In this Theatre Crawl installment, I highlight a few performances that I think will appeal to every taste, showcasing very interesting and poignant stories.

Soup Can Theatre’s HERETIC
A Modern Retelling of the Story of Joan of Arc
Written & Performed by Sarah Thorpe
Co-Directed by Sarah Thorpe & Scott Dermody
Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace
November 11 – 22, various times
Tickets: $15 – $22
Tickets available online  or at 416-504-7529

The play illuminates this iconic character in a fresh new light by presenting Joan not as a religious saint or zealot, but as a complex and headstrong yet fallible young woman who dared to declare herself an equal, challenged the patriarchal power structure of the time, and remained unwavering in her principles despite the ultimate consequences.

*I saw the workshop production of this play this past April; Joan’s story was very poignantly told. I was impressed by Thorpe’s performance. In this revised and expanded production, I am certain Thorpe and Co. will excel as well.

Theatre Gargantua’s Avaricious
Written by Michael Spence (contributions from Kat Sandler)
Conceived & Directed by Jacquie P.A. Thomas
Theatre Passe Muraille, Mainspace
November 4 – 21, 7:30pm
Tickets: $21 – $25
Tickets available online or at 416-504-7529

Avaricious is a satirical foray into a world of unbelievable economic disparity; the play is set within a monstrous house in the fictional town of Antilla.

A Tomb With A View
Written by Norman Robbins
Directed by Randy Bridge
Theatre Etobicoke
November 12 – 22, various times
Tickets: $20 – $20
Tickets available online or at 416-246-1889

The play is set in The Library of Monument, home of the Tomb family. There is a late Mr. Tomb, his will reading, and lots happening in between. By the third act, most of the cast have become corpses and it becomes clear that some are not what thet appear to be.

Banana Boys
Written by Leon Aureus, Adapted from the Novel by Terry Woo
Directed by Nina Lee Aquino
Factory Theatre, Studio
Runs to November 22, various times
All Single Tickets $35
Tickets available online or at 416-504-9971

Drawn together by the death of their friend and unofficial leader, five young Asian Canadian men must confront unrealized potential, devastating loss, and time travel, all while trying not to punch too many white boys in the face. This wickedly funny play, adapted from a celebrated book that is a ‘meditation for the restless,’ is a call to anyone who has felt out of place in the world.

*I saw one of the earliest productions of this play, and left the theatre thoroughly impressed. The story is moving and personal. This production will definitely not disappoint. Another one, I highly recommend.

The Trouble with Mr. Adams
Written by Gord Rand
Directed by Lisa Peterson
Tarragon Theatre, Extraspace
Runs to November 29, various times
Tickets: $28 – $60
Tickets available online or at 416-531-1827

In this comedy tragedy, the dirty tip of cupid’s arrow pierces high-school coach Mr. Adams when he falls for his too-young volleyball star – a love that threatens to destroy his life, family, and career.

We Are Proud to Present…
The Theatre Centre
Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury
Directed by Ravi Jain
Assistant Directed by Lisa Karen Cox
Runs to November 29, various times
Tickets: $22 – $30
Tickets available online or at 416-538-0988

A group of young actors come together to tell the little-known story of the first genocide of the 20th century, testing the limits of empathy as they explore their own stories, assumptions and prejudices. Eventually the full force of a horrific past crashes into the good intentions of the present, hitting closer to home than anyone ever expected.

Bombay Black
Written by Anosh Irani
Directed by Peter Hinton
Factory Theatre, Mainspace
Nov. 17 – Dec. 6
Tickets: $25 – $35
Tickets available online or at 416-504-9971

Anoshi Irani’s multiple Dora Mavor Moore Award-winning and Governor General’s Award-nominated play explores the harsh world of exotic dancing in Mumbai. A knock at the door of Apartment 4-A brings the complex and brutal past that intertwines three characters to light.