Out in Toronto: March 30–April 5, 2017

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, March 30

Jack Charles V The Crown

A child of Australia’s Stolen Generation, 70+ year old queer artist Jack Charles has lived as an addict, actor, cat burglar, been in and out of prisons in Australia. He recounts this extraordinary life in Jack Charles V The Crown, spanning years of Australian social and political history.

Runs until Saturday, April 8, various showtimes. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St. canadianstage.com

The Book of Mormon

When two young Mormon missionaries travel to Uganda to spread the so-called good word, they find the locals preoccupied with more important matters — AIDS, famine and warlords. Written by the creators of the cartoon South Park, this musical comedy mocks The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).

Runs until Sunday, April 16, various showtimes. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W. mirvish.com

The Book of Mormon runs until April 16, 2017, at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Credit: Courtesy Joan Marcus

The Bodyguard

When bodyguard Frank Farmer starts protecting superstar Rachel Marron from a stalker, they both get more than they expected — in the love department. Based on the movie of the same name, this musical includes Whitney Houston power ballads and shirtless male backup dancers. The venue is mostly accessible (visit website for more information).

Runs until Sunday, May 14, various showtimes. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St. mirvish.com

The Bodyguard runs until May 14, 2017, at Ed Mirvish Theatre. Credit: Courtesy Paul Coltas

 

Friday, March 31

Disgrace at the Gladstone

It’s that time of year again — the time when fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race get all weird and excited at viewing parties in bars across the city. This particular live screening party for Season 9 of the show is hosted by Allysin Chaynes and Champagna Enemea, two members of the inimitable drag troupe House of Filth. Takes place every Friday.

6:30–10pm. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W. For more info, visit Facebook

Hutch and Friends Comedy

Paul Hutcheson hosts a standup comedy show which, if the event billing’s imagery is any indication, is probably cowboy-themed. Hutcheson, a veteran of many Pride comedy shows at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, is joined by comedians Jess Beaulieu, Ingrid Hansen, Ali Hassan, Kathleen Phillips and Chris Robinson for an evening of chuckles and guffaws (or however cowboys laugh).

8–9:30pm. The Steady, 1051 Bloor St W. For more info, visit Facebook

Paul Hutcheson hosts a standup comedy show on March 31, 2017, at The Steady. Credit: Courtesy David Hawe

Yohomo: First Party

Yohomo, the new online publication dedicated to the promotion of LGBT culture and nightlife in Toronto, throws its first-ever dance party. DJs Phillippe, Diego Armand and Das Hussy spin classic house vibes all night long. Includes special giveaways. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or the accessible washroom door).

10pm–3am. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook

Yohomo, the new Toronto publication promoting LGBT events and culture, has its first dance party at Glad Day on March 31, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Michelle LeFade

Monday, April 3

Mesmerized Comedy Hypnosis Show

Las Vegas-trained hypnotist Brandon Dean’s performance is a surprising, intriguing and sometimes goofy peak into the subconscious mind. During his show, Dean calls adventurous (or perhaps foolish) volunteers up on stage and guides them through an entertaining journey into imaginary environments for the amusement and delight of the audience.

8–9:30pm. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St E. For more info, visit Facebook

Hypnotist Brandon Dean’s performance takes place at Red Sandcastle Theatre in April 3, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Ethan Han

For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.

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).

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Culture, Event listings, Arts, Toronto

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