Yes, Fringe is over, and SummerWorks is too, but there’s still a lot of great performances going on in Toronto right now, and, well, pretty much every week. That’s why we’re rounding up the top five stage shows on a weekly basis: musicals, dramas, comedies, one-man/woman shows, puppetry — whatever’s trending in Toronto’s theatre scene, we have you covered.
This week’s roundup includes the latest offering from Twyla Tharp, da return of Da Kink in My Hair and KSorbs!
Come Fly Away
If you’re a fan of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the unique vision of Twyla Tharp (her book The Creative Habit is an artist’s bible), then you’re bound to enjoy this new Broadway musical. With a roaring big band onstage backed by 14 of the world’s best dancers, this unique experience — telling the stories of four couples falling in and out of love — will surely have you flying to the moon (figuratively speaking, of course).
Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen Street West, 416-363-6671; runs Aug. 16-28
White Biting Dog
Think It’s a Wonderful Life meets The Adventures of TinTin. In this award-winning play by Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, a distraught lawyer is about to commit suicide when he’s stopped by the words of a small white dog, who instructs him that his anguish will be eased if he can save his dying father (proving once and for all that dogs aren’t called “man’s best friend” for nothing).
The Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill Street, 416-203-6264; runs Aug. 18-Oct. 1
‘Da Kink in My Hair
Trey Anthony‘s uncensored play about the challenges faced by black women in Canada took Toronto by storm five years ago. Now it’s back and looks better than ever, bringing in ‘da kink and ‘da noise with a new character and more music.
Harbourfront Centre, 231 Queens Quay West, 416-973-4000; runs Aug. 11-28
Exit the King
This is the perfect play for you if you’re feeling a little existential lately. Acclaimed absurdist Eugene Ionesco‘s play about a fallen king who’s told that he has until the end of the play to live will surely make you feel better about your life.
The Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill Street, 416-203-6264; runs Aug. 16-Sept. 9
The Kevin Sorbo Garbage Weekend
Back in November, thanks to a 24-hour charity stand-up set at Comedy Bar, Chuck Norris-style jokes about Kevin Sorbo started trending like mad on Twitter. Word got to KSorbs himself and how he’s coming to Toronto to do four improv shows and a sketch comedy show. This is sure to be an awesome opportunity for both comedy and sci-fi fans, and for those who want to see that hair!
Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor Street West, 416-551-6540; runs Aug. 26-27