The Normal Heart
Larry Kramer's landmark play about the rise of the AIDS epidemic in New York back in the '80s has been experiencing a resurgence as of late. It was on Broadway earlier this year, and a movie is in the works.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, 416-975-8555. Oct. 14-Nov. 6.
Guns & Roses
Inspired by real Toronto teens, this original play by Julian DeZotti has a "ripped from the headlines" feel (no sugar-coating here) and an added bonus: a live DJ. How real can you get? Something tells us Axl won't be there, though.
Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street, 416-364-4170. Oct. 17-28.
Name in Vain (Decalogue Two)
In this world premiere, an angry monk breaks his vow of silence and the second commandment, throwing his monastic brotherhood into disarray.
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Avenue, 416.-531-1827. Oct. 19-30.
Le Dieu du Carnage (God of Carnage)
If you're French or bilingual (or just like the accent), then seeing Yasmina Reza's acclaimed play about bickering parents in its native language will be a special treat (P.S.: there are subtitled viewings for the Anglophones). Oh, and Roman Polanski's got a movie based on the play coming out later this year.
Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street, 416-534-6604. Oct. 21-Nov. 5.
Off Bathurst Theatre District Marathon
For the third time, Factory Theatre, Tarragon Theatre and Theatre Passe Muraille join forces to present a slew of fabulous theatre (plus dinner) into one jam-packed day. First off is Those Who Can't Do… at 2 p.m., and then it's Rick Miller's Hardsell at 4 p.m. over at the Factory Theatre. Participants may then enjoy a prix fixe dinner at Diverso by Ferraro 502 before heading over to the last play of the night, In the Next Room or the vibrator play at 8 p.m.
$95 includes all three plays and dinner, Oct. 22.