Toronto
King Gilgamesh – Soulpepper Theatre and Tria Theatre
This raucous Dora-winning production weaves together the world’s oldest epic with a modern Toronto bromance between an American Jew and Iraqi Muslim… all scored by Ahmed Moneka’s 2025 Juno-nominated six-piece Arabic-jazz band.
Created and performed by Ahmed Moneka and Jesse LaVercombe and directed by NYC-based Seth Bockley, this show has sold out runs and received critical praise here in Toronto, as well as Minneapolis, Halifax, Chicago and NYC.
Get your tickets now!
And join us for a special one-night-only concert experience on Friday, September 26 by celebrated musician and artist Ahmed Moneka, commemorating his 10 years in Toronto and featuring his Juno-nominated Arabic Jazz band.
September 13 – October 5
Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts – 50 Tank House Lane
https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/gilgamesh
You can check out my review of King Gilgamesh here: https://aviewfromthebox.net/2023/07/28/soulpepper-and-tria-theatres-king-gilgamesh-the-man-of-the-wild/
Common Ground Dance Festival – Toes for Dance
This year’s festival will include energetic and grounded Community Workshops for all levels in a variety of styles, compelling Site Performances that animate the park, charming and evocative Mainstage Performances featuring both student and professional dancers with live music, and insightful Artist Talks through which audience members can connect with the inspiring dancers and choreographers who bring the festival to life!
All events are free and unticketed, although attendees are encouraged to RSVP to receive weather-related updates directly in their inbox
September 18 – 20
Lee Lifeson Art Park – 223 Gladys Allison Pl
https://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground
BUTCH/FEMME – Theatre Passe Muraille and The Green Couch Theatre Company
Set in the stillness of 1950s rural Ontario, BUTCH/FEMME begins when Jenny’s quiet evening is interrupted by an unexpected visitor — Alice, the woman she thought she’d left behind. Over the course of one charged night, the two women revisit the past, unearth long-buried truths, and confront the invisible threads that still bind them.
September 20 – 27
Theatre Passe Muraille – 16 Ryerson Ave
https://www.passemuraille.ca/butch-femme/
Colonial Circus – TWO2MANGO
An immersive comedy through the lens of two clowns who take you on a ride through the history of colonization with a sense of play and wink. Hold on to your hats, Toronto!
After winning the most coveted Outstanding Clown show at Montreal Fringe 2025, snagging Best Comedy- Critics’ Choice at Orlando Fringe FestN4 2025, and being named Artists’ Pick at Toronto Fringe 2024, Colonial Circus is rolling back into the city of Toronto- and it’s bringing all the laughs, gasps, and uncomfortable chuckles you can handle.
This wild duo clown show mixes history, humour, and a dash of Alejandro Jodorowsky-inspired mysticism into one thrilling, unpredictable ride. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll probably ask, “Did I just laugh at that?!”
September 23 – 28
Native Earth’s Aki Studio – 585 Dundas St. E
https://www.nativeearth.ca/akistudio/colonial-circus/
Romeo Pimp – King Black Box
Romeo Pimp follows Jamie, a high school senior whose life transforms when she falls in love for the first time. But as her world expands, so does the distance between the life she’s always known, and the life she’s being pulled into.
The title Romeo Pimp is intentionally weighted. While many are unfamiliar with the term, a quick online search may reveal spoilers. We trust your discretion in how much you choose to explore in advance. The play approaches its subject with clarity and compassion, offering a resonant reflection on vulnerability, agency, and power.
September 17 – October 5
King Black Box – 1224 King St W #300 (no elevator)
https://www.thekingblackbox.com/
In Ontario
Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story – Blyth Festival
In 1926 Wingham, Ontario, self-described “tinkerer” Doc Cruickshank managed to build a working radio transmitter in his garage. Eventually blossoming into CKNX, one of Canada’s most influential radio and TV broadcasters, that transmitter ushered in Canada’s answer to the Grand Ole Opry. From The National Farm Radio Forum to the Saturday Night Barndance and The Circle 8 Ranch, Doc’s programming reflected his stubborn belief in the power of radio to unite people and build community.
This newly commissioned country musical celebrates CKNX and its beloved founder, and features live performances of the music of Earl Heywood, the Ranch Boys, Ernie King, Cora Robertson and more.
August 20 – September 20
Memorial Hall – 423 Queen St, Blyth
https://blythfestival.com/radio-town-the-doc-cruickshank-story/
Silly Billy – The Chimera Project Dance Theatre
At the heart of the story is Billy, a rare white buffalo, unhappy with his uniqueness, who embarks on a quest to find the mythical Unicorn. Through playful mishaps, enchanting adventures, and moments of self-discovery, Billy learns to embrace his difference and takes his rightful place as the legendary great white buffalo of the plains.
Created for children in Kindergarten through Grade 4 but brimming with humour and artistry that captivates parents and adults alike, Silly Billy has been celebrated for its laughter-filled performances and its powerful message of self-acceptance.
September 28 – October 27
Touring across Canada!
https://chimeradt.com/repertoire-silly-billy/
Montreal
It’s Time – Sometimes Y Theatre
The rise of China, the fall of America, cultural stereotyping, sexism, and a new world order. An intentionally provocative portrait of the complex, divided, interdependent and explosive relationship between these two giant nations.
Large themes come in small packages in this two-hander about a Chinese businesswoman who fires an
American businessman at an international financial services company in Hong Kong during the global financial crisis of 2008.
A tour-de-force showcase for actors Shiong-en Chan and Paul Hopkins, guaranteed to provoke and enrage, while entertaining and thrilling audiences with a play for, and of, our time. Set amidst the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, this award-winning script delivers interwoven narratives spanning the fallout of personal and global consequences, staging the murky connections between pairs of Chinese businesswomen and American businessmen.
September 26 – October 5
Teesri Duniya Theatre’s Rangshala Studio – 251 Pine Avenue W
https://locarius.io/organizations/80
Thank you to my Patrons:
N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes, E. O’Brien
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Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, Jada, and Courtney
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