Thursday, Oct 13
The (Post) Mistress
Marie-Louise Painchaud is the endearing Métis postmistress of the fictional village of Lovely, Ontario. She has the ability to read the townspeople’s mail through the envelopes, and she turns what she learns into songs. The Toronto premiere of the acclaimed Tomson Highway’s musical includes songs with Cree lyrics, and performances in both French and English.
Runs until Sunday, Nov 6, various showtimes. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St. theatrefrancias.com
Bianca Del Rio
She’s been called the Joan Rivers of drag, and she calls herself a “clown in a gown.” Bianca Del Rio, the drag alter ego of comedian Roy Haylock, is the hateful, foul-mouthed, much-loved winner of season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race. And she’s performing in Toronto. Billing for the event is sparse, saying only that there is “adult content.” So, that’s ominous, I guess.
7–11pm. The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.
Friday, Oct 14
V is for Variety
The legendary Maggie Cassella once again hosts her new variety show at the local queer theatre. The line-up includes The B-Girlz, singer Jennifer Walls, storyteller Katie Ford, drag king Titus Androgynous, comedian Dawn Whitwell and others. Those others may include Ryan G Hinds over Skype for some reason. Funds raised will go to a complicated project that will likely be explained at the event.
7:30–11pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com
Rangeela: Randi
It is once again the time of year when folks from near and far make the pilgrimage to Rangeela, the fast-becoming-legendary queer South Asian dance party. Organizers go all out with themed decor and a slew of Bollywood-style performances. According to billing for the party, the Halloween edition will put the “Ho back into Jai Ho!”
10pm–4am. Club 120, 120 Church St. facebook.com/rangeelato
Saturday, Oct 15
Cherry Bomb: October Action
The temperature may be dropping, but this recurring dance party for queer women is always hot (or “hawt,” if you prefer to misspell things). Brought to you, as always, by DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, this is a great opportunity to make new friends — or lovers. Board games are available for those who arrive early. Takes place the third Saturday of each month.
10pm–3am. Round Venue, 152 Augusta Ave. facebook.com/cherrybombtoronto
Tapette: Édition Rénovation
Toronto’s nomadic French favourite, DJ Phil V, shuffles over to the village to throw a disco party. Since it’s taking place in the partially (it’s nearly done!) renovated new location of the much-beloved Glad Day Bookshop, this edition is drywall and clanky metal ladder-themed. And there’s a patio. And flirty garçons. And proceeds go to Glad Day.
11pm–2:30am. Bar 499, 499 Church St. facebook.com/tapetteto
Monday, Oct 17
Book Launch and Reading: Redheaded Stepchild
Openly redheaded author and playwright Johnnie Walker wrote a play. You may have seen it at the Fringe Festival. It’s the story of a 12-year-old ginger, and it’s very funny. And — late-breaking development — it’s just been published by Playwrights Canada Press. This event is a chance to hear Walker read from, and talk about, his play.
8–10pm. Bar 499, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.
For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.
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