Out in Toronto: Nov 23–29, 2017

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, Nov 23

Nijinsky

John Neumeier’s ballet summons up the spirit of Vaslav Nijinsky, the legendary dancer and choreographer who, according to billing, “shattered . . . the prevailing notions and expectations of the male dancer.” The venue is accessible.

Runs until Sunday, Nov 26. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St W. national.ballet.ca

Francesco Gabriele Frola performs in Nijinsky, which runs until Nov 26, 2017 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Credit: Courtesy Karolina Kuras

A Laugh a Minute

Comedian and lovely hostess Mandy Goodhandy presents a night of stand-up comedy. More than 30 comics do quick, five-minute sets. The venue is mostly accessible (the closest accessible washrooms are one block south at Starbucks).

9pm. 120 Diner, 120 Church St. 120diner.com

Mandy Goodhandy will perform at A Laugh a Minute at 120 Diner on Nov 23, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Joey Wargachuk

Friday, Nov 24

2-Spirit Cabaret

We celebrate the strength, beauty and talent of queer and two-spirit people with this night of live performance. Presented by Buddies and Native Earth Performing Arts, the evening includes music, spoken word poetry and more. The venue is accessible.

8–11pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Michaela Washburn (pictured) performs in 2-Spirit Cabaret on Nov 24, 2017 at Buddies. Credit: Courtesy Tanja Tiziana

Saturday, Nov 25

Christian Dior Exhibition

Fashionistas lose it over an exhibit that explores how Christian Dior’s creations revived the Paris haute couture industry in the aftermath of the Second World War. It features more than 100 pieces. The venue is accessible.

Runs until Sunday, March 18, 2018. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. For more info, visit Facebook.

Toastr: Retro Boogie

Queer women and their friends boogie down as DJs Sticky Cuts and Fawn Big Canoe spin retro disco, funk and more. Expect (mostly) tracks from the 1970s through to the 1990s. The venue is accessible (but wheelchair users must enter via the back patio).

 

9:30pm–2:30am. Wayla Bar, 996 Queen St E. For more info, visit Facebook.

Tuesday, Nov 28

Golden Girls Pub Quiz

Are you a clever and sturdy Dorothy or a daft but loveable Rose? This pub quiz tests your knowledge of the hit show about the adventures of old lady roommates in Miami. Appropriately, the winner gets an entire cheesecake. The venue is not accessible.

7–10pm. The Beaver, 1192 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook.

Wednesday, Nov 29

Pretty Munny Productions Presents: Black Rock Slam

Showcase your singing, dancing, drag, poetry — anything, really — at this queer and trans-focused open mic night. Hosted by Pretty Munny Productions, this edition of the new recurring event features a special guest host — drag king Gay Jesus. The venue is accessible.

7–11pm. Black Rock Coffee, 677 Bloor St W. For more info, visit Facebook.

Gay Jesus hosts Black Rock Slam, an event presented by Pretty Munny Productions, on Nov 29, 2017 at Black Rock Coffee and Bar.
Credit: Courtesy Kat Webber

Jeremy Willard is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. He's written for Fab Magazine, Daily Xtra and the Torontoist. He generally writes about the arts, local news and queer history (in History Boys, the Daily Xtra column that he shares with Michael Lyons).

Read More About:
Culture, Event listings, Toronto

Keep Reading

Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia Perez in Emilia Perez. Gascón wears black with colourful embroidery, has long hair, and a brown purse and delicate chain.

Trans cartel musical ‘Emilia Pérez’ takes maximalist aesthetic to the extreme

REVIEW: The film’s existence raises intriguing questions about appropriate subjects for the playful machinations of French auteurs
Dorothy Allison sits behind a microphone. She has long, light-coloured hair and wears glasses and a patterned button-up shirt.

5 things to know about Dorothy Allison

The lesbian feminist writer passed on Nov. 6

‘Solemates’ is a barefoot stroll through the history of our fetish for feet

Queer historian Adam Zmith’s newest book allows us to dip our toes into the past of a common, yet stigmatized, kink

‘Masquerade’ offers a queer take on indulgence and ennui 

Mike Fu’s novel is a coming of age mystery set between New York and Shanghai