This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. It includes just-opened shows as well as productions that are about to close.
Legoland / Theatre Passe Muraille / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $15-$35
Atomic Vaudeville's Legoland is the prequel to the recent and wildly inventive musical Ride the Cyclone. It's the first play in Jacob Richmond's trilogy of theme park inspired dark comedies. After violently attacking an American pop star, Penny and Ezra Lamb are extradited back to Canada where they are forced to explain their extraordinary behaviour. The story unfolds with the help of a ukulele, puppets, multi-media, and gangster rap.
True West / Soulpepper - Young Centre / 7:30pm/1:30pm $32-$68
Nancy Palk directs Sam Shepard's True West, a black comedy about two siblings (Lee and Austin) who couldn't appear to be more different on the surface. But as a tempting deal with a Hollywood producer presents itself, the brothers discover that they may be more alike than they first thought. Soulpepper main stays Stuart Hughes and Mike Ross star as the petty criminals.
Paprika Festival / Tarragon Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $5
Now in it's twelfth year, the Paprika Festival celebrates the theatrical work of emerging artists primarily ages 21 and under. This year, the lineup includes work from Britta Johnson (Life After) and Rosamund Small (Genesis and Other Stories). Additional programming includes This is Your Script, a collective creation by this year's Creators' Unit facilitated by Natasha Greenblatt, as well as a cabaret series of social and educational events.
Chile Con Carne / Factory Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $22-$29
Childhood innocence and political strife is profiled in Carmen Aguirre's Chile Con Carne. When a young girl takes up the fight to protect Cedar, a local tree that is to be removed, the actions of her parents, political refugees from Chile, cannot help but inspire the young girl's cause. The Alameda Theatre Company's play is directed by Marilo Nuñez and features Paloma Nuñez as Manuelita.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story / Randolph Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $49-$60
Profiling the music of one of the most successful recording artists of his generation, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story features 20 of the singer's most famous hits. The jukebox musical originally opened in London in 1998 and ran for 12 years before a short stint on Broadway and a host of touring productions. The musical runs at the Randolph Theatre until April 21.