LISTINGS: Theatre -- May 9

[eye WEEKLY]

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eye WEEKLY May 9, 1996
Toronto's arts newspaper .....free every Thursday
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LISTINGS LISTINGS

Subjects in this post:

THEATRE LISTINGS -- Openings & Previews
-- Continuing
-- Outside Toronto
DINNER THEATRE
THEATRE-RELATED
DANCE

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Subject: THEATRE LISTINGS -- Openings & Previews

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Romantic comedy by Shakespeare; presented by
Tempest Theatre Group. May 9-June 1. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. (Opening
Night Gala Benefit for Performers For Literacy at 7:30pm; $25.)
$10/$15, Tues PWYC. Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst. 872-1111 or 538-1772.

BACK TO WELCOME A play of love lost, lies told and desperate self-
survival. By Robert Dow; presented by Toronto Theatre Ensemble.
Previews May 9, runs May 10-25. Mon-Sat 8pm, also May 18 & 25 at 2pm.
$11-$18, Mon PWYC. Canadian Stage Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 368- 3110.

THE DESPERATE HOURS About courage and strength of the family and the
dark side of childhood. By Joseph Hayes; presented by the Young Actors
Performance Troupe. May 9-26. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. $11/$13. The
Lab On Britain Street, 8 Britain. 465-5937.

LET'S MURDER MARSHA A comic murder mystery in the style of a zany
British bedroom farce. By Monk Ferris; presented by Glenvale Players.
May 9-18. Thurs-Sat at 8pm & May 12 at 2pm. $5/$10. CNIB, 1929
Bayview. 905-660-1899.

PATSY A musical tribute to the life and music of country legend Patsy
Cline. Presented by GWP Productions in assoc. with Mid- America
Productions. See preview page 42. Previews May 12, opens May 14, runs
to Sept. 1. Tues-Sat 8pm, also Wed, Sat-Sun 2pm. $44.50-$49.50. Queen
Elizabeth Theatre, Exhibition Place. 872-1212.

PENELOPE, THE IMPOSTOR Drama by Sara Barker; presented by Theatre
Counter Clockwise. Previews May 15, opens May 16, runs to May 26. Wed-
Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. (Benefit for Daily Bread Food Bank May 22.) $5/$12,
Sun PWYC. (Also, wknds performances continue with The Blind Poet's
Cafe, readings, recitations, 10pm.) Nightwood Theatre Studio, 317
Adelaide W., Ste 6000. 537-8857.

PUPPETS WHO KILL A veritable rogues' gallery of puppets in various
stages of mental decay. By John Pattison. May 14-26. Tues-Sat 8:30pm,
Sun 2:30pm. $10-$12, Sun PWYC. Factory Studio Cafe, 125 Bathurst. 504-
9971.

THREE VIEWINGS Comedy about three funerals, three visitors, three
stories. By Jeffrey Hatcher; presented by Belmont Theatre Productions.
May 14-19. Tues-Sun 8pm, also Sun 2:30pm. $20/$25. Ford Centre Studio
Theatre, 5040 Yonge. 633-9631.

2000 In a house at the edge of a forest, two generations face the
challenge of the millennium. By Joan MacLeod. Previews May 15-19, runs
to June 16. Tues-Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8:30pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $14.50- $23.50.
Tarragon Mainspace, 30 Bridgman. 531-1827.

VENUS DROPPED FROM HER PERCH An exploration of the complex
relationships that exist between neighbors, friends, lovers. A
collective work in progress; presented by Enter The Goddess
Productions. May 14-19. Tues-Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $7- 10,
Sun PWYC. Tarragon Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 531-1827.

WEDDING DAY AT THE CRO-MAGNONS' A comedy about trying to uphold
traditional values in the midst of a war. By Wajdi Mouawad. See
Backstage page 40. Previews May 9, opens May 10, runs to June 2. Tues-
Sat 8pm, also Sat 4pm, Sun 2:30pm. $15-$24, Sat-Sun mat PWYC. Theatre
Passe Muraille Mainspace, 16 Ryerson. 504-7529.

WIPE THAT SMILE A ghetto girl tries to hold her family together and
keep her job with her feisty employer. By Oliver Samuels; presented by
Jones & Jones Productions. May 11, 8:30pm & May 12, 6pm. Music Hall,
147 Danforth. $25. 870-8000 or 588-9440.
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Subject: THEATRE LISTINGS -- Continuing

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Poculi Ludique Societas presents Shakespeare's
seldom produced play. To May 19. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. $8/$15, PWYC
Sun. Helen Gardner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St. George. 978-5096.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST Canadian production of Disney's Broadway musical.
Wed-Sat 8pm, also Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6:30pm. Indefinite. $27-$91.
Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 872- 1212.

BEDSIDE MANNERS A British comedy. By Derek Benfield; presented by
Theatre Etobicoke. May 9-11 at 8pm. Burnhamthorpe Collegiate
Institute, 500 The East Mall. 695-9791.

BREEDING GROUND A lighthearted look at the trials and tribulations of
parenthood. See review page 41. To May 23 on Tues & Thurs at 12:10 &
1:10pm; $12. Also, to May 25 on Wed-Sat at 8pm; $15/$18. Pregnant
women half price; babies welcome at lunchtime. Solar Stage, 4950
Yonge, Concourse Level, Madison Centre. 221-9855.

CLOUDS Musical comedy relates the story of a country bumpkin and his
playboy son who learn from Socrates how to avoid paying their debts by
using rhetoric and unjust logic. Presented by the Ancient Comic Opera
Company. Indefinite run. Tues-Sat 8pm, also Sat 4pm, Sun 2:30pm.
$16.50-$29.50, Tues-Wed students & seniors 2-for-1. Poor Alex Theatre,
296 Brunswick. 944-2329 or 1-800-689-3579.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK For kids. Adapted by Frances Goodrich and
Albert Hackett. To May 18 eve and mat shows. $20. Young Peoples
Theatre, 165 Front E. 862-2222.

FOREVER PLAID Indefinite run. Tues-Fri at 8pm, Sat 8:30pm, Wed & Sat
mat 2pm, Sun 3pm; $31-$48.50. The New Yorker, 651 Yonge. 872- 1111.

GYPSY Based on the life of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee with a score by
Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. Presented by York Minstrels. May 9 &
11 at 8pm, also May 12 at 2pm. $14-$18. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588
Bathurst. 620-6608.

GUYS & DOLLS A fable of love, marriage and temperance. Presented by
Scarborough Music Theatre. To May 11 at 8pm. $14/$17. Scarborough
Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 396-4049.

HE ARA HOU IN WAITAPU A Maori troupe uses dance, music to tell two
stories, one ancient, one contemporary, about the Maori community of
Waitapu. To May 19. Native Canadian Centre, 16 Spadina Rd. 531-1402.

I TAKE THIS MAN By Jack Sharkey; presented by Mississagua Players. May
9-11 at 8pm. $10/$15. Heron Park Theatre, 830 Paisley Blvd. 905-821-
0090.

IN CONFIDENCE A portrait of friends who used to live next door to each
other and are now separated by 3,000 miles and dark secrets. By
Margaret Hollingsworth. Part of Buddies' FourPlay Series. May 9, 11-
12. Wkdys + May 11 at 8pm, May 12 at 2:30pm. $10/$12, Sat-Sun mat
PWYC. Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 975-8555.

AN ITALIAN STRAW HAT Written in 1850, this is a madcap romp through
the nightmare of nuptials. By Eugene Labiche. To May 11. Wed-Sat 8pm,
Sun 3pm. $10/$12, Sun PWYC. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 364-4170.

JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS Brel's songs of
youth, love, loneliness, frustration, old age, death and more are
brought to life. By Eric Blau and Mort Schuman; presented by Stage
Centre Productions. To May 11. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. $12/$15. Fairview
Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr. 299-5557.

A LINE IN THE SAND A Canadian peacekeeper, isolated in a distant land,
encounters a curious, eager, local teenager. By Guillermo Verdecchia
and Marcus Youssef. To May 12. Tues-Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8:30pm, Sun
2:30pm. $12.50-$20.50. Tarragon Extraspace, 30 Bridgman. 536-5018.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Part farce, part Mozart, all romance. By Stephen
Sondheim; presented by the Canadian Stage Company. To May 11. Mon-Sat
8pm, also Wed & Sat 2pm. $22-$48. St. Lawrence Centre For The Arts, 27
Front E. 368-3110 or 872-1111.

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE A condensed version of the rich and
strange land of Narnia. By C.S. Lewis, adapted by LeClanche du Rand;
presented by Brookstone Performing Arts. To May 19. Fri- Sat 7:30pm,
also Sat-Sun mat. $12. Elmore's Hall, 188 1/2 Lowther Ave. 516-1082.

THE MOUSETRAP Agatha Christie's long-running whodunit. Indefinite run.
Tues-Sun 8pm (except Sat 6:30 & 9:30pm). Toronto Truck Theatre, 94
Belmont. 922-0084.

PARTY Celebrates the friendship of seven contemporary gay men who
gather to play an elaborate variation on Truth-Or-Dare. By David
Dillon; presented by Followspot Theatre. To July 7. Wed-Thurs 8pm,
Fri-Sat 7 & 10pm, Sun 3 & 7pm. $20-$30. Canadian Stage Theatre, 26
Berkeley, dwnstrs. 368-3110.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Indefinite run. Tues-Sat 8pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun
3pm. Pantages Theatre, 244 Victoria. 872-2222.

SCARY STORIES A dark comedy set in the censorial 1950s, as an artist
desperately tries to dissuade his publisher from cancelling their Tomb
Of Doom comic book. See review page 41. By Gordon Armstrong. Part of
FourPlay series. May 8, 10-12. Wkdys & May 12 at 8pm, May 11 at
2:30pm. $10-$12, Sat-Sun mat PWYC. Buddies In Bad Times, 12 Alexander.
975-8555.

SEARS ONTARIO DRAMA FESTIVAL The largest student drama festival in
North America. Showcase with three different plays each evening, to
May 11 at 7:30pm; $10. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House Circle, U of
T. 978-8668.

SUNSET BOULEVARD Romantic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, adapted from
Billy Wilder's 1950 film. Tues-Sat at 8pm, also Sat- Sun 2pm. To June
30. $52.50-$93. Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, 5040 Yonge. 872-
2222.

THREE TALL WOMEN A look at one woman as she was, as she is and as she
will be. When the youthful expectations of happiness meet the
realities of life, how are we changed? By Edward Albee; presented by
Vineyard Theatre. To May 25. Mon-Sat 8pm, Wed & Sat 2pm. $25- $70.
Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 872-1212 or 1-800-461- 3333.

THE THREEPENNY EPIC CABARET A behind the scenes look at the chaotic
creation of Bertolt Brecht's Threepenny Opera. By Stan Rogal and Bald
Ego Theatre. To May 12. Tues-Sat 8pm, also Sat 4pm, Sun 2:30pm. $7.50-
$15. Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 504-7529.

TINY ADDICTIONS/ROCKY SUCKS ROCKS First Draft Theatre presents a
double bill reflecting two sides of modern urban relationships:
obsession, passion, betrayal. By David Rubinoff and Becky Blake,
respectively. To May 19. Tues-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. $10-$12, Sun & preview
PWYC. Theatre Centre East, 142 George. 538-0988.

TRUDEAU AND THE FLQ The Global Village Part II by Michael
Hollingsworth; presented by VideoCabaret. To May 26. Tues-Sat 8pm, Sun
2:30pm. $8-$16. Theatre Centre West, 1032 Queen W. 703-1725 or 538-
0988.

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Subject: THEATRE LISTINGS -- Outside Toronto

DEKKER'S LAST STAND An author plagued by writer's block vacations at
the cottage, where a stranger initiates a thrilling, fast-paced
adventure. By Mo Bock; presented by Thousand Islands Foundation For
The Performing Arts. May 14-June 16. (613)382-7020.

PATSY CLINE-SWEET DREAMS: THE FANTASY TOUR A look at the great country
and western singer of the '50s. Written by and starring Virginia
O'Brien-Harkness; presented by Union Theatre Waterloo. To May 19.
Tues-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. $8.50/$15, Sun PWYC. St. Jacob's
Schoolhouse, 11 Albert, St. Jacob's. (519)746-1484.

SHAW FESTIVAL COURT HOUSE THEATRE: An Ideal Husband, a witty expose of
London society, by Oscar Wilde. In previews, opens May 23. FESTIVAL
THEATRE: The Devil's Disciple, a playful look at the American
Revolution, by Bernard Shaw. In previews, opens May 22, runs to Oct.
27. Rashomon, a Japanese thriller by Fay and Michael Kanin, begins
previews May 9, opens May 24. ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE: Mr. Cinders, a
twist on an old story -- a male Cinderella, to Oct. 26. The Hollow,
murder mystery by Agatha Christie begins previews May 10, opens May
25. Previews $32-$45, mat from $12. Niagara-on-the- Lake. 1-800-511-
7429 or 905-468-2172.

STRATFORD FESTIVAL FESTIVAL THEATRE: King Lear, an aging monarch makes
a catastrophic error of judgment by dividing his kingdom among his
three daughters, by Shakespeare. In previews, opens May 27, to Nov.
27. The Music Man, a con man with a suitcase full of dreams promises
to organize a boys' band, by Meredith Willson. Previews begin May 10,
opens May 29, runs to Nov. 3. Amadeus, a contemporary drama of the
brilliant upstart Wolfgang Mozart and the bitterly jealous composer
Antonio Salieri, by Peter Shaffer. In previews, opens May 31, runs to
Nov. 1. AVON THEATRE: The Merchant Of Venice by Shakespeare. Previews
begin May 13, opens May 30, runs to Nov. 3. Stratford. 1-800-567-1600.

TREASURE ISLAND Based on a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this
musical chronicles a touring theatre troupe as they scramble to stage
a performance while props, sets, costumes are missing. Adapted by Adam
Furfaro; presented by Theatre Aquarius. May 11-12, 18-19 at 1 & 4pm.
$10. du Maurier Ltd. Centre, 190 King William St., Hamilton. 905-522-
7529 or 1-800-465-PLAY.

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Subject: DINNER THEATRE

GINGERBREAD LADY Comedy about reality, recovery and relationships by
Neil Simon. Indefinite run. Thurs-Sat 6:30pm. $35. HoJo Inn, 555
Cochrane, Markham. 905-475-8895.

HIS MAJESTY'S FEAST An Elizabethan evening featuring court jesters and
singing wenches. Indefinite run. Tues-Sat. $27-$34. Inn on the Lake,
1926 Lakeshore W. 769-1165.

LEND ME A TENOR With Jason Byce, Tito Merelli. To July 7. Stage West
All-Suite Hotel & Theatre Restaurant, 5400 Dixie Rd., Miss. 905-238-
0042.

MOZART TO GERSHWIN TO WEBBER A satirical but serious look at the world
of opera and musical theatre, sung by a cast of 14. Fri 7:30pm, Sat
8pm. Gatsby's Operatic Dinner Theatre, 504 Church. 925-4545.

OFFICERS 1893 A Victorian musical show and dinner. Thurs-Sat. $47.
Stanley Barracks (Marine Museum), Exhibition Place. 597-1893.

ON STAGE A musical revue presented by Theatricality Plus Productions.
Thurs-Fri. $37.95. Someplace Else, Mississauga Rd. n of Hwy 401,
Huttonville. 905-455-8610.

ROCK 'N' ROLL HEAVEN A '50s & '60s concert comedy revue featuring
impressionist Joey Vance. $39-$45. New La Cage Dinner Theatre, 279
Yonge. 364-5200.

SOPHISTICATED LADIES The music of Duke Ellington with musicians,
singers, dancers. Tues-Sun. $35-$45. Limelight Dinner Theatre, 2026
Yonge. 482-5200.

STEPPING OUT A new comedy about tap dance students. By Richard Harris;
choreography by Shari Robinson-Coulter. To May 12. $33. Herongate
Dinner Theatre, 7.5 km N of Hwy 2 on Altona Rd., Pickering. 905-472-
3085.

TANGLED WEB (OR KISS OF THE E-MAIL FEMALE) A new whodunit with members
of an Internet Mystery Club meeting for the first time in person.
Mysteriously Yours... Mystery Dinner Theatre. Fri-Sat 6:30pm at Royal
York Hotel, 100 Front W; Wed mat. at Old Mill Restaurant. $37-$65.
486-7469 or 1-800-668-3323.

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Subject: THEATRE-RELATED

ARTWORD FESTIVAL OF THE HUMAN VOICE How Many Ways To Tell A Story?,
with 15 performers in 10 events featuring song, dance, theatre and
storytelling. To May 10. Wed-Sat 8pm. $9/$12 for a double-bill. EVENTS
- May 9 & 17: The Journey Of Happyfish, songs, poems by Cyrus. May 9-
10: Oswald von Wolkenstein with classical guitarists Larry Lewis,
Brian Katz. May 10-11: Moorish Queen's Servant, Sephardic songs,
stories, travels with Judith Cohen. May 11 & 15: Sweet Marie, a play
on life and music of Marie Dressler by Sharon Marie Dyer with pianist
Derrick Lewis. May 15-16: Fire And Ice with storyteller Carol McGirr.
81 Portland, Ste 201. 408-1146.

CAHOOTS 10TH BIRTHDAY BLOW-OUT Party with host Jovanni Sy and Sharon
Lewis; comedy, music, dancing. May 10, 7:30pm. $15. Great Hall, 1087
Queen W. 531-8303.

DANCE SUBMISSIONS London Arts Festival seeks works to be presented
during its festival, Sept. 25-28. Submission deadline May 18.
(519)649-1018.

EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS BENEFIT PERFORMANCE It's Party Time, presented by
Followspot Theatre. May 7, 8pm. $15. Canadian Stage, 26 Berkeley. 368-
3110.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Musical Discovery Adventure presented by
Walt Disney Studio. Get a backstage look at how music and animation
come together. may 10-12. Square One Shopping Centre, Hwys 403 & 10.

MEDIA MADNESS Performance and panel discussion focusing on gender
issues in the media. May 8, 7-9pm. Interactive multimedia performance
continues to May 17. Ursula Franklin Academy, 90 Croatia. 975-9642.

NATIONAL BALLET SCHOOL DAY Open House. Tour behind-the-scenes. May 11,
10am-2pm. Free. 111 Maitland. 962-3419.

PLAY READINGS The Four Lives Of Marie by Carole Frechette, May 10,
4:30pm at Tarragon Theatre, Studio, 30 Bridgman; 536-5018. Alphonse by
Wajdi Mouawad, May 14, 4:30pm at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson;
504-8988.

PUPPET PLAYS FOR KIDS The Green Goofy Being & The Tanner, presented by
Lalka Puppet Co. May 11-12 at 3pm. $7. Ukrainian St. Vladimir
Institute, 620 Spadina. 249-6510. Dragon Daze, presented by Pinafore
Puppet Theatre. May 11 at 1:30 & 3pm. $6. Lillian H. Library, 239
College. 657-1696.

SIRENS' SALON Comedy, theatre, music, poems, stories. Amateurs and
professionals, hosted by Michael O'Brien and Laszlo Szamosvari Tues
8:30pm. Free. 2213 Queen E. 694-9398 or 698-1151.

STOMP International percussion troupe. Opens May 14, 8pm with proceeds
in aid of sending kids to camp, $75; runs to July 7. Tues-Fri 8pm, Sat
5 & 9, Sun 2 & 7. $19.75-$49.75. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 872-5555.

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Subject: DANCE

BALLET CREOLE Presents Reconnaissance, the rebirth of the Big Drum
Dance by Patrick Parson, with Ballet Creole Musical Ensemble. May 9-
11. $14/$17. du Maurier Theatre Centre, Harbourfront Centre. 973-
4000.

DANCE & MUSIC FROM BRAZIL DA with Bruce Jones, Eliane Abolicao,
others. May 11, 7:30pm. $5, under 12 free. Sanctuary Theatre,
Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre, 1900 Davenport Rd. 656- 8025.

NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA Presents Manon, by Kenneth MacMillan, based
on Abbe Prevoist's novel Manon Lescaut, about a woman torn between
love and greed, set to music by Jules Massenet. See review page 43.
May 14-16 at 8pm, also May 16 at 2pm. $15-$75. Also, Symphonic
Variations plus Serenade and La Ronde, May 9-12 at 8pm, also May 9 &
11-12 at 2pm. O'Keefe Cetnre, 1 Front E. 872-2262.

ONTARIO BALLET THEATRE Presents Crossroads, a mixed program of
contemporary ballet. May 10-11 at 8pm. $20/$25. Betty Oliphant
Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 656-9568.

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