CALL FOR PROPOSALS: East Danforth Community Association

Danforth East Commmunity Association (DECA) is interested in filling the empty stores along Danforth Avenue between Monarch Park and Main with short-term enterprises.  If you are an artist or social enterprise who would be interested in a pop-up venture then check this out.


DEADLINE:  September 23, 2012


They are  looking for artists and social enterprise projects that:
* Can fill (and vacate) an empty space quickly and easily
* Will add value to the street and the community

If you have an idea for a creative enterprise that could be placed temporarily in an empty store, this is an opportunity for you.  In 200 words or less, write to the DECA about your enterprise or artist venture.

Statements of intent are being accepted NOW for placements in October.  What would YOU do with one free month on the Danforth?

Send your proposals and/or questions to: info@DanforthEastCommunityAssociation.com

Join us for the SummerWorks Festival Launch

Click the image to enlarge, for details. Or click the header to be taken to the SummerWorks events page.

Rob Roy - it doesn't look good

Not only is the Toronto theatre god, Richard Ouzounian, talking about it, but EAP has gotten some inside information which confirms that Rob Roy is really in trouble. The Chicago tour is finished, before it ever even began. And now the Toronto run is also in question. Creator David Warrack has been reaching into his own, not so deep, pockets to pay the cast and crew, and rehearsals, scheduled to begin last Monday have yet to get underway. I think this is a moment for Canadian theatre producers to come together and by whatever means necessary get this show on at the Elgin. From what we have heard on the inside, it is even worse than Ouzounian conceded. Some have even gone so far as to say that this economy and the timing of the show's failure could bankrupt Warrack, and Rob Roy might never see the light of day.

In other theatre news, Mirvish has announced their season. It's a snooze, with the exception of a limited run of August Osage County, and the North American premiere of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . Ouzounian is also reporting that talks are still underway for Mirvish to bring 39 Steps and In the Heights, so I guess we will have to wait and see. Priscilla is exciting, and EAP has some good friends who have been to several rounds of call backs and we wish them all the best. And hey if you don't get it there is always Forever Plaid.

Opening this week in Toronto...

Theatre listings are listed below (courtesy of nowtoronto.com). Again it is so nice to see so much theatre opening this week in the GTA. I will be posting a review of Festen in the coming days, I am happy to report that it translated well.

The Apple Tree by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts). This trio of mini musicals looks at stories of love and temptation. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $22. Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst. 416-872-1111.

Bashir Lazhar by Evelyne de la Chenelière (Théàtre français de Toronto/Théàtre d'Aujourd'hui). A refugee teaches a Grade 6 class in Quebec and adapts to life in a new country. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat 3:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $29-$46, student/seniors $24-$32. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-534-6604, theatrefrancais.com.

Common Criminal by Wanda Fitzgerald (The Common Criminal Project). A blind woman is stalked by a killer in this play with described narration. Previews Nov 25. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Nov 30, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $18, preview $9. Tranzac, 292 Brunswick. commoncriminal.bravehost.com.

Dangerous Corner by JB Priestly (Village Players). A seemingly innocent mystery leads to the revelation of painful truths at a party. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec 13, Thu-Sat (and Nov 26) 8 pm, mats Nov 30 and Dec 7 at 2 pm. $20, student/seniors $16. The Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor W. 416-767-7702.

Festen by David Eldridge (The Company Theatre). A compelling piece of theatre born from the Dogme 95 film of the same name. Dark family secrets surface at a 60th birthday party. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 13, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20-$40. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Necessary Angel Theatre Company). This adaptation combines European theatre aesthetic with the original poetry. Nov 20-23, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 5 pm. $15. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, necessaryangel.com.

Kiss The Moon, Kiss The Sun by Norm Foster (Glenvale Players). Pregnant and alone, a woman bonds with a man with diminished mental capacity. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Nov 30, Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat-Sun 3 pm. $15. Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston. 416-944-1456, glenvaleplayers.org.

Legoland by Jacob Richmond (Atomic Vaudeville). Misfit siblings face consequences after attacking a pop star in this modern vaudeville show. Opens Nov 20 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm. $20-$25, matinee is pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

Masques Of War (Toronto Masques Theatre). Works by Claudio Monteverdi, Igor Stravinsky and Frantisek Kotzwara are performed. Nov 20-22 at 8 pm. $30, students $25. Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester. 416-410-4561, torontomasquestheatre.ca.

Radio Play by Denise Clarke (Peggy Baker Dance Projects). This performance fuses dance and theatre to portray a romantic story. Opens Nov 25 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm. $30, student $20; rush $20, student $5. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (Clarkson Music Theatre). A wrongfully convicted barber seeks revenge. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sun 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $18, student $15. Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo. 905-615-4720.

Twist Of Fate by Angola Murdoch (Phenomenatrix). Murdoch recounts her battle with scoliosis through acrobatics, martial arts and aerial circus. Opens Nov 26 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15. Gibsone Jessop Gallery, 55 Mill, Bldg 4. phenomenatrix.com.

Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill (Royal Porcupine Productions). This dark comedy looks at the witch hunts in England. Previews Nov 20. Opens Nov 21 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat and Mon-Tue 8 pm. $10-$25. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

Opening this week in Toronto

Here is your listings for theatre opening this week in and around the GTA; also I have to give a shout out to the show Festen which begins previews on November 17th at the Berkeley Street Theatre. The show is based on the 1998 Danish Dogme film of the same name ("The Celebration" is the English translation). The film is a masterpiece. Let's hope the staging will be equally as gratifying.


Bressani by Frank Spezzano (The Italian Pastoral Commission /The Pirandello Theatre). This historical drama looks at the life of the first Italian Jesuit in North America. Nov 13-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, student mats Thu-Fri 1 pm. $20, student mats $10. Don Bosco Catholic School Auditorium, 2 St Andrews Blvd. 416-781-9000.

Duet For One by Tom Kempinski (Duet for One Co-Op). This drama is based on the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pré. Nov 14-16, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mats Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton. 416-696-5950 ext 2.

Hay Fever by Noel Coward (Markham Little Theatre). The self-centred Bliss family drives away its guests in this manners comedy. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $22, seniors/students $19 (Wed-Thu only). Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre. 905-305-7469.

Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (Stage Centre Productions). A headstrong new bride causes chaos in order to keep her checkered past secret. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat (and Nov 26) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, seniors $20, student $15. Fairview Library, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557, stagecentreproductions.com.

Hospitality 3: Individualism Was A Mistake by Caroline Dubois, Claudia Fancello and Jacob Wren. (Harbourfront World Stage/Quebec Now!). Indie rock meets theatre in PME-ART's performance piece about collaboration. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Nov 22, Wed-Sat 8 pm. $15-$30. Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Miss Julie: Sheh'mah (KICK Theatre). This adaptation of a play by August Strindberg looks at sex between upper and lower classes. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen W. 416-538-0988, kicktheatre.ca.

Murderous Women adapted from the book by Frank Jones (Theatre Erindale). Historical murders committed by women are re-enacted in this drama. Previews Nov 13. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 22, Tue-Thu 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Nov 22 at 2 pm. $9-$14. Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 905-569-4369, theatreerindale.com.

My Name Is Rachel Corrie adapted by Katherine Viner and Alan Rickman (Organic Underground Theatre Collective). This solo drama is based on the diaries and e-mails of the American peace activist killed in Gaza in 2003. Nov 14-15, at 7:30 pm. $10-$15. Multimedia Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Rd N. 888-222-6608, cjpme.ca.

Paradise By The River by Vittorio Rossi (Shadowpath Theatre). This drama looks at the internment of Italian-Canadian men during WWII. Nov 13-14, Thu 8 pm, Fri 1 and 7 pm. $25-$28. City Playhouse Theatre, 1000 New Westminster, Vaughan. 905-882-7469.

The Paranormal Show (Campbell House Museum). Vladimir Eisengrimm performs mind reading, hypnotism, a seance and other sideshow feats. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Nov 29, Thu-Sat 9 pm (except Nov 27). $40. 160 Queen W. 416-597-0227, theparanormalshow.net.

Talking Heads by Alan Bennett (Alumnae Theatre). Three of Bennett's darkly comedic monologues produced for BBC-TV are presented on stage. Opens Nov 14 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed-Thu 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley, 3rd floor studio. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (Opera Lirica Italiana). The dramatic opera is fully staged and presented in Italian with English surtitles. Nov 13-15, Thu and Sat 8 pm. $30, student/seniors $25, child $20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 416-882-0246, operaliricaitaliana.com.

The Trial Of Mary And Joseph/The Woman Taken In Adultery (Poculi Ludique Societas). Two short plays based on biblical tales examine medieval views of female sexuality. Nov 13-16, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, seniors $15, students $10. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-5096.

Trudeau Stories by Brooke Johnson (Theatre Passe Muraille). Johnson's solo show dramatizes memories, letters and journal entries relating to her friendship with the former prime minister. Previews Nov 14-18. Opens Nov 19 and runs to Dec 6, Tue-Sat 7 pm (except Nov 14 at 8:30 pm and no evening show Nov 15), mat Sat 2:30 pm. $30-$35, previews $15, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, passemuraille.on.ca.

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner (Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People). This family musical is based on the 'Peanuts' comic strip characters. Opens Nov 13 and runs to Dec 30, opening night 7 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm (call for other times). $20, student/seniors $15. 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.

Opening this week in Toronto

Here is the list of theatre openings for this week:

The Abduction From The Seraglio by WA Mozart (Opera Atelier). Two men plot to rescue their girlfriends from an Ottoman Pasha in this commedia dell'arte opera. Opens Nov 8 and runs to Nov 15, Fri-Sat and Tue-Wed 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. $30-$135. Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge. 416-872-5555, operaatelier.com.

And Stockings For The Ladies by Attila Clenmann (Holocaust Education Week). A Canadian airman helps Jewish refugees in post-WWII Germany in this solo show. Nov 7-9, Fri 2 pm, Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. Free. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, holocausteducationweek.com.

Banana Boys by Leon Aureus (fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre Company). Five young Asian-Canadian men wrestle with issues of race and identity. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 15, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $20, student/seniors $12. Hart House Theatre, 7 Hart House. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

Emilia Galotti by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (Stratford Festival). A prince's obsession with another man's fiancée leads to murder and abduction. Nov 6-9, Thu 8 pm, Fri-Sun 2 pm. $50-$90, student/seniors $22-$69. Avon Theatre, Stratford. 800-567-1600, stratfordfestival.ca.

A Glimpse Of The Light by Ben Finn (TEATRON Jewish Theatre). Holocaust survivors witness the birth of Israel in this musical. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 23, (preview Nov 12 at 1 pm), Thu and Sat (and Nov 12) 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $22-$44. Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst. 416-781-5527, teatrontheatre.com.

Kindertransport by Diane Samuels (Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company). This drama looks at Jewish children separated from their parents during WWII. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Mon-Thu and Sat 8 pm, mats Tue-Wed 1 pm, Sun 2 pm. $32-$52. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-366-7723, hgjewishtheatre.com.

Nikola Tesla, An Evening With Genius by J Michael Newlight and Frank Tabbita (Professional Engineers of Ontario/IEEE Toronto). The inventor recounts his life and envisions a wireless future. Nov 6-8 at 8 pm. $20-$25, stu/srs $15-$20. Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis. 1-888-222-6608, vasicweb.com/tesla.

ScrABrrRrraaNNG - A Cabaret Of Futurist Performance (Graduate Centre for Study of Drama U of T). Performances by Jess Dobkin, Sky Gilbert and others are presented as part of the Futurist Dramaturgy and Performance Conference. Nov 6-8, Thu-Fri 9 pm, Sat 10 pm. (Conference runs Fri-Sat at Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College.) $8-$12. Studio Theatre, 4 Glen Morris. 416-978-7986, graddrama.utoronto.ca.

Soulless by Aaron Bushkowsky (505 Productions Equity Co-op). Five people question their apathy for others and their love of material goods. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 23, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst. 416-504-9971, soullessplay.com.

That Came Out Wrong by Graeme Gerrard (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre). A gay teen deals with coming out in rural Ontario in this comedy. Opens Nov 6 and runs to Nov 16, Thu and Sat-Sun 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm. $15. 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, ticketweb.ca.

Unconditional/Waiting For Lefty Brett C Leonard/Clifford Odets (Column 13 Actors Company). This double bill features a drama about sex and violence in the lives of nine New Yorkers, and a one-act play about the taxi cab strike of 1934. Opens Nov 12 and runs to Nov 29, Wed-Sat 8 pm, (Waiting For Lefty Fri-Sat only, 10:30 pm). $15, student/seniors $12, Wed is pwyc. Dancemakers Centre for Creation, 55 Mill, bldg 58. 647-377-4903, column13.org.

(listings courtesy of nowtoronto.com)

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)

MacIvor wins the Siminovitch Prize

Canada's largest theatre prize, the Elinore and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, was awarded last evening to Daniel MacIvor.

MacIvor was chosen from a fine list of five finalists which included Toronto's Morwyn Brebner and Colleen Murphy, Daniel Danis of St-David de Falardeau, Que., and Larry Tremblay of Montreal.

The winning prize amount is a healthy $100,000. From this amount $25,000 is given to a protege or organization of choice. MacIvor's proteges were from Vancouver, playwrights Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn.

In 2006 MacIvor won the Governor General's award for his collection of five plays called I still Love You. His work includes the plays See Bob Run, Wild Abandon, The Soldier Dreams, You Are Here, How It Works, His Greatness, and A Beautiful View.

His recent solo works; House, Here Lies Henry and Monster were seen at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and were all a hit among critics and audiences.

Curtains Down at Statlers

Statlers is having their weekly cabaret evening tonight with the always adorable and witty Jenni Burke. Check it out tonight at 8pm, it is their Halloween special with appearances by the following local artists:



ANDREW GERMAN
KYLE GILLIS
KRISTIN GALER
BRANDON FIRLA
KELLY HOLLIFF
MICHAEL GILL
MOLLY JANE ATKINSON
DK IBOMEKA
NATHALIE NADON
JUSTIN BOTT
JOHNNY MCGILLIS

Toronto theatre openings this week

A great piece of theatre is opening this week - check out the Canadian Stage Company's production of Frost/Nixon at the Bluma Apple. Here is your weekly list:

[Boxhead] by Darren O'Donnell (Crow's Theatre/Mammalian Diving Reflex). A geneticist wakes up with a thought-controlling box attached to his head. Previews Oct 18-19. Opens Oct 21 and runs to Nov 2, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20-$29, previews $15, Sun pwyc.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, artsexy.ca.

The Box Social by James Reaney (Preface Theatre). Female deities of revenge help a woman facing a crisis in this adaptation of Reaney's short story. Previews to Oct 16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 1, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2 pm. $16, stu $10.
Walmer Centre Theatre, 188 Lowther. 647-654-8995, prefacetheatre.com.

Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan (The Canadian Stage Company). A talk-show host elicits an apology and confession from Richard Nixon. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 8, Mon-Sat 8 pm, mats Wed 1:30 pm, Sat 2 pm. $20-$90.
Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-368-3110, canstage.com.

Going For Love by Glenville Lovell (AW Productions/Sayge Theatre of Barbados). A Barbadian woman living in Canada must choose between love and career. Oct 18-19, Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm. $20-$25. De La Salle College Auditorium, 131 Farnham. 416-487-9015.

Heritage Day - Arab Pride (Harbourfront Centre/Canadian Arab Federation). This cultural festival features music, poetry, art and more. Oct 17-18, see website for times. Free and ticketed events. 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman (Ryerson Theatre School). Based on the myths of Ovid, stories about characters from classical Greece are told using modern language and humour. Previews Oct 16. Opens Oct 17 and runs to Nov 14, see website for dates and times. $18, stu/srs $14. Abrams Studio Theatre, 46 Gerrard E. 416-979-5118, ryersontheatre.ca.

The Nightwood by Robin Muller (Back Burner Productions). This adaptation of a Celtic fairy tale features puppets, stilt walkers and dance. Opens Oct 18 and runs to Nov 1, Fri-Sun 8 pm, mat Oct 25 at 2 pm. $10. Dufferin Theatre, 651 Dufferin. back-burner-productions.com.

Nunsense by Dan Goggin (Amicus Productions). Nuns raise money for funerals in this musical comedy. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Oct 25, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mats Oct 18-19 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $18. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. amicusproductions.ca.

A Raisin In The Sun by Lorainne Hansberry (Soulpepper). This drama looks at a black family living in 1950s Chicago. Opens Oct 16 and runs to Nov 15, Mon-Sat 7:30 pm, mats Sat and Wed 1:30 pm. $44-$65, previews/mats $34-$59, stu $28, rush $20 (stu $5). Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill. 416-866-8666

Bitch Salad tonight at Buddies

After a long weekend in Barrie that was full of indulgences, we are back in the city and are heading to the theatre.

Tonight we are attending the monthly edition of Bitch Salad. The event is hosted by Andrew Johnson and its main objective is to provide a platform for emerging and established comedians to perform.

The event is always so cleverly themed and tonight's, The Journey to the Isle of Lesbos, is no exception. Tonight's edition is described as; "A night of hyper-hilarious Sapphic Slapstick, by a group of ladies who have two things in common... 1.) they're brilliant comedians, and 2.) they kiss other girls... and they like it".

Featured this evening is: Sabrina Jalees, Dawn Whitwell, Mae Martin, Linda Ellis, Martha Chaves.

Tuesday, October 14th, Doors at 8, Show at 8:30

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St. $8

Toronto theatre openings this week

Here is list of premiering shows this week in Toronto:

B4 the Fringe (Theatre Erindale). This double bill of student one-act plays features Adam Pettle's Therac 25 and Sydney Dunitz's work in progress Stolen Sneakers. Sep 25-27 at 8 pm. Pwyc. Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga N. 905-569-4369.

California Suite by Neil Simon (Stage Centre Productions). Personal dramas unfold at a Beverly Hills hotel in this comedy. Opens Sep 25 and runs to Oct 11, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, srs $20, stu $15. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. 416-299-5557.

An Evening With Uncle Val by Andy Jones (Theatre Passe Muraille). A retired fisherman moves to the suburbs of St. John's in this solo comedy (see related story, this page). Previews Sep 30, opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm. $30-$35, preview $15, mat pwyc. 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529.

Ghosts and Ladders by Kim Selody (DynamO Théâtre). This acrobatic show about three brothers is presented in English and French. Opens Sep 29 and runs to Oct 11 (see website for dates and times). $20, srs/stu $15. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222, lktyp.ca.

King Lear by William Shakespeare (Hart House Theatre). The classic tragedy gets a staging. Opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 18, Wed-Sat 8 pm, mat Oct 18 at 2 pm. $20, stu/srs $12. 7 Hart House Circle. 416-978-8849, harthousetheatre.ca.

Offensive Shadows by Paul Dunn (Studio 180). This modern sequel to A Midsummer Night's Dream looks at life after the lovers wake up (see related story, page 94). Previews from Sep 26, opens Oct 1 and runs to Oct 19, Tue-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $15-$35, Sun pwyc. Tarragon Theatre Extra Space, 30 Bridgman. 416-531-1827, studio180.ca.

Opera Briefs 8 (Tapestry New Opera). Short new works by Canadian composers and librettists are presented. Sep 26-28, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. $20-$25, stu $10. Ernest Balmer Studio, 55 Mill, bldg 58. 416-537-6066.

Verdict (Vessel Dance Projects). This funder for the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto features music, dance, poetry and theatre by Kathy Bischoping and Michael Scott. Sep 25-27 at 8 pm. Pwyc-$10. Victory Café, 581 Markham. vesseldanceprojects@gmail.com.

Wit by Margaret Edson (Alumnae Theatre). A professor looks back on her life while undergoing cancer treatment. Opens Sep 26 and runs to Oct 11, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $20, Wed-Thu 2-for-1, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

CanStage

As many people know CanStage is one of the few Toronto production companies that does some development of new work, and is a major player in the Toronto Theatre community. A community that remains fairly small and heavily monopolized, and one that is primarily a buying power more than a development power. That is why all the shake-ups at CanStage are being watched with baited breathe. In June the National Post reported that Martin Briggs - the Artistic Producer is resigning after 16 years at the helm. This comes not even six months after the newly anointed Artistic Director David Storch resigned after only eight months on the job. And in February nine individuals were fired from the organization. Mr. Briggs is not leaving the company until next June, but I am sure all of the theatre community will be watching the hiring process closely. You can bet EAP will be. The full article by Adam McDowell is linked below.

-Liza Mattimore

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2008/06/18/mixed-media-canstage-s-bragg-waves-white-flag-party-all-night-at-vancouver-art-gallery.aspx

Mission Statement

Emerging Art Productions is committed to the facilitation and development of new works for the stage. Theatre is an art form which powerfully reflects and embodies the communities in which it is presented. With that in mind, Emerging Art Productions aims to foster those communities and create a fertile environment for the development of new work, and present them to an industry audience. We believe that our location, in Toronto, is our greatest asset. With Its proximity to New York and cultural ties to London, Toronto is well positioned to provide a springboard for emerging theatrical productions. It is EAP’s goal to work with playwrights, composers and the local theatre community to develop new works, which in turn will be performed for audiences in Toronto and elsewhere.