Thursday, Feb 16
The 38th Rhubarb Festival
The local queer theatre’s annual festival of new works returns once again for a week or so of creativity, poignancy and nonsense. Billing calls Rhubarb “the place to see the most adventurous ideas in performance to catch your favourite artists venturing into uncharted territory.” This event includes a youth night, movie night and the Rhubarb Haunted House.
Runs until Sunday, Feb 26, various showtimes. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience
To mark Canada’s 150th anniversary, Cree visual artist Kent Monkman tells the story of Canada while in the guise of his drag alter-ego Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. Monkman’s first major solo exhibition at this location includes paintings, drawings, sculptural works and historical artifacts. The story goes back well before confederation and includes a humorous and searing critique of Canada’s colonial past and present.
Runs until Saturday, March 4. Art Museum at the University of Toronto, 15 King’s College Cir. artmuseum.utoronto.ca
Cabaret
The Tony Award–winning production of Cabaret is back in Toronto as part of its 50th anniversary season. Put on by the critically acclaimed and award–winning Roundabout Theatre Company, get ready to sing your heart out to favourites including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.”
Runs until Sunday, Feb 19, various showtimes. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W. mirvish.com/shows/cabaret
Friday, Feb 17
Arabian Knights: First Anniversary
The queer Middle Eastern dance party celebrates its first anniversary with — what else? — a big bash. DJ Louay spins a mix of house and pop for you to shake your butt to. The evening also includes a big surprise show that is very hush hush, and I have absolutely no specifics, but it’s probably really great. Because the last party was so packed, attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Everyone welcome. The venue is not accessible.
10pm–3am. Club 120, 120 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
My Night With Reg
Kevin Elyot’s Olivier Award-winning comedy, My Night With Reg, is set against the backdrop of the ’80s AIDS crisis and follows Guy and his circle of friends over the course of several years. It’s the summer of 1985, and for Guy and his friends, the world is about to change forever.
Runs until Sunday, Feb 26, various showtimes. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St. mirvish.com/shows/my-night-with-reg
Saturday, Feb 18
Meaty Tuck 3
Performers Fay Slift and Fluffy Souffle host a body-positive night of dancing and fun for “all meaty tuckers, big booty babes, chubsters, queers, misfits, kweens and friends.” DJ Zehra spins. According to billing, you should not attend this event if you are a “fatphobic douchebag.” The venue is mostly accessible to people with disabilities (there are no buttons to open the front door or the accessible washroom door).
10pm–2am. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
The CB Queer Winter Beach Party
Cherry Bomb, one of the city’s longest-running and most popular parties for queer women and allies, gets us wishing the snow away with a summery theme. According to billing, attendees are invited to “come get lei’d and soak up the tropical vibes.” Beachwear encouraged, but not required. As always, the lovely DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson spin.
10pm–3am. Round Venue, 152 Augusta Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
Wednesday, Feb 22
The Elephant Girls
History buff Margo MacDonald’s award-winning play The Elephant Girls is based on a real-life all-woman gang that worked in London, England from about 1870 to 1950. The one-woman show features MacDonald in the guise of Maggie, the gang’s tough-as-nails enforcer. This production is part of The Wilde Festival, a new theatre festival dedicated to showcasing anything by Oscar Wilde and anything Wilde would have approved of.
Runs until Saturday, Feb 25, various showtimes. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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