In The Next Room or the vibrator play
Yep, this Pulitzer Prize-nominated play is about the invention of the vibrator. At the dawn of the age of electricity, women are treated for a variety of disorders by paroxysms induced by, well, a vibrator, and soon the little device becomes, er, a sensation, inducing a whole different kind of hysteria. All women hail Thomas Edison.
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Avenue, 416-531-1827. Sept. 21 – Oct. 23.
The Zoo Story
Two guys meeting on a bench seems to be a popular theatrical device (Waiting for Godot, anyone?) and this story is just as bizarre. Think of Edward Albee’s acclaimed work as a play about “nothing” as two men converse about life with a very random and savage ending. No cute animals here.
The Cameron House, 408 Queen Street West, 416-703-0811. Sept. 21 – Sept. 24.
The Maids
Who doesn’t love a good psychosexual thriller that involves two maids and a mutilated mistress? Based on a true story, this play by Jean Genet is produced by the same team, mostly, from last season’s acclaimed production of Sarah Kane.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, 416-975-8555. Sept. 22 – Oct. 9.
His Greatness
In 1980, Tennessee Williams’ presence at the premiere of his play The Red Devil Battery Sign at the Vancouver Playhouse has become the stuff of legend. So much so that Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor wrote a play about what could have happened during his visit. The events are, of course, very Tennessee: both salacious and sad.
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, 416-504-9971. Sept. 22 – Oct. 23.
Private Lives
Noël Coward’s play is often deemed as the very first romantic comedy (so basically Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan owe their careers to him). It has all the makings of a good rom-com: a meet cute, old flames realizing their spark never burned out, and plenty of clever barbs being exchanged.
Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. W., 416-872-1212. Sept. 25 – Oct. 30.