events
Urban Planner: November 8, 2011
Today in Toronto: get ready for a week of laughter as the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival begins; holograms aren't just for trekkies at an art show by U of T students; bid on some art to support War Child's program in Afghanistan; and the Alberta Ballet is in town to perform Love Lies Bleeding, a show about Sir Elton John.
The Alberta Ballet's production of Love Lies Bleeding. Photo courtesy of the Alberta Ballet.
COMEDY FESTIVAL: The largest celebration of independent comedy in the country starts today when the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival kicks off its seventh edition. Highlights of the live, scripted comedy fest include shows by Picnicface, Uncalled For, Ninja Sex Party, Charles, Carly’s Backyard, Scott Thompson and Kevin McDonald in Two Kids One Hall, and the premiere of This is That Live with Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring. Locations vary, multiple performances per night, prices vary.
ART: Did you think that entering a room full of holograms was only for characters on Star Trek? Think again! The Institute for Optical Sciences is hosting Ontario’s largest collection of holograms at an art exhibit called “The Next Dimension.” The show starts today and the 24 pieces will be on display until December 2. University of Toronto Art Centre (15 King’s College Circle), 5 p.m., FREE.
FUNDRAISER: A month-long online auction ends tonight with a party, including a live auction and event complete with wine, beer, and snacks. The fundraiser benefits War Child’s program in Afghanistan and three of the pieces up for grabs were created by children participating in art classes in the program. Contemporary artists submitted the other works, and the event is curated by Kelly McCray and Walter Willems. 99 Sudbury (99 Sudbury Street), 6 p.m., $50.
BALLET: The Alberta Ballet comes to Toronto today with a performance of Love Lies Bleeding. The piece is inspired by Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin and showcases their music throughout the performance in what artistic director Jean Grand-Maître calls “a three-ring circus à la Elton John.” This show isn’t your typical ballet performance; the night features aerialists, dancers on turntables, and roller skates that shoot fire, all while the dancers tell the story of the cult of celebrity. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (1 Front Street East), 7:30 p.m., $33.10–$178.10.
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 [email protected].