events
Weekend Planner: May 26–27, 2012
This weekend, Doors Open Toronto invites you to explore the secrets of Toronto's famous buildings; a performance installation takes you, literally, into the world of Hansel and Gretel; Kensington Market kicks off Pedestrian Sundays; and much more.
Everybody's favourite ginger returns for a one-night performance of Redheaded Stepchild. Photo courtesy of Johnnie Walker.
DOORS OPEN: Ever walked by a huge, historical-looking building and thought, “Gee, I wonder what it looks like on the inside?” Wonder no more. Doors Open Toronto invites buildings across Toronto that are generally closed to the public to open their doors to all for a weekend of delight and discovery (no golden ticket required). Like Nuit Blanche, it’s one of the most exciting city-wide events that takes place each year. Saturday and Sunday, locations and times vary, FREE.
WALKS: This event is brought to you by the letters D and M—as in “don’t miss.” For those of you who missed the first round of “These are the People in your Neighbourhood,” never fear: Ms. Jen’s Grade 4 class from R.H. McGregor Elementary School is back to take you to town as part of the Art of the Danforth lineup. The walk is an interactive performance where you’ll get to learn about business owners and other adults who work in the neighbourhood. Meet outside of Woodbine TTC Station (2072 Danforth Avenue), Saturday, 1 p.m.–2 p.m., FREE.
PERFORMANCE ART: You know what’s kind of amazing? That Hollywood has yet to make a big-budget Twilight-esque version of the children’s classic Hansel and Gretel (I hope we didn’t jinx it). In any case, though you may know the story, check out this performance installation, called The Hunger, which gives the fairytale a new spin. Audience members are actually led by the performers through 500 square feet of vacuum-sealed bread and into a world of smells, sounds, and video. Scotiabank Studio Theatre (6 Noble Street), Saturday and Sunday, times vary, $15 advance, $20 door.
STREET PARTY: It’s spring, and romance is already in the air at Kensington Market. Drop by for this year’s first instalment of P.S. Kensington. This weekend’s pedestrian-friendly event, which focuses on the theme of romance, features love-letter writing, musical and cultural performances, street food, sidewalk sales, and more. Kensington Market, Sunday, 12 p.m.–7 p.m., FREE.
KARAOKE FUNDRAISER: Everybody always seems to make a big stink when artists lip-sync their songs, so here’s a chance to see celebrities take to the music via the only true freestyle method around: karaoke. “Celebrity Karaoke” is a fundraiser event in support of The Miracle Man–a play about a group of crooks in the 1920s who try to hoodwink a town. Guest singers include stars from Being Erica, Lost Girl, We Will Rock You, and much more. The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West), Sunday, 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m., $40.
THEATRE: For one night only, don’t miss this special presentation of Redheaded Stepchild, a play that received great acclaim at the 2010 SummerWorks Festival. This production, starring Johnnie Walker (who also writes for us sometimes), tells the story of a 12-year-old redhead whose dad has just remarried and who has to deal with the school bully’s plans to beat him up. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street), Sunday, 7 p.m., $20 advance, $25 door.
Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com.
