What's on in Toronto

(this list courtesy of Now Magazine)

African Footprint by Richard Loring (Rose Theatre). The diverse history of South Africa is told through music and dance. Mar 1-2 at 8 pm. $75-$90. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

Binti's Journey adapted by Marcia Johnson from a novel by Deborah Ellis (Theatre Direct Canada). A young African girl seeks her grandmother after losing her family to HIV/AIDS. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Thu 4:30 pm, Sat 4 and 7 pm, Sun 1 and 4 pm. $25, stu/srs $15. Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie, Loop Centre. 416-504-7529, theatredirect.on.ca.

A Book Of Spells (Two Women Productions). Jan Andrews and Jennifer Cayley interweave poetry with stories. Feb 24-24 at 7:30 pm. $20. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.

The Box (Rivoli). The quarterly salon night features performance, film, music and more by Claudia Dey, Amer Diab and others. Feb 25-25 at 8 pm. Pwyc ($5-$10 sugg). 332 Queen W. boxsalon.com.

Carmen by Georges Bizet (Toronto Opera Repertoire). A woman tempts a soldier away from his fiancée. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 1, Feb 13, 18, 21 and 27 at 7:30 pm, Feb 15 and Mar 1 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, toronto-opera.com.

Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini (Toronto Opera Repertoire). A prince switches places with his valet to determine which sister loves him for himself. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Feb 28, Feb 11, 14, 20, 25 and 28 at 7:30 pm, Feb 22 at 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $15. Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, toronto-opera.com.

Clyomon And Clamydes (Poculi Ludique Societas/Graduate Centre for Study of Drama at U of T). Two knights travel in search of honour and love in this Elizabethan play. Opens Feb 25 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, srs $15, stu $10. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-7986.

The Color Purple based on the novel by Alice Walker (Mirvish/Oprah Winfrey). The power of love and hope help a black woman triumph over adversity in this musical. Previews Feb 10-10. Opens Feb 11 and runs to Mar 14, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $26-$120. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage by Eleanor Bergstein (Mirvish). The musical based on the 80s movie gets a staging. Opens Aug 1 and runs to Mar 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $36-$120. Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com. N (GS)

The Drowsy Chaperone by Bob Martin, Don McKellar, Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (Rose Theatre). The musical-within-a-musical gets a staging. Mar 13-14, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $85-$100. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

The Dybbuk by S Anski (TEATRON Jewish Theatre). Other-worldly forces affect a bride in a village in Eastern Europe. Previews Feb 25-25 at 1 pm. Opens Feb 26 and runs to Mar 8, Thu (and Feb 25) 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$44. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst. 416-781-5527, teatrontheatre.com.

An Evening With Uncle Val by Andy Jones (Living Arts Centre). Jones plays a retired fisherman who moves to the suburbs of St. John's in this solo comedy. Feb 20-20 at 8:30 pm. $25-$41. 4141 Living Arts, Mississauga. 905-306-6000.

An Evening With Uncle Val by Andy Jones (Rose Theatre). A retired fisherman moves to the suburbs of St. John's in this solo comedy. Feb 23-23 at 8 pm. $30-$45. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

Extreme Holmes Makeover: Murder Edition (Mysteriously Yours... Dinner Theatre). Renovation gurus are embroiled in a murder mystery in this interactive dinner show. Opens Feb 6 and runs to Jun 13, Fri-Sat 8 pm (dinner 6:30 pm). $40-$45, stu/srs $35-$40 (show only). 2026 Yonge. 416-486-7469, mysteriouslyyours.com.

The Fan by Carlo Goldoni (ACT II Studio). Rivalries and jealousies arise when a lady drops her fan in this commedia dell'arte play. Feb 19-21, Thu-Fri 7 pm, mat Fri 2 pm, Sat 4 pm. $12, stu/srs $10. Ryerson Theatre School, 44 Gerrard E. 416-979-5000 ext 6297.

Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven (Canadian Opera Company). A woman disguised as a man works at a prison where her husband is unjustly incarcerated. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 24, Jan 30, Feb 4, 12, 18, 21 and 24 at 7:30 pm, Feb 7 at 4:30 pm, Feb 15 at 2 pm. $60-$290, youth $30-$98. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca. NNN (GS)

Five-Hole: Tales Of Hockey Erotica by Dave Bidini (One Yellow Rabbit). Stories about the sexy side of Canada's national sport are told in this musical comedy. Mar 10-10 at 8 pm. $45-$60. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

The Forbidden Phoenix by Marty Chan and Robert Walsh (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). Chinese and western musical theatre combine in a story about Chinese immigrants brought to work on Canada's railroads. Previews Feb 2-4. Opens Feb 7 and runs to Mar 8, Sat-Sun 2 pm (call or check website for more dates and times). $20, stu/srs $15. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca. NNNN (JK)

Friday Night Magic At Revival (Revival Bar). Magicians and conjurers perform in a weekly show. Indefinite run, Fri 8 pm (doors 6 pm). $20. 783 College. 416-535-7888.

Glory's Grace by Kathleen Jackson Allamby (Entertainment By Demand). A woman deals with her mother's Alzheimer's disease in this dark comedy. Proceeds to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Previews Feb 20-20. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Mar 7, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $20-$30, stu/srs $15-$25 . Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, artsboxoffice.ca.

Impromptu Splendor (The National Theatre of Canada). An audience suggestion spawns an improvised play. Indefinite run, Thu 8 pm. Pwyc. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. impromptusplendor.com.

Inês by James Rolfe and Paul Bentley (Queen of Puddings/Harbourfront Centre). A married man's affair leads to murder in this opera inspired by Portuguese fado music. Opens Feb 22 and runs to Mar 1, Sun 4 pm, Wed-Thu and Sat 8 pm. $35-$59. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, queenofpuddingsmusictheatre.com.

Iolanthe (Or, The Fairy And The Federalist) (North Toronto Players). The Fairy Queen sends a magical being to Parliament to teach politicians a lesson. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 1, Fri 8 pm, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, srs $20, stu $15. City Playhouse Theatre, 1000 New Westminster. 905-727-2209, northtorontoplayers.com.

Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Dancap Productions). Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons become pop icons in this musical. Opens Aug 1 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 2 pm. $55-$125. Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-872-1111, dancaptickets.com. NNNN (Susan G Cole)

Jewel by Joan MacLeod (The Rearview Mirror). This solo show about a woman's personal tragedy is based on the sinking of the Ocean Ranger. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Feb 21, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15. 193 Baldwin. jewel.reserve@gmail.com.

The Jungleish Book by Peter Towill (Nags Players). A traditional English pantomime tells the classic story. Proceeds to Kids Help Phone. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Feb 28, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 1:30 pm. $12-$18, children $2. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. nagsplayers.com.

Knickerbocker Holiday by Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson (Toronto Operetta Theatre). A publisher and a governor clash over a woman and corruption in 17th-century New York. Previews Feb 20-20. Opens Feb 21 and runs to Feb 22, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $39-$78. Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-366-7723, torontooperetta.com.

Lady In The Red Dress by David Yee (fu-GEN Theatre). Toronto's Chinatown is the setting for characters embroiled in a world of corruption and deceit. Previews Jan 24-28. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 21, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $10-$26. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, fu-gen.org. NNNN (GS)

Medieval Times (Medieval Times). This tournament features jousting knights on horseback. Indefinite run, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 1 and 4 pm. $62.95, child $43.50. 10 Dufferin, at Exhibition Place. 416-260-1234.

Miss Julie: Freedom Summer by Stephen Sachs (Canadian Stage Company). An interracial liaison shatters lives and social barriers in 60s Mississippi. Previews Feb 9-11. Opens Feb 12 and runs to Mar 7, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20-$90, limited Mon pwyc. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

National Acrobats Of China (Massey Hall). The troupe performs a theatrical acrobatic show. Feb 23-23 at 8 pm. $29.50-$49.50. 178 Victoria. 416-872-4255, masseyhall.com.

A New Brain by William Finn and James Lapine (Acting Up Stage Theatre Company). An ailing children's TV composer races against time to write his best work. Previews Feb 12-12. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 1, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. $25-$40, stu $22. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com.

Not Getting It by Anne Marie Scheffler (Statler’s). Scheffler performs her solo show about sex and the single woman. Opens Feb 16 and runs to Feb 23, Mon 8 pm. $20. 487 Church, Upstairs Cabaret. 416-962-1209, notgettingit.com

The Obama Experience (AnitAFRIKA! Dub Theatre). Images, film, sound and live theatre are used to look at the journey to the historic inauguration. Feb 19-21 at 8 pm. Pwyc ($5-$10 sugg). 62 Fraser. 416-434-1823, anitafrika.com.

Palais D'Hiver (Hart House). This evening features circus arts by Zero Gravity, Les Coquettes Nouveau Burlesque, organic food, open bar and DJ party. Feb 20-20 at 8 pm. $65. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

The Patient Hour by Kristen Thomson (Tarragon Theatre). Two siblings reunite over their unconscious mother's hospital bed. Previews Feb 17-24. Opens Feb 25 and runs to Mar 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $32-$38, stu/srs $20-$27, previews $19, Fri rush $10. 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com.

The Peking Acrobats (Rose Theatre). Special effects, live music and Chinese acrobatics are combined in this spectacle. Mar 26-26 at 8 pm. $40-$55. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

Proof by David Auburn (East Side Players Community Theatre). A woman wonders if she's inherited her mathematician father's genius or his madness. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 7, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $18, stu $12. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-425-0917.

Rhubarb Festival (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). The new works festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with plays, dance, poetry, performance art and more by Lex Vaughn, Jon Paul, Chad Dembski, Liza Balkan, Sulong Theatre Collective and others. Opens Feb 4 and runs to Feb 22, Wed-Sun 8 pm. $17, passes $25-$60. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, artsexy.ca.

Rusalka by Antonín Dvorák (Canadian Opera Company). A water nymph falls in love with a mortal prince in this Czech opera. Opens Jan 31 and runs to Feb 23, Jan 31, Feb 5, 11, 17, 20 and 23 at 7:30 pm, Feb 8 at 2 pm, Feb 14 at 4:30 pm. $60-$290. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen W. 416-363-8231, coc.ca. NNNN (JK)

Say Goodnight Gracie – The Life, Laughter And Love Of George Burns And Gracie Allen by Rupert Holmes (Rose Theatre). This solo show is adapted from the memoirs of George Burns. Feb 20-21, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $40-$55. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

Silk Stockings by Cole Porter (Civic Light Opera Company). A Soviet spy falls for a Hollywood producer in 50s Paris in this musical. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Mar 7, Wed 7 pm, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun (and Mar 7) 2 pm. $20-$27.50. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-755-1717, civiclightoperacompany.com.

A Skull In Connemara by Martin McDonagh (Toronto Irish Players). The village gravedigger digs up the old dead to make room for the new in this dark comedy. Opens Feb 19 and runs to Mar 7, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $18, mats $15. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. 416-440-2888, torontoirishplayers.org.

The Sound Of Music by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (Mirvish). Maria meets the von Trapp family in the classic musical. Opens Oct 3 and runs to Jun 28, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun and Wed 1:30 pm. $26-$120. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King W. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com. NNNN (GS)

Swan Queen And The Radical Faerie by Frank Canino (First Draft Theatre Company). Canino's play about a retired ballerina and her stepson gets a reading. Feb 23-23 at 7 pm. Pwyc. Epicure Café, 502 Queen W.

That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells (Harbourfront World Stage/Victoria). Young actors explore how a child's world is shaped by adults in this piece performed in Dutch with English surtitles. Opens Feb 25 and runs to Feb 28, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $40. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Toronto The Good by Andrew Moodie (Factory Theatre). A black attorney represents a police officer in a racial profiling case in this drama. Previews Jan 31-Feb 4. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20-$37, Fri rush $10, Sun pwyc. 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, factorytheatre.ca. NNN (GS)

Travesties by Tom Stoppard (Soulpepper). James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Tristan Tzara come together in the mind of a British official. Previews Feb 12-16. Opens Feb 17 and runs to Mar 21, Tue-Sat (and some Mon) 7:30 pm, mat Sat (and some Wed) 1:30 pm. $34-$68, stu $28; rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, soulpepper.ca.

Tshepang by Lara Foot Newton (Harbourfront World Stage/Mopo Productions). An international media frenzy follows the sexual assault of an infant in South Africa. Opens Feb 18 and runs to Feb 21, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $30. Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Ubuntu (The Cape Town Project) (Neptune Theatre/Theatrefront). A South African man and a Canadian woman find they are haunted by the same family ghosts. Previews Jan 21-27. Opens Jan 28 and runs to Mar 1, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2:30 pm. $32-$38, Fri rush $10. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, tarragontheatre.com. NNN (JK)

Une Maison Face Au Nord by Jean-Rock Gaudreault (Théâtre français de Toronto). A man faces a changing society, modern issues and generational conflict in this family drama. Previews Feb 25-26. Opens Feb 27 and runs to Mar 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sun 2:30 pm and March 7 at 3:30 pm. $29-$46, stu/srs $24-$32. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Urinetown by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis (Theatre Scarborough). A corporation takes advantage of a global water shortage in this musical comedy. Opens Feb 5 and runs to Feb 21, Thu-Sat 8 pm (except Feb 21), mats Sun (and Feb 21) 2 pm. $24, stu/srs $20 (Thu and Sun only), stu rush $10. Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston. 416-396-4049.

Viagara Falls by Lou Cutell (Rose Theatre). Two lifelong friends discover modern pharmaceuticals in this comedy. Mar 6-7, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $40-$55. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

Vox Lumiere's The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Rose Theatre). The Lon Chaney film is transformed using live music, theatre and film. Mar 21-21 at 8 pm. $60-$75. 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton. 905-874-2800, rosetheatre.ca.

We Will Rock You by Ben Elton (Mirvish). Teens rebel against a futuristic world where live music is banned. Opens Aug 1 and runs to May 3, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun and some Wed 2 pm. $20-$85. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge. 416-872-1212, mirvish.com. NN (GS)

West Side Story by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim (Randolph Young Company). Youths from rival gangs fall in love in this musical. Opens Feb 13 and runs to Mar 1, Fri-Sat 7 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-872-1111, randolphacademy.com.


Wise.Woman by Rebecca Fisseha (bcurrent). Modern relationships and self-discovery are explored through a journey into an East African dynasty. Opens Feb 20 and runs to Mar 8, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 6 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, stu $15. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. artsboxoffice.ca.


The Wizard Of Oz by L Frank Baum (Fallen Rock Productions). The popular musical is staged to benefit POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario). Opens Feb 18 and runs to Feb 22, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Wed-Thu noon, Sat-Sun 1 pm. $25-$55. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles W. 416-978-8849, fallenrock.ca.