TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Come From Away (musical) by by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. On September 11th, 2001, 38 planes with 6579 passengers are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. Runs Sep 22, 2024, to Mar 2, 2025. Royal Alexandra Theatre,  1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★★

Esencia Flamenca (dance) by Castro Romero. An evening celebrating flamenco in song and dance. Runs Nov 7 only. Elgin Theatre, www.npentertainment.ca.

Faust (opera) by Charles Gounod. Faust makes a pact with the devil to regin his youth. In French with English surtitles. Runs Oct 11 to Nov 2. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca. ★★☆☆☆

Giselle (ballet) by Peter Wright to music by Adolphe Adam. A jilted young girl kills herself and becomes a spirit seeking revenge on the man who betrayed her. Runs Nov 20 to Nov 24. Four Seasons Centre, national.ballet.ca.

God Is a Scottish Drag Queen: The Second Coming (comedy) by Mike Delamont. God, dressed in a floral power suit, comes down to set the record straight. Runs Nov 14 to Nov 16. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

The Life and Music of George Michael (revue). A survey of Michael’s music from his time with Wham! to his solo career. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 10. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

The Lion King (musical) by Elton John et al. The stage version of the 1994 Disney animated film. Previews from Nov 2, opens Nov 10, booking to Apr 27, 2025. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Mamma Mia! (musical) by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus. A daughter invites her three possible fathers to her wedding on a Greek island. Runs Oct 8 to Nov 10. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre,  1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (musical) by John Logan. A stage version of the spectacular Baz Luhrmann movie musical. Runs Nov 19, 2024 to Jan 12, 2025. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

My Name is Lucy Barton (drama) by Rona Munro. Lucy awakes from an operation to find her mother, whom she hasn’t seen for years, at her bedside. Runs Oct 18 to Nov 3. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.canadianstage.com. ★★★★☆

O Christmas Tea (comedy) by Aaron Malkin & Alastair Knowles. Catastrophe strikes James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party when the world is flooded. Runs Nov 22 to Nov 24. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com. ★★★★★

Silent Screen / Body of Work / Rhapsody (ballets) by Sol Léon & Paul Lightfoot / Guillaume Côté / Frederick Ashton. A triple-bill hnouring the legacy and future of dance. Runs Nov 9 to Nov 16. Four Seasons Centre, national.ballet.ca.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

All Messed Up & Nowhere To Go (comedy) by The Second City. Sketch comedy about destination weddings, EVs, job interviews and more. Runs Sep 4 to Nov 17. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

The Bee’s Knees (drama) by Judy Reynolds. In the 1920s Bernie convinces her sister to run against the local incumbent. Runs Nov 15 to Nov 24. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, thebeeskneesplay.com.

The Bidding War (comedy) by Michael Ross Albert. What happens when Toronto’s last affordable house is for sale? Runs Nov 12 to Dec 19. Streetcar Crowsnest, www.crowstheatre.com. ★★★☆☆

Big Stuff (comedy) by Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus. A look at the sentimental power of objects. Previews from  Nov 12, opens Nov 15, runs to Dec 15. Streetcar Crowsnest, www.crowstheatre.com.

A Case for the Existence of God (drama) by Samuel D. Hunter. A play about parenthood, financial security and empathy. Runs Nov 3 to Dec 6. Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, www.coalminetheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (musical) by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman. A musical adaptation of the well-known book by Roald Dahl. For ages 6+. Runs Nov 12 to Dec 30. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Craze (comedy) by Rouvan Silogix & Rafeh Mahmud. Two couples shelter from a storm for a late night drinking session. Previews from Nov 19, opens Nov 27, runs to Dec 15. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com. ★★☆☆☆

Curious George and the Golden Meatball (children) by Jeremy Desmon. The inquisitve monkey investigates why no one has come to All-You-Can Eat Meatball Day. For ages 4+. Runs Oct 19 to Nov 10. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, tickets.ticketwise.com.

Dead Broke (drama) by Will King. Oliver hosts a birthday party in his run-down squat but someone goes missing. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 10. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, theatrecentre.org.

Dissonant Species (performance) by Heather Marie Annis & Michael Gordon Spence. How do we manage to share the planet with people who have different beliefs than we do? Runs Nov 14 to Nov 17. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Dogfight: The Musical (musical) by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. In 1961 Marines have an offensively-themed party before leaving for Vietnam. Runs Nov 28 to Nov 30. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, harbourfrontcentre.com.

L’Elisir d’amore (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti. A poor man buys a potion from a charlatan to make a rich widow fall in love with him. Runs Nov 13, 16 & 17. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave, www.torontocityopera.com.

Erased (performance) by Coleen Shirin MacPherson. The story of a revolution in a greeting card factory. Runs Nov 20 to Nov 30. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca.

Evil Dead The Musical (musical) by Frank Cipolla et al. College friends staying in an abandoned cabin unleash an evil force that turns them into demons. Runs Oct 5, booking to Nov 17. Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St, new.starvoxent.com.

Feu Monsieur Feydeau! (comedy) by Sébastien Bertrand. Master French farceur Georges Feydeau finds himself in a Feydeauesque farce. In French with English surtitles. Runs Oct 24 to Nov 3. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Der fliegende Holländer (opera) by Richard Wagner. A mariner is cursed to sail forever until he finds true love. In concert. Runs Nov 9 only. College Street United Church, 452 College St, www.facebook.com.

The Flin Flon Cowboy (musical) by Ken Harrower et al. The story of Harrower’s life as a queer, disabled country western performer. Runs Oct 19 to Nov 2. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca.

Goblin:Macbeth (comedy) by Rebecca Northan & Bruce Horak. Three goblins take a stab at staging Macbeth. Runs Oct 3 to Nov 3. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Groundswell Festival (festival). Readings of new feminist plays. Runs Nov 18 to Nov 20. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, www.nightwoodtheatre.net.

Honey I’m Home (drama) by Lester Trips Theatre. When Janine uploads her consciousness into her home it leads to a horrifying discovery. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 1. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

I Don’t Even Miss You (drama) by Elena Belyea. A nonbinary computer programmer awakens to find there is no one else on Earth. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 10. Factory Studio Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Interior Design (comedy) by Rosa Laborde. An attempted intervention between a group of girlfriends backfires. Runs Oct 15 to Nov 17. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com. ★★★☆☆

Machinal (drama) by Sophie Treadwell. A surprising play from 1928 about a young secretary pressured into marrying her boss. Preview Nov 14, opens Nov 15, runs to Nov 24. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, www.tixtree.com.

The Magic of Assembly (dance) by Ashley Colours Perez & Andrew Tay. A queer performance combining elements of Street Dance and Punking. Runs Nov 7 to Nov 9. Winchester Street Theatre, tdt.org.

Make It Reindeer (comedy) by The Second City. A mélange of songs and sketches about the holidays from The Second City’s archives plus new material and improv. Runs Nov 14 to Dec 31. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

Malachy & the Elephant (puppetry) by Strings Attached Theatre. Notions of confinement explored from the point of view of an Irish immigrant and an elephant in the zoo. Runs Nov 2 to Nov 3. Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Ave, www.eventbrite.com.

The Master Plan (comedy) by Michael Healey. Google decides to build an ideal city in Toronto. Runs Nov 24, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca. ★★★★☆

The Merchant of Venice (Annotated) (drama) Aaron Henne. Elements of Shakespeare’s play combined with Elizabethan history and present-day news concerning scapegoating. Runs Nov 23 only. Leah Posluns Theatre, www.eventbrite.ca.

Mind Over Matter (magic) by Beyond Mental Borders. The mentalism team presents its all-new show of mind-reading games. Runs Nov 10 only. The Rec Room, 255 Bremner Blvd, www.beyondmentalborders.com.

Murder at Sea (comedy). A nautical whudunnit featuring Hercule Perrier and other hilarious characters. Runs Nov 16, 23 & 30. Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St West, mysteriouslyyours.ca.

Naughty, Nice & Undecided (comedy) by The Second City. Songs, scenes and characters about the holidays in a “nice” version for families and a “naughty” version for the late night crowd. Runs Nov 19 to Dec 31. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

Not a Cult: The Musical (musical) by Quinton Naughton & Melly Magrath. A darkly comic horror romp at a 1980s wellness retreat. Preview Nov 6, opens Nov 7, runs to Nov 10. Alumnae Theatre, smallbutmightyproductions.ca.

Phantasmagoria 3D! (comedy) by Eric Woolfe. Illusions and puppetry cause ghosts and phantoms to materialize. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 10. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, eldritchtheatre.ca.

Patty Picker (comedy) by Evan Bawtinheimer. Patty’s life is turned upside down when her secret shame becomes public gossip. Runs Nov 13 to Nov 21. The Assembly Theatre, www.theassemblytheatre.com.

Playing Shylock (drama) by Mark Leiren-Young. When a performance of The Merchant of Venice is cancelled mid-performance by protests, the actor playing Shylock delivers a passionate appeal. Runs Oct 26 to Dec 8. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com. ★★★★☆

Raven Mother (dance) by Margaret Grenier. A dance work celebrating the impact that Elder Margaret Harris had on revitalizing Indigenous dance in the Northwest. Run Nov 29 only. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront, www.danceworks.ca.

Robert Burns: A Passion for Freedom (words & music) by R.H. Thomson. Thomson recites poems by Burns, Douglass, Tagore and Shevchenko with music. Runs Nov 15 to Nov 16. Heliconian Hall, www.confluenceconcerts.ca.

The Snow Queen Musical (musical) by Haddon Kime. Gerda goes on a dangerous quest to rescue her best friend from the Snow Queen. For ages 6+. Runs Nov 22, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, tickets.ticketwise.com.

The Spanish Tragedy (tragedy) by Thomas Kyd. Hieronimo goes to great lengths to avenge his son’s murder. Staged reading. Runs Nov 17 only. Monarch Tavern, www.shakespearebashd.com.

The Student Prince (operetta) by Sigmund Romberg. A prince studying in Heidelberg falls in love with a humble barmaid. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 3. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com. ★★★★☆

Timon of Athens (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Timon, a philanthropist turns cynical when he finds his friends desert him when he loses his wealth. Runs Nov 12 to Nov 17. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, theatrecentre.org.

Trayf (drama) by Lindsay Joelle. Zalmy has to choose between his orthodox world and unfettered access to the secular world. Runs Nov 2 to Nov 10. Meridian Arts Centre, hgjewishtheatre.com.

What the Consttution Means to Me (comedy) by Heidi Schreck. A discussion of sexual assult, domestic abuse and immigration as related to the US Constitution. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 10. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca. ★★★★☆

Where the Wild Things Are (children) by TAG Theatre Glasgow. A stage adaptation of the well-known book by Maurice Sendak. For ages 3-7. Runs Nov 7 to Nov 17. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

Anna Karenina (drama) by Helen Edmundson. A married woman has a tragic love affair with a handsome cavalry officer. Runs Nov 6 to Nov 16. [student] Young Centre, www.youngcentre.ca.

L’Enfant et les sortilèges / L’Enfant prodigue (operas) by Maurice Ravel / Claude Debussy. Two operas about childhood. Runs Nov 1 to Nov 2. [student] Royal Conservatory of Music, www.rcmusic.com.

The Last Piece (musical) by Shreya Jha. An elderly woman copes with her ex-husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In concert. [student] Hart House Theatre, University of Toronto, harthouse.ca.

Munschstock! (children) by James Simon et al. Stories by Robert Munsch told with song and dance. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 7. [student] Young Centre, www.youngcentre.ca.

The Sound of Music (musical) by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II. A novice becomes the nanny for seven children in 1930s Austria. Runs Nov 7 to Nov 23. [community] Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com.

Terror by Gaslight (drama) by Tim Kelly. A story about grave robbers, body-snatchers and a 19th-century doctor who needs bodies. Runs Nov 8 to Nov 30.  [community] Village Playhouse, villageplayers.net.

BANCROFT

A Christmas Carol (drama) by the Tweed & Comapny ensemble. The company puts a panto and puppet spin of the familiar tale. Runs Dec 11 to Dec 21. The Village Playhouse, www.villageplayhouse.ca.

A Night at the Grand Ghoul Opry (comedy) by Tricia Black et al. Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolf Man and the Mummy reimagine country and rock songs and bare their souls on stage. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 3. The Village Playhouse, www.villageplayhouse.ca.

BARRIE

Madame Minister (comedy) by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman. A woman is treated poorly until she becomes the wife of a Cabinet Minister. Preview Nov 28, opens Nov 29, runs to Dec 7. Stevenson Heritage Mansion, www.tift.ca. ★★★★☆

BOBCAYGEON

Murder at the Snowball Ball (comedy). Murder interrupts the dancing and festivites at a small town Christmas ball. Runs Nov 13 to Nov 23. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.

BRAMPTON

Every Brilliant Thing (comedy) by Duncan MacMillan. A 7-year-old boy starts a list of the good things in the world to cheer up his depressed mother. Runs Nov 27 to Nov 30. Rose Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

BRANTFORD

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. The holiday ballet with designs inspired by the Group of Seven. Runs Nov 20 only. Sanderson Centre, www.sandersoncentre.ca.

The Sleeping Beauty (ballet) by Andrei Litvinov. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs this classic ballet. Runs Nov 28 only. Sanderson Centre, www.sandersoncentre.ca.

BROCKVILLE

Anne of Green Gables (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. A ballet version of the story by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Runs Nov 1 only. Brockville Theatre, www.jorgendance.ca.

BURLINGTON

J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow (performance) by Tom Allen. The story of the 18-year-old Bach’s 400 km journey to find a mentor. Runs Nov 24. West Plains United Church, tomtomallen.com.

Pu Songling: Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊齋誌異) (drama) by Michele Smith et al. A theatrical adaptation of the magical short stories of the great writer Pu Songling (1640-1715). Runs Nov 22 to Nov 23. Community Studio Theatre, burlingtonpac.ca.

Robert Burns: A Passion for Freedom (words & music) by R.H. Thomson. Thomson recites poems by Burns, Douglass, Tagore and Shevchenko with music. Runs Nov 17 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

Swan Lake (ballet) by Andrei Litvinov. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs this classic ballet. Runs Nov 29 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBPELLFORD

A Westben Christmas Carol (drama) by Brian Finley. An adaptation of the Charles Dickens tale featuring traditional and original music. Runs Nov 30 to Dec 1. Westben Centre, www.westben.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (musical) by Steven Lutvak & Robert L. Freedman. Monty Navarro is ninth in line for the D’Ysquith fortune and decides to do something about it. Runs Oct 16 to Nov 3. Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

CHATHAM

Swan Lake (ballet) by Andrei Litvinov. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs this classic ballet. Runs Nov 24 only. Capitol Theatre, www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com.

GUELPH

Mysteries of the Keyhole House (magic) by Ted Outerbridge. A magic show inspired the magician’s haunted house in Smith Falls. Runs Nov 8 only. River Runs Centre, riverrun.ca.

HAMILTON

Dog Man: The Musical (musical) by Kevin Del Aguila & Brad Alexander. Dog Man tries to save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish. Runs Nov 3 only. McIntyre PAC, mcintyrepac.ca.

The Master Plan (comedy) by Michael Healey. Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto attempt, and fail, to build a smart city in Toronto. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 16. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello (children). Sing, dance and play alongside your favourite furry friends. Runs Nov 29 only. FirstOntario Concert Hall, www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca.

HUNTSVILLE

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. The holiday ballet with designs inspired by the Group of Seven. Runs Nov 23 only. Algonquin Theatre, www.jorgendance.ca.

INGERSOLL

J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow (performance) by Tom Allen. The story of the 18-year-old Bach’s 400 km journey to find a mentor. Runs Nov 23 only. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, www.eventbrite.com.

KINGSTON

Alice and the World We Live In (drama) by Alexandria Haber. Alice tries to discover how to move on after her husband dies in a terrorist attack. Runs Oct 24 to Nov 16. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.

The Other Shore (drama) by Gao Xingjian. A dream-like journey in which individual identity is lost and found. Runs Nov 14 to Nov 24. [student] DAN School of Drama and Music. Queens University, www.queensu.ca.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (ballet). A mixed programme by the world-famous gender-skewed satirical ballet company. Runs Nov 18 only. Centre in the Square, Kitchener, centreinthesquare.com.

Dog Man: The Musical (musical) by Kevin Del Aguila & Brad Alexander. Dog Man tries to save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish. Runs Nov 1 only. Centre in the Square, Kitchener, centreinthesquare.com.

Hansel and Gretel (opera) by Engelbert Humperdinck. Two children get lost in the woods and come across a witch’s house. In English. Runs Nov 21 to Nov 23. Registry Theatre, Kitchener, grandriveropera.com.

Propeller Plays: Volume 1 (festival). Excerpts of new plays being developed by Green Light Arts. Runs Nov 1 only. Conrad Centre, Kitchener, www.greenlight-arts.com.

LONDON

As You Like It (comedy) by William Shakespeare. A combination of Shakespeare’s play and the music of the Beatles. Runs Oct 18 to Nov 2. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Die Fledermaus (operetta) by Johann Strauss, Jr. A wife and her maid change places to find out if the wife’s husband has been unfaithful. Runs Nov 14 to Nov 17. [student] Paul Davenport Theatre, Western University, music.uwo.ca.

The Knight of the Burning Pestle (comedy) by Francis Beaumont. A grocer and his wife interfere in a play as it progresses in this 17th-century comedy. Runs Nov 27 to Nov 29. [student] Conron Hall, Western University, www.eventbrite.ca.

Man Up (drama) by Jason Rip & Rachel Ganz. A look at situations where women struggle with the concept of “manning up”. Runs Nov 7 to Nov 10. Manor Park Memorial Hall, www.onstagedirect.com.

The Minutes (comedy) by Tracy Letts. A new member of the Big Cherry city council wants to know why there are no minutes for the previous meeting and why a council member has disappeared. Runs Nov 7 to Nov 17. 568 Richmond St, theatreaezir.com. ★★★★☆

Murder on the Orient Express (drama) by Ken Ludwig. A stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous novel. Runs Oct 24 to Nov 2. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

The Sound of Music (musical) by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II. A novice becomes the governess of seven children. Previews from Nov 19, opens Nov 22, runs to Dec 29. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Up Close and Intimate (magic) by Keith O’Brien. An evening of close-up magic and mind-reading. Runs Nov 28 only. The Mockingbird, 760 Dundas St, www.eventbrite.ca.

MISSISSAUGA

I, Joan (drama) by Charlie Josephine. A reimagining of the story of Joan of Arc. Runs Nov 21 to Nov 26. [student] Erindale Studio Theatre, www.utm.utoronto.ca.

MORRISBURG

Miracle on 34th Street (comedy) by Mountain Community Theatre. A department store Santa Claus claims to be the real Sanata Claus. Preview Nov 28, opens Nov 29, runs to Dec 15. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

Canadiana (revue). A celebration of Canadian music through the years. Runs May 28, 2024, booking to Jun 24, 2025. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

Christmas On Ice (revue). A winter wonderland of singers, dancers and championship skaters. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 18. Fallsview Casino, fallsviewcasinoresort.com.

Evolution (magic) by Greg Frewin. New large-scale illusions by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Dec 30, 2025. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 6 to Dec 22 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

My Fair Lady (musical) by Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner. The famous musical version of GB Shaw’s Pygmalion. Runs May 25 to Dec 22. ★★★☆☆

At the Royal George Theatre

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Tim Carroll. Another stage version of the famous story by Charles Dickens. Previews from Nov 8, opens Nov 16, runs to Dec 22.

ORANGEVILLE

Sleeping Beauty… A Fairy’s Tale (panto) by Debbie Collins & David Nairn. The authors take a well-known story, fracture it and put a topsy-turvy spin on it. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 21. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

Tip of the Iceberg (comedy) by Chris Rait et al. A senior in a remote Newfoundland village thinks all he needs for renewed vigour is glacial ice. Runs Oct 17 to Nov 3. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Beowulf in Afghanistan (drama) by Laurie Fyffe. A Canadian soldier uses the medieval poem as a life raft to get him through conflict. Runs Nov 12 to Nov 24. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Champions of Magic (magic). An all-new show featuring thilling and mind-bending illusions by four magicians. Runs Nov 13 to Nov 16. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Charles Beauchesne parle de la peste noire (comedy) by Charles Beauchesne. Beauchesne the humorist gives a lecture about the Black Death that killed almost 50% of the population of Europe. In French. Runs Nov 23 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Cirque à la Carte (circus) by Cirquonscient. A selection of circus acts including aerial arcobatics, juggling, hoops and more. Runs Nov 9 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Dear Canada - Letters from the Second World War (performance) by Miranda Mulholland. A reading of real letters from Canadians during WWII along with live music from the period. Runs Nov 11 only. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

La Dérape: l'histoire d'un blues (musical) by Stéphane Brulotte. A Québécois youth searches for his biological father in Montreal, New Orleans and Chicago. In French. Runs Nov 10 only. École polyvalent Nicolas-Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Esencia Flamenca (dance) by Castro Romero. An evening celebrating flamenco in song and dance. Runs Nov 8 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, www.npentertainment.ca.

Guilty Conscience (drama) by Richard Levinson & William Link. A criminal attorney who is plotting to kill his wife finds out someone is already planning to kill him. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 16. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Je t’écris au milieu d’un bel orage (drama) by Dany Boudrealt. A account of the love affair between Albert Camus and Maria Casarès as told through their letters. In French. Runs Nov 15 to Nov 16, Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Les Jolies Choses (dance) by Catherine Gaudet. Five dancers create a rigid structure from which they liberate themselves. Runs Nov 6 to Nov 7. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

La Light du Borgot (storytelling) by Cédric Landry. The inhabitants of the Îles-de-la-Madeleiene discover that the islands have disappeared from all existing maps. In French. Runs Nov 13 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

The Lion King (musical) by Elton John & Tim Rice. A musical based on the 1994 Disney animated movie. Runs Oct 24 to Nov 10. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Le Magicien d’Oz (children). The famous story of Dorothy is transferred to a circus tent and its inhabitants. For ages 4-12. In French. Runs Oct 11 to Oct 12, Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Memories are Made of This - And, of course, they’re always true (storytelling) by Kathie Kompass & Mary Wiggin. Fact and fiction blend as Kathie and Mary recount how family members came to Canada and found work. Runs Nov 17 only. Arts Court Theatre, artscourt.ca.

Le Noeud (drama) by Johanna Adams. A mother of an 11-year-old boy wants to know from his teacher what pushed him to kill himself. In French. Runs Nov 24 only, Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Oh Canada Eh?! (revue). Archtypal Canadian characters sing over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists. Booking to Dec 21, 2024. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

Peau d’âne (drama) by Félix-Antoine Boutin & Sophie Cadieux. A young princess dons a magic female donkey skin to escape the lecherous gaze of her father. Runs Oct 31 to Nov 2. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Raven Mother (dance) by Margaret Grenier. A dance work celebrating the impact that Elder Margaret Harris had on revitalizing Indigenous dance in the Northwest. Runs Nov 21 to Nov 22. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

The Shadows ... And What We Do In Them (cabaret) by Iron Cabaret. Ottawa’s finest aerialists, pole dancers and burlesque performers delve into the eerieness of Halloween. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 2. The Gladstone, www.thegladstone.ca.

Snow in Midsummer (drama) by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig. A young widow executed for murder places a curse on her town. Runs Oct 30 to Nov 9. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca. ★★★☆☆

Surveillée et punie (song-cycle) by Jean-Philippe Baril Guérad & Safia Nolin. A musical piece based entirely on the hateful comments folk singer Safia Nolin receives constantly. In French. Runs Nov 14 to Nov 16. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Then & Now - Broadway Review (revue). An enchanting night of selections from the whole range of music theatre. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 31. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

A Very Merry Mystery (comedy). What could one of Santa’s elves have in common with an event planner and a disgraced TV host? Runs Nov 22 to Dec 20. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

PENETANGUISHENE

A Christmas Carol: The Panto (panto) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the famous story by Charles Dickens. Runs Nov 6 to Nov 23. King’s Wharf Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

PORT COLBORNE

Memphis to Motown (revue) by Chris McHarge. A survey of the classic hits from performers who recorded in the two cities. Runs Oct 2 to Oct 13. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT DOVER

Cinderella - The Panto (panto) by Ken MacDougall. A panto version of the favourite fairy tale. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 8. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

Rapunzel: A Merry (Hairy) Holiday Panto (panto) by Carly Heffernan. A twisted take on the story of some very, very long hair. Runs Nov 22 to Dec 23. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

PORT STANLEY

A Christmas Carol (storytelling) by Liz Gilroy. A staged reading of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. Runs Nov 23 only. Port Stanley Festival Theatre, psft.ca.

RICHMOND HILL

L’Elisir d’amore (opera) by Gaetano Donizetti. A poor man buys a potion from a charlatan to make a rich widow fall in love with him. Richmond Hill Centre, operayork.com.

RAMA

Dance for the Holidays (dance) by Derek Hough. Singing and dancing to the holiday’s favourite tunes. Runs Nov 9 only. Casino Rama, www.casinorama.com.

SARNIA

Swan Lake (ballet) by Andrei Litvinov. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs this classic ballet. Runs Nov 25 only. Imperial Theatre, www.imperialtheatre.net.

SPENCERVILLE

The Diablo Manor X-Mass Extravaganza (magic) by Scott McClelland. A sumptuous meal followed by an intimate Victorian production of mystifying wonders and a séance. Runs Nov 1 to Dec 15. Diablo Manor, www.diablomanor.com.

ST. CATHARINES

Simone Half and Half (children). 14-year-old Simone is caught between cultures – Canadian, Québécois and Trinidadian. Runs Nov 6 only. Arts Education Centre, carouselplayers.com.

ST. JACOBS

A Christmas Carol: The Panto (panto) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the famous story by Charles Dickens. Runs Nov 28, 2024, to Jan 12, 2025. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Merry & Bright (revue) by David Rogers. Holiday music, inspiring songs, Broadway anthems along with stories and humorous anecdotes. Runs Nov 12 to Dec 29. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

Brilliantly Bacharach (revue) by Dean Hollin & Sheri Weldon. A celebration of the life, time and music of Burt Bacharach.  Runs Nov 9 only. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

Cinderella Stuck in Hallmark (panto). Cinderella, a big city girl with big city dreams, is stuck in a small town with her stepmother and stepsisters. Nov 22 to Dec 31. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

STRATFORD

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 16 to Nov 18 in Stratford, two hours west from Toronto. For tickets and information phone 1-800-567-1600 or visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca.

At the Festival Theatre

Something Rotten! (musical) by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick. In Renaissance England the Bottom brothers write a musical to compete with Shakespeare’s plays. Runs May 28 to Nov 17. ★★☆☆☆

At the Avon Theatre

La Cage aux Folles (musical) by Jerry Herman & Harvey Fierstein. The manager of a drag club in St. Tropez decides to “play it straight” when his son arrives with his fiancée. Runs May 31 to to Nov 16. ★★★★☆

SUDBURY

Angels in America (drama) by Tony Kushner. The partner of a man living with AIDS leaves him for an ex-Mormon conservative whose wife is slowly going insane. Part 1, Nov 14 only; Part 2, Nov 16 only. Thornloe University, www.showpass.com.

L’Encyclopédie de l’échec (comedy) by Isaac Adams et al. A theatre troupe realizes that the show they’re rehearsing is a monumental failure. In French. Runs Nov 14 to Nov 16. Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury, letno.ca.

Oliver! (musical) by Lionel Bart. A musical version of Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 15. Sudbury Theatre Centre, yestheatre.com.

THUNDER BAY

Elf - The Musical (musical) by Matthew Sklar & Chad Beguelin. A lost boy, raised as an elf at the North Pole, wants to find his real father. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 21. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

WINDSOR

Dance for the Holidays (dance) by Derek Hough. Singing and dancing to the holiday’s favourite tunes. Runs Nov 10 only. Caesar’s Windsor, www.caesars.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (circus). Acrobatics and aerials feats choreographed to holiday music. www.cirquemusica.com.

• Nov 19: Centennial Hall, London

• Nov 20: GCT Theatre, Etobicoke

• Nov 21: Sudbury Arena, Sudbury

• Nov 22: GFL Memorial Gardens, Sault Ste. Marie

• Nov 25: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay

Good Night Moon and The Runaway Bunny (children). Stage versions of two classic children’s books. For pre-K to Grade 3. mermaidtheatre.ca.

• Nov 26: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Nov 27: McIntyre PAC, Hamilton

• Nov 28: Richmond Hill Centre, Richmon Hill

• Nov 29: Mattamy Theatre, Milton

O Christmas Tea (comedy) by Aaron Malkin & Alastair Knowles. Catastrophe strikes James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party when the world is flooded. ochristmastea.com. ★★★★★

• Nov 7: Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

• Nov 9: Fraser Auditorium, Sudbury

• Nov 10: Stockey Centre, Parry Sound

• Nov 12: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• Nov 13: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Nov 14: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton

• Nov 15: Centennial Hall, London

• Nov 16: Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Nov 17: Capitol Theatre, Chatham

• Nov 22-24: CAA Theatre, Toronto

• Nov 26: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

• Nov 27: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Nov 28: Orillia Opera House, Orillia

• Nov 29: Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough

• Nov 30: River Run Centre, Guelph

100 Years From Now (musical) by Shipyard Kitchen Party. The story of Mae Belle Sampson, the first woman to enlist in the Canadian Army medical Corps. shipyardkitchenparty.com.

• Nov 1: Wingham Town Hall, Wingham

• Nov 2: Hanover Civic Theatre. Hanover

• Nov 7: Empire Theatre, Belleville

• Nov 8: Peterborough Market Hall, Peterborough

• Nov 9: Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa

• Nov 10: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville

• Nov 16: Aeolian Hall, London

• Nov 17: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

6 Guitars (performance) by Chase Padgett. Padgett transforms into six guitar-playing characters, each playing in a different style. chasepadgett.com.

• Nov 14: Capitol Centre, North Bay

• Nov 15: Northern College Auditorium, Kirkland Lake

• Nov 16: Oakville Centre, Oakville

Social Tango Project (dance) by Augustina Videla. A multimedia experience of the tango’s rich cultural heritage. socialtangoproject.com.

• Nov 15: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

• Nov 16: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Nov 17: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines