We've seen a lot a lot of Fringe, friends—and not just the shows already on our radar. Our indefatigable reviewers, relying on early word of mouth, recommendations from fellow Fringers, and the early faves we had our eye on before the festival started, have seen more theatre than you can shake a stick at, and we've picked our favourites to date. Those shows that rated 3.5 stars or better from our reviewers have been compiled in this primer, for those who want to make sure they're using their pass or Fringe cash wisely. We've also designed a handy map detailing the locations of those favoured picks.

In today's Urban Planner: flutes and whistles accompany the launch of Montreal-set novel River City; Adam Nayman lectures at the Miles Nadal JCC about Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier; My Morning Jacket plays Kool Haus; and the Toronto Fringe Festival continues.

This was the week David Miller seemed to publicly embrace a role he has been playing in the minds of many Torontonians for months: as the alternative mayor we wish we still had. After marching to massive applause at last Sunday's Pride Parade, on Wednesday he also made an appearance at the official opening of the Fringe Festival. He wasn't just there to show face though—he came with his chequebook. Miller has pledged to match donations made to Fringe's new "Time and Space Program" (which subsidizes the cost of space rentals for independent theatre companies), up to $10,000.

The 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival begins tomorrow, and as that wonderful whirlwind of everything (on a tight budget) you've ever considered seeing on stage—and a few things you haven't—descends on our city for 12 days, we have been scouring the program (and the dozens upon dozens of press releases we've received) to give you an idea of some of the best bets (mostly sight unseen) for your Fringe pass or dollars.

The purest Fringe experience, for some patrons, is a really good solo show; a great storyteller or character chameleon, who excels at connecting to their audience, is a joy to behold. There are performers—Fringe legends like T.J. Dawe—who have carved out careers from touring Fringe festivals around North America, and the world.

Fringe shows are always produced on a shoestring budget, so when you have more than one or two participants, it means that the creators of the show had a great idea to pitch, and that the performers are invested in it for reasons other than monetary (we have it on good authority that some of last year's most popular shows with large ensembles barely managed to give their performers gas money and a cheap meal on the town). When you have a large group of people committed to a cause, that can often translate into a really entertaining and interesting show. These shows stood out from the pack for us because of the people involved, or because their "pitch" was intriguing.

The best Fringe shows are often the ones that play loosest with our preconceptions of theatre. Setting their shows in spaces not normally known for innovative performance, dealing with topics and issues that most people wouldn't see as ripe for theatrical exploration, these shows are truly out there on the edge. Fringe this year has cut down on the number of "site-specific" shows, and used a firmer hand in accepting applications, so there are less shows set in bars and backrooms. Instead, there are shows in churches, tea houses, and underground parking lots, and while those aren't firsts for Fringe shows, the intention to set them there has been very specific.

Each week, Torontoist examines the upcoming TV listings and makes note of programs that are entertaining, informative, and of quality. Or, alternately, none of those. The result: Televisualist. We wrung one more election-themed image out of Brett, despite his wailing about “blood from a stone” and “no more election art, please God.” You’re welcome. Illustration [...]

Photo by Lodoe-Laura Haines-Wangda/Torontoist. Who says you’ve got to wait till summer to get your Fringe on? The Next Stage Festival brings you some of the best performances from Fringes past—both Toronto’s and those in other cities—every night this week. Our intrepid team have compiled a guide to this year’s Next Stage shows to help [...]

Each week, Torontoist examines the upcoming TV listings and makes note of programs that are entertaining, informative, and of quality. Or, alternately, none of those. The result: Televisualist. You know, six weeks ago, Brett was complaining that there was nothing on. Illustration by Brett Lamb/Torontoist. Monday Lone Star is probably the most ambitious television offering [...]

Each week, Drama Club looks at Toronto’s theatre scene and tells you which shows are worth checking out. The Fringe Lottery Party at The Tranzac: the Toronto theatre community’s most anxious evening. Photo by Jona Stuart. It’s a cold Tuesday night, and most folks could be forgiven for deciding to stay inside and catch up [...]