TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

La Bohème (opera) by Giacomo Puccini. The lives and loves of artists in 19th-century Paris. In Italian with English surtitles. Runs Oct 6 to Oct 28. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

Fall for Dance North (festival). Toronto’s premier international dance festival with 15+ world premieres from movement artists, musicians and filmmakers. Runs Sep 26 to Oct 7. Various venues, www.ffdnorth.com.

Fidelio (opera) by Ludwig van Beethoven. Leonora disguises herself as a man to save her husband from prison. In German with English surtitles. Runs Sep 29 to Oct 20. Four Seasons Centre, www.coc.ca.

In Dreams (musical) by David West Read. A country-rock singer invites her old bandmates to join her for “the party of a lifetime” featuring the songs of Roy Orbison. Runs Oct 1 to Nov 12. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Jagged Little Pill (musical) by Alanis Morissette. MJ’s husband is addicted to pornography, her daughter is making out with her best friend and MJ is addicted to painkillers. Runs Oct 24 to Nov 26. Princess of Wales Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Jungle Book Reimagined (dance) by Akram Khan. The journey of Mowgli reimagined as a refugee caught in a world devastated by climate change. Runs Oct 12 to Oct 14. For ages 8+. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Lasting Impressions in 3D (installation) by Princeton Entertainment Group. Over 160 Impressionist paintings by 17 artists are presented on a giant LED screen. Runs Aug 10 to Nov 5. CAA Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

Orphée et Eurydice (opera) by C.W. Gluck. Orpheus goes to the Underworld to try to save his beloved from death. In French. Runs Oct 14 to Nov 1. Elgin Theatre, www.operaatelier.com.

SIX (musical) by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. A modern retelling of the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. Runs Sep 23, 2023, to Feb 11, 2024. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 1-800-461-3333, www.mirvish.com.

The Wild Rovers (musical). Inspired by the Irish Rovers, a band seeks to make peace between the countries of Athunia and Ethunia. Previews from Oct 14, opens Oct 18, runs to Nov 5. Winter Garden Theatre, terrabruce.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Absolute Magic (magic) by Keith Brown. A fusion of mystery, wonder and storytelling in an intimate and interactive setting. Runs Oct 10 to Oct 15. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, redsandcastletheatre.com.

Appropriate (comedy) by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The estranged members of the Lafayette family return home to settle the accounts of their recently deceased patriarch. Runs Sep 28 to Oct 21. Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, www.coalminetheatre.com.

Caminos 2023 (festival). Experiments in theatre, dance, installations, performance art and cabaret. Runs Sep 27 to Oct 1. Factory Theatre, www.alunatheatre.ca.

Comedy is Art (festival). A festival of all sorts of comedy. Runs Oct 24 to Oct 28. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St West, theatrecentre.org.

Convictions (drama) by Lara Arabian. The beliefs of a Lebanese-Canadian family are tested when 13-year-old Zara begins to hear a mysterious voice. Runs Sep 28 to Oct 1. In French with English surtitles. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Doc Wuthergloom’s Here There Be Monsters (drama) by Eric Woolfe. A series of tales about the monsters, cryptids and weird creatures that haunt our mortal realm. Runs Oct 25 to Nov 5. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East. www.ticketscene.ca.

Greg's Cookies (comedy) by Sky Gilbert. Female Siamese twin LGBTQ+ allies go to Church Street to ogle all the un-eligible men. Runs Oct 17 to Oct 25. The Imp, 123 Danforth Ave, www.zeffy.com/en-CA.

The Last Epistle of Tightrope Time (drama) by Walter Borden. A personal exploration of homosexuality from a Black perspective. Runs Sep 19 to Oct 15. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

(Everyone I Love Has) A Terrible Fate (Befall Them) (comedy) by Cliff Cardinal. Previews from Oct 10, opens Oct 12, runs to Nov 4. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Groundswell Festival 2023 (festival). Brand new works from Nightwood Theatre’s Write From The Hip playwright’s unit. Runs Oct 2 to Oct 5. Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St East, www.nightwoodtheatre.net.

The Guide to Being Fabulous (comedy) by Sandra Caldwell. Stories and original songs that follow Caldwell’s journey from a pickpocketing youth to a star of stage and screen. Previews from Oct 24, opens Oct 28, runs to Nov 4. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Heroes of the Fourth Turning (drama) by Will Arbery. A portrait of a country at war with itself dominated by right-wing religion, race and politics. Previews from Oct 3, opens Oct 6, runs to Oct 29. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Influenced (comedy) by Sam Chaulk. An enthralling, thought provoking and reflective journey into the demonic heart of the internet. Runs Oct 12 to Oct 14. Sweet Action Theatre, 180 Shaw St, www.eventbrite.com.

Knock Knock (drama) by Niv Patel. An immersive physical mono-drama about the effects of National Service on everyday life. Runs Oct 21 to Oct 29. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Mad Magic (children) by Chris Westfall. A high energy magic show jam packed with audience participation. For ages 5+. Runs Oct 28 to Oct 29. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, www.tyttheatre.com.

The Master Plan (comedy) by Michael Healey. Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto attempt, and fail, to build a smart city in Toronto. Runs Sep 13 to Oct 19. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com. ★★★★☆

Näss dance) by Fouad Boussouf. A work of intense athleticism and acrobatic feats married to hypnotic and ritualistic rhythms. Runs Oct 26 to Oct 28.   Fleck Dance Theatre, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Next Stage Festival (festival). A festival of new work. Runs Oct 18 to Oct 29. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, fringetoronto.com.

Night of Dread Festival Pageant (pageant). A parade of giant puppets, a concert, a shado show and a bonfire. Runs Oct 28 only. Christie Pits Park, clayandpapertheatre.org.

Night Shift (festival). A late-night event that showcases innovative and thought-provoking dance. Runs Oct 5 to Oct 7. The Citadel, 304 Parliament St. www.citadelcie.com.

Our Flag Means [Blank] (comedy). Unlikely crewmates work through what it means to be a pirate who doesn’t quite fit the pirate standards. Runs Wednesdays, Sep 13 to Oct 4. Pirate’s Life, 585 Queen Quay West, baddogtheatre.com.

A Peter Rabbit Tale (children) by Neal Richardson. Peter Rabbit decides to run away from home but encounters many strange creatures. For ages 3-7. Runs Sat & Sun, Sep 30 to Nov 19. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, www.tyttheatre.com.

Pinkalicious The Musical (children) by John Gregor. Pinkalicious eats so many pink cupcakes that she comes down with Pinkitis. For ages 4+. Runs Sat & Sun, Sep 16 to Oct 22. Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, www.tyttheatre.com.

The Pirates of Penzance (operetta) by Arthur Sullivan & WS Gilbert. Due to a misunderstanding Frederick has been apprenticed to a "pirate" instead of a "pilot". Runs Oct 20 to Oct 22. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

A Poem for Rabia (drama) by Nikki Shaffeeullah. The stories of three queer women from the same bloodline. Previews from Oct 17, opens Oct 25, runs to Nov 12. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com.

Pop! Pop! (children) by Linda A. Carson. In a colourful underwater adventure, two very different creatures explore an enchanting new world. For ages 2-5. Runs Oct 14 to Oct 22.  Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

The Rear Window (drama) by Keith Reddin. In 1954 a man recuperating from a broken leg observes what he thinks is a murder in the apartment facing his. Runs Oct 26 to Nov 11. Hart House Theatre, University of Toronto, www.bygonetheatre.com.

Sea Wall (drama) by Simon Stephens. A photographer lives happily with his wife and daughter in the South of France until things go wrong. Runs Sep 21 to Oct 8. Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St West, www.eventbrite.ca.

speaking of sneaking (drama) by daniel jelani ellis. A multidisciplinary mash-up of dance, poetry and pantomime about leaving Jamaica and finding home in Canada. Runs Sep 19 to Oct 1. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Sweeney Todd (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. Sweeney Todd seeks revenge against the man who sent him into exile. Runs Oct 20 only. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, www.tolive.com.

Tales of the Grotesque (drama) by Brandon White. Staged versions of stories by Edgar Allan Poe. Runs Oct 18 to Nov 4. Campbell House Museum, www.whitemillstheatreco.com.

Tango for Two (opera) by Jonathan Kravtchenko. A sailor thinks he has found his true love, but then tragedy strikes. Runs Oct 21 only. Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, www.eventbrite.ca.

Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish (children) by Joseph A. Dandurand. A mouse must find two children to give to the hungry ogress Th’owxiya. For ages 5-8. Runs Oct 28 to Nov 6.  Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Topdog/Underdog (drama) by Suzan-Lori Parks. Lincoln and Booth are brothers haunted by their past – as well as their names. Runs Sep 22 to Oct 22. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

WaterFall (performance) by Theatre Gargantua. An examination of our complex and poetic relationship with water. Runs Oct 20 to Nov 5. Factory Theatre, theatregargantua.ca.

Wildwoman (comedy) by Kat Sandler. Three very different women wrestle for survival and legacy in the 16th-century French Court of King Henry II. Previews from Oct 5, opens Oct 12, runs to Oct 29. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

If We Were Birds (drama) by Erin Shields. Procne leaves her beloved sister Philomela for a new life with husband King Tereus, but tragedy ensues. Runs Sep 22 to Oct 7. [community] Alumnae Theatre, www.alumnaetheatre.com.

You’ll Get Used to It!… The War Show (drama) by Peter Colley. To a background of songs of the 1930s and ’40s, six Canadian infantrymen experience the hardships of war. Runs Oct 6 to Oct 21. [community] Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.com. ‑masks required‑

BARRIE

Boy Falls from the Sky (comedy) by Jake Epstein. Former Degrassi star Epstein tells of his rough time in the Spider-Man musical on Broadway. Runs Oct 12 to Oct 20. Five Points Theatre, www.tift.ca.

BOBCAYGEON

Rhinestone Cowgirl  (revue) by Leisa Way. A tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton. Runs Oct 17 to Oct 21. Globus Theatre, globustheatre.com.  

BRAMPTON

Casting Off (circus). Dynamic Australian women tumble, talk, fly and balance precariously. Runs Oct 26 only. Lester B. Pearson Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

Hamlet (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Ahad Raza Mir stars as the Danish prince trying to avenge his father’s murder. Runs Oct 12 to Oct 18. The Rose Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

Sin City Illusions (magic) by Steve Valentine & Matt Disero. A show by two internationally recognized star magicians. Runs Oct 27 only. The Rose Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.    

The Vagina Monologues (comedy) by Eve Ensler. A celebration of women’s lived experiences that challenges taboo topics, fights for female empowerment and advocates an end to violence against girls and women. Runs Oct 26 to Oct 28. Cyril Clark Theatre, tickets.brampton.ca.

BRANTFORD

In my body (dance) by Crazy Smooth. A look at what it is like for a street dancer to grow old. Runs Oct 25 only. Sanderson Centre, www.sandersoncentre.ca.

BURLINGTON

Madama Butterfly (opera) by Giacomo Puccini. A Japanese woman marries but her American husband does not consider it a “real” marriage. Runs Oct 15 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

Opry Gold (revue) by Leisa Way. A salute to the greatest hits of country music. Runs Sep 28 to Oct 1. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

Walking Through the Fire (performance). A multimedia performance celebrating cultural diversity including settler, First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. Runs Oct 22 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

We Walk the Line (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A survey of Johnny Cash’s life and music from the 1950s to 2003. Runs Oct 27 only. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Evita (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A young woman climbs up the ladder from poverty to become the most powerful woman in South America. Runs Oct 18 to Nov 5. Hamilton Family Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

CHATHAM

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien. Brad and Janet’s car breaks down in front of the castle of Dr. Frank N. Furter. Runs Sep 26 to Oct 1. Kiwanis Theatre, www.chatham-kent.ca.

CLARKSBURG

Opening to the Mystery (storytelling) by Jake McArthur. McArthur tells talles of the spiritual experiences he had with his late daughter Erica. Runs Oct 17 to Oct 21. Marsh Street Centre, https://tickets.theatrecollingwood.ca.

CREEMORE

Murder at the Masquerade (drama). Someone is murdered at the Station Masquerade Ball and you must help solve who done it. Runs Oct 28 only. Creemore Station on the Green, www.smallhallsfestival.ca.

FERGUS

A Field Guide to Rural Living (comedy) by Dan Needles. Another hilarious look at the joys and absurdities of rural life. Runs Oct 14 only. Grand Theatre, www.centrewellington.ca.

Frankenstein The Musical (musical) by Mark Baron & Jeffrey Jackson. A stage adaptation from 2007 of Mary Shelley’s famous novel. Runs Oct 26 to Oct 29. Grand Theatre, www.centrewellington.ca.

GANANOQUE

Once (musical) by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová. A Dublin street musician is about to give up music when he meets a young Czech woman. Runs Sep 26 to Oct 22. Springer Theatre, 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (comedy) by Hannah Moscovitch. After his third divorce a professor finds himself attracted to a 19-year-old girl. Runs Sep 8 to Oct 1. Firehall Theatre, 1000 Islands Playhouse, www.1000islandsplayhouse.com.

GUELPH

Company (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. Single at age 35 Robert visits his friends who are either married or engaged. Runs Oct 18 to Oct 22. The Downtown Theatre Project, www.thedowntowntheatreproject.ca.

HAMILTON

Boy Falls from the Sky (comedy) by Jake Epstein. Former Degrassi star Epstein tells of his rough time in the Spider-Man musical on Broadway. Runs Oct 25 to Nov 4. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

Cinderella (comedy) by Bengt Jörgen. Ballet Jörgen's version of the famous ballet. Runs Oct 15 only. FirstOntario Concert Hall, www.coreentertainment.ca.

Decolonise Your Ears Festival (festival). A festival of readings of four new plays by BIPOC Canadian authors. Runs Oct 19 to Oct 21. Theatre Aquarius, plainstage.com.

Jonas and Barry in the Home (comedy) by Norm Foster. Two retirees search for friendship, love, sex and elusive happiness in an assisted living home. Runs Sep 27 to Oct 14. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

KINGSTON

Blood River (drama) by Chloe Whitehorn. In the near future Karen rows across the river to a state where abortion is still legal. Runs Oct 23 to Nov 12. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.  

Casting Off (circus). Dynamic Australian women tumble, talk, fly and balance precariously. Runs Oct 25 only. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.

Oh What a Night! (revue) by George Solomon. A survey of the music and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Runs Oct 27 only. Grand Theatre, www.kingstongrand.ca.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

Asphalt Jungle Shorts XX (festival). A festival of outdoor short site-specific plays around Kitchener. Runs Sep 21 to Oct 1. Various venues, Kitchener, www.facebook.com.

IMPACT23 (festival). A festival of culturally diverse work from around the world with special emphasis on interdisciplinary, intercultural and physical productions. Runs Sep 26 to Oct 1. Various venues, Kitchener, mtspace.ca.

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien. Brad and Janet’s car breaks down in front of the castle of Dr. Frank N. Furter. Runs Oct 27 to Oct 31. 35 University Ave East, Waterloo, www.ticketscene.ca.

LONDON

Kim’s Convenience (comedy) by Ins Choi. A Korean immigrant has managed his store for 30 years, but neither of his children want to take it over. Previews from Oct 17, opens Oct 20, runs to Nov 4. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

The Phantom of the Opera (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A disfigured man secretly trains a young soprano under the Paris Opera House. Runs Sep 19 to Oct 7. [student] Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

The Rocky Horror Show (musical) by Richard O’Brien. Brad and Janet’s car breaks down in front of the castle of Dr. Frank N. Furter. Runs Oct 10 to Oct 15. Palace Theatre, palacetheatre.ca.

MARKHAM

Spectrum of Connection (dance) by Emily Chung. Little Pear Garden Dance Company explores how communication changes our relationships and evolves our happiness. Runs Oct 26 only. Flato Markham Theatre, flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.

MISSISSAUGA

After the Trojan Women (drama) by Amena Shehab and Joanna Blundell. An exploration of the profound suffering of women in war that span generations, Reading. Runs Oct 28 to Oct 29. United Congregation, 84 South Service Rd, www.zeffy.com.   

The Five Faces for Evelyn Frost (drama) by Guillaume Corbeil. A thrilling exploration of online self-perception and self-presentation. Runs Oct 26 to Nov 4. [student] Erindale Studio Theatre, www.utm.utoronto.ca.

Spooky at Illumi (installation). Ghouls, witches, monsters and ghosts also occupy the Dazzling World of Lights to make Halloween a real feast for the eyes and ears. Runs Oct to Oct 6 to Oct 31. 7174 Derrycrest Dr, https://toronto.illumi.com.

MORRISBURG

Shirley Valentine (comedy) by Willy Russell. A working-class housewife goes on a trip to Greece. Runs Sep 14 to Oct 1. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

A Short History of Nuthin (comedy) by Marshall Button & Sandy Gillis. Lucien & Jimmy the Janitor wonder what the heck just happened over the past three years. Runs Oct 17 to Oct 22. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

The Three Musketeers (children) by DuffleBag Theatre. A young lad joins the Three Musketeers to defeat the devious Cardinal Richelieu. Runs Oct 14 only. Bruce County Playhouse, dufflebag.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

MindTrix (magic) by Edward Stone. A blend of amazing magic with psychological illusions created with an adult audience in mind. Runs Saturdays Sep 23, 2023, to Feb 25, 2024. Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel, oldstoneinnhotel.com.

Wonder (magic) by Greg Frewin. Christian Mascia performs new large-scale illusions designed by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Mar 2, 2024. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL 2023:

The plays run in repertory from Feb 28 to Dec 23 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

The Amen Corner (drama) by James Baldwin. A teenage musical prodigy has to choose between his mother, the pastor and choir leader of the church, and his washed-up father. Runs Aug 19 to Oct 8. ★★★★★

Blithe Spirit (comedy) by Noel Coward. A novelist has to cope with his second wife and the ghost of his first wife. Runs Jul 8 to Oct 8.

Gypsy (musical) by Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim. Momma Rose pushes her daughter Gypsy into the world of show business. Runs May 17 to Oct 7. ★★★★☆

At the Royal George Theatre

On the Razzle (comedy) by Tom Stoppard. Two shop assistants go “on the razzle” in Vienna and get into lots of trouble. Runs May 26 to Oct 8. ★★★★☆

The Shadow of a Doubt (comedy) by Edith Wharton. A new wife is suspected of having a secret, which is enough to poison several lives. Runs Aug 20 to Oct 15. ★★★☆☆

Prince Caspian (children) by Damien Atkins. Young Prince Caspian needs the four Pevensie children to help defeat his wicked uncle. Runs May 28 to Oct 8. For ages 8+. ★★★★☆

Village Wooing (comedy) by GB Shaw. On a cruise ship an antisocial writer and a sparky young woman become attracted to each other. Runs Jul 8 to Oct 7. ★★★☆☆

At the Studio Theatre

The Apple Cart (comedy) by GB Shaw. A power struggle between the king and his prime minister triggers a constitutional crisis. Runs Jul 9 to Oct 7. ★★★★☆

The Clearing (drama) by Helen Edmundson. In the mid-1600s, a pair of young lovers is caught up in Oliver Cromwell’s ethnic cleansing campaign against Irish Catholics. Runs Aug 18 to Oct 6.

The Playboy of the Western World (comedy) by JM Synge. Pegeen Mike falls in love with a man who claims to have just killed his father. Runs Jul 7 to Oct 7. ★★★★☆

At the Spiegeltent

The Game of Love and Chance (comedy) by Pierre de Marivaux. A betrothed couple who have never met switch places with their servants in order to see what each other is really like. Runs Jun 28 to Oct 8.

Mother, Daughter (drama) by Selma Dimitrijevic. An exploration of the changing relationships between children and their parents. Runs Jun 3 to Oct 7.

ORANGEVILLE

The View from Here (comedy) by Jamie Williams. For Mary and Michael marriage hasn’t turned out quite the way they had imagined. Runs Oct 15 to Oct 29. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

ORILLIA

Mysteries of the Keyhole House (magic) by Ted & Marion Outerbridge. An epic evening of spectacular magic, dance, séance and spine-tingling tales. Runs Oct 27 only. Orillia Opera House, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

L’Art de révéler juste assez (comedy) by Mélissa Cardona. Burlesque artist Lily St-Cyr makes her entrance in Montreal of the 1920s. In French. Runs Oct 13 to Oct 14. Salle Odyssée, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Bear Grease (musical) by LightningCloud. Hip-hop, parody and improv bring an Indigenous perspective to the classic musical Grease. Runs Oct 11 to Oct 14. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

The Book of Will (comedy) by Beth Henley. After Shakespeare’s death, two actors are determined to compile the First Folio. Runs Sep 20 to Oct 7. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Brick & Brack (comedy). A duo who has bener accepted the result of the 1995 referendum celebrates “the best culture in the world”.  In French. Runs Oct 31 only. Salle Odyssée, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Cabaret (musicl) by John Kander & Fred Ebb. Sally Bowles thinks she can be a star in 1930 Berlin. Runs Sep 28 to Oct 8. Meridian Theatres Centrepointe, meridiancentrepointe.com.

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black (ballet) by William Tuckett / Mthuthuzeli November. A double bill of Then Or Now and NINA: By Whatever Means. Runs Oct 3 to Oct 4. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Casting Off  (circus) by A Good Catch. Three generations of spirited Australian women talk, tumble, fly, and balance precariously. Runs Oct 21 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Dogs Do Magic (magic) by Aaron Matthews. An unforgettable evening of magic, comedy, & canine hijinks. Runs Oct 6 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

L’Écoute une émotion (drama) by Marie-Laurance Rancourt. A radio host struggles to find tell the story of her love for a man who likes her total opposite. In French. Runs Oct 11 to Oct 14. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Grey Ghosts: Prisoners of Souls and Masts (comedy) by Arya Landers. An immersive comedy pirate adventure filed with ghosts, curses and sea monsters. Runs Sundays, Aug 6 to Oct 8. Ship at Mooney’s Bay, 588 Hogs Back Rd, tgti.na.ticketsearch.com.

In my body (dance) by Crazy Smooth. A look at what it is like for a street dancer to grow old. Runs Oct 28 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Jungle Book Reimagined (dance) by Akram Khan. The journey of Mowgli reimagined as a refugee caught in a world devastated by climate change. Runs Oct 19 to Oct 21. National Arts Centre, nac-cna.ca.

Life-Cycle! (drama) by DynamO Théâtre. A man rides an old bicycle to reconnect with his identity. Runs Oct 28 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, shenkmanarts.ca.

Lili St-Cyr (musical) by Kevin Houle & Mélissa Cardona. The life of a cabaret star in Prohibition-era Montreal. In French. Runs Oct 13 to Oct 14. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Love from a Stranger (drama) by Agatha Christie & Frank Vosper. Cecily Harrington wins a fortune and marries a handsome and charming stranger. Runs Oct 25 to Nov 11. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

Mes premières chaleurs (comedy) by Mona de Grenoble. Drag queen Mona offers you her best salty stories. In French. Runs Oct 20. École polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Murder at the Monster Mash (performance) by Fiddlemugs. An annual Monster Mash party is disrupted by murder in this improv play. Runs Oct 25 only. Arts Court Theatre, artscourt.ca.

The Mummy (opera) by Andrew Ager. An opera based on the well-known 1932 film. Runs Oct 27 to Oct 28. Venue TBA, newoperalyra.ca.

Nelligan (opera) by André Gangon. The greatest moments in the tragic life of Quebec’s national poet. In French. In concert. Runs Oct 19 only. Salle Odyssée, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical (variety). All-Canadian music from Maritime folk songs to modern pop featuring a singing Mountie, hockey player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and many others. Booking to Dec 23, 2023. 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

The Pillowman (drama) by Martin McDonagh. A writer in a totalitarian state is interrogated about the content of his short stories. Runs Oct 4 to Oct 7. Arts Court Theatre, artscourt.ca.

Run de lait (drama) by Justin Laramée. An invesigation both comic and serious into the dairy industry in Quebec. Runs Oct 8 only. In French. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

The Supine Cobbler (comedy) by Jill Connell. A contemporary female Western about falling off the map of decency and becoming an outlaw. Runs Sep 26 to Oct 8. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

Yes I Can! The Michelle Obama Musical (musical) by Gord Carruth. Michelle’s story from her childhood, through her years at Princeton and Harvard, to becoming First Lady. Runs Oct 18 to Oct 28. Meridian Theatres, meridiancentrepointe.com.

PETROLIA

Camelot (musical) by Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner. King Arthur becomes aware that his wife Guinevere is having an affair with Lancelot. Runs Oct 10 to Oct 29. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PORT DOVER

We Walk the Line (revue) by Ward Cornforth. A survey of Johnny Cash’s life and music from the 1950s to 2003. Runs Oct 6 only. Lighthouse Festival Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT PERRY

Scary Story Walks (drama). A night-time journey as classic and contemporary stories of the macabre unfold through the village. Runs Oct 26 to Oct 29. Theatre on the Ridge, theatreontheridge.ca.

RAMA

Symphony of Dance (dance) by Derek Hough. A fast-paced live stage show featuring a wide array of dance styles. Runs Oct 28 only. Casino Rama, www.casinorama.com.

SARNIA

Mysteries of the Keyhole House (magic) by Ted Outerbridge. Illusionists Ted and Marion Outerbridge highlight the historical artifacts they discovered in their haunted heritage home. Runs Oct 29 only. Imperial Theatre, www.imperialtheatre.net.

SPENCERVILLE

The Diablo Manor Hell-O-Ween Extravaganza! (magic) by Scott McClelland. A sumptuous meal followed by an intimate Victorian production of mystifying wonders and a séance. Runs Oct 6 to Oct 29. Diablo Manor, www.diablomanor.com.

ST. CATHARINES

Walking Through the Fire (performance). A multimedia performance celebrating cultural diversity including settler, First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. Runs Sep 30 to Oct 1. FirstOntario PAC, firstontariopac.ca.

ST. JACOBS

Bittergirl - The Musical (musical) by Annabel Fitzsimmons et al. The lives of three accomplished women scorned – and the men who dumped them. Runs Oct 4 to Dec 24. St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Mary’s Wedding (drama) by Stephen Massicotte. Two young people fall in love just before the outbreak of World War I. Runs Oct 26 to Nov 12. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 1-855-372-9866, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

The Quest (musical) by Murray Foster & Kieran MacMillan. Four girls in Grade 9 play role-playing games until one day their characters come to life. Runs Oct 18 to Oct 22. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

STRATFORD

The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery (comedy) by Adam Francis Proulx. A murder has occurred amidst the Family Crow and now Horatio P. Corvus must crack the case. Runs Oct 28 only. Factory 163, www.springworksfestival.ca.

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run from in repertory Apr 8 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

Les Belles-Soeurs (comedy) by Michel Tremblay. Germaine has won a million stamps and asks friends and family to help her paste them into booklets. Runs Aug 25 to Oct 28. ★★★★☆

King Lear (tragedy) by William Shakespeare. Lear divides his kingdom between two daughters but excludes the third. Runs May 30 runs to Oct 29. ★★☆☆☆

Much Ado about Nothing (comedy) by William Shakespeare. Beatrice and Benedick bicker so much people think they must be in love. Runs Jun 16 to Oct 27. ★★☆☆☆

Rent (musical) by Jonathan Larson. The story of Puccini’s La Bohème set in 1990s Manhattan. Runs Jun 2 to Nov 5. ★★★☆☆

At the Avon Theatre

Frankenstein Revived (performance) by Morris Panych. A movement-based piece based on Mary Shelley’s novel. Runs Aug 24 to Oct 28. ★★★☆☆

Monty Python’s Spamalot (musical) by John Du Prez & Eric Idle. A musical version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Runs May 31 to Nov 18. ★★★★☆

A Wrinkle in Time (children) by Thomas Morgan Jones. A young heroine goes on a journey through space and time to rescue her father. Runs Jun 17 to Oct 29. ★★★☆☆

At the Tom Patterson Theatre

Wakey, Wakey (comedy) by Will Eno. With an hour left to live, Guy must determine what makes life worth living. Runs Sep 27 to Oct 1.

Wedding Band (drama) by Alice Childress. An emotional portrayal of a relationship between a Black seamstress and a white baker in the shadow of World War I and the 1918 flu epidemic. Runs Jul 14 to Oct 1. ★★★★★

At the Studio Theatre

Goblin:Macbeth (comedy) by Rebecca Northan & Bruce Horak. Three goblins decide to stage Shakespeare’s Scottish play.  Previews from Oct 12, opens Oct 14, runs to Oct 28.

SUDBURY

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (drama) by Simon Stephens. A boy on the autism spectrum tries to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbour’s dog. Runs Oct 20 to Nov 5. Sudbury Theatre Centre, sudburytheatre.com.

Mamuche (children) by Karine Lachance. A young girl with several learning disabilities and her stuffed toy set out to find happiness in Northern Ontario. In French. For ages 5-10. Runs Oct 21 only. Le Théâtre de Nouvel-Ontario, letno.ca.

THUNDER BAY

Meet My Sister (comedy) by Bonnie Green. The mother of two daughters refuses to move into a retirement home. Runs Sep 28 to Oct 21. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

WELLAND

Twist of Fate (circus) by Angola Murdoch. Through aerial art Murdoch depicts her diagnosis, surgery and recovery from scoliosis. Runs Oct 20 to Oct 21. The Bank Art House, femmesdufeu.com.

WESTMEATH

Conspiracy Conniptions (musical) by Ish Theilheimer. The arrival in a small town of unruly protestors causes a young man and woman to re-examine their lives and beliefs. Runs Oct 14 only. Westmeath Recreation Centre, stone‑fence‑theatre.square.site.

WINDSOR

Curious George: The Golden Meatball (musical) by John Kavanaugh & Jeremy Desmon. To help his friend, George enters the Chef's meatballs in the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome. Runs Oct 7 only. Chrysler Theatre, www.chryslertheatre.com.

Dirty Dancing in Concert (musical). Live dancers, singers and a band perform the msuic as the remastered film plays above them. Runs Oct 13 only. The Colosseum, Caesars Windsor, www.caesars.com.

Symphony of Dance (dance) by Derek Hough. A fast-paced live stage show featuring a wide array of dance styles. Runs Oct 27 only. The Colosseum, Caesars Windsor, www.caesars.com.

Young and Strange: Delusionists (magic) by Richard Young & Sam Strange. Britain's most famous comedy illusionists bring their hit show to us for a night of spectacular magic and illusion. Runs Oct 15 only. Chrysler Theatre, www.chryslertheatre.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Casting Off  (circus) by A Good Catch. Three generations of spirited Australian women talk, tumble, fly, and balance precariously. www.agoodcatchcircus.com

• Oct 21: Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa

• Oct 22: Betty Spears Theatre, North Bay

• Oct 25: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Oct 26: Rose Theatre, Brampton

The Comic Strippers (comedy). A male stripper parody and improv comedy show performed by some of Canada's best improvisational comedians. thecomicstrippers.com.

• Oct 19: Capitol Theatre, Port Hope

• Oct 20: Orillia Opera House, Orillia

• Oct 21: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Oct 22: Capitol Theatre, Chatham

• Oct 25: Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

• Oct 26: The Westdale Theatre, Hamilton

• Oct 27: FirstOntario Arts Centre, Milton

• Oct 28: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• Oct 29: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery (comedy) by Adam Francis Proulx. A murder has occurred amidst the Family Crow and now Horatio P. Corvus must crack the case. www.puckingfuppets.com.

• Oct 5: Gravenhurst Opera House, Gravenhurst

• Oct 7: Registry Theatre, Kitchener

• Oct 13: Simcoe Street Theatre, Collingwood

• Oct 21: Theatre Aurora, Aurora

• Oct 26: Orillia Opera House, Orillia

• Oct 27: Regent Theatre, Oshawa

• Oct 28: Factory 163, Stratford

Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book (performance) by Craig Francis & Rick Miller. A young graphic novelist geek is drawn into the journal of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. www.kidoons.com.

• Oct 19: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Oct 22: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Oct 25: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Oct 27-28: Oakville Centre, Oakville

• Oct 29-30: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Oct 31: Burlington PAC, Burlington

Relive the Music of the ’50s & ’60s (revue). An energetic live band, amazing front singers and dancers transforming and re-living two decades of music, costumes, trends and dancing. relivethemusic.ca.

•  Oct 1: Regent Theatre, Oshawa

• Oct 2: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• Oct 3: Capitol Theatre, Chatham

• Oct 4: Centre for the Performing Arts, Richmond Hill

• Oct 5: McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton

• Oct 6: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Oct 10: Meridian Theatre, Ottawa

• Oct 22: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

• Oct 23: Flato Academy Theatre, Lindsay

Popvich Pet Comedy Circus (circus) by Gregory Popovich. A family show featuring more than 30 house cats, dogs, parrots, even a miniature horse. comedypet.com.

• Oct 20: Burlington PAC, Burlington

• Oct 21: Kailash Mital Theatre, Ottawa

• Oct 26: Stirling Festival Theatre, Stirling

• Oct 27: Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough

• Oct 29: Richmond Hill Centre, Richmond Hill

SPIN (performance) by Evalyn Parry. The history of the bicycle as an instrument of social change. evalynparry.com.

• Oct 20: Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

• Oct 26: Northern College Auditorium, Kirkland Lake

• Oct 28: THEOP, Deep River

Tom Thomson’s Wake (musical) by Shipyard Kitchen Party. Two years after painter Tom Thomson’s death, his friend, his mentor and his lover gather to share their memories. shipyardkitchenparty.com.

• Oct 13: Aeolian Hall, London

• Oct 14: Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham

• Oct 20: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Oct 23: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

The Vampire Circus (circus) by Francisco Santos. Dracula uses a travelling circus as a cover for his plans for world domination. www.thevampirecircus.com.

• Oct 22: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay

• Oct 26: Caesar’s Casino, Windsor

• Oct 27: Casino Rama, Rama

• Oct 28: FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton

• Oct 29: Algonquin Theatre, Ottawa