☛ TORONTO ✭ SEPTEMBER 2018 ☚

---Larger Theatres--- 

Come From Away  (musical) by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.  On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland.  Opened Feb 13, 2018, booking to Apr 28, 2019.  Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.  Runtime: 1h40m.  ✭✭✭✭✭  

The Dybbuk  (drama) by S. Ansky.  A young woman is possessed by the spirit of her dead beloved.  In Hebrew with English & Russian surtitles.  Opens Sep 29, runs to 30.  Elgin Theatre, https://showoneproductions.ca/event/gesher-theaters-the-dybbuk-20180929.

Eugene Onegin  (opera) by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  An aristocrat spurns the love of a young girl only to regret it later.  In Russian with English surtitles.  Opens Sep 30, runs to Nov 3.  Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca. 

Nitro Circus: You Got This  (circus) by Travis Pastrana.  The best athletes in FMX, BMX, Scooter and Inline, including multiple X Games medalists and several Nitro World Games champions.  Sep 30 only.  Scotiabank Arena, https://nitrocircus.com/event/toronto-ontario.

---Smaller Theatres (Professional)---  

Anna Bolena  (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti.  Henry VIII has fallen in love with Jane Seymour and wants to rid himself of his wife Anne.  In concert.  Sep 7 only.  College St. United Church, 452 College St, 416-455-2365, http://operabyrequest.ca. 

Bed and Breakfast  (comedy) by Mark Crawford.  A gay couple opens a B&B in a small Ontario tourist town.  Opened Aug 16, runs to Sep 8.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, http://www1.soulpepper.ca.  Runtime: 2h15m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

Becoming Banksy  (comedy) by Cory Terry & Elan Wolf Farbiarz.  A confused tourist is mistaken for the world's most famous (and anonymous) artist.  Opens Sep 26, runs to Oct 14.  The Redwood, 1300 Gerrard St. East, www.becomingbanksy.com.

The Best Is Yet To Come Undone  (revue) by The Second City.  A brand new comedy commute down the hyper-conscious highway. Opened Apr 9, booking to Dec 30, 2018.  The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/spring-2018-revue-2.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

Bi Arts Festival  (festival).  The world’s largest bisexual arts festival celebrates bisexual voices in arts and culture.  Opens Sep 18, runs to Sep 23.  Various venues, www.biartsfestival.com. 

The Children  (drama) by Lucy Kirkwood.  Two retired scientists live a seemingly quiet life in the aftermath of a devastating catastrophe at a nearby nuclear power station.  Previews from Sep 25, opens Sep 27, runs to Oct 21.  Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs, 416-368-3110, www.canadianstage.com.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✭ 

Don Giovanni  (opera) by W.A. Mozart.  The infamous serial seducer of women finally meets his comeuppance.  In concert.  Sep 14 only.  College St. United Church, 452 College St, 416-455-2365, http://operabyrequest.ca. 

Dr. Silver: A Celebration of Life  (musical) by Anika Johnson & Britta Johnson.  Celebrate the life of the mysterious and magnetic spiritual leader Dr. Leonard P. Silver.  Runs Sep 13-Oct 14.  Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave., www.doctorsilver.ca.  Runtime: 1h50m.  ✭✭✭✭✩  

Dry Land  (drama) by Ruby Rae Spiegel.  A play about abortion, female friendship and resiliency.  Previews from Sep 5, opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 22.  Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St. West, https://theassemblytheatre.com.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

Der fliegende Holländer  (opera) by Richard Wagner.  A Dutchman cursed to travel forever will only find peace if he finds true love.  In concert.  Sep 28 only.  College St. United Church, 452 College St, 416-455-2365, http://operabyrequest.ca. 

Gay Play Day 2018  (festival).  An LGBTQ theatre festival of short new work.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 8.  Alumnae Studio Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, http://gayplayday.blogspot.ca.

Gertrude and Alice  (drama) by Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry.  Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas have a look at the present day.  Previews from Sep 15, opens Sep 20, runs to Oct 7.  Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 416-975-8555, http://buddiesinbadtimes.com.  Runtime: 75m.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

Groundswell Festival  (festival).  A festival of contemporary women’s theatre.  Opens Sep 24, runs to Sep 30.  Dancemakers Studio, Distillery District, www.nightwoodtheatre.net/index.php/whats_on/groundswell_festival_2018. 

Harlem Duet  (drama) by Djanet Sears.  A college professor leaves his grad student wife for a white colleague.  Previews from Sep 18, opens Sep 26, runs to Oct 28.  Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 416-531-1827, http://tarragontheatre.com.  Runtime: 2h45m.  ✭✭✭✭✭   

Heathers The Musical: In Concert  (musical) by Laurence O’Keefe & Kevin Murphy.  A rebellious teen and the school bad boy plot the end of the high school’s ruling clique.  In concert.  Opened Aug 31, runs to Sep 2.  Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie St., www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3551818. 

I Call myself Princess  (drama) by Jani Lauzon.  A modern-day Métis student learns about cultural appropriation from a 1918 opera about mezzo soprano Tsianina Redfeather.  Previews from Sep 9, opens Sep 13, runs to Sep 30.  Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. East, 416-531-1402, http://www.cahoots.ca/shows/princess.  Runtime: 2h5m.  ✭✭✭✩✩   

Isaac’s Eye  (comedy) by Lucas Hnath.  Isaac Newton tries to convince Robert Hooke that he is worthy of joining the esteemed Royal Society.  Opens Sep 29, runs to Oct 20.  Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, www.unit102actors.com.

Little Mahagonny  (opera) by Kurt Weill.  A reduced version of Weill’s opers the The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.  In concert.  Sep 25 only.  Gallery 345, 345 Soraunen Ave, 416-922-2147, www.eventbrite.ca/e/opera-salon-little-mahagonny-tickets-50075635574.

Magic Tonight  (magic).  James Alan presents a weekly live magic show with guest magicians.  Every Sunday.  The Cage, 292 College St., 416-995-1736, www.magictonight.ca/tickets/.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream  (comedy) by William Shakespeare.  Two couples escape into an enchanted forest.  Opened Jul 13, runs to Sep 2.  High Park Amphitheatre, 416-368-3110, www.canadianstage.com. 

A Number  (drama) by Caryl Churchill.  A grown son finds out he may be a clone.  Runs Sep 12-22.  Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie St, https://solarstage.on.ca.

Opera Briefs: Tasting Shorts  (operas).  Four of Canadian singers present the works of eight composers and librettists.  Opens Sep 13, runs to Sep 16.  Ernest Balmer Studio, Distillery District, https://tapestryopera.com/tapestry-briefs-2018. 

Play with Your Food  (plays).  A quartet of short plays about food.  Opens Sep 14, runs Sep 15-16.  Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen St East, www.riverside-to.com/organizer/unspoken-theatre-company-2.   

Portia’s Julius Caesar  (drama) by Kaitlyn Riordan & William Shakespeare.  An adaptation of Shakespeare’s play that looks at Julius Caesar from the Roman’s women’s perspective.  Opened Aug 16, runs to Sep 3.  Withrow Park, http://shakespeareintheruff.com. 

Portrait of a Scandal  (drama) by Anna Jaeger.  A burlesque-inspired version of the 18th-century novel Les Liaisons dangereuses.  Opens Sep 5, runs Sep 6, 12 & 13.  Revival Bar, 783 College St, www.highsocietycabaret.com. 

The Producers  (musical) by Mel Brooks.  A musical stage version of the movie The Producers.  Runs Sep 8-Nov 11.  Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington Ave., https://tickets.ticketwise.com/event/the-producers-toronto.

The Rocky Horror Show  (musical) by Richard O’Brien.  Brad and Janet seek shelter in the castle of the mad transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter.  Runs Sep 21-Nov 17.  Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington Ave., https://tickets.ticketwise.com/event/the-rocky-horror-show-toronto.

Romeo and Juliet  (tragedy) by William Shakespeare.  Children of feuding families fall in love.  Opened Jul 12, runs to Sep 2.  High Park Amphitheatre, 416-368-3110, www.canadianstage.com.   

Salomé: Woman of Valor (drama) by Adeena Karasick & Frank London.  A new take on the biblical story that refutes Oscar Wilde’s view of the character.  Sep 2 only.  Harbourfront Centre Theatre, www.ashkenaz.ca/dt_portfolio/salome-woman-valor. 

Sharon, Bram  & Friends  (children).  The popular children’s entertainers lead a sing-along celebration.  Opens Sep 28, runs to Oct 3.  Young People’s Theatre, 416-862-2222, www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca.    

She The People  (revue) by The Second City.  A sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by women.  Opened Aug 11, runs to Nov 25.  The Second City, 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/she-the-people-5.  Runtime: 100m.  ✭✭✭✩✩ 

Sisters  (drama) by Rosamund Small.  Two sisters live happily in turn of the century New York until a handsome clockmaker comes to call.  Opened Aug 29, runs to Sep 16.  Young Centre, 416-866-8666, http://www1.soulpepper.ca.  Runtime: 90m.  ✭✭✭✩✩     

Sound of the Beast  (drama) by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard.  A bold and brutally honest take about policing in black communities.  Opens Sep 28, runs to Sep 29.  Theatre Passe Muraille, 416-768-1572, www.passemuraille.ca.

Toronto International BuskerFest  (festival).  Over 100 buskers from Canada and around the world show off their amazing talents.  Opened Aug 31, runs to Sep 3.  Woodbine Park, http://torontobuskerfest.com.

Toronto The Good  (drama) by Andrew Moodie.  Accusations of racial profiling are levelled against a Toronto police officer after she arrests a black man for illegal firearm possession.  Opens Sep 6, runs to Sep 9.  Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 416-975-8555, http://buddiesinbadtimes.com.     

The Valley  (drama) by Joan McLeod.  The fallout after a police officer injures a depressed teen during an arrest.  Preview Sep 13, opens Sep 14, runs to Sep 23.  Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson Ave,  https://ca.patronbase.com/_ArtsBoxOffice/Productions.    

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show  (children) by Jonathan Rockefeller.  A retelling of four books by Eric Carle using 75 puppets.  For ages 2-6.  Sat & Sun, Jul 21 to Sep 30.  Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave, 1-888-324-6282, http://hungrycaterpillarshow.com/toronto. 

---Smaller Theatres (Community & Student)---

Crimes of the Heart  (comedy) by Beth Henley.  Babe reunites with her two sisters to make sense of their most recent misfortunes.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 29.  [community]  The Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor St. West, 416-767-7702, www.villageplayers.net. 

Dear Charles  (comedy) by Alan Melville.  Denise must confess to her three children that she was never properly married.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 22.  [community]  Scarborough Village Theatre, 416-267-9292, https://theatrescarborough.com.  

Exit Laughing  (comedy) by Paul Elliott.  When one of a foursome inconveniently dies, the other three on anyway.  Opens Sep 27, runs to Oct 6.  [community] Fairview Library Theatre, 416-299-5557, www.stagecentreproductions.com.   

Heathers: The Musical  (musical) by Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe.  Based on the 1988 film, a tale of the vengeance of outcasts against the high school in-crowd.  Opens Sep 21, runs to Oct 6.  [student]  Hart House Theatre, University of Toronto, 416-978-8849, https://tickets.harthouse.ca/Online/default.asp. 

The Importance of Being Earnest  (comedy) by Oscar Wilde.  A young man pretends to be his best friend’s brother to visit his best friend’s ward.  Runs Sep 21-Oct 6.  [community]  Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St., 416-440-2888, www.alumnaetheatre.com.

☛ ELSEWHERE IN SEPTEMBER ✭ SEPTEMBER 2018 ☚

*BLYTH*

1837: The Farmers’ Revolt  (drama) by Rick Salutin.  Farmer in Upper Canada rebel against a class of entitled would-be aristocrats.  Opened Aug 3, runs to Sep 15.  Memorial Hall, 1-877-862-5984, www.blythfestival.com. 

The New Canadian Curling Club  (comedy) by Mark Crawford.  To welcome recent immigrants to the town, the municipality offers a free “Learn to Curl” programme.  Opened Jun 22, runs to Sep 21.  Memorial Hall, 1-877-862-5984, www.blythfestival.com.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✭✩   

These are the Songs I Sing When I’m Sad  (cabaret) by Jane Miller.  Jane explores the sad songs that have played a role in her life.  Opened Aug 28, runs to Sep 1.  Memorial Hall, 1-877-862-5984, www.blythfestival.com.

Wing Night at the Boot  (musical).  A celebration and satire of 141 years of the Blyth Inn.  Opened Aug 10, runs to Sep 15.  Memorial Hall, 1-877-862-5984, www.blythfestival.com.  

*BOBCAYGEON*

Sugar Road  (comedy) by Kristen Da Silva.  A hunky country music star sets hearts a-flutterin; and pulses a-racin’.  Opened Aug 22, runs to Sep 1.  Lakeview Arts Barn, 1-800-304-7897, www.globustheatre.com. 

*BURLINGTON*

Rigoletto  (opera) by Giuseppe Verdi.  A lecherous duke turns his interest towards the court jester’s daughter.  Sep 16 only.  Burlington PAC, 905-681-2551, www.burlingtonpac.ca/solo-verdi-s-rigoletto.

*CAMBRIDGE*

Coppélia  (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen, to music by Léo Delibes.  A toymaker falls in love with a mechanical doll.  Sep 16 only.  Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

*COLLINGWOOD*

The World Goes Round  (revue) by Scott Ellis et al.  The songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb from Cabaret to Chicago.  Opens Sep 4, runs to Sep 8.  Theatre Collingwood, 1-866-382-2200, www.theatrecollingwood.ca.

*DRAYTON*

Cruisin’ Classics  (revue).  The owner of a struggling diner reminisces about the hits of the 1950s and early ‘60s.  Opened Aug 22, runs to Sep 1.  Drayton Festival Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com. 

 

*DRYDEN*

Splash ‘N Boots: The Big Love, Kisses and Hugs Tour  (children) by Nick Adams & Taes Leavitt.  A musical show designed to inspire empathy, self-esteem, inclusion and kindness.  Sep 30 only.  Dryden PAC, www.showclix.com/event/treehouse-presents-splash-n-boots.   

*GANANOQUE*

Midsummer (a play with songs) (comedy) by David Grieg & Gordon McIntyre.  A petty criminal and a divorce lawyer find themselves attracted to each other.  Opened Aug 11, runs to Sep 2.  Firehall Theatre, 1-866-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com. 

Prairie Nurse  (comedy) by Marie Beath Badian.  Locals in small-town Saskatchewan have trouble telling two Filipino nurses apart.  Opened Aug 25, runs to Sep 15.  Springer Theatre, 1-866-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

Shirley Valentine  (comedy) by Willy Russell.  A Liverpool housewife suddenly decides to go on vacation in Greece.  Preview Sep 21, opens Sep 22, runs to Oct 14.  Springer Theatre, 1-866-382-7020, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com. 

*GRAND BEND*

The Birds and the Bees  (comedy) by Mark Crawford.  A turkey farmer leaves her husband and moves back in with her divorced bee-keeping mother.  Opened Aug 16, runs to Sep 1.  Playhouse II, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.   

Holiday Inn  (musical) by Irving Berlin.  A crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of an up and coming performer.  Opens Sep 13, runs to Sep 30.  Huron Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.  

The Little Mermaid  (musical) by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman.  A mermaid falls in love with a human prince.  Opened Aug 12, runs to Sep 2.  Huron Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com. 

 

*GRAVENHURST*

Greater Tuna  (comedy) by Jaston Williams et al.  Two actors play 20 characters in a small town.  Opens Sep 11, runs to Sep 28.   Gravenhurst Opera House, 1-888-495-8888, www.gravenhurst.ca/en/opera/opera.asp.    

*HAMILTON*

The Full Bawdy Comedy Show  (variety).  An evening of song, burlesque, circus, magic and stand up.  Sep 12 only.  This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St North, ourfarmacyns@gmail.com.

Hold Mommy’s Cigarette  (comedy) by Shelley Marshall.  A girl grows up with a mother suffering from clinical depression.  Opens Sep 13, runs to Sep 15.  Pearl Theatre, ourfarmacyns@gmail.com. 

Spider’s Web  (comedy) by Agatha Christie.  When a woman discovers a dead body in her drawing room, she unwisely tries to dispose of it.  Previews from Sep 19, opens Sep 21, runs to Oct 6.  Dofasco Centre, 1-800-465-7529, www.theatreaquarius.org. 

*KINCARDINE*

The Melville Boys  (comedy) by Norm Foster.  Two brothers plan to have a relaxing weekend trip until two attractive sisters show up.  Opened Aug 21, runs to Sep 1.  Bluewater Summer Playhouse, 1-877-396-5722, www.bluewatersummerplayhouse.com. 

*KINGSTON*

Almighty Voice and His Wife  (comedy) by Daniel David Moses.  In 1895 a young Cree couple wish to marry but the groom has committed a crime subject to the death penalty.  Preview Sep 21, opens Sep 22, runs to Oct 7.  Baby Grand Theatre, www.theatrekingston.com.

*LONDON*

Don Giovanni  (opera) by W.A. Mozart.  The infamous serial seducer of women finally meets his comeuppance.  In concert.  Sep 22 only.  New St. James Presbyterian Church, 280 Oxford St. East, http://operabyrequest.ca. 

Within the Glass  (drama) by Anna Chatterton.  At a fertility clinic: a fertilized egg has been accidentally implanted into the wrong woman.  Runs Sep 12-23.  211 King Street, www.troubadourtheatrecollective.com.  

Prom Queen: The Musical  (musical) by Colleen Dauncey & Akiva Romer-Segal.  The musical based on the true story of Marc Hall, who fought ask his boyfriend to the high school prom.  Opens Sep 18, runs to Sep 29.  [student]  Grand Theatre, 519-672-8800, www.grandtheatre.com.   

*MISSISSAUGA*

Garderobiany (The Dresser)  (drama) by Ronald Harwood.  The dresser to an elderly once-famous actor helps to get him through his performances.  In Polish.  Sep 21 only.  Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000, www.livingartscentre.ca.   

The Stage  (comedy) by Yu Yue.  Backstage problems plague a Peking Opera troupe before and during a major performance.  In Chinese.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 9.  Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000, www.livingartscentre.ca.

*MORRISBURG*

The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby  (comedy) by Norm Foster.  An investment banker gets stuck in the sleepy town of Kooshog Lake during its annual Fishing Derby.  Previews from Sep 6, opens Sep 8, runs to Sep 30.  Upper Canada Playhouse, 1-877-550-3650, www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

*NIAGARA FALLS*

Conga  (revue).  A celebration of Latin American dance and song.  Opens Sep 25, runs to Oct 2.  Fallsview Casino, 1-877-833-3110, www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/entertainment.    

Million Dollar Quartet  (musical) by Floyd Mutrux.  A view of the recording session that brought together Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 16.  Fallsview Casino, 1-877-833-3110, www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/entertainment. 

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show  (revue).  A survey of Canadian music from Maritime folksongs to modern pop.  Opened Apr 20, runs to Oct 20.  Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, 1-800-467-2071, www.ohcanadaeh.com.   

Wild Magic  (magic) by Greg Frewin.  Frewin performs stunning large-scale illusions including one with a white Siberian tiger.  Opened Jan 5, runs to Dec 31. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, http://gregfrewintheatre.com. 

*NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE*

Little Shop of Horrors  (musical) by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman.  A meek florist raises a plant that feeds on human flesh.  Opens Sep 22, runs to Nov. 10.  Corks’ Playhouse, 1-877-833-3110, www.somethingsomethingproductions.ca.   

The SHAW FESTIVAL 2018:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 4-Oct 28 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, two hours south from Toronto.  For tickets and information phone 1-800-511-7429 or visit the website at www.shawfest.com.

--At the Festival Theatre--

Grand Hotel  (musical) by Robert Wright & George Forrest.  The lives of ten guests intertwine in Berlin’s Grand Hotel in the 1920s.  Opened May 26, runs to Oct 14.  Runtime: 2h20m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

The Hound of the Baskervilles  (drama) by R. Hamilton Wright & David Pichette.  A stage adaptation of the well-known Sherlock Holmes adventure.  Opened Aug 11, runs to Oct 27.  Runtime: 2h50m.  ✭✭✭✩✩   

The Magician’s Nephew  (children) by Michael O’Brien.  A stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  Opened May 27, runs to Oct 13.  Runtime: 1h50m.  ✭✭✭✩✩     

--At the Royal George Theatre--

O’Flaherty V.C.  (comedy) by George Bernard Shaw.  Irishman O’Flaherty neglected to tell his mother he’s fighting for the English at the Front.  Opened Jun 23, runs to Oct 6.  Runtime: 45m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

Of Marriage and Men  (comedies) by George Bernard Shaw.  A double bill of How He Lied to Her Husband and Man of Destiny.  Opened May 26, runs to Sep 9.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✭✩

Oh What a Lovely War (musical) Joan Littlewood.  A satire on nationalism set in World War I.  Opened Aug 12, runs to Oct 13.  Runtime: 2h20m.  ✭✭✭✩✩   

Stage Kiss  (comedy) by Sarah Ruhl.  Two bitter exes are cast in the same play as passionate lovers.  Opened May 25, runs to Sep 1.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✭✩✩✩

--At the Studio Theatre--

The Baroness and the Pig  (comedy) by Michael Mackenzie.  An idealistic 19th century baroness has found her next maid — a feral girl who can barely speak.  Opened Jun 24, runs to Oct 6.  Runtime: 2h.  ✭✭✭✩✩

Henry V  (history play) by William Shakespeare.  King Henry finds an excuse to make war on France and claim the French throne.  Opened Aug 10, runs to Oct 28.  Runtime: 2h30m.  ✭✩✩✩✩ 

The Orchard (After Chekhov)  (drama) by Serena Parmar.  Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard transformed into the tale of a Punjabi-Sikh family fighting to hold onto their Okanagan Valley orchard.  Opened Jun 23, runs to Sep 1.  Runtime: 2h45m.  ✭✭✭✩✩ 

*ORANGEVILLE*

True Confessions from the Ninth Concession  (comedy) by Dan Needles.  Needles and folksinger Ian Bell take you on a ramble through the back roads of rural Ontario.  Opens Sep 19, runs to Sep 23.  Theatre Orangeville, 1-800-424-1295, www.theatreorangeville.ca.    

*OTTAWA*

Don Giovanni  (opera) by W.A. Mozart.  The infamous serial seducer of women finally meets his comeuppance.  In concert.  Sep 16 only.  First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave. West, http://operabyrequest.ca. 

The Last Spartan  (comedy) by Pierre Brault.  In Greece in 404 bc a cowardly Spartan has to hide his love of the arts when he is put on trial.  Previews from Sep 18, opens Sep 20, runs to Sep 29.  The Gladstone, 613-233-4523, www.thegladstone.ca.   

School of Rock  (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  A wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band.  Opens Sep 25, runs to Sep 30.  NAC, 1-866-850-ARTS, http://nac-cna.ca.   

Sylvia  (comedy) by A.R. Gurney.  When the stray dog Sylvia is rescued from Central Park by a New York financial trader, his wife is not amused.  Runs Sep 12-29.  [community]  Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., 613-233-8948, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.   

The Virgin Trial   (drama) by Kate Hennig.  The young princess Elizabeth navigates a labyrinth of political and sexual intrigue in the Tudor court.  Runs Sep 11-30.  Great Canadian Theatre Company, 613-236-5196, www.gctc.ca.   

*PENETANGUISHENE*

Hairspray   (musical) by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wishman.  Its 1962 and a plus-sized girl wants to get on her favourite television dance show.  Opened Aug 12, runs to Sep 1.  King’s Wharf Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

King & Queens of Country  (revue) by Alex Mustakas.  A survey of the greats of country music.  Preview sep 13, opens Sep 14, runs to Sep 30.  King’s Wharf Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com. 

*PERTH*

Angel Street  (drama) by Patrick Hamilton.  Also known as Gaslight, this play is about a husband who tries to convince his wife she is going insane.  Opened Aug 17, runs to Sep 9.  Full Circle Theatre, 26 Craig St., 1-877-283-1283, http://classictheatre.ca. 

*PETROLIA*

East Coast Kitchen Party  (revue) by Mark Payne & David Rogers.  A survey of music from the Maritimes and Newfoundland.  Previews from Sep 4, opens Sep 8, runs to Sep 23.  Victoria Playhouse, 1-800-717-7694, www.thevpp.ca.   

*PICKERING*

Noises Off  (comedy) by Michael Frayn.  A look at what’s happening on stage and off during a long tour of a British farce.  Opened Jul 6, runs to Sep 15.  Herongate Barn Theatre, 1-866-902-9884, www.herongate.com.   

You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running  (comedy) by Robert Anderson.  A collection of four unrelated comedies about love, marriage and sex.  Opens Sep 21, runs to Nov 3.  Herongate Barn Theatre, 1-866-902-9884, www.herongate.com.      

*PICTON*

Blind Date  (performance) by Rebecca Northan.  Mimi’s date for the night stands her up so she chooses one from the audience.  Opens Aug 22, runs to Sep 2.  The Regent Theatre, http://festivalplayers.ca.

*PORT COLBORNE*

Fair and Square  (comedy) by Derek Ritschel.  One couple buys a house with another couple intending to flip it – problems ensue.  Opens Aug 29, runs to Sep 8.  Showboat Festival Theatre, 905-834-0833, http://showboattheatre.ca.   

Educating Rita  (comedy) by Willy Russell.  A disillusioned English tutor’s life perks up when a young hairdresser comes to him for language lessons.  Opens Sep 26, runs to Oct 6.  Showboat Festival Theatre, 905-834-0833, http://showboattheatre.ca.      

*PORT DOVER*

Dean & Jerry: What Might Have Been  (revue) by Jesse Collins.  The humour and music of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.  Opens Sep 25, runs to Sep 29.  Lighthouse Festival Theatre, 1-888-779-7703, www.lighthousetheatre.com. 

The Little Mermaid  (musical) Alan Menken & Howard Ashman.  A mermaid falls in love with a human prince and wants to live on land.  Opened Aug 29, runs to Sep 1.  Lighthouse Festival Theatre, 1-888-779-7703, www.lighthousetheatre.com.   

*PORT HOPE*

The Little Mermaid  (musical) Alan Menken & Howard Ashman.  A mermaid falls in love with a human prince and wants to live on land.  Opened Aug 14, runs to Sep 9.  Capitol Arts Centre, 1-800-434-5092, http://capitoltheatre.com.

*PORT STANLEY*

Sunshine Express  (comedy) by Sarah Quick.  Alan to celebrate his 40th birthday mistakenly books a seniors’ bus tour.  Opened Aug 23, runs to Sep 8.  Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 519-782-4353 or 1-855-782-4353, www.portstanleytheatre.ca.

*ST. CATHARINES*

Celebration of Nations  (festival.  A gathering featuring music, theatre, dance, film, interactive workshops and teachings to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture.  Opens Sep 7, runs to Sep 9.  FirstOntario PAC, www.celebrationofnations.ca.

Mwanza ki Rajkumari  (drama) by Anisha Rhemtulla.  The true story of a 19th princess from Tanzania who trained in Hinduism, Islam and Sufism.  Sep 29 only.  FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 905-688-0722, www.firstontariopac.ca.  

Nicholas Wallace Live  (magic) by Nicholas Wallace.  A night of magic, mind reading and delicious food.  Sep 21 only.  The Robby, www.eventbrite.com/e/nick-wallace-live-at-the-robby-tickets-49223460696?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse.   

Sabina’s Splendid Brain  (drama) by Carol Sinclair.  The story of Sabina Spielrein – patient and lover of Carl Jung, student and friend of Sigmund Freud.  Opens Sep 14, runs to Sep 23.    MIWSFPA Theatre, 15 Artists’ Common, 905-688-0722, www.firstontariopac.ca.

*ST. JACOBS*

Shear Madness  (comedy) by Paul Pörtner.  A hairdresser and a manicurist try to discover who murdered a concert pianist in their salon.  Previews from Sep 12, opens Sep 14, runs to Dec 23.  St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.     

*STRATFORD*

The STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2018:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 17-Nov 25 in Stratford, two hours west from Toronto.  For information and tickets phone 1-800-567-1600, visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca.

--At the Festival Theatre--

Julius Caesar  (tragedy) by William Shakespeare.  Rebels kills Caesar to prevent his becoming a dictator.  Opened Aug 16, runs to Oct 27.  Runtime: 2h45m.  ✭✭✩✩✩ 

The Music Man  (musical) by Meredith Willson.  A con man convinces a town to invest in music lessons for their children.  Opened May 29, runs to Nov 3.  Runtime: 2h35m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

The Tempest  (comedy) by William Shakespeare.  A wizard abandoned on a desert island with her daughter seeks revenge.  Opened Jun 10, runs to Oct 26.  Runtime: 2h45m.  ✭✭✭✭✩  

To Kill a Mockingbird  (drama) by Christopher Sergel.  A white lawyer defends a falsely accused black man in court.  Opened Jun 2, runs to Nov 8.  Runtime: 2h40m.  ✭✭✭✭✩  

--At the Avon Theatre--

Coriolanus  (tragedy) by William Shakespeare.  Robert Lepage directs this tales a Roman hero who scorns the common people he protects.  Opened Jun 22, runs to Oct 25.  Runtime: 3h.  ✭✭✭✩✩ 

An Ideal Husband  (comedy) by Oscar Wilde.  Sir Robert Chiltern enjoys a reputation as an honest man until a woman arrives with a secret that destroy his career.  Opened May 31, runs to Oct 28.  Runtime: 3h.  ✭✭✭✩✩ 

Napoli Milionaria!  (comedy) by Eduardo De Filippo.  A Neapolitan family prospers from the black market during the Second World War.  Opened Aug 17, runs to Oct 20.  Runtime: 2h50m.  ✭✭✭✭✩  

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien.  Brad and Janet seek shelter in the castle of the mad transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter.  Opened Jun 2, runs to Nov 25.  Runtime: 1h55m.  ✭✭✭✩✩

--At the Studio Theatre--

Brontë: The World Without  (drama) by Jordi Mand.  Three sisters living in poverty discovery their literary abilities.  Opened Jun 21, runs to Oct 13.  Runtime: 2h15m.  ✭✩✩✩✩ 

The Comedy of Errors  (comedy) by William Shakespeare.  Long separated twin masters with their twin servants happen to arrive in the same town.  Opened Jun 1, runs to Oct 28.  Runtime: 1h40m.  ✭✭✩✩✩ 

Long Day’s Journey into Night (drama) by Eugene O’Neill.  The four members of the Tyrone family spend an evening steeped in recrimination and guilt.  Opened May 30, runs to Oct 13.  Runtime: 3h25m.  ✭✭✭✭✩

Paradise Lost  (drama) by Erin Shields.  A stage adaptation of John Milton’s epic poem from 1667 about Adam, Eve and Satan.  Opened Aug 17, runs to Oct 27.  Runtime: 2h40m.  ✭✭✩✩✩ 

The Sea and the Mirror (poem) by W.H. Auden.  A poem written in the voices of the characters of The Tempest but following the events of that play.  Reading.  Sep 27 only. 

Swetnam the Woman-Hater Arraigned by Women  (drama) by Anon.  In this play of 1620 a notorious misogynist is brought to trial before a court of women.  Reading.  Sep 21 only. 

*SUDBURY*

The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom  (musical) by David Scott.  A tribute to the life and music of Stompin‘ Tom Connors.  Runs Sep 27-Oct 13.  Sudbury Theatre Centre, https://tickets.sudburytheatre.on.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&event=0.

*TWEED*

Aleck Bell  (musical) by Joel MacMeekin & Tim Porter.  Alexander Graham Bell as he invents the telephone, falls in love, and struggles to keep his world afloat.  Opens Sep 19, runs to Sep 29.  Tweed Pavilion, Memorial Park, https://tweedandcompany.com.

*WELLINGTON*

A Beautiful View  (drama) by Daniel MacIvor.  A friendship between two young women that spans over a decade of their lives.  Preview Sep 4, opens Sep 5, runs to Sep 23.  The Studio Theatre, 613-476-1991, 310 Main Street, http://festivalplayers.ca.

*WINDSOR*

Don Giovanni  (opera) by W.A. Mozart.  The infamous serial seducer of women finally meets his comeuppance.  In concert.  Sep 30 only.  All Saints Anglican Church, 330 City Hall Square West, http://operabyrequest.ca.