info

Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Review (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front E). This fusion of film, dance and music takes audiences on a journey through modern Indian culture and society. Opens Nov 23 and runs to Dec 1, Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Thu 2 pm (and Nov 30). $49-$79.
Show Info

They’re Listening (The Collective Space, 221 Sterling). Echo Productions presents an original Canadian work  that takes place in an alternate, post-apocalyptic universe some time after “The Collapse”. With civilization fractured, two factions emerge to squabble over the scraps, both under the dominance of “Upstairs”. Opens Nov 28 and runs to Dec. 6. See website for schedule.  $25.
Show Info

What the Elf?! (Second City, 51 Mercer). Second City presents a musical extravaganza about the holiday season for kids, parents, grandparents, siblings and reindeer of all ages. Includes brand new scenes for 2019, improv and  original songs by Jay McCarrol. Nov 30-Jan 3, matinee performances at 2 and 4:30 pm, see website for schedule details. $18, child $14.
Show Info

Wife (Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas W). Love Letters Cabaret presents a two-woman show featuring burlesque stars Pastel Supernova and Rosie Mae. Nov 28 at 10 pm (doors 9:30 pm). $35 (VIP $60).
Show Info

Some listings based on NOW! Stage Listings.