Local theatre openings

Nice to see so much theatre opening this week in and around the city. I would highly recommend checking out Bashir Lazhar at the Tarragon Theatre and Tartuffe at the Papermill Theatre.

Bashir Lazhar by Evelyne de la Chenelière (Tarragon Theatre). An immigrant finds his calling teaching a class of sixth graders who are coping with a tragedy. Previews to Nov 4. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Dec 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $32-$38, student/seniors $27, previews $19, Fri rush $10. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, TS Eliot and Trevor Nunn (Curtain Call Players). Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 8, Thu-Fri (and Nov 1) 8 pm, mat Nov 1, 2 and 8 at 2 pm. $22. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-703-6181, curtaincallplayers.com.

Cute With Chris: Live by Chris Leavins (Theatre Centre). The webcast show satirizing society's obsession with 'cute' is presented on stage. Oct 30-Nov 2, Thu-Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 and 9 pm, Sun 7 pm. $21, rush $10. 1087 Queen W. 416-534-9261, theatrecentre.org.

The Fire Raisers by Max Frisch (Theatre @ York). This black comedy looks at humanity's complicity in its own calamities. Previews Nov 2-3. Opens Nov 4 and runs to Nov 8, nightly at 7:30 pm, mats Nov 5 and 7 at 1 pm. $15, student/seniors $10, previews pwyc-$5. Joseph G Green Theatre, York U, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.

Glamourous Nights by Ivor Novello (Toronto Operetta Theatre). Songs from Novello's shows are performed in this musical tribute. Nov 1-2, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $35. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, stlc.com.

Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim (Scarborough Music Theatre). This musical is based on the life of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 15, Thu-Sat (except Nov 15) 8 pm, Sun (and Nov 15) 2 pm. $24, student/seniors $20 (Thu and Sun only). Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-396-4049, smtgypsy.com.

Impromptu Splendor (The National Theatre of Canada). An audience suggestion will spawn an improvised play in this weekly show. Opens Oct 30, indefinite run. Thu 8 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945B Bloor W. nationaltheatreofcanada@gmail.com.

Inna Di Wardrobe by Deidre 'D-Lishus' Walton (Meow Films/Gurbeen Bhasin). Dub poet d'bi.young anitafrika performs, followed by Walton's play about coming out. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 9, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. 416-393-7680.

Obsidian Theatre International Playwrights Forum (Obsidian Theatre Company). The forum offers workshops and panels with international playwrights, plus readings by Marie Beath Badian, Victor Gomez, Alicia Payne and others. Oct 31-Nov 2, Thu 7 pm opening party (at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson) includes performance of Pyaasa or The Misfit, Sat forums 9:30 am to 4 pm, readings at 8 pm, Sun forums 10:30 am to 4 pm. $5. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-463-8444, obsidian-theatre.com.

South Of China by Raymond Storey (George Brown College Theatre School). A Brit and a Canadian seek their fortunes in 1930s Malaysia. Opens Nov 5 and runs to Nov 15, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $15, srs $10, stu $6. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666.

Tartuffe by Molière (East Side Players). This adaptation of the comedy uses simple prose to satirize hypocrisy, deceit and blind piety. Opens Oct 30 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun (except Nov 1) 2 pm. $18, stu $12. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917, eastsideplayers.ca.

Thumbelina adapted by Zenon Skrzypczyk (Solar Stage Children's Theatre). This interactive musical children's show is based on the classic fairy tale. Opens Nov 1 and runs to Nov 29, Sat-Sun 11 am and 2 pm. $13. 4950 Yonge. 416-368-8031, solarstage.on.ca.

(Openings courtesy of nowtoronto.com)